On May 16th, 17th and 18th a joint campout with the Northern California and Southern California Voyagers was held at Lake Success near Porterville, California.  Porterville is located approximately 150 miles north of Los Angeles. The campground is located on the shores of Lake Success which is located approximately 8 miles east of Porterville.  Lake Success is a big lake, with 30 miles of shoreline, great for boating and jet skiing.  The campground elevation is approximately 700 feet in the foot hills of the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains.  The temperature was pleasant but it could be hot and dry during the summer months.  The campground is run by the Army Corps of Engineers and has both individual and group camping areas.

There are numerous rules and regulations which are strictly enforced.  For example, the group camping area which we occupied, allowed for 50 people.  A large grassy area close to the water is the designated camping area.  However, they only allowed two vehicles to be parked in the group area, on the paved street at any one time.  Therefore, you dropped off your tent trailers, which were allowed on the grass, then moved the motorcycles to the designated paved parking area.  The motorcycles were still within view, but it was an inconvenience.   There are restrooms with one shower in each, located a short distance from the campsites.  The lake is stocked with fish on a regular basis, mainly trout and bass.  Several of the members tried out their fishing skills.  However, no one had a fish dinner and I think it was the lack of skill as opposed to lack of fish.  Lots of wildlife, but be sure to be on the lookout for snakes, there are rattle snakes in the area.

Most of the members went on a day ride into the Sierras.  The ride took us from 700 feet to well over 7,000 feet in elevation.  During this time of year there was still snow on the ground but the roadway was clear and dry.  It did get a little cold, approximately 47 degrees when we rode into a cloud above 7,000 feet.  The scenery was spectacular, with several waterfalls and snow covered ridges.  We stopped for lunch at California Hot Springs which is located on Hot Springs Road, southeast of Porterville.  The hot springs is a resort of sorts and does have natural hot springs.  Hot and cold sandwiches are served by the friendly staff of the hot springs.  A beautiful river with waterwheel runs along side the building.  California Hot Springs is well worth the stop.  The wildflowers abound during spring with a wide array of color which added to the beauty of the ride.  There is also an Indian Reservation close by that has a casino for any gamblers in the group.

Overall, aside from the restrictive campground rules and facilities that show some wear and tear, the area is a fun place to go especially in the spring or fall months.

Submitted By Bob Joyner
Secretary, Nor Cal Voyagers.
May 20th 2003.