January 2010 CA Caverns Camping (formerly Mar 2010)

[Shari G-E]

Mike and I have been planning a trip to California Caverns, near Angel's Camp. I have never seen stalagmites and stalagtites and the other remarkable underground mineral phenomena, and I really want to go! While Moaning Caverns, etc. sounds more exciting, California Caverns is/are more generally accessible (for those of us such as myself, who is missing a significant amount of cartilage in the left knee and has a hardware store in the right).
http://www.caverntours.com/CalifRt.htm
As far as camping, Bigtreeway and Westywoman know the Gold Country camp areas near Angel's Camp way better than I. Anybody wanna go Jan 23-24?

[Big Blue's Driver]

I'm in for whatever. Waiting to see if the Dead tour again in the spring, which will effect my camping when they come to the area...

[westywoman (Melissa)]

I camped at Marble Quarry in Columbia this past September. Here's my review:

I rate it a 6 on a scale of 10. Not for "camping ambience" but for convenience & value.
1. It is an RV park. There are 8 tent sites grouped together which are perfect for bus camping and they include electric, water & picnic table at each site. $27. Gravel pavement. The sites are next to the road but there is not much traffic. Campsites may be reserved. There is a AAA discount of about $2. You may need moderate levelers.
2. Walking distance to Columbia.
3. Wi-fi included.
4. Swimming pool (lame except in high summer).
5. Ice available on site, very small store.
6. Nice bathrooms & showers.
7. The RV sites are more expensive but a bit more secluded from the road. I really didn't explore that area as it was full and I was "camping lite", i.e., in and out!

[westywoman (Melissa)]

Because of the electric hook-ups. Marble Quarry might be nice in January, too, so everyone can plug in their heaters.

[Shari G-E]

March has suddenly gotten a little crazy already for us, so how about Marble Quarry in January? Regis is planning something for the 9th, so we're planing on January 16-17th, for those of us who can't go to Lake Havasu and would otherwise be sitting home brooding over that fact. But if someone has a strong preference, we could certainly go the 23-24th. And plug-ins, too! Anyone else wanna go?

P.S. I was hoping, for certain reasons, that we could camp at the Glory Hole Rec Area CG, but alas.

[Shari G-E]

Cool, a little family time. Can you and some of the Fam make it to the other trip?

Regis said:

My intention for jan 8-10 was a solo trip or just the fam and I. Not trying to be anti-social at all.
Ray wants to do snow camping. He don't know what he'd be in for. If this was to pan out, I may be able to get a motor home for that weekend. Santa is gonna bring Ray and Amy new sleds. And so on...

But I sure am game for group camping and will watch all threads about a January GTG.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[westywoman (Melissa)]

Gosh darn! I'm headed to Death Valley and possibly BBB in January- under negotiation with myself. Please don't think Marble Quarry is a "destination", more a means to an end. The tent sites have NO privacy, which is why it lends itself well to a group campout but not necessarily a solo camping experience. Think KOA, think parking lot with some old oaks and gravel. Electric hook-up is a huge bonus that time of year.

[Shari G-E]

We were just looking for a warm place to stay over night. I thought you were going to DV and BBB, as is our Dorm-mobile friend and Static, too? So, we can go on the 23rd and you camp three weeks in a row! Anyway, I want to see those caverns!

Melissa said:

Gosh darn! I'm headed to Death Valley and possibly BBB in January- under negotiation with myself. Please don't think Marble Quarry is a "destination", more a means to an end. The tent sites have NO privacy, which is why it lends itself well to a group campout but not necessarily a solo camping experience. Think KOA, think parking lot with some old oaks and gravel. Electric hook-up is a huge bonus that time of year.

[westywoman (Melissa)]

Yup! Good thinking! Jan 23rd is open for me but nipping at the heels of Feb 6 at Rio Vista. Make your plans and go for it in January, if I can join you I will. I am happy to just provide some campground info.

[Shari G-E]

There is a whole empty weekend inbetween, unless you get snow tires and go hotspringin' with Romy and Jenn.

Melissa said:

Yup! Good thinking! Jan 23rd is open for me but nipping at the heels of Feb 6 at Rio Vista. Make your plans and go for it in January, if I can join you I will. I am happy to just provide some campground info.

[Shari G-E]

OK, so, after much deliberation over our calendar and a few e-mails to a few other VW C-Fam members, we've come up with this line of thinking: To avoid the holiday, we're leaning heavily toward Jan 23-24th. I'll find out about availability of reservations, etc., and post the date in the calendar section in a few days. Cool if anyone wants to join us; no sweat if you have other plans! ~S

[westywoman (Melissa)]

Calaveras Big Trees near Murphys is awesome if they have available sites.

[Shari G-E]

I'd love to stay at Big Trees (if they're open), which is about 22 miles from Angels Camp (1100 ft. elev), but in 22 miles we jump to 4800 ft. elev. which could mean snow, closed park, and COLD?

Melissa said:

Calaveras Big Trees near Murphys is awesome if they have available sites.