Expert: Ernest Tufft - 1/15/2008

Question
We reside in L.A.,my sister resides in San Jose we are looking for a GREAT camping site that accomodates us "tenting" and her family "r.v.ing" in between where we both live. Definitely looking for fires permitted and recreational water to play or do water sports in. Fishing would be a bonus.Issue is attempting to meet halfway or semi to not overburden either with all the driving. Any suggestions? There are children involved ranging from 10-15.
Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!

Answer
Hi Ashlee,

I had answered this question, but the All Experts system tells me now that it didn't get received.  Perhaps the most popular park would be Big Sur, along coastal Highway 1, but also consider Lake Nacimiento, a ski boat reservoir with private camping in a number of places, just a few miles outside of Paso Robles.  If you use the place name in google, you will come up with more information.  G-14, the country road through this area is the original DeAnza Historical Trail, and nearby is Mission San Antonia de Padua, the only California mission to have retained it's original lovely inland valley setting.  This region is underappreciated by tourists, so it shouldn't be over booked.  While the coast may be fogged in and dreary, just inside the Santa Lucia Mountain range, these inland valleys off Highway 101 can be very pleasant and warm.  Highway 101 is also a lot easier to drive than winding Hwy 1.  Depending upon the time of year though, they may be too hot for comfort, so consider your arrival time carefully.  Have fun...