Happy camping in Bay Area

By Katherine Tolentino, Jen Moyano and Maggie Beidelman

Pack your sleeping bags, tents, firewood and marshmallows. This spring, camping is not just a good idea, it's a necessity -- go see the beautiful areas of Earth before it's too late.

Henry W. Coe State Park

On the first sunny day in April, the visitors center at Henry W. Coe State Park was packed with hikers, campers, cyclists and families, all anxious to explore the park's gorgeous 87,000 acres of camping grounds and hiking trails.

"I'm a native of Gilroy, so I've been coming here for my entire life," said park volunteer Mason Hyland. "It's basically like my backyard."

Open year-round to campers and hikers of all skill levels, the volunteer-run park has been a local favorite for over 30 years.

When the park first opened, it was a little more than 12,000 acres. Thanks to hundreds of passionate volunteers, the park's size and natural diversity have grown significantly since then.

The park offers several camping grounds complete with fire pits, picnic benches and even restrooms.

Accommodating park volunteers gladly give campers information about the most secluded campgrounds, best views of the sunrise and best places to catch glimpses of wildlife.

Wild turkeys, deer and reptiles of all kinds roam through the park's winding trails, and some lucky campers even spot the resident coyote.

If you plan on camping, try China Hole or Frog Lake, two scenic campsites not far from the park's main entrance. Make sure to go for a swim in the nearly one-mile-long Mississippi Lake as well.

The entrance fee is a mere $5, and with smart shopping, you can buy a weekend's supply of food for less than $10 a person.

"Just remember to bring lots of warm clothes," warned sophomore Diana Bustos, who recently spent a chilly weekend at Manzanita Point.

Check out the park's unofficial Web site, coestatepark.com, for more information, and experience this California gem at the peak of its beauty.

Bass Lake

Bass Lake is nowhere near the size of Lake Tahoe, but it offers just as many activities and amazing scenery.

A quick three-hour drive from Santa Clara will lead you to this amazing spot. The lake has several rental services that include wave runners, patio boats, fishing boats and bikes.

There are eight campsites, which run around $30 per night per spot, if you're looking to pitch a tent. For a more refined experience, rent a cabin for the pricey $150 to $300 per night.

Bass Lake provides a very laid back atmosphere where everyone is friendly and waves as you pass them on the two-lane road around the lake.

At night, you can enjoy some ice cream or a cup of shaved ice at Miller's Landing Resort General Store, where they also serve burgers, fries and milkshakes.

Or, you can travel to the other side of the lake to the The Pines Resort and enjoy a meal at Ducey's on the Lake while taking in the beautiful lakefront views.

If you want an intense hiking experience, drive to nearby Yosemite National Park -- a mere 28 miles north.

You can also drive one hour south to Fresno to catch the Giants' Minor League baseball team, the Fresno Grizzlies.

Summer would be the best time to go if you like hot weather, because the lake will cool you down. But if you're looking for a cooler trip when it is still warm enough to enjoy the lake, go in late spring.

There are three resorts on the lake: Miller's Landing Resort, The Pines Resort and The Forks Resort. Each offer cabins and suites.

Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur

Find a beach laden with turquoise, orange and red stones. Wake up in a dewy field between the ocean and the rising "Jurassic Park"-like lush hills.

Climb sprawling trees and trek the trails stress-free. Spend a weekend at Andrew Molera State Park, the northernmost point of the beautiful and aptly-named Big Sur.

Andrew Molera is only a couple hours' drive from Santa Clara, 20 minutes south of Carmel. Its 24 campsites are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, at $15 for parking and camping. Features include the Andrew Molera Loop hiking trail and close proximity to the beach.

For the relaxed camper, this state park offers a half-mile trail from an open field where you can pitch a tent through a grove of eucalyptus trees to one of the most beautiful beaches in California.

Walk along the multicolored beach and find water falling off the 20-foot mossy cliffs and sea stars and colonies of crabs in the lively tide pools.

If you're feeling adventurous, search the sandy cliffs for the hourglass-like waterfall of sand where you can jump off the dune six feet into a large pile of sand.

This coastal campsite can get chilly at night, so be sure to bring layers of clothing and a warm sleeping bag.

Lake Tahoe

Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains, four hours northeast of Santa Clara

Lake surface area: 191 sq. mi.

To do: hiking, mountain biking, water sports, gambling (on the Nevada side)

www.tahoesbest.com/camping

Angel Island State Park

Location: San Francisco Bay, north of Alcatraz

Home to: raccoons, deer, historical immigration station, hiking trails and beautiful views of the bay, beaches

Getting there: Take the Angel Island ferry from Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco.

www.angelisland.org

Contact Katherine Tolentino, Jen Moyano, or Maggie Beidelman at (408) 551-1918.