California parks still have campgrounds for family, group gatherings. Where are they?
With summer upon the North State, where can people find inexpensive group camping sites that can accommodate 25 or more tents?
It's still possible to book a large campground space for a family reunion, club retreat or Scout excursion.
Popular campgrounds at most parks book up months in advance and are full through summer, but others have some dates open in July and August.
Alternatives include private sites near outdoor destinations.
If your heart is set on camping in a state or national park but your first choice is full, call the park's visitor center. Sometimes staff can suggest days of the week or sites that don't see as much traffic.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has two group sites with summer dates open at Dry Creek Group campground, park Superintendent Josh Hoines said. Each can accommodate up to 75 people for $80 per night. A few dates are still available in July and August.
In the North State: Here’s where to watch Fourth of July fireworks, parades and events
The Buzz: Redding's only gay bar closes. Will it reopen under new name?
Lassen Volcanic National Park still has dates open for some of its larger campsites, park spokesperson Kevin Sweeney said: "Good group sites include Lost Creek and Juniper Lake."
The best option for Scout leaders is the Volcano Adventure Camp, Sweeney said. The site includes cabins and is close to ranger-guided excursions. For more information, go to nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit.
If you've only been looking at North State parks, consider a campground across the border.
The Bureau of Land Management's Topsy Campground in southern Oregon includes cabin and tent camping, said Susan Sawyer at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin. Prices start at $7 per night. Go to blm.gov/visit/topsy-campground.
If your favorite park's campground is booked, try looking at private campgrounds nearby.
Alert FM: Where Shasta County's new emergency alert system stands. Ask the R-S mailbag
KOA has a directory of privately owned campgrounds that can accommodate groups. It dedicates part of its website to helping Scouts find the right campground and lists activities available for which Scouts can get merit badges. For more information, go to koa.com/scout-camps.
Many RV parks and commercial farms have an area set aside for tent camping. Do a Google search for RV parks near your destination. Ask about group rates for large gatherings.
Another good source of ideas is the nearest town's Chamber of Commerce.
Sawyer also suggests checking PacifiCorp's California Recreation website at bit.ly/3I5TP8f.
This story resulted from a reader's question to Ask the Record Searchlight.
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and entertainment stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: California parks still have campgrounds for family, group gatherings
