4/30/18 
11:28am

I'll be leaving in a month in a brand new truck to explore California and bits of Oregon. So I am starting this travel blog to document my trip!
I'll be visiting mountain towns, festivals, campgrounds, lakes, rivers, and lots of friends. I believe my artwork will flourish, my life will become richer, my challenges greater, and my knowledge will expand. I hope to meet many amazing people, see incredible places and learn new skills. I also hope to enhance my self confidence and trust in the greatness of my destiny. I am looking forward to the opportunity to share love, artwork, and beauty everywhere I go.
I sure will miss my three kitties, but they'll be happy on the farm, and I'll visit them a few times before I come back for good next fall. I want to bring my little Voodoo, but wouldn't risk losing him on the road or causing him that much anxiety from traveling. I wish I could bring my cat and my best friend!
The truck bed has a cover under which I will have a place to sleep and keep my belongings. I will probably be pitching a tent or staying with friends most of the time. I have friends all over California and Oregon to visit and stay with as well.
I am 22 years old, and I have lived in Santa Barbara my entire life. I have traveled around most of California and some of Oregon. I would love to travel to other states this summer but I am not entirely sure where to go. I have been wanting to visit Colorado for years so I may make a point to go there. I also have a stepsister who moved to a beautiful part of Utah a year ago, so I think I'll plan on going there as well.
Besides visiting friends, an important reason why I am basing my trip around California and Oregon is because I am planning on attending music festivals within these states. Most of the music fetivals take place during the summer so now is the perfect time to leave. I may come back for school in the fall.
I am a live artist who has been traveling to and performing at different EDM/funk music festivals for almost two years. I get an artists pass which allows me to attend festivals for free. I also gain networking and sell artwork. I have dreamed of spending periods of time on the road to travel from festival to festival before settling down in a mountain or country town with my boyfriend and my cat to do art, enjoy nature and live comfortably at home. 
There are certain challenges I am expecting to face regarding survival and adapting to living on the road. I'll have to carry a cooler and cooking ware with me, do laundry at laundry mats and friends houses, go periods of time in the mountains without cell service or internet, use the bathroom on the road, leave behind most of my belongings at the farm, find ways to charge my phone, computer, and speaker, shower on the road, and many unexpected twists and turns. But I'm actually looking forward to all of these challenges because I'm going to grow strength and skills.
The main items I am not looking forward to leaving behind are most of my books, my crafts, and of course....my fabulous purses and clothing! But it will be good to leave material items behind for a while and appreciate the simplicity of life and nature. Lightening your load and living on the bare minimum can be very cleansing. I feel that this summer will promote my inner healing as well as improve my physical health.


I'm starting a travel guide to outline my journey and brainstorm

This website has some rather helpful tools to get started:
 click here to visit totalescape.com

Free camping in National Forests:

Here are a couple helpful links to find free campsites:
freecampsites.net
USDA Sequoia National Forest Camping *(not every camp listed on this site is free, make sure to check the rates)

*Campgrounds are listed from closest to my town (Santa Barbara) to farthest*

Destination 1: Sequoia National Forest
Always check fire restrictions before visiting campgrounds. The Sequoias is Black Bear country so be aware and make sure to store your food accordingly.

Attractions:

• Back Road Exploration

• Backpacking

• Camping

• Hiking

• Fishing

• Kayaking

• Hot Springs

• Mountain Biking

• White Water Rafting

• Rock Climbing

• Sightseeing

• Sierra Creeks & Streams

• Sequoia Groves

Campgrounds:

Breckenridge Campground:
Havilah, CA 93518 
GPS: 35.4668, -118.5829
From Bakersfield, go 30 miles east on Breckenridge Road (Country Road 218/ Forest Road 28S06). Breckenridge road is paved all the way across Breckenridge mountain, but is narrow in most areas. Roads that fork off of Breckenridge road are dirt forest roads, such as the road that takes you to Breckenridge campground.
Has restrooms and fire ring
"Breckenridge Campground is the only campground on Breckenridge mountain that offers picnic tables and vault restrooms. This campground is unsuitable for trailers, but offers a rustic experience for camping, hunting, or just exploring. No Water available; Pack out your trash"
"Breckenridge campground is on the top of Breckenridge mountain which at 6600 feet overlooks Bakersfield and the southern San Joaquin valley, which in the summers is blistering hot. Breckenridge, when we arrived, was 79 beautiful degrees which sure beats the 105 in the valley. The campground is thickly covered with tall pine trees and provides ample shade. Most of the sides are on a hillside overlooking a small meadow."

Remington Hot Springs

Old Kern Canyon Road

You may stay 14 days at Remington Hot Springs
"Free camping in a parking lot near a hot spring in the Sequoia National Forest. Limit is enforced by local sheriff. No facilities at all.

The hot spring is 1/4 of a mile down a trail and is clothing optional. No glass, soap, or drugs allowed! And whatever you do, stay away from the rope swing!"

Evans Flat

Bakersfield, California 
Forest Route 25S15
Has restrooms and picnic tables

"6100-foot elevation. 20 campsites with fenced pastures and corrals for horses. A network of roads and trails covers the area. Access from Rancheria Rd. in the Greenhorn Mtns. Fenced pasture, 4 equestrian sites, no drinking water Maximum RV length 20 feet"

Keyesville

Lake Isabella, California

You may stay 14 Nights at Keyesville SRMA.

Amenities:

Fire Ring

Near Water

Picnic Tables

Restrooms

"The Keyesville Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA); located near the communities of Lake Isabella and Kernville, consists of approximately 7,000 acres of BLM-managed land contiguous to the US Forest Service Sequoia National Forest. The area, noted and named for its historic mining community, provides the setting for a full array of recreational opportunities, including nationally renowned white-water rafting, outstanding opportunities for mountain biking and lucrative experiences for recreation gold prospecting, all in addition to the full gamut of hunting, fishing, Off-Highway Vehicle and camping opportunities provided throughout the area.

The SRMA includes both dispersed camping opportunities and developed facilities, including three raft launch sites, numerous campsites (picnic tables and fire rings), five vault toilets and a variety of kiosks, information boards and signs.

By far the most dramatic natural feature of the parcel is an approximately 3.5-mile stretch of the Lower Kern River Gorge. The river and its tributaries are also used for gold panning.

Another attraction to the Keyesville area is fishing. Bass and trout can be caught in the area."

Hanning Flat

Patterson Lane
Weldon, California
"This place is absolutely incredible. After a long winter in the desert, we moved up to this location in the southern mountains of Sequoia National Forest to get our forest fix. Unfortunately, this place doesn't have many trees, but what it is lacking there, it certainly makes up for in beautiful lake views. The camping can also be lakeside if you're here when the water is up."

"Overall, I'd recommend Hanning Flat for anyone who's looking to camp in a quiet, secluded area. There's lots of climbing and swimming opportunities nearby, as well as grocery stores, gas stations, and RV dump stations (go to Camp 9 Campground to dump). We have Verizon and our cell service was great."

Alder Creek:
Forest Route 25S04
California
GPS: 35.719841, -118.611855
Directions:
From Glennville, go 10 miles east on CA 155, the campground will be on both the north and south sides of the highway. From Lake Isabella head north on Hwy 155 6 miles where the highway then vears to the west. Take Hwy 155 west for approxmiately 14 miles, and the campground is accessible from the highway.
Has restrooms
Pack out trash
No drinking water
"Located near Alder and Cedar Creeks, Alder Creek Campground is a great place for fishing and exploring the nearby sequoia groves."
Natural water slides!

Panorama Campground:
Forest Route 23S16
Posey, California
GPS: 35.808549, -118.571461
Has restrooms, trash cans and drinking water
"Panorama Point campground is located on the western shore of Baker Lake in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Situated on the west side of the Cascades in Washington, this area is one of the most spectacular in the the country, showcasing glacier-covered peaks, wide mountain meadows and old-growth forests, rich in history and outdoor opportunities.
Whether visitors choose to hike on trails leading into towering pine forests or paddle a canoe across the lake at sunset, this campground is an ideal setting for both individual and group camping excursions"
Chico Flat

Mountain Road 99
Free dispersed camping is allowed here for up to 14 days.
"On the banks of the fast-moving Kerns River, Chico Flat Campground is located on the tree-lined shores in an otherwise dry and dusty landscape. The river will keep you chill and the fabulously primitive campground will keep you wild."

Frog Meadow

Forest Route 24S50
California Hot Springs, California

Has restrooms

"There are fire rings, tables, and a pit toilet. There is no water, but if you asked nicely, the people staying at the cabin might let you fill up a water jug outside from a hose bib. Frog Meadow is beautiful and lots of forest roads and trails around. One trail begins at the campground and starts to head down the mountain beside a creek."

Upper Kern River

Kern River Rd / Mountain Hwy 99
Kernville, California

"The Kern River has every variation of whitewater for all skill levels. The river and its tributaries offer some of the most challenging and visually stunning whitewater in the world. The Upper Kern (North Fork) has over 20 miles of easily accessible whitewater for rafting and kayaking."

"Also pick up a campfire permit at the ranger station in town, turn left at the first street you get to in Kernville, it's free."

Calkins Flat
1941 Kern River Highway
Kernville, California
Has restrooms
"Kayak and rafting put-in spot. One of the best sites for large groups. Area is also known as simply “Lower Campground” on GoogleMap."

Brush Creek
Kernville, California
Head north from Kernville approximately 15 miles and Brush Creek will be on the west side of the road.
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
"Brush Creek is a dispersed camping or day use site open year round. There are vault toilets available and seasonal trash bins. This is where the Brush Creek meets the Upper Kern River and is a good spot for fishing."

Upper Peppermint Creek

Western Divide Ranger District
Sequoia National Forest
32588 Highway 190
Springville, CA 93265

Has restrooms

Waterfall viewing

"7100-foot elevation. Undeveloped dispersed campground with fishing in Peppermint Creek. Hiking to the lookout at the Needles, 2 miles distant. This campground is within the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Trails in the monument, open to hikers, horses, and bikes (outside the wilderness areas), wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains, and alongside wild rivers. 2 large sequoia groves are north of here, a short drive away. Hiking, scenic driving, picnicking, and fishing."

Peppermint Falls:

Lower Peppermint Campground: 

"Located along the Lloyd Meadow Road (Forest Road 22S82), 10 miles north of Johnsondale. The campground is 27 miles from California Hot Springs, 32 miles from Kernville, 31 miles from Ponderosa, and 74 miles from Porterville. Most services are available in Porterville and Kernville.

• Restrooms
• Picnic Table
• Trash Cans
• Drinking Water

The campground is accessible from California Hot Springs by County Road SM50, County Road SM99 from Kernville, from Porterville and Springville by State Highway 190, Western Divide Highway (SM107), and County Road SM50.

The campground has 17 single family units. Some units can accommodate recreational vehicles up to maximum length of 16 feet. Sanitary facilities, portable water, tables, and fire rings are provided.

The campground elevation is about 5,200 feet. Vegetation is primarily pine, oak brush and grasses.

Nearby activities are fishing, touring, hiking, viewing scenery and hunting during the prescribed seasons. Nearby attractions include the Needles, North Fork Kern and the Freeman Creek Grove of giant sequoias. Consult the CA Department of Fish & Wildlife for specific regulations."

Kern Plateau 
Address
Forest Route 22S41
The Kern Plateau offers many dispersed camping areas

• Kennedy Meadows
• Fish Creek
• Blackrock Trailhead 
• Osa meadows
• Bonita Meadow

• Kennedy Meadows Campground: Has restrooms. "Located on the Pacific Crest Trail near the South Fork of the Kern River, Kennedy Meadows campground is surrounded by the South Sierra, Golden Trout, and Domeland wildernesses.""Hiking from Kennedy Meadows usually means heading into the Emigrant Wilderness. A day hike up to Relief Reservoir is rewarded with spectacular scenery along the way, including waterfalls, abandoned machinery from the dam building years, and soaring mountain peaks. Fishing at Relief Reservoir is good in the early morning or evening. Exploring the dam is an interesting side-trip." nearby towns: Kennedy Meadows Store (food and water). Ridgecrest, CA (full services, hospital) Kernville, CA (food, lodging, gas)

• Fish Creek: "Campground is a small, primitive camp offering standard and tent-only sites. The campground is surrounded by mountains and tucked into a shady spot beneath oaks and pines. Sites are located along Fish Creek. Each unit has a picnic table, grill and fire ring. Vault toilets are provided, but campers must bring drinking water."

• Blackrock Trailhead: Has restrooms.The Blackrock Trailhead is a beautiful and easily accessable gateway into the Golden Trout Wilderness. This trailhead is used for camping, hiking, and staging for backpacking trips in the wilderness. Horse corrals are available for any stock being utilized in the area.*LEADS TO: Osa Meadows

• Bonita Meadows: No facilities

Grouse Meadow Campground:
Forest Route 14S43
Miramonte, California
GPS: 36.697604, -118.971998
No amenities
"The property is nestled in an open scenic valley, which contains two lakes surrounded by pine and oak trees and a few small fruit and nut orchards. The serenity and open space provided at Upper Grouse presents visitors with a rare opportunity to enjoy the Sequoia National Forest apart from the traditional campground experience."
"Nice camp but no river or lake."

Buck Rock Campground:
Big Meadow Road (Forest Road 14S11)
Grant Grove, California
GPS: 36.722725, -118.850537
Elevation: 7720'
Has restrooms
"Within the Giant Sequoia National Monument (7600-foot elevation). It has 5 campsites which are convenient to Big Meadow Creek. Trails in the monument wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains and alongside wild rivers, and are open to hikers, horses, and bikes (outside the wilderness areas). Maximum RV length 16 feet. Special food storage rule in effect because this is black bear country! Check current fire restrictions before venturing out. Public phone is available and there is no drinking water."

Buck Rock Lookout:

Convict Flat Campground:

GPS: 36.818865, -118.832959

Has restrooms

No drinking water

Pack out trash

"Located in Kings Canyon, 19 miles NE of Grant Grove via Hwy 180.  Family campground (5 units), vault tiolet and suitable for small - midsize trailers. Elevation 3,000 feet."

"Located in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, there are six camps up for grabs. King’s River is close by so you and your crew can enjoy the sounds of a rushing river or cast a line and catch some fish! Hiking is a dream as you wander through the towering trees. "


Kings River and Pine Flat Lake:

There are a number of dispersed campgrounds along Kings River to Pine Flat Lake:

Here are the best campsites I found, from the start of the Kings River to Pine Flat Lake:

Hermit's Hole: Restrooms, near river

Bear Wallow: 
Restrooms, near river
"Take Belmont Avenue east from Fresno. Follow Belmont Avenue until it turns into Trimmer Springs Road. Continue on Trimmer Springs Road past the community of Piedra and around Pine Flat Reservoir. Travel past Kirch Flat campground, crossing over the Kings River. Continue another mile until the pavement ends at the Bailey Bridge. Cross over the bridge and make right turn up the Garnet Dike Road. Campground is about 2.5 miles from the bridge. Driving time from Fresno is 2 hours."
"Located along north side of the Kings River on a large sandy flat area. Take a day hike on the Bear Wallow trail located just west of the campground. Great place for camping in spring and fall. Very hot during summer months. Please pack out all garbage. No cell phone coverage in the area. Pay phone is available at Balch Camp."

Mill Flat: Fire Ring, Near Water, Picnic Tables, Restrooms. "Mill Flat Campground sits on the banks of the Kings Wild and Scenic River, a popular rafting and fishing river. Explore the forest of giant sequoias on foot, bike, or horseback. There is no drinking water here and there are food storage policies due to black bears, so come prepared!" 

Green Cabin Flat: 
Has restrooms
"Undeveloped camping area on the wild and scenic Kings River. This campground is within the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Trails in the monument(LINK), open to hikers, horses, and bikes (outside the wilderness areas), wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains, and alongside wild rivers. Whitewater rafting down to Pine Flat Reservoir, with up to Class III rapids. Special food storage rule in effect because this is black bear country! Check current fire restrictions before venturing out."

Camp 4:
"Directions from Fresno: Travel 65 miles east via State Highway, Piedra Road Trimmer Springs Road (11S12), and Davis Road (12S01). Located along the King River."
"1000-foot elevation. 5 campsites near the wild and scenic Kings River. Rafting is popular in the river, with up to Class III rapids in the river. Camp 4 Campground offers five campsites, toilets, fishing in season. Supplies may be obtained in Piedra. No drinking 
water. Unsuitable for trailers." 

Camp 4 1/2:
E Trimmer Springs Rd, Lakeshore, CA 93634
Fire Ring
Near Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
"The road in is Dirt and 0.7 miles from a paved road. Camp 4 1/2 - Sequoia National Forest is open Year Round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25'. You may stay 14 Nights at Camp 4 1/2." 

Kirch Flat Campground:
"Take Belmont Avenue east from Fresno. Follow Belmont Avenue until it turns into Trimmer Springs Road. Continue on Trimmer Springs Road past the community of Piedra and around Pine Flat Reservoir. Campground is located at the east end of the lake on the Kings River. Driving time from Fresno is approximately 1 1/2 hours."
Has  restrooms and showers
"At approximately1,000 feet in elevation, Kirch Flat Campground resides on a large sandy flat area on the river’s edge of the scenic Kings River and is surrounded by rolling, oak-covered foothills and spectacular river canyon and mountain views of the Sierra Nevada. Though it can be very hot in the summer months, Kirch Flat Campground is a great place to camp during the spring and fall months and is popular with San Joaquin Valley residents, fisherman, day users, and whitewater enthusiasts who come to enjoy many challenging rapids and beautiful canyon scenery of the King’s River.

 A good amount of shade is provided by oak and pine trees throughout the area; however, there is no running water or trash service at the campground. This campground is on the "Pack it In, Pack it Out" program, therefore, garbage cans are not provided."

Island Park Campground:
From Fresno, CA: Travel east on HIghway 180 to Academy Ave. Turn Left on Academy and turn right on Belmont Avenue. Belmont Avenue turns into Trimmer Springs Road, and follow to Island Park Recreation Area, Turn right and follow signs to Island Park Campground

Accessible Flush Toilets Amphitheater Boat Ramp Boating Dump Station Fishing

Group Camping Interpretive Trails Jet Skiing Pay Phone Showers

"Most campsites are non-electric, but 25 sites have electric hookups, and five of those sites have water hookups"
"Island Park Recreation Area is the place to go for campers looking for lots of exciting water activities at Pine Flat Lake. The area has plenty of campsites plus two group sites and a day-use area for boaters. 
Pine Flat Lake spans 20 miles in length with 67 miles of shoreline. The lake, formed in 1954 with the completion of the Pine Flat Dam, is used for flood control and irrigation as well as a recreation oasis for the area. Wildlife spotting opportunities include bobcats and red-tailed hawks.

Boating, jet skiing and fishing are some of the most popular activities at the lake. Anglers can find small and large-mouthed bass, spotted bass and rainbow trout. 
Families enjoy strolling on the Blue Oak Trail, a quarter-mile interpretive trail that's accessible from the campground."

Pine Flat Campground:

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