San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Hey Barrett-heads! (SO much cooler than Jimmy Buffet fans)

I'm headed to Barrett soon, (pumped!) but I wanted to ask some logistics of you seasoned veterans. I'm coming from O-side and due to the length of drive, I was thinking about camping or sleeping in my car in order to get in with the first wave of entrants when the gate is opened. I recall a campsite opening nearby...have any of you tried it?

Or, what if I just sleep in the back of my van by the gate somewhere? Is that too illegal/would I get in trouble, or cause problems by doing this? (this would be my preference cuz my car is great to sleep in and its FREE), but I don't wanna ruffle any feathers if you guys advise against that.

Thanks as always for the great info and support that the members of this community have always provided me.

We used to leave LA at around 12 or so. We'd stop at the Denny's near SDSU (which at 2ish am is a frickin human circus!) and get a bite. We'd be in line by 3:30, and usually had 10 to 20 or so vehicles in front of us, which was manageable.

Now? We leave around 9, get to Denny's around 11:30 (which isn't as entertaining as 2:30 am, but oh well) and we'd get in line around 1. I bring my backpacking tent and inflatable mattress and pass out in the bed of my truck until opening. I haven't been harassed yet, except once by a curious raccoon.

01:30 departing Los Angeles.. I wish I was as close as you.. your only 70 miles.. I am 350 round trip...I was lucky and got tickets for Saturday and Sunday a few years ago.. Camped at the Skyline Ranch down the street from the lake.. That was very convenient ...

Normally I show up by 9pm the night before and sleep in my truck ,I have a full size cab so it makes it easy for me I pack a lunch/snacks and something for the morning I also grab something on the way for dinner

We usually arrive close to the gate opening times, we used to get there earlier but I hate to say it, while there have not been any weird “The Hills Have Eyes” issues just too eerie for us now lol.

Drive down from Torrance so better for me to get there earlier and catch a few hours sleep in the truck.

Great Place to camp, 4 miles from entrance, Fishermen friendly!

There is a park and ride along the way: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Park+ ... ?entry=ttu

I live close enough that I don't have to use it though. I wouldn't expect a problem but if anyone bothers you, just tell them you were driving and got tired and pulled over to be safe. That line has worked for me before.

I do it by living 10 min away.
That camp site bendopolo mentioned would work if you wanted to camp the night before. There’s also a huge dirt parking lot by Japatul valley fire station off Lyons valley rd. that is a trail head to pine creek/horsethief canyon that you wouldn’t be bothered if you slept in your vehicle. It’s only a couple miles from the entrance to Barrett.
If you wanted to sleep in comfort, alpine has a hotel. Get up early and drive.

The nice thing about the Campground is proper restrooms and access to electricity for a very small extra cost. Also they are a local small business, ran by Fisher-people.

I thought they were a bunch of new age pot farming frisbee throwers?

Some serious big cats lurking in the hills. If you’re in Oceanside, that’s an hour drive. Why go the night before? We get there around 4 o’clock. Usually there’s a few cars in line. We go right in and get to it. Usually take a break around noon take a cat nap get out of the sun And go back and finish the day. I used to drive from San Clemente now I live in Fallbrook and it’s a lot easier. Get up early go fishing drink coffee and Red Bulls, catch a shit load of fish and go home and have sweet dreams.

I’d be more worried about Sasquatch