CAMPING AT COYOTE LAKE
First Camp Site
- Part 1 (of 7) -
Map: Coyote Lake Campground
This map shows the RV Sites and Tent Sites adjacent to Coyote Lake. Our first camp site was RV4, highlighted yellow. California has been in an extended drought, so the lake has receded dramatically and there was no water next to our site. More on that later…
Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park is part of the Santa Clara County Parks system. The camp sites at Coyote Lake are particularly nice - spacious, level, and not too close to each other. Each RV site has it's own electricity and water but no sewer hookup (there is a dump station a short distance down the entrance road). The tent sites do not have electricity or individual water but they are spacious, level, and also not too close to each other.
The Trailer
This is our trailer, a 2016 Oliver Legacy Elite II. Coyote Lake is surrounded by foothills. The Western foothills are in the background.
Our fire pit can be seen in front of the chairs and foot rests. We have it set up for cooking on the attached grill, along with another grill that we brought. There is also a table under the trailer awning with a propane BBQ, electric rice cooker, electric frying pan, and other cooking stuff. We can cook just about anything with this setup.
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
The Rig
Our trailer with the tow vehicle, a 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon, in place at our camp site with the Eastern foothills in the background. When the lake is full it is just beyond the grassy area, and extends for about a half mile to the right (South) and three miles to the left (North).
The large Oak tree (and a smaller tree not visible behind it) provide afternoon shade in the summer, which is why RV4 is our favorite spot. No other RV spot in this park has a large tree in the perfect “afternoon shade” position.
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
The Site
Looking North toward the Tent Site area and the lake, which is not visible in this photo.
On the day we arrived, March 5, 2018, there were a few other campers in other RV spots, but most sites were unoccupied. Within a few days all other RV campers were gone and we had the whole place to ourselves. The weather was beautiful – mostly sunny days in the 60’s and nights down into the mid 30’s. We have a heated water hose so fresh water is available even with freezing temps.
The fence partially visible on the right separates site RV4 from site 5. Site 5 is designated as a “group” site. It has multiple fire pits, multiple cooking grills and so forth, and spots for up to 10 cars to park.
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Turkey On a Fence
This wild turkey is sitting on the fence mentioned above, trying to figure out if I’m about to attack. (Nope, just taking your picture…).
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Showing Off
This picture of wild turkeys was taken from inside the trailer. There are a ton of turkeys here. Flocks of 50 or more come by almost every morning with the males fanning their tails to impress the females.
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Evening Feeding
This is the dry lake bed area to the East of our site (where the lake would be if it was full). Many wild animals feed here, including the wild pigs and cows in this picture.
There are two or three families of wild pigs that wander around the campground areas digging up the ground and generally making a mess. This family has one male, two females, and somewhere around twenty piglets.
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Morning Feeding
The same family of pigs feeding in the same area the next morning.
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Later That Day
Another group of cows feeding in the dry lake bed later that day. I really like those trees with white bark.
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
White Bark Trees
A closer look at those trees.
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Coyote Lake
A picture of the lake, which is a short walk North from the camp site. You can really see how much the drought has reduced the lake level.
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canadian Geese
Canadian Geese fly in to spend winters here. The two above are flying in almost perfect unison.
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
A Brave One
This one was very brave – just stood there as I approached...
Canon EOS 5Ds
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
