Expert: Steve Summers - 7/27/2009

Question
My husband and two kids just moved to Redondo Beach.  My in-laws are coming to visit/babysit and my husband and I would like to go on a little get-away (1-2 nights).  We're currently almost broke after the move so we were thinking about tent camping possibly near Santa Barbara so we could pop into town.  Or any other camping relatively closeby that's preferably quieter than family popular places).  We also have a friend that lives in Pomona.  Any recommendations?

Answer
Hi Shauna,

Any type of camping is going to be popular with families. Unless of course, you get an RV and go to an RV park that is mostly filled with seniors. The best place I can recommend is Carpinteria State Beach. However, like all beach campgrounds, it's been booked since January 2. Other campgrounds include El Capitan, Refugio, and McGrath. If you can take the heat, Lake Cachuma has camping that is first-come, first served. It's in the mountains above Santa Barbara, about 30 minutes from downtown.

If you're looking for something that isn't quite so crowded, there are some campgrounds on Paradise Road near SB. You can check them out at www.reserveamerica.com. These are federal campgrounds without all the amenities you get at a state campground (like showers).

Either way, take a look at reserveamerica.com. You might find a cancellation.

Have fun!