Where in So. Cal can I go backpacking/hammock camping??

[Wojo1034]

Hello all,

I am new to hanging and just bought a Dangerbird Dream Hammock. I live in Huntington Beach and was looking for some good places to go. We have always camped in ceuntral ca. But I want to do some trips around here. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Wojo

[signguy]

Angeles Crest Forest is a great spot- lots of great hiking and camping spots.
You might wait another week for deer season to end- November 9 is the last day. Once that is over it is very easy to find a lot of space all to yourself and only an hour from HB.

[Thunder Adventure Co]

If you're willing to drive about 2 hours, I recommend the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area for backpacking. It's where I usually go.

Check out Hikin' Jim's blog for a great compilation of resources for the San Gorgonio Wilderness.
He has highlighted 6 backpacking loops for easy planning and a good place to start.
Mount San Gorgonio is the highest peak in SoCal at 11,503' if you like to bag peaks. Beautiful up there. Should be getting some snow soon too!

Additionally he has mapped out much of the area including some bushwacking routes and water sources with reliability ratings.

Overnight permits for the San Gorgonio Wilderness are free but require 5 or so days for processing in the mail.
They do have quotas and can fill up, especially on long weekends. Get 'em in early. No fires in the SGWA.

Check sgwa.org bulletin board for trail conditions, water reports etc.

Mount San Jacinto up near Idyllwild is the second highest mountain range in SoCal peaking at 10,834 with lot's of trails.

If you like car camping too, check out Yellow Post camping around the city of Big Bear.
They are free, first come first served, secluded sites on forest service roads in the mountains.
Fires are permitted in the fire rings in the winter with free fire permits from Mill Creek Ranger Station.
It's at the base of the mountain on HWY 38 and you pass it on the way up.

You can find maps to many of the sites at these links:
http://www.myjeeprocks.com/forums/sh...low-Post-Sites
http://www.myjeeprocks.com/forums/sh...low-Post-Sites
http://www.myjeeprocks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9050
http://bigbear.us/yellowpostcampsite.html

Some great yellow post sites up on Black Mountain 4S01 near Idyllwild too.

Should be enough to get you started. Go where there's water.