Where should I stop for the night to pitch a tent?

kevfra

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I'm going to be hauling a bunch of Naval Sea Cadets from San Rafael to Stockton, and want to layover for the night along the way. Somewhere such as Frank's tarct, but doesn't have to be, just looking for a half-way spot.

We'll want to dock my boat (with electricity!) and pitch a bunch of tents, as well as have a place to eat, even better if open for breakfast.

Suggestions?
 
I think a great place on Bethel Island, which is near Franks Tract, is Lundborg Landing. It tain't fancy, but I know a bunch of Sea Cadets would feel right at home there. There is a restaurant on the premises which is open 6?AM thru 9PM, 7 days a week. They have a launch ramp and large camping area with grass, trees, power and water.

Here is their website http://www.lundborglanding.com/

Let us know how things go for you and your crew!
 
Lundborg may be a bit of a detour if heading to Stockton. Because isn't it blocked of by a low bridge or dam to the east of it?

I think Sugarbarge has a campground too. They may have some slips available with electricity as well. I overnighted there once and was able to hook up.

Other than that you can check out Eddo's which is a little before Franks Tract on the San Joaquin.

And if all else fails and you're tight on a budget, there's always Mayberry. ;)
 
I have stayed at Lundberg before and enjoy it - and him - as we're fellow aviators. However the electric at the docks wasn't working and that is something I'll have to check on before considering it again. The location is accessable but depending on tides it is tricky continuing across Frank's Tract to Stockton, same would hold true for Sugar Barge. I don't mind the slight out-of-the-way aspect, no problem there. And the food is good at either spot.

What's the marina just east of there with the fishing tournie's all the time, and the low gas prices?
 
That be Russo's. I didn't recommend them 'cause they give priority to the tourney people. But check them out, they have upgraded all their power, docks and launch ramp. No breakfast nearby though. you have to go to Lundborg's and perhaps Sugar Barge's Paradise. Only other breakfast on the island is downtown at L'Villa near the bridge. {No boat docking available.}

Russo's: http://www.russosmarina.com/

Another option is Beacon Harbor: http://www.beacon-harbor.com/

There is no low bridge or dam between Bethel Island and Stockton. Any bridges open if required except the I-5 at the Stockton turning basin. But that is way up high for sailboat clearance.
 
Sugar Barge only allows 1 tent with your RV. For a group of Sea Cadets I think Flutterby has the right idea with Lundberg Landing. If you have wheels the walkup taco stand La Costa in downtown Oakley is frequented by the locals and sure smells good when I drive by.
 
One that has been almost forgotten around here is Beacon Harbor, just a few hundred feet west of Rosso's. Camping is just across the street, Rusty Portal is next door, and they are open for breakfast.
 
I don't know if anyone is aware of it or not, but "The Outrigger" has a spot for camping right behind the marina. It is not quite half way point though. I have seen several sea scout boats tied up there overnight and then having breakfast the next morning. Just a thought.
 
Rusty Porthole only serves breakfast on Sat & Sun. Quality is inconsistent...........
 
I second Yzer's suggestion of Delta Bay/KOA. Spindrift has the restaurant (Sat/Sun only for breakfast, though), general store, and the slips are covered with electricity. If you guys want to hike a mile or two up the road, then Korth's diner is another great breakfast stop.

And it's right along the San Joaquin (near Seven Mile Slough), so there's no detour.
 
quote:

Originally posted by kevfra

I have stayed at Lundberg before and enjoy it - and him - as we're fellow aviators. However the electric at the docks wasn't working and that is something I'll have to check on before considering it again.





I know Lundborg's has electric to at least part of the dock. they live aboard a beautiful 72 ft houseboat at their dock. If you tie up on the other side of their dock, worst case you could plug into their houseboat! [^]

Instead of crossing Franks Tract, take Piper Slu east to Sandmound Slu, go left onto Sandmound, then on to the Stockton Channel. Check your charts; there are a couple of ways to get to the channel. If it is windy and you are not under sail, you may want to go on the south side of Mandeville Island. If conditions are acceptable for your craft, then take Old River around the western end of Mandeville and then into the SJ Channel north of Mandeville Island.......
 
How about Brannan Island State Park? From the San Joaquin headed east, go past Antioch and under the Antioch bridge. Go 6 miles and hang a left at Red 28 into 3 mile slough. Ride that around for about 2 1/2 miles and you come to Brannan Island State Park on your right.

Approx coords:
N 38 deg, 7 min
W 121 deg, 41.5 min
 
Huh....Brannan Island State Park is on the left aka north side of 3 Mile Slu. Outrigger Marina is on the right, south, a bit further into the slu.
 
quote:

Originally posted by Flutterby

Huh....Brannan Island State Park is on the left aka north side of 3 Mile Slu. Outrigger Marina is on the right, south, a bit further into the slu.






I was giving him directions from the San Joaquin, which would not require a bridge opening, and going that direction, Outrigger is the first one, on the left, go around the bend and the park is on the right.

Exact coordinates at the launch ramp:
38° 6' 55" N
121° 41' 18" W
 
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