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Strange Ranch - River and Gold

100%
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· Wilseyville, Calaveras, California
120 acres hosted by Terry S.
2 RV/tent sites · 1 tent site
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Terry is a Star Host
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Secluded and private river camping in a forest and oak woodland on the South Fork Mokelumne River. The site boasts a private, pristine gold-bearing trout stream with mining history and wildlife preserve located in the gold country of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern Calaveras County. This unique property is adjacent to over 900 acres of public land that includes over 2 miles of private stream for exploring. With a total of only 3 campsites, it is a great location for a group to reserve the entire campground. Guests will enjoy the privacy while wildlife viewing, swimming, gold panning, stream exploring, fishing for wild trout, hiking, spelunking, forest immersion, or simply relaxing in a breathtaking environment – come fall in love with this special private ranch. After one stay, you will be a repeat guest. PLEASE NOTE: A 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive vehicle is needed to access the campsites due to the incline and rock and gravel road. All sites have beautiful open views of the property and river with natural shade in the morning and late afternoon. At this time, please provide your own portable shade structure(s) at the campsite as the direct sun in the late morning and afternoon can be an inconvenience. The owners are professional fish and wildlife biologists and have recently decided to share this special place for others to enjoy. The property and amenities will evolve over time. Day trips are possible to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, public caverns, Calaveras and Amador wine tasting, and local historic gold towns.
Natural features
Beach
Cave
Forest
River, stream, or creek
100%
17 ratings · 15 reviews
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Ryan M.recommends
September 6, 2024
Site #1 - Premier Riverview Site
Couldn't be better
The land itself was absolutely beautiful. The river was the perfect place to spend the day swimming. We used campsites 1 & 2 and had plenty of space for 11 campers. Everything including the restroom was extremely clean and well kept. You can tell the owner Terry takes great pride in his property. It could not have been nicer. The owner Terry was extremely accommodating and helpful. Not only did he make it possible to get down to the site (our car was wasn't up to the road) but he also came and visited with us to teach us about the local animals. His underwater invertebrates course was wonderful and the kids really enjoyed it. I cannot say enough nice things about this place or the family who runs it. What a gem.
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Ole H.recommends
September 6, 2024
Site #3 - Road Bend Camp
We really enjoyed our time at Strange Ranch. Terry and his family are great hosts. It was hot out so we spent every moment we could enjoying the water. It is a beautiful river, the kids loved it and loved learning about aquatic invertebrates from Terry. Our group rented all three sites and ended up using just the two closest to the water.
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Anthony P.recommends
September 2, 2024
Site #2 - Gold Mine River Overlook
Terry’s property was awesome. The stairs down to the creek/swimming hole were clutch. Terry was beyond a great host ad he was friendly and offered help whenever asked. Def would recommend
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Eric T.recommends
August 25, 2024
Site #1 - Premier Riverview Site
We loved our stay here. First Terry was a phenomenal communicator - very prompt and very easy to work with. The site was amazing. Stunning views and phenomenal river access. Would love to stay here again. Definitely bring a shade tent (as Terry recommended). Would also suggest campers bring a water filter (we brought a gravity filter) as you have close access to the river.
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Rochelle M.recommends
August 20, 2024
Site #3 - Road Bend Camp
A getaway you must experience!
Terry’s land was absolutely beautiful. I stayed at Campsite #3 for a 3 day weekend and was able to comfortably enjoy all the amenities on his land in just that amount of time. I got to explore up and down the river by foot and by water, enjoy the swim hole and even explore the gold mine. A solo trip, couples getaway or even family trip will be perfect on Terry’s land. I will definitely be coming back in the future! Campsite #3 provided complete privacy from other campers as it was the campsite on top of the hill. It also provided the most beautiful view of the trees surrounding the property and through the night the moonlight lit the entire campsite. The stars in the night sky were breathtaking as well. I got to meet Terry upon arrival and during my first trip to the swim hole he explained to me how it essentially came to be and how he wants to add more upgrades throughout the campsite. He was a absolutely wonderful host, kind, polite and helpful. Be sure to bring some form of shade to Campsite #3 if you plan to go in the summer months. Also be prepared with your 4-wheel drive vehicle before your trip. Last but not least enjoy your trip if you decide to go to Terry’s property! I will be longing to come back until I arrive there once again to enjoy my experience on his land all over again! Also just beware the walk up and down the hill to the bathroom/swim hole river area from Campsite #3 can be tiresome but well worth it. Thank you Terry!
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Michael E.recommends
August 19, 2024
Site #1 - Premier Riverview Site
A Hidden Gem
My wife and I had an awesome time at Strange Ranch - River and Gold. There are a ton of things to do and explore on this truly unique property. The property features multiple gold mines, tons of lush vegetation along the water’s edge, a nice fire pit on the beach, shaded seating next to the swimming hole and lots of shoreline to explore if you want to get away from it all and enjoy the peaceful quietness of nature and the tranquility of a cascading river. There is a plethora of fish and wildlife in and around the river. Terry and his family were great hosts and very hospitable. We enjoyed sitting next to the river conversing with Terry about the history of the property/town, the multiple historical gold mines & buildings on/near the property, and the wildlife in the area. If you like fishing, gold panning, hiking along a pristine lush river, or swimming in a clear clean river, this is a place you want to check out.
Location
Wilseyville, Calaveras, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Me-Wuk (Northern Sierra Miwok) and Miwok First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Terry S.

Joined in April 2024
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