Favorite Camp & Ski places..

[betsy&david Harrison]

I just got a new camper for my truck. I'm planning on traveling with the boat to new places. What are your favorite camp & ski sites and why?

[USC8791]

Trophy Lakes (Charleston, SC). World record site rumored to have "magic" water. In addition to great skiing, you'll be in Charleston, SC one of the most historic cities in the country.

Lake Sidney Lanier (North Georgia). Great lake that has it all. Big water with lots of marinas. Hidden coves with narrow long skiing stretches. Islands, campsites and cabins. You're also close to Atlanta.

Longbranch Lake (Camden, SC). Private club lake. Former pro tour stop. If you make it to South Carolina, give me a call and we'll go skiing!

[rick s.]

Lake Don Pedro and New Melones Reservoir in the Sierra Foothills. Hot weather in the summertime, lakes big enough to find good water, one-the-lake camping plus plenty of hotels nearby.

Lake Berryessa is great after Labor Day weekend as all the motorheads go home.

Never been to Lake Powell though, that looks sweet...

[MasterMason]

I have never been, but hear great things about Havisu (sp) and you can't beat the delta if you have never been. Miles and Miles of chanels you can find smooth water on almost every day somewhere.

[sizzler]

I just got a new camper for my truck. I'm planning on traveling with the boat to new places. What are your favorite camp & ski sites and why?


loch lomond in scotland is our largest inland water,,nice skiing and campsites...hostile natives tho'......never really forgiven us for "braveheart".....LOL.. :uglyhamme

Dont know if ya camper will make it across the pond....

[jimmer2880]

Potomac River in MD. Why - becuase that's where I get to ski several times per week. :steering:

We have room for a camper & will give you a pull if you end up making it to the East coast.

[Ski-A-Rees]

Ft. Hammer In Bradenton Florida - It's a section far up the Manatee River that becomes freshwater and is warm form the powerplant a little farther up river. No one in the area really knows about it and the water is always flat.

[betsy&david Harrison]

I'd love to get to the east coast. I am origanally from Huntington, LI, NY. I love RI and New Hampshire. Spent some time on Lake Winnepsaki(sp?) a long time ago. I have the urge to get my kids on the road and go places. Thanks for the offers on skiing...if I get that way in the summer..I'll be calling. Thanks for the great ideas. New Malones in the Sierra's sounds great. I'll have to look that one up.

Betsy

[chfrogman]

We spent a week last summer on New Malones. One launch is only
8 minutes from the town of Angels Camp. Water was great. It is big enough that you can find quiet water. Lake Berryessa is great too. Lots of camping at the waters edge. Lake Oroville has floating campsites as well as boat-in camping. Water there is good too.

[betsy&david Harrison]

We spent a week last summer on New Malones. One launch is only
8 minutes from the town of Angels Camp. Water was great. It is big enough that you can find quiet water. Lake Berryessa is great too. Lots of camping at the waters edge. Lake Oroville has floating campsites as well as boat-in camping. Water there is good too.
Have you ever been to a lake about a hour east of Shasta? Can't remember the name right now but there is a huge party headed that way in August. Probably about 30 families and boats. This same group went to Shasta one year and said it sucked because of the Lake Police. They love to go to Trinity too.

[ski_king]

.....Lake Oroville has floating campsites as well as boat-in camping. Water there is good too.
Those floating campsites look like a good idea!

[betsy&david Harrison]

Those floating campsites look like a good idea!
I have heard of them and people really like them from what they tell me. I love the area up there. I spent some time in the Chico area and had to drive through or by the lake on my way to school from the Bay area.

[chfrogman]

They are really neat. Two story. A bathroom, bbq and picnic table on the bottom level. The top level is open for tents and stuff. Up to three boats and 15 people (I think).

[DanC]

The lake east of Oroville would be Bullards Bar. Beautiful lake, primitive camping (bring your own water and chem toilet required). We did the houseboat for a week there last year. Outstanding. Featured in Waterski magazine last year.

[DanC]

Have you ever been to a lake about a hour east of Shasta? Can't remember the name right now but there is a huge party headed that way in August. Probably about 30 families and boats. This same group went to Shasta one year and said it sucked because of the Lake Police. They love to go to Trinity too.

Shasta lake police suck. I am all about being careful and lawabiding but they are butt heads. They enforce rules that are not the law. Shasta is just too busy in the summer, even during the week. I would love to check out Trinity. We are doing another week houseboat at Oroville this June. Camping at Oroville is tough. The shores are very steep and it's always a 100 yards down to the water. But I did a lot of it as a kid. Good news at Oroville is it is warm. To appreciate Oroville you will need to houseboat or use the cool floating camp sites.

[betsy&david Harrison]

The lake east of Oroville would be Bullards Bar. Beautiful lake, primitive camping (bring your own water and chem toilet required). We did the houseboat for a week there last year. Outstanding. Featured in Waterski magazine last year.
That's a boat load! Looks like three in the water too?? I'm going to look into Oroville and see if friends want to hook up with one of the floating do-hickies.

Betsy

[SDmc205]

Lake Naciemento and San Antonio are nice, they are both near Paso Robles. We go to Naciemento every year. Both lakes are big so you can always find some privacy and the weather is great during the summer.

Here is my boat in front of our beach off area.

[SDmc205]

Here you can see more of the Lake and my counsins' MC's. Oh yeah the lake is a lot higher this year

[jayocheskey]

Lake Ouchita (sp?) close to Hot Springs, Arkansas. This MONSTROUS lake is surrounded by several smaller more secluded bodies of water -- Lake Hamilton especially. The water is glass all the time and so clear.

Also, Possum Kingdom. Less than two hours Northwest of Fort Worth, TX. Great place to go camping and do some serious water-time.

Lake Travis, Austin, TX. What else can you say about Austin. That city and scenery will not let you have a bad time. This lake is populated with numerous lake-access restaurants and stops. Great lake to hang and ride on for the week.

[tex]

Lake LBJ where the Colorado and Llano rivers come together. We rent a cabin with boat slip and stay during the week. Nothing like public water at 2pm that you can foot on!

[bradamerry]

Lake Ouchita (sp?) close to Hot Springs, Arkansas. This MONSTROUS lake is surrounded by several smaller more secluded bodies of water -- Lake Hamilton especially. The water is glass all the time and so clear.

Also, Possum Kingdom. Less than two hours Northwest of Fort Worth, TX. Great place to go camping and do some serious water-time.

Lake Travis, Austin, TX. What else can you say about Austin. That city and scenery will not let you have a bad time. This lake is populated with numerous lake-access restaurants and stops. Great lake to hang and ride on for the week.
Dude, I know you are new, but if you are going to talk about Arkansas lakes you must start with Lake Greeson :confused: . Great camping, sking, views and Farmer and I are always there. Big party coming up on the 4th. Oh, you must also drop a line about the Toolman when Arkansas is mentioned ;) !!!

[tex]

Dude, I know you are new, but if you are going to talk about Arkansas lakes you must start with Lake Greeson :confused: . Great camping, sking, views and Farmer and I are always there. Big party coming up on the 4th. Oh, you must also drop a line about the Toolman when Arkansas is mentioned ;) !!!

I hear that the toolman likes to do some serious tube around the boats on Bull Shoals.

[betsy&david Harrison]

Lake Naciemento and San Antonio are nice, they are both near Paso Robles. We go to Naciemento every year. Both lakes are big so you can always find some privacy and the weather is great during the summer.

Here is my boat in front of our beach off area.
Do you ever ski in the Far West Ski tournaments? We will be up in June for the tourny on June 11/12. If you have never been to the course up there...go! The people in the club are very friendly and enjoy skiing emmensly. We will be in the campsites...not at the main marina, the other one that won't come to my brain right now...need some afternoon sedatives..Friday thing. Anyway..where do you live? We have ski property in Bakersfield if you want to come out...no camping because we have plenty of room at the house. Got to go...work calls...have to time a swim meet until 6 tonight. Hope there is a cold one waiting for me when I get home. :eek3:

[rodltg2]

collins lake is a nice place too. water is great in the morning and afternoon. its a small private lake moslty for fisherman and camping. no course , but alot of fun.

[bradamerry]

I hear that the toolman likes to do some serious tube around the boats on Bull Shoals.
The Toolman has an invite to Greeson. Farmer's 98'(w/vette) and a skylon with me driving after about a 12 pack... ;) That's his A$$$$$$$$$!!!! :uglyhamme

[betsy&david Harrison]

collins lake is a nice place too. water is great in the morning and afternoon. its a small private lake moslty for fisherman and camping. no course , but alot of fun.
Where is Collins Lake? I'm not worried about having a course. Got one of those anytime I want...what I want is scenery and a good time with friends and family surrounded by a gorgeous lake. Not too much to ask for..is it?

[erkoehler]

Where is Collins Lake? I'm not worried about having a course. Got one of those anytime I want...what I want is scenery and a good time with friends and family surrounded by a gorgeous lake. Not too much to ask for..is it?



Nah, its okay with me! Let me know when you find a place like that though....

[betsy&david Harrison]

I'll let you know when I find a place like that. Now where is Lake Collins? I have heard that Trinity is pretty much an eden for skiing and family stuff. The lake police aren't jerks either.

[WakeSeeky]

Lake Powell!! Personally, that's where I want to go when I die. ;) There are campgrounds there, but I was 8 the last time I stayed in one so it's been, er, several many years. Some of the best parts of the lake are a fair distance from the campgrounds, though, so if you want to see, say, Rainbow Bridge or Cathedral in the Desert, you might want to beach camp at least one night or plan on a long ride. Sorry, all my pics are so old they're on film, so none to post unless I buy a scanner.

You're in Bakersfield, right? Lake Mead is not that far from you and I've got bunches of pictures of that. Not nearly as pretty as Powell, but it is a great big lake where you can get out in the open, and some nice campgrounds from what I've seen. Here's a picture of Hoover Dam, just becuase I like it. :D

[betsy&david Harrison]

What a great pic! I actually live on the Coast below Santa Barbara. I have property on a ski lake in Bakersfield...1 1/2 hrs north east of us.

[WakeSeeky]

Ah, that's a bit farther, then. And maybe a little warmer than you're looking for. :) If you do hit Powell or Mead, Labor Day or later is usually the best weather. It takes a pretty committed desert rat to camp at either during the summer, especially off the water.

[DanC]

I'll let you know when I find a place like that. Now where is Lake Collins? I have heard that Trinity is pretty much an eden for skiing and family stuff. The lake police aren't jerks either.
You probably mean Rollins Lake . Off 80 just above Sacramento. Small lake, very pretty. The nice thing about it is the water flow is sold privately so the lake water level can be right at your campsite in the summer. Step out of your tent and walk on grass to your boat 15 feet away. To get a water campsite you will need to reserve one in early January. Greenhorn is a well maintained campground, flushing toilets, coin operated showers and laundry facilities. My favorite family camping/boating spot. Water is nippy even in the summer.

Forget about slalom skiing except for the first run in the early morning. Years ago there was a sponsored slalom tourny in the summer. They would rope off the cove at the campground. Might have been sponsored by Cope and McPhetres.

[rodltg2]

although ive never been there before , ive heard rollins is really nice, but i meant collins lake which is outside of marysville, off highway 20 towards grass valley.http://www.collinslake.com/home/welcome.html

[rodltg2]

and i almost forgot, best thing jet skiis are not allowed!!!!

[erkoehler]

NO "PERSONAL WATERCRAFT": Collins Lake is designated a Special Use Area for the purpose of providing safe, quiet fishing and boating recreation opportunities for the public. Personal Watercraft, including but not limited to any small motorized craft under 12 feet in length, jet-propelled or propeller or fan driven, such as "Jet-Skis", "Jet- Scooters" and similar small motorized craft (except small fishing boats, sailboats or inflatable boats) are prohibited. The decision of the management shall be final in determining what craft are "Personal Watercraft".

[6balls]

McCormick Lakes (http://www.skimccormick.com) outside of Tampa has camper sites. It is about 20 Minutes to Clearwater Beach and about 15 Minutes to Ybor.

[betsy&david Harrison]

NO "PERSONAL WATERCRAFT": Collins Lake is designated a Special Use Area for the purpose of providing safe, quiet fishing and boating recreation opportunities for the public. Personal Watercraft, including but not limited to any small motorized craft under 12 feet in length, jet-propelled or propeller or fan driven, such as "Jet-Skis", "Jet- Scooters" and similar small motorized craft (except small fishing boats, sailboats or inflatable boats) are prohibited. The decision of the management shall be final in determining what craft are "Personal Watercraft".
This sounds great! My father-in-law used to live near Grass Valley. Lake Wildwood area. I love it up there. Looks like I'll be putting that place on the list of places to go. Thanks guys!

[rodltg2]

i really like collins, i go about 3 times a year. its great if you like fishing , i dont but that means less boats running around, there all stopped fishing.

[Jerseydave]

Smith Mountain Lake, VA. There are waterfront campgrounds available.
It's been a while, but there was a slalom course in a small cove on that lake. Scenery is awesome!!! Go parasailing and take your camera up.

Lake Anna, VA. Also waterfront camping, too. Nice lake, busy on the weekends, though.

Lake George, NY. Camping at Rogers Rock state park at the northern end of the lake. That's the least busy end of the lake, good skiing.
Again, the scenery is awesome.

Raystown Lake, PA. We have been to this one alot. 2 campgrounds right on the lake, (we prefer Raystown resort) Great mountain scenery, slalom course, cliff diving, 2 restaurants, waterpark for the kids, etc.

Lake Wallenpaupack, PA. At least 4 campgrounds on the lake, very clean water, great mountain scenery. Busy on the weekends though.

1000 Islands, NY. One of my favorites. Scenery, castles, restaurants, super clear water. Lake-of-the-isles is a lake in the middle of Wellesley Island for good skiing. Take your ski boat from NY to Canada for lunch!

[DanC]

i really like collins, i go about 3 times a year. its great if you like fishing , i dont but that means less boats running around, there all stopped fishing.
Looks like a pretty small lake, only 12 miles of shoreline. Do any other skiers show up on weekends? How's the wind exposure? Looks like a pretty place to camp from the website. How far ahead of time do you get reservations? Their website makes it sound like you better book early.

[RackAtak]

Trinity is a great lake. Uncrowded and usually flat unless the wind comes up, but you can always find a sheltered arm. We have been spending a week there for the last 10 years. Pinewood Cove Resort...
http://foreverlodging.com/destination.cfm?PropertyKey=90

[erkoehler]

Trinity is a great lake. Uncrowded and usually flat unless the wind comes up, but you can always find a sheltered arm. We have been spending a week there for the last 10 years. Pinewood Cove Resort...
http://foreverlodging.com/destination.cfm?PropertyKey=90


Uncrowded is always good!

[DanC]

Trinity is a great lake. Uncrowded and usually flat unless the wind comes up, but you can always find a sheltered arm. We have been spending a week there for the last 10 years. Pinewood Cove Resort...
http://foreverlodging.com/destination.cfm?PropertyKey=90

What time of the year do you go? Trinity (and apparently Collins) is about the only Calfornia lake I haven't done north of Lake McLure. I am wondering what the air and water temps are like in early June. Most resorts post temperature charts but I couldn't find anything on Trinity.

[Granite_33]

Trinity is a great lake. Uncrowded and usually flat unless the wind comes up, but you can always find a sheltered arm. We have been spending a week there for the last 10 years. Pinewood Cove Resort...
http://foreverlodging.com/destination.cfm?PropertyKey=90
I was up there a while ago, we're talking a few years, passing through and seeing some relatives.......It was truly a beautiful lake. :)

I was there during the week and saw very few other boaters out and about. Access to that kind of water on a normal basis would be golden!

Unfortunately, the people I was with did not have any decent equipment, so I got pulled on a Taperflex with tube rope attached to the lifting ring of a Bahner. Still smooth, though............. :headbang:

[RackAtak]

What time of the year do you go? Trinity (and apparently Collins) is about the only Calfornia lake I haven't done north of Lake McLure. I am wondering what the air and water temps are like in early June. Most resorts post temperature charts but I couldn't find anything on Trinity.

We always go in late June. Air temps vary between high 80's to low 100's and probably mid 50's to low 60's at night. Water is pretty cool being it is a high mountain lake, but not so cold that we don't spend alot of time in it. We usually set up a boat base in a secluded cove and ski, board and tube from there each day. Later in the season would probably be better, but our group has a standing reservation at the resort and it is tradition that our group goes on vacation soon after the kids get out of school for the summer...I'm really looking forward to this years trip because this is the first year that I will have my own boat. As a matter of fact, I bought my boat in Redding, CA on the way home from this trip last year. Now that was an expensive vacation!

[DanC]

I bought my boat in Redding, CA on the way home from this trip last year. Now that was an expensive vacation!

Sounds like our dream and our wives nightmare :uglyhamme


Thanks for the temps. The only thing that stopped us from doing Trinity this year (need to do June for the same reasons as you) was the concern about cooler temps. We opted for Oroville this year.

[betsy&david Harrison]

This years camp trip with the gang is going to be at Rollins Lake in Nor. Cal. We will be there the first week in August. I have heard nothing but good stuff about this lake and its camping. I imagine I will have another infamous "Drunk Tube" ride once again. B

[betsy&david Harrison]

Back from Rollins. Very interesting camp set up we had. We won't do it again. The lake is crowded and small. Not much real smooth water to be had. The surroundings are beautiful though. Not one skeeter bite! The water is very clean and a great temp. We spent lots of time tubing, wakeboarding, and airchairing. A small amount of time skiing. Now we are looking for another place for next year. B

[erkoehler]

Pictures......

[betsy&david Harrison]

Yep, I have some. Let me get the camera set up B...

[betsy&david Harrison]

Here are a few pics. Jeez...I need some work on this ol'body of mine.

[betsy&david Harrison]

A few more from Rollins

[erkoehler]

So, was it bad just because of rough water, or were there other reasons?

[betsy&david Harrison]

Too many yutz's on the lake. They didn't drive on the correct side, well, you know the thread of the idiots on lakes and the things they do..they sum it up well. I will say this though, There are tons of MasterCrafts on that lake. Not one was the same and ranged from 83 to brand spank'n new. That was fun to see.