campground suggestions? CA coast

[DanKinAZ]

Hello --

We live in Arizona, and plan to travel to Carlsbad CA on Dec 31, but in the week prior to that, we are thinking of spending a week on the CA coast in our Teardrop, perhaps up around Santa Barbara??

So, we're wondering where the best spots are to spend a few days in our Teardrop on the coast? -- keeping in mind that we'll be coming from AZ and ending up in Carlsbad.

We'd like to have access to the coast for walking, and hiking in the hills, and also to some decent restaurants when cooking in the teardrop gets old! Another option might be to camp in the CA desert, but we're not all that familiar with options.

Any suggestions? Should we plan on camping north of LA? Or are there some decent places closer to Carlsbad?

Thanks,

Dan

[Archer_1]

Try Carpenteria State Beach. Its mid-way between Carlsbad and Santa Barbara. They have hook-ups (if you need/want power) and I think there are still spots available. We made reservations there on Sunday for 12-26/27; so if you end up there, stop by.

A more southern location you might want to check is Doheny State Beach; a bit suth of LA. Very pretty; but I don't know about availability.

[crankshaft]

Dan

Try Carlsbad State Beach itself.. Right on the coast and pretty nice


Look it up on the internet.

Crankshaft

[Ma3tt]

Pfieffer Big Sur is one of my favorites great coastal drive south to your desintation http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=570

Then cruise to Leo Carrillo Malibu,
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=616
eat at Neptunes Net down the PCH.

[emiller]

It's hard to get spots at the beach without 6 months advance reservations but have had luck before and it's easier this time of year, Try Refugio State Park it's very nice http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=603 or McGrath is usually easy http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=607 although not as nice and one of my favorites is Malibu RV park http://www.maliburv.com/home.htm

Eddie in Phoenix

[emiller]

I forgot we stayed at San Clemente State Beach on new years boy was it rainy but its a nice place http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=646

Eddie in Phoenix

[Gage]

Boy everyone has just about got the coast covered. I can't add anything except that there are about 4 north of Santa Barbara no futher than 15 miles north. There is also a couple down by Ventura. This time of the year, I've had luck just popping in for a quick get-a-way. Did some one mention El Capitan State Beach, another nice camp ground just north of Santa Barbara.

Have a safe trip & have a good day.

"El Capitán State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area. A bike trail connects the park with Refugio State Beach, 2.5 miles away."

[kurtibm]

You're just about to Carlsbad, but Doheny S.B. (Dana Point) has always been good to me.....(especially the sites right on the sand)

kurt

[DanKinAZ]

Thanks to you all. I wasn't aware of many of these. If we have time, we'll go further north and try the Big Sur area. If not, we'll check out some of the southerly sites.

I'm not used to camping in campgrounds since we usually dry camp out in the national forest -- it ensures privacy and (usually) quiet. Which leads me to another question -- do any of these parks have sections that are for small trailers and tents, or are we just as likely to be parked next to some 50' monster of an RV?

Thanks again,

Dan.

[Archer_1]

You're most likely going to be parked next to a monster; welcome to Kalifornia.

[Gage]

---------- do any of these parks have sections that are for small trailers and tents, or are we just as likely to be parked next to some 50' monster of an RV?
Thanks again,
Dan.

Here's a couple of pics at El Capitán State Beach, lower section. It's also dry camping. water and rest rooms near by.



Have a good day and enjoy your trip to the Coast.

[Guest]

Whoa... Six months in advance???
Things are a little bit different at this end of the state....
Let me know if you need some coastal campground info for Mendocino, Humboldt or Del Norte counties...

[emiller]

Dean I noticed that it's easier farther north we go. Planning in may to head up hwy1/101 to Oregon for vacation, might meet up with afew of you guys on our trip.

[Ma3tt]

I forgot I have pics of Big Sur



and Monarchs at Leo Carrillo they are usually there from now until January

[Kevin A]

8) Dean I noticed that it's easier farther north we go. Planning in may to head up hwy1/101 to Oregon for vacation, might meet up with afew of you guys on our trip.

What part of May? The dam gathering is going to be in early May. If you're coming through Eureka some time after that, we ought to all get together for a weekend somewhere. Waddya think Dean?