camping/fishing suggestions

We had reservations at Clear lake state park for our kids' spring break.  But that doesn't look like it's gonna happen due to the flooding.  So once again I turn to  you guys for suggestions for places to go camping, fishing, and maybe swimming. 

I use to go to Lake Don Pedro alot but never camped at their designated campgrounds there.  We would rent a boat and camp on one of the islands or a remote shoreline.  That was always a lot of fun.  Are there shoreline that I can access at Don Pedro for camping? 

Other suggestions would also be appreciated.  My kids are younger (4 and 6).  I include their ages as a guide for appropriate activities...etc.  Also, looking at a one way drive between 4-5 hours.

Thanks,
Nate

Del Valle?  http://www.ebparks.org/parks/del_valle

LDP is a good choice if you want to camp on the water.  I forget the names at the moment, but the southern one  has some really good sites near the water where you can launch and land or fish from all night long.  Check out my post from last year:  http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,23885.msg250707.html#msg250707  First and second pic kinda shows how far the water is from the camp we stayed at.

I'd also suggest checking out Lake Mendo.  Not sure if it's flooded right now like last year, but some great sites and a pretty chill atmosphere. 

Del Valle you cant camp OTW unless your in one of the group sites.  But if you dont care about that, Lake Sonoma, New Melones, etc are also good places to camp, but you will have to drive to the water.

Millerton, there is also A good river underneath the dam that is A good spot to catch trout....I think its called three rivers.

I forget the names at the moment

It's either Fleming Meadows, the largest of their marinas, or the other one on the south end is Blue Oaks but that is much smaller.


Personally, I'd say not to give up on CL.  Why not stay at Edgewater?  I haven't heard one bad thing about the place other than it was just a little more expensive.  It certainly was clean.  I'll definitely go back.  Check them out online.

Personally, I'd say not to give up on CL.  Why not stay at Edgewater?  I haven't heard one bad thing about the place other than it was just a little more expensive.  It certainly was clean.  I'll definitely go back.  Check them out online.

I second this, If the State Park is close then check in on EdgeWater nice place and fish with minnows your kids will have a blast...

Thanks for your suggestions.

We decided to go to Del Valle and it was one of the most enjoyable camping trips ever.  It helped that we were only one of three occupied campsites out of the 60+ sites  in the area we chose.  Everything in the park was green lush.  The ground squirrels were numerous and loved taunting our dog. 

The fishing was kinda tough but we didn't spend a lot of time at it.  The girls each caught a bass and Maya hooked a trout but lost it when she tried to palm it.  That was in addition to the lizards and toads she she caught.  Hiking was fun...until wifey pooh found ticks on her clothes. 

Saw a bald eagle take flight as were were on the creek.  That was awesome.  It's the only bald eagle I've seen on the lower 48. Ever. 

At under an hour from where our trailer is stored, it's become our go to spot for camping.  Though, I'm sure, a trip when it's crowded with a loud crowd will change our minds, but for now we are certainly looking forward to the next campout there. 

Bummer didn't even bring a camera. 

Nate