Pipi Valley campground, Eldorado CA

TENTATIVE DATES!
This camping foray takes place in the Sierras at the PiPi Valley campground off Highway 88, between Jackson and Kirkwood. It traditionally takes place on the first weekend of May, or as soon as the snow has melted. For this reason the date is somewhat flexible, so stay tuned for updates. We usually find either morels, Spring King boletes, or both, and often coccoras. The campground is gorgeous with the Consumes River running through it. If this isn’t enough, we enjoy the harbingers of spring and morels: the beautiful white flowers of the Western Dogwood, Cornus nuttallii and the stunning red spikes of the saprophytic snow- plant, Sarcodes sanguinea. Look but don’t pick—snowplants are protected. Learn about them at http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/snowplant.html
WHAT TO EXPECT: This is a drive-in camp which includes the usual pit toilets, tables, fire pits and barbecues. Drinking water is also available, but no showers. Depending on snow levels, drinking water may not be available in early May so check with the Campground before your trip. Campers pay for their own campsites, and doubling up is encouraged as it makes the whole event much more social. There are no sites reserved for us, but we try to concentrate on the back loop. Don’t feel like camping? There are other lodging options in the area. A Google search for motels in Pioneer or Jackson will give you lodging options.
MUSHROOM HUNTING: Groups go out Saturday morning around 9am. Some people come back for lunch, some stay out all day. On Sunday some people stay around to hunt, others hunt on the way home.
WHAT TO BRING: Saturday night is the extremely fine Pipi Potluck, in which we test the sheer strength of several Parks Service picnic tables with our food. This is campground haute cuisine! Bring an entrée or a side dish to share and your beverage of choice. Desserts are always welcome. This starts around 7pm at a campsite to be announced. Weather is varied so bring layers. It can get quite cold at night, a lovely warm during the day and it has been know to rain or snow during the foray. Bring your camping gear as well as mushroom collecting gear.
DIRECTIONS: Make your way to Jackson in the Gold Rush Area. Then continue on Hwy. 88 for 30 miles until a sign points you left to Pipi Valley. Go 1 mile, then bear right at the fork and go downhill 8 miles to the campground.
RESERVATIONS: Foray attendance does not require reservations. If you want to camp, make sure to reserve a campsite. You will pay individually for your campsite upon arrival. The cost is $20/night for up to two cars; third car costs $5 extra. Golden Age Card holders (62+) are half price. Reservations are made online at: http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Pipi_Campground_Ca/r/campgroundDetails.do?page=details&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70554&topTabIndex=CampingSpot