Curry Mountain
RV Guide
Introduction
If you've got adventure on your mind, you won't want to miss the chance to visit California's Curry Mountain. It's a wonderful place to reconnect with nature on your next RV getaway.
Curry Mountain is a Bureau of Land Management property found near Marina, California. The grounds consist of almost 1,800 acres of diverse terrain and natural landscape, offering families ample room to explore during their stay.
An area marked by a rough and rugged landscape, Curry Mountain sees lots of traffic year-round for its excellent hiking conditions. The trailhead is well-marked from the road, providing families easy access to the trails. A kiosk at the summit of the trailhead outlines the region; however, since the majority of the land surrounding Curry Mountain is privately owned, only one short trail is marked.
The northern section of Curry Mountain is covered with a thick growth of brush, making it more challenging to traverse. At the gate opening to this public property, families will find the best trail which leads to the mountain peak. The climb is quite steep in places and is similar in feel and appearance to the nearby Jacalitos Mountains. The trail is well-developed and easy to follow, though it is comprised primarily of sand which can be hard on the feet in rainy weather.
Dispersed camping is permitted on Curry Mountain, but due to the increase in elevation and the absence of viable roads for vehicle travel, the area is not recommended for RV stays. However, there are several campgrounds in neighboring towns that offer suitable campsites for RVs, tents, and trailers.
Though hiking is the primary attraction at Curry Mountain, other popular activities include photography, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
For a wonderful vacation in the heart of California wilderness country, plan a trip to Curry Mountain. You'll enjoy it so much you'll want to return as often as you can.
RV Rentals in Curry Mountain
Transportation
Driving
To reach Curry Mountain, travelers must begin on highway I-5, continuing until the exit for the small town of Coalinga at Highway 198. From here, they should follow Highway 198 towards town. Just outside the city limits is an access point which leads directly to the base of Curry Mountain. Here, families will find an information kiosk and the main trailhead.
The access road is comprised of dirt and is a single lane only. During bouts of excessive rain, the road can become difficult to traverse in a vehicle.
Vehicles must be parked on an easement outside the entrance to this public area. Travelers must continue the remaining distance to Curry Mountain on foot.
Wildlife flourishes here, so on occasion, animals will make their way onto the road. Drive with caution and remain alert to avoid any accidents.
The route cuts through backcountry rural regions of the state. Motorists should come prepared with the supplies they need for their hiking and/or camping adventure.
Parking
Parking is provided at Curry Mountain via an easement that was constructed by the California Department of Fish and Game. The easement is situated to the north of Highway 198 and is six miles outside the town of Coalinga.
Public Transportation
Currently, there is no public transportation available to Curry Mountain.
Campgrounds and parking in Curry Mountain
Campsites in Curry Mountain
Reservations camping
Rocky Canyon Campground
Rocky Canyon Campground offers RV and tent camping year-round for families to enjoy. Reservations are required for all stays.
There are many different amenities available at this popular campground including picnic tables, restrooms, showers, paved roads, shade trees, drinking water, and a boat launch. The property rests near to many popular attractions including a market, restaurants, and a pool.
Fuel, ice, and firewood can be purchased at the on-site marina.
Among the most popular activities here are boating, fishing, hiking, and cycling.
The roads within the campground are quite narrow, meaning this facility is reserved for tenting only. Group tent spots are available by request. Dogs may join their owners here but must remain leashed.
Located near to this camping facility is a resort and lodge with rooms for rent.
First-come first-served
Curry Mountain
Dispersed camping is permitted on the grounds of Curry Mountain year-round for families to enjoy. Due to the ruggedness of the terrain and the lack of navigable roads, the property is best suited to tent stays.
Parking for vehicles can be found via an easement just off Highway 198. Campers will need to travel to the base of the mountain from the easement on foot.
Curry Mountain offers very primitive camping conditions with no amenities provided. This means that families will need to come prepared with sufficient drinking water for all of their needs. All waste materials must be taken with campers when they vacate the premises.
The most popular activities at Curry Mountain include horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, photography, biking, picnicking, and hiking.
Dogs may join their owners at their campsite but must remain leashed at all times.
Williams Hill Campground
Williams Hill Campground is a popular camping facility that offers RV and tent sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is permitted here year-round.
The on-site amenities include RV pads, fire pits, shelters, picnic tables, vault toilets, and an information kiosk. Stays are limited to 14 days in total.
Williams Hill Campground offers no power, water, or garbage services. Families must come prepared with a sufficient water supply to meet their needs during their stay. All garbage should be taken with them when they leave.
Dispersed camping is permitted on the grounds, but certain rules apply. It is prohibited to camp within 200 yards of any designated wildlife water resource. Any vehicle must be parked no more than 15 feet from the road.
Families are required to bury their own waste.
The most popular activities here include hiking, horseback riding, hunting, off-road vehicle play, photography, auto touring, and biking.
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
Seasonal activities in Curry Mountain
In-Season
Coalinga Mineral Springs National Recreation Trail
Coalinga Mineral Springs National Recreation Trail is a wonderful place for families that are looking to enjoy a vigorous hike in the heart of the California wilderness. The trail consists of 2.5 miles and leads to the pinnacle of Kreyenhagen Peak. The views glimpsed from the mountaintop are awe-inspiring and include the lush vegetation of the San Joaquin Valley.
The trail is located on the outskirts of Fresno County and is hidden within the Diablo Mountains just outside the town of Coalinga. The area was formerly referred to as Fresno Hot Springs and once featured a popular health spa which was later devastated by a fire in the late 19th century. The spa belonged to a gentleman by the name of Gustav Kreyenhagen. The mountain found on the grounds bears his name.
Coalinga Mineral Springs National Recreation Trail progresses along a steady incline beginning at an elevation of 2,105 feet and rising to 3,558 feet at the peak. There are several areas where rock slides have occurred, so families should hike with great caution.
Gemstones can be discovered throughout the trail including such stones as quartz, jadeite, and magnesite. Ancient fables relate that the grounds are home to a buried treasure placed in the ground by an outlaw named Joaquin Murrieta.
Hiking conditions are their most favorable in the early morning hours or later in the evening.
Marina State Beach
For those who love to enjoy both the sand and the surf during their RV vacation, Marina State Beach will not disappoint. A property that is extremely picturesque, Marina State Beach rests beneath an expanse of sand dunes and offers a large sand shoreline for families desiring leisurely strolls by the water's edge or the opportunity to do some beachcombing.
The conditions at Marina State Beach make it a popular spot for doing some hang gliding. Also found running through the dunes is the Dune Nature Trail where families can meander along a boardwalk before entering the path which features many different signs sharing information about the region.
Surfing and swimming are also popular attractions here.
The on-site amenities include bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Dogs are not permitted at Marina State Beach.
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Fort Ord Dunes State Park, one of the newest public facilities in the region, is an idyllic haven for families looking to reconnect with nature during their RV stay. One of the most beloved features at this recreational area is a short section of trail which leads to an immense beach that features breathtaking views of nearby Monterey Bay.
The parking lot provides access to a boardwalk which is complete with a platform from which families can gain a better vantage point to view the grounds. Along the top of the platform are several signs which relate interesting information about the park's history and culture.
Any of the roads at Fort Ord Dunes State Park are available to leashed dogs as well as cyclists and hikers.
The beach at Fort Ord Dunes State Park offers some of the most plentiful beachcombing in the state.
Access to this relatively new state park is a bit challenging. The best route to the grounds is via Divarty Street which is located near Cal State Monterey Bay in the town of Seaside. Signs along the route provide direction to the beach grounds.
Off-Season
Marina Dunes Preserve
The Marine Dunes Reserve is an amazing spot to visit while in the region for an RV holiday. The dunes run the length of the Monterey Bay coast, creating a strip of property that stands between the bay and a small town. The property is deeply affected by both wind and wave activity. The vegetation which thrives on the land provides some protection for the dunes against wind erosion.
It is believed the property was once home to the Ohlone people, and the dunes were important walking paths for them. However, the area was lightly trafficked, not seeing more use until after World War II.
The property was later used to mine sand. It remained abandoned until 1983 when a company proposed using the space for the construction of a resort. In 1988, the land was purchased and a decision was made to restore the grounds to a public access coastline and protected dune habitat. The first course of action was to remove all former mine buildings.
The property continues to be under development and attracts over 3 million visitors annually.
Access to the property is only permitted from dawn to dusk each day. Camping is strictly prohibited.
Pets are allowed on the grounds but must remain leashed at all times.
Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is 18 miles in total length, reaching from the town of Castroville to Pacific Grove. The path is largely paved and runs along the coastline in a similar trajectory to the former Southern Pacific Railway.
Along this route, families can stop to enjoy such interesting recreational attractions as the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
Years ago, the park district for the region saw great opportunity packaged in the now inactive railway lines and sought financial help with constructing a public trail in 1986. Today, this popular attraction is home to many different activities including biking, in-line skating, and even kayaking. Skates and kayaks can be rented through a number of area shops along the trail.
Also found on the trail are several excellent restaurants and picnic areas.
As a two-lane paved stretch of road, all travelers on this trail are asked to keep to the right of the road as a courtesy.
Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
For families that enjoy wildlife, a trip to Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge will not disappoint. There are many interesting outdoor activities families can enjoy during a visit to this popular outdoor space.
For those who enjoy hiking, the property is home to several different trails. Among the most popular hiking routes are the River Trail and the Warriner Beach Trail.
The viewing of wildlife is one of the most beloved activities at Salinas River Wildlife Refuge. Families should bring along their cameras to capture shots of the rare and unusual animals they will encounter on their trip here. The property is home to over 100 varieties of plant life as well.
Park officials recommend visiting this public space during spring and fall to see the largest representation of area wildlife.
Waterfowl hunting and also fishing are permitted here in season and with the purchase of the appropriate license.
