Orange County, CA hang recommendations?

**traycer** · 05-18-2019, 00:24

Hi, all!

I will be visiting family this Christmas (probably between Dec 17-27, 2019) in Irvine and Laguna Woods, CA. Any recommendations for hammock-friendly campsites? Since I will be travelling from Toronto, I'll be packing light: Hummingbird hammock, 10x13 siltarp, maybe a 5°C bag, no other insulation. Backcountry would be extra special, but to be honest, even just car camping for two or three nights would be lovely. I'd say anything within a couple hour's drive of the OC is fair game. Thanks!

**1-Hung-Low** · 05-18-2019, 01:46

Blue Jay Campground off of Ortega Hwy. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/clev...a/?recid=47588

Mt. Palomar https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233300
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=637

https://www.google.com/search?source...E,lf:1,lf_ui:1

**traycer** · 05-18-2019, 09:44

Originally Posted by 1-Hung-Low

Blue Jay Campground off of Ortega Hwy. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/clev...a/?recid=47588

That looks like a good candidate! The page says the sites aren't reservable, though. Does that mean first-come-first-served then? i.e., you show up the morning of and keep your fingers crossed there's a site available?

**1-Hung-Low** · 05-18-2019, 09:52

Originally Posted by traycer

That looks like a good candidate! The page says the sites aren't reservable, though. Does that mean first-come-first-served then? i.e., you show up the morning of and keep your fingers crossed there's a site available?

Yes, that's correct.

**Newlyofftheground** · 05-19-2019, 21:16

I hang at blue jay pretty regularly.. it’s a party spot in the summer, but when it cools off it is nice. I highly recommend site 16, it’s down a short trail from where you park and has several sets of trees optimal for hanging. Also if you have any ground dwelling friends it has a tent pad. Fire ring, picnic table and charcoal bbq. Feel free to hit me up with any questions via dm

**traycer** · 05-19-2019, 22:41

Originally Posted by Newlyofftheground

it’s a party spot in the summer, but when it cools off it is nice.

Great, I'm hoping things will be quieter and calmer in the winter months (like it is here in Ontario

). I'll ask my brother (who lives in Irvine) to go scout out the area and look for site 16. What's the situation with biting insects at that time of year? Too cool for them to be a concern?