I have been planning a trip out of Cherry lake for July. I would spend the first night at Cherry lake after driving from the Bay Area, then hike to Kibbe Lake, Many Island Lake, Boundary Lake, then back down Kibbe Ridge to Cherry Lake.
Everything went to hell today when I phoned the Groveland Ranger Station. First, I can't get a wilderness permit in advance. I can call the day before I want to enter the wilderness and hope that the quota is not filled. The ranger said that they start taking calls at 8:30 am, so "just keep dialing."
Then, I find out that the campground on the west side of Cherry Lake is mostly full for the date that I want. The ranger told me that there are first come, first serve sites, and dispersed camping south of the lake at "Cherry Burro Sites" which I couldn't find on CalTopo's forest service map. The Cherry Valley Campground website says there is wilderness "boat-in" camping on the east side of the lake. Is anyone familiar with these?
I don't mind the dispersed camping. I don't need a picnic table, fire pit and restroom. I just need access to water. If I can't get the wilderness permit for Kibbe Lake, I will head to Lake Eleanor first, then up to Kibbe Lake, then back to my car. I just want to camp by a lake and go fishing! Is that so difficult?