D.L. Bliss State Park

"Rubicon Trail and Lester Beach "

By the grace and favor of the camping gods, we somehow managed to snag the only 50 person group site over July 4th weekend.  This is an amazing place to camp or spend the day.

BATHROOMS

We had our own private bathroom, with hot coin-operated showers that were cleaned every single day at 8 am by friendly park rangers.  The bathrooms even had electric outlets, so we could charge our cell phones!  Conceivably, campers could use the plugs to inflate plush air mattresses, or operate other camping luxuries.  

COOKING AND FOOD STORAGE

The group site had fire pits (at least 5 of them, though we only needed 1), bear boxes, and handy running water spigots close to the cooking area.  There were plenty of picnic tables  (6 altogether, I think).

SLEEPING AND TENT SPACE

Although the group site can hold 50 people, I wouldn't recommend it.  Flat, shaded tent sites are in short supply- we had 7 tents, and we had just enough flat ground to accommodate them.  However, what the site lacks in tent space, it more than makes up for with privacy.  There are no other campgrounds near the group site, so it felt as if we had the whole park to ourselves.  

LESTER BEACH

The beach is about 1/2 mile from the group site- although you can walk to the beach, I recommend driving 1 car down to the beach early, because the public beach parking fills up fast on summer days and it is nice to throw all the beach gear into the car, rather than carrying it back to the campsite.

Lester beach is pristine- clear water, beautiful views, and plenty of sand for all.  Even on July 4th, we were able to get a picnic table on the sand.  

RUBICON TRAIL

Perhaps the most beautiful hiking trail in Northern California- dramatic views of snowy peaks all around, crystal clear water below. Breathtaking.