2017-2018 Nevada County Gold Magazine 2017-2018_Nevada County Gold Magazine

R E C R E A T I O N UNDER THE MOON & STARS By Mark Winkler is fantastic but beware of sneaky, boot- chewing marmots who know when you are asleep! GOLD RUSH CABIN CAMPING: There are unique camping cabins available at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, which is located northeast of Nevada City. The Miners’ Cabins usually can be rented during the months of May through September. Or you could choose The Chute Hill Campground at the park and either way you’d be spending the night in historic North Bloomfield. GLAMPING: If the pleasure of being one step Boca Reservoir C AMPING TIPS FROM NEVADA COUNTY locals tend to not include hectic and overcrowded areas like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite and are more likely to focus on the “North of Interstate 80” areas in our own backyard. Around here it’s possible to find the right campground for every taste, as you will find everything from granite clad peaks to pristine remote lakes to lower-elevation cool, forested sites. So try Nevada County if you are NOT looking for well-known, over-crowded campgrounds and would prefer something a little more surprising and memorable. TENT/RV CAMPING NEAR THE WATER: A couple of perfect, lower-elevation camp- grounds for families are Scotts Flat Lake (east of Nevada City) and Rollins Lake (between Grass Valley and Colfax). Both offer the fun of lake play and the conve- nience of having stores available on site, just in case anything was forgotten. In the Bowman Lake area (off Hwy. 20, east of Nevada City) you’ll find lake-adjacent camp- ing at the Rucker, Lindsey and Faucherie Lake campgrounds, which are relatively easy to get to but remain idyllic. For great lakeside camping farther up the mountain, consider Donner Memorial State Park near Truckee, as Donner Lake is beautiful! Another good tip on the Truckee side of the county is Sagehen Creek Campground, which offers spectacular wildflower displays and an abundance of hiking choices. Also in the Truckee area, Boca Reservoir is a good place for campers who enjoy boating and great fishing- it’s on the Little Truckee River just a short ways east of town. 90 N E VA D A C O U N T Y G O L D WALK-IN TENT CAMPING: The Bowman Lake area has lots to offer, including the Blue Lake walk-in campground, which is remote and pristine and yet relatively easy to get to, with the added bonus of nearby pet- roglyphs for viewing. If you like to hike a bit, a real treat is Island Lake! It’s only about a one-mile hike in from Carr Lake, for high Sierra conditions that are primitive but well worth it. And there are other campsites and lakes in the area to be explored along the Crooked Lakes Trail. MOUNTAIN VISTA SITES: There is eye-pop- ping camping available near the Grouse Ridge Fire Lookout and there are several points of access to the Grouse Ridge trails. The Eagle Lakes trailhead works well and is reached from Interstate 80 at the Eagle Lakes exit. Proceed north past the Indian Springs Campground to get to the Grouse Ridge Campground. The scenery from civilization is enticing, luxury “glamp- ing” may be perfect for you, mixing the perks of being practically in Nevada City with the joys of sleeping out under lovely Sierra skies. Reserve now for RV or tent sites or “glamp” it in one of the tent cabins. inntowncampground.com GRASS VALLEY RV CAMPING: If you are look- ing for a great place for “RV Camping” in your vehicle, the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley offers a great atmosphere and the handiness of being right on the edge of this beautiful and historic Gold Rush Era town. Check for special events at the fairgrounds for added fun. CAMPING WITH HORSES: If you want to camp with horses, there are horse camps at Little Lasier Meadow near Truckee and the Skillman Horse C amp, which is located on Highway 20 above Nevada City. Either way, the layout is right for both you and your extra-large friends. NO RESERVATION? For you last minute campers, all is not lost - check out the Bowman Lake area! Other than the group campground areas, the Bowman Road and Grouse Ridge Area Campgrounds are all “no reservation” facilities, so even if you didn’t make plans in advance you can still roll in early enough to grab a choice site. Whatever your choice of accommodations, we’re confident that Nevada County camping will be just the experience you’ve been hoping to find. More Information at NevadaCountyGold.com

2017-2018 Nevada County Gold Magazine 2017-2018_Nevada County Gold Magazine | Page 90