Hoping for Veterans/Remembrance day on a Cal Beach

[hwitten]

I have about a 7 day window for some camping and hope to spend it without needing a heavy jacket, on a California beach. I have to go to Stockton on business so am hoping to make a beeline to Santa Cruz and then south on #1. Looking for some local knowledge and suggestions as to where to spend the time.

First, and actually only priority other than warmer than at home: close to the water.
I've been researching Morro Bay State Park but am hoping that something is available further North so that I can keep to and fro driving reasonable.

Second, finding space. How difficult should I expect it to be to find a camping spot. Don't need any facilities other than reasonably open to sky for solar and satellite texting. Should I be looking to make reservations since part of the stay is over the Veterans day weekend?

The plan is to hot-foot it to Stockton, then on to the #1 and spend as much time as possible along highway 1 as close to water as possible.

Heinz

[atahoekid]

I've looked at the same area for a while and I think there are 3 or 4 good beach camping sites nearby Santa Cruz. I would google it. I think one is called New Brighton Beach. I've never camped there either but would like to hear what others think... Anyone got an opinion?

[Vedette]

We tried to Camp up the California Coast this summer. But between the permanent "Campground Full" signs and the cold weather, it was not a fun experience!
Maybe you should look at going east to Vegas for the Thanksgiving Gathering they are having........check out South West!
We missed you at the Fall Brigade. (You missed the Rain)
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Esteban]

There are California State Park campgrounds in San Simeon, Morro Bay (2 campgrounds) and at Montana de Oro (south of Morro Bay).
SLO State Parks information and links to Califonia state parks in San Luis Obispo county
Beach Camping San Luis Obispo Yelp reviews

For camping along the Big Sur coastline here is a link to your choices CAMPING IN BIG SUR

camp one manages federal campgrounds in the Big Sur area Kirk Creek is spectacular. Limekiln is nice with nearby redwoods (hot showers too I think). Plaskett Creek is nice and right across from beautiful Sand Dollar beach. Google Images of Kirk Creek

Google map of Big Sur campgrounds I think the private Ventana campground is closed.

Wander the West Big Sur campground map Big Sur campground map and information click on the campgrounds for more information.

Beach Camping Big Sur Yelp reviews

Should I be looking to make reservations since part of the stay is over the Veterans day weekend?

I would advise making reservations. Especially so for a holiday weekend. Some campgrounds have some sites that cannot be reserved so an early arrival may or may not get you a spot. October and early November can have very nice weather along the coast. The summer fog is gone and the rainy season usually has not started yet. Bring shorts, jeans and clothes for layering to suit the weather.

I don't know the Santa Cruz area as well. Here are some campground listings:
Camping on the Coast
New Brighton State Beach with links to reservations
Beach Camping Santa Cruz Yelp listings and reviews
Welcome to California camping area state wide.
California central coast road conditions

Note that Highway 1 to the north of us at Rocky Creek (Mile Marker 59.5) will be closed Sun-Thurs from 9pm - 7am from Oct 20 through Feb 2013. For more information, contact the Cal-Trans Highway 1 - Cambria to Carmel Toll-Free hotline at (888) 836-0866

Pacific Valley Big Sur, Big Sur, CA weather station

Have fun and enjoy your vacation.

[hwitten]

Thank you all.

A few links I had not found on my own.
I'll probably have to do the early arrival/fingers crossed approach but may try reservations for the weekend. In addition to not being able to plan too far ahead I find it hard to pick sites from maps.

We did luck out on our summer trip at Manchester Beach and beachside near Waldport.

On an aside, Manchester Beach host mentioned that there is usually room and even when not they will try and accommodate. They have lots of space. Not on the beach but close and it was a nice location. KOA next door (even further away from beach) was packed. Guess some people just can't live without a plug-in.

[atahoekid]

First, let me give you a little background. I am something of a control freak... With that said, I would NEVER try beach camping anywhere on the West Coast at any time without either a reservation or a good reassurance from someone in the know that there will be space. In my opinion, camping spots along the coastline are few and highly sought after. I'd hate to hope for the best and be disappointed. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck on your journeys