Big Lagoon has hidden gems

Fat trout and great agate hunting make this rustic California park a treasure! Part 2 of NorCal coastal favorite camp spots.

Big Lagoon County Park was Mike’s discovery from an online search, and at first, we weren’t enamored. Bumping down an overgrown, unpaved road with the Wanderlust Retro in tow, I had doubts about this latest place to explore. Clouds threatened rain overhead, adding pressure to the need to set up camp, but we were unable to get the trailer into the rough, muddy campsite we’d reserved–it was too narrow. (We also didn't like the proximity to the lights and traffic of a nearby bathroom.)

The camp host, an energetic red-bearded young man who resembled a Viking wearing a tie-dyed shirt, kept a smile and good cheer as he directed us to another spot, this one closer to the water and away from the facilities. 

The parking process was still challenging and required a blast of four-wheel drive to get the Retro backed up over a tree root and past a mud pud…