Favorite Campgrounds??????????

[JimQPublic]

I pretty much agree with Beacher's list above.

Regarding hookups-  I spent a lot of money to have a self contained trailer and originally avoided any hint of hookups.  In general full hookups seems to mean small spots and big RV's as neighbors.  Nice folks but it seems more like townhouse living than camping.  Lots of folks like their electricity though and it seems that there are lots of generators and idling engines at non-hookup campgrounds.

San Diego County Parks seem to have a good compromise- Electric but not sewer hookups.  The big RV's are less likely to move in for an extended stay because they want sewer.  Nobody needs to run a generator or idle an engine for electricity so it's quieter and better smelling.

Next thing you know I'll have tacky lights and a microwave in the trailer!

Jim

[Russinator]

Hello Tracy, Fishinful and all others. Thanks for your suggestions. Fishinful said: "I saw your pictures of the Ranch, Gaviota pier and whatnot, seems like you've covered so. cal. pretty much from stem to stern" ................ Fishinful is correct, I have been up and down the California coast and all over Baja. However, I've limited myself to the beach areas for surfing. Now I'm thinking of exploring inland to see what I've been missing out on all these years. I started surfing in 1956 and never wanted to do anything but surf. For some crazy reason I feel like I'm ready for something different in my life. Who knows, after giving it a try I might realize that inland is nice [I know it is] but the beach is where I belong. Whatever happens, it'll be fun.

[Chez Way]

Here are a few of our favorite campgrounds:

Montana De Oro--especially in the spring when the iris and poppies are blooming.  This goes back to our tent camping days when pit toilets were acceptable (we put an end to that when my son was potty training and he kept on trying to look down the toilet!).  This is a great spot for mountain bike riding too.

Yosemite valley--I just wish it wasn't so far away.  Nothing like waking up in the morning to a cup of coffee and a view of Half Dome.

Carpinteria--we just love camping in our pop up on the beach row with hookups.  The kids love the tide pools and the waves are great for boogie boarding and body surfing.  I also like the convenience of being able to walk or bike ride to "The Spot" for the best burgers in southern California.  

And last, but not least, anywhere with the ScCampers!  It sure is fun camping with our group.  We're really looking forward to returning to Trick-R-Treat in Temecula and the big 4-0 rally at Campland (hey guys, don't forget to sign up!)

[Chez Way]

...  We have not camped in the same campground twice except for Dogwood campground, but here are our favorites:

George, I forgot about Dogwood.  We used to go up there for quick weekend trips.  The last time I checked on it (probably about 10 years ago) the campground was closed for upgrade.  So what's it like these days?

[GeorgeHR]

They have upgraded it again, as of May 2004 there are partial hookup sites now.  We love camping among all of the pinetrees.  The only hassle these days is getting there.   I read somewhere that the Inland Empire/Riverside area now has the 5th worst traffic in the country.

George, I forgot about Dogwood.  We used to go up there for quick weekend trips.  The last time I checked on it (probably about 10 years ago) the campground was closed for upgrade.  So what's it like these days?

[Azusateach]

Here are a few of our favorite campgrounds:
Carpinteria--we just love camping in our pop up on the beach row with hookups.  The kids love the tide pools and the waves are great for boogie boarding and body surfing.  I also like the convenience of being able to walk or bike ride to "The Spot" for the best burgers in southern California.  

Hey -
   Does this place have an official name?  How hard is it to get reservations this time of year?  I've got a 3-day weekend next weekend & that might just be the place to head!  Thanks!

Laura

[Chez Way]

Hey -
   Does this place have an official name?  How hard is it to get reservations this time of year?  I've got a 3-day weekend next weekend & that might just be the place to head!  Thanks!

Laura

Hi Laura,
Since it is a California state park it can be very difficult to get reservations.  Although we have had luck with reservations at the last minute.  Check out reserveamerica.com and go to Carpinteria.  You may even want to call to check for cancellations.  The campsite area is called Santa Rosa beach row.  San Miguel beach row is okay too but they don't have full hookups.  Good luck!
Jeanne

[Dee4j]

I pretty much agree with Beacher's list above.

Regarding hookups-  I spent a lot of money to have a self contained trailer and originally avoided any hint of hookups.  In general full hookups seems to mean small spots and big RV's as neighbors.  Nice folks but it seems more like townhouse living than camping.  Lots of folks like their electricity though and it seems that there are lots of generators and idling engines at non-hookup campgrounds.

Jim

That's interesting..Our ideas are totally opposite, but I never thought of it from your stand point, it makes a lot of sense.  I spent the $$$ for fully self contained to have Full hook-ups. I like having MY own bathroom & shower, while my niagara had that you still have to take the cassette and dump it, now I just pull a lever. I started out camping in my pick em up truck, then moved to 2 different size tents, then the PU and now the hybrid.  

I DO agree with not liking the SMALL sites and being in a parking lot setting, some places are better than others.

But Dan and I see it as a way to take the family on a trip , see things, have fun with alot less work and money.  we would not be able to take as many trips if we had to pay for a hotel and eat 3 meals a day out. seeesh it cost us $18 for lunch at jack in the box today. (the "kids meal"days are over for Kevin  :banghead: Darn kid needs to quit growing )

[Dee4j]

If you ever make it to Oregon, you can't go wrong with their State Parks.  Jessie Honeyman is the BEST!!!  

 
Anyways, this website is a good one that I've referred to when planning trips:
 
www.rvparkreviews.com

Thanks for the great link,I will be traveling up tp WA and back in June and this is providing me with some useful info

Thanks
 see you in April

[Unregistered]

Mountain Camping:
Wawona Campground, Yosemite National Park.

Beach Camping:
Morro Bay State Beach

Desert Camping:
Joshua Tree

Membership Campground:
Silent Valley

Resort Campground:
San Diego KOA (Chula Vista)

[kimrb266]

Mountain camping is my favorite, but beach camping is playing a close second.
 
Carpenteria State beach is a yearly trek for us. The kids love the beach (and the trains going by).  Santa Barbara is so close we run up there for a fun day.
We like the full hook-ups usually do not have problems when using reserveusa.com, as long as we plan ahead.
 
Loved Sequoia NP and we're travelling to Yosemite this year.  I think we might try desert camping next year.