The crackle of the campfire and the cheeriness provided by cannabis: ahhh, the perfect pairing. Seriously – what could be better than smoking with your friends in the great outdoors while you gaze up at the stars, trading stories and chomping down marshmallows?
That said, we have some news that might be a bit of a buzz kill.
GreenState recently discovered that while you can possess up to 28.5 grams (roughly an ounce) of marijuana at California state parks, you can’t legally use it. Rules are similar in other states where weed is recreationally legal, like Oregon, Washington and Colorado.
Lucky for you: we’ve rounded up a list of campsites around the U.S. where private land owners have opened up their grounds, meaning you can have your joint and smoke it, too.
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OREGON
Smoke on the Water prides itself on being Oregon’s “first cannabis friendly campground.” Located in Selma and in close proximity to Lake Selmac, Grants Pass and the Redwood Highway, there’s plenty to do between RV and tent camping, fishing, boating, swimming and hiking. If you’re willing to go off the beaten path, Rogue Siskiyou National Forest is fairly close. There’s even a country store on site to meet your needs for munchies. The campsite is also host to several special activities for campers, among them a 420 Cannabis Camp Out Fest.
COLORADO
Popular spots in Colorado for that elevated experience include CanyonSide Campground and Rustic River Cabins. CanyonSide can be found in the scenic Poudre Canyon, just across from the Cache La Poudre River. They’ve got a variety of eclectic activities, from “baking with cannabis” lessons to “puff & paint” classes for the artistically inclined, with munchies provided. The action-packed site also provides accommodations for whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly fishing and horseback riding, plus several hiking and ATV trails.
Tucked away in the Big Thompson Canyon nearby, Rustic River Cabins boasts seven all-season pet-friendly cabins with outside-only smoking. Vapes, edibles and dabs are an exception to the rule and can be used indoors. If you’re looking for a private spot to smoke, each cabin has its own ashtray, and there are several others around the property at tables and decks. Looking for a little buzz to enjoy with your morning coffee? Some cabins have front porches where you can smoke and enjoy the sunrise, or you can trek down the path by the river for a tranquil experience.
On your way over, consider checking out Karing Kind – Rustic River has a partnership with the dispensary, and if you show them proof of reservation at the campsite, they’ll give you a 10% discount on their products.
WASHINGTON STATE
For the outdoor enthusiast in Washington, you can enjoy a private, primitive experience at the Rose Creek Retreat located in Rosburg. Its secluded cannabis-friendly campsites are bursting with wildlife and picture-esque views. Pets are allowed, and you can take a leisurely stroll in the woods and look for owls, forage for berries or enjoy more traditional activities like paddleboarding and whitewater rafting. At night, snooze in a “wikiup” – an all-natural teepee-like structure composed of branches and various plants, and beautifully surrounded by flowers.
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CALIFORNIA
If you’re located in California or traveling there for its largest national park, Feeling Groovy at Eagle Creek Ranch is in close proximity and therefore would make a great home base to rest your head at night – and legally smoke. Surrounded by other cannabis-friendly campers, you can enjoy morning yoga, then head to the sitting pond to dip your toes in the water and watch for wildlife like black bear. Other activities include fishing, swimming and horseback riding.
When the cravings hit, you can utilize the barbecue pits and picnic tables, or check out the campsite’s farm-to-table restaurant and lounge. For that post-high snooze, get lulled to sleep by the soothing sound of Ripple Creek, and simply forget about civilization for awhile. At 4:20 each day, the ranch hosts a happy hour and bizarrely adorable colored sheep walk. You can smoke anytime, but marijuana use is limited to the great outdoors and needs to be kept out of cabins.
No other campsites exist in California – yet. Rumor has it that heavyweight champion and actor Mike Tyson plans to open a 40-acre weed resort in a Mojave Desert town two hours away from Los Angeles. Thanks to New Mexico’s recent decriminalization of marijuana possession, we expect to see more campgrounds popping up there, too.
Have any other favorite 4/20 friendly campsites that we missed? Contact amanda.bartlett@sfchronicle.com.