I really enjoyed Medocino Magic the weekend of the meteor shower (Aug 11-13). We reserved the stay up at Bear Mountain Camp and the scenery was lovely. Mackenzie allowed me to drive up in my explorer to unload everything then park down the hill in a gravel spot, which was so helpful! There were about three (two good and one slanted) spots for pitching tents. The two flattest spots were a larger flat area, then a smaller one (1-2 person tent). You can always have the option of setting up on the platform itself for the flattest area, but we set up our kitchen there instead. This spot was real camping the nearest port-a-potty was about a 5-10 walk down near the lake. So be prepared to go in the woods (bring your mini shovel), we just walked up the hill into the trees and bushes, and watch for the random spots of poison oak! There is also no running water, so we brought 3 five gallon containers of water for 4 people. We had plenty remaining after a two night stay for both drinking and cleaning, we probably could have lastest another day and half on what we had left - just an idea of perspective on how much to bring if you stay here, or I believe they have drinking water station if you need to refill them. On bear mountain you aren't allowed to have a camp fire, due to the very dry surround grass - so be safe, and SMART and use your camp stove with little to no winds on the platform. Also, bring a machete, our friend lucky brought his and we were able to cut back the pokey star thistle and other dry weeds with pesky stickers. Bring a large trash bag and know that you will have to dump it in town. No there aren't any bears, Mackenzie warned us of birds/squirrels taking things if left unopened so we brought an ice chest and then a large sealed bin to store food. Didn't have any issues at all with critters. Just mosquitoes, bring your repellant, they are the worse at night!
The only Con to medocino magic was the price. $30 PER person PER night really did shy people away from joining our group unfortunately. The rate seems a bit extreme in my opinion for this type of camping. Yes you get your own nice secluded spot, and access to the lake, both wonderful. I just wish the price was lower and would be more of a flat rate per night, with a max amount of people instead of being based on a head count. What if I just wanted to go by myself one night? This drops my rating a little.
Overall had a great time, be prepared for some very windy afternoons, we had to tie down our shade structure, as gusts (from the coast we assume) started around 11am and latest till about 6pm we did all our cooking morning and evening when it was died down, thankfully. The temp for us dropped into the mid 50s at night and was a mid to high 80s in the afternoon. The lake water temp was absolutely perfect. They have (rather well used) kayaks and paddles and paddle boats to borrow while on the lake. They only had three paddles for about 5-7 kayak/canoes though so be prepared to wait for one to return or paddle with your hands. A paddle board would have been awesome!!! There was a small dock island to swim to and jump off in the middle of the lake, it was very clear and clean water (except the start of the muddy edges of course). Wear your sunscreen though, the slight elevation (we were from east of Sacramento) makes an impact of the sun rays. At night, be prepared to experience some of the finest star gazing. The milky way is very milky and bright here! Give it a shot, we will be back - hopefully they have a returning discount, and don't be afraid to contact the property owner Mackenzie, she was SO helpful answering any...
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