well off the beathen path

Last week the USFS announced a dismal end to summer: California National Forests are closed due to wildfire dangers, which is the majority of the mountain areas on the inland side of California. Total Escape is here to show you what areas are STILL OPEN. With most California National Forests closed for the month and the wildfires still burning, camping options narrow considerably.  Where to go? California Deserts are still too warm, so we will be featuring a few other locations. All forests and parks listed below offer camping and additional outdoor recreation opportunities. Campfires may be banned in some locations. Only ONE National Forest inside California is still open - the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in the Eastern Sierra. Toiyabe National Forest  [Mono Lake to Topaz Lake] Autumn Aspens began showing fall colors in mid to late September at higher elevations, lasting into October when the first snow falls: Twin Lakes, CA Bridgeport, CA Buckeye Hot Springs Green Creek Upper S

California Wildfires & Fire Information Extreme drought conditions means super high wildfire dangers for all of California. As of August 1st, nearly 60% of the golden state is under EXCEPTIONAL drought, one level up from the 'extreme' classification. We are more than one years worth of water overdue. Wildfires in California are quiet common and occur annually in the later part of the year (summer - autumn)  when the natural vegetation, brush and forests are the driest. Drought.gov will show just how bad the drought conditions are currently in the Western U.S. drought.gov Southern California as well as Northern California experience wildland fires, and since Central California is backed by the Sierra Nevadas, you should expect forest fires at high elevations and lower river canyons too. California is currently experiencing extreme fire dangers, so many parks and forest areas have higher than normal restrictions. The new normal is becoming extreme, as you can im

If you are searching for an alpine lake near a National Park to visit - that is driving distance from Southern California, the dual region of Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park are easy access. These 2 popular parks are located in the southern most sections of the Sierra Nevada. Hume Lake is located in between both of these parks & offers a variety of camping options - cabins, campgrounds, primitive camping, backpacking and horse packs. Giant Sequoia groves are to the south via Highway 198, which leads down the hill to Mineral King Road & the riverside village of Three Rivers. Big Meadows Road #14S11 is a prime choice for folks who want to camp away from the National Parks, but still be within driving distance. The further back on this narrow road you drive, the better it gets. The wilderness boundary is 12 miles back, becoming dirt roads forking off in many directions. Great horse camping near a big meadow too. Buck Rock Fire Lookout is worth a hike up with s

Tent Camping in California Car camping is also referred to as 'tent camping', where you drive to your destination and pitch a tent to sleep in. Minimal crowds w/ maximum scenery is what most seek. Peace and quiet all weekend is often the goal. Hiking trails, biking trails, horseback trails too. Few RV campers,  if any; Small campgrounds located on one-lane roads, or better yet - dirt roads! mountains • foothills • deserts • beaches • rivers • creeks • meadows • waterfalls • trailheads •  parks • forests • groves • lakes Whether you seek a developed campground: paved, level parking spot w/ toilets; or a primitive spot on a dirt road w/ creek and rock campfire ring... we have all of them listed on this web site. National Parks, National Forests, State Parks, county campgrounds, backpacking trailheads, free car camping, PG&E lake camps, 4x4 camp sites . Here at Total Escape we focus mainly on the secluded camping - off the beaten path, forested back roads camp sites

Day Fire burned most of Sespe Wilderness and then jumped Lockwood Valley Road. Los Padres National Forest, California California Wildfires & Campfire Safety A homeless man, Steven Emory Butcher, was found guilty for starting the longest burning wildfire in California state history. The Day Fire burned more than 162,000 acres in the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests in 2006. They also found him responsible for the Ellis Fire near Lake Piru in 2002. California, with its dry desert hillsides, steep lush canyons and oak lined valleys, is a haven for seasonal wildfires. Campfire restrictions could be higher in the later months (July-Dec). Many Southern California parks & forests place extreme campfire restrictions on the wilderness backcountry camping, for primitive campsites on remote back roads - and sometimes even inside developed campgrounds. If you cannot imagine camping without a campfire, then make sure of the conditions before you head out. Prescribed