Expert: Ernest Tufft - 4/29/2010

Question
Hello!
My husband and I decided to take our honeymoon this summer since we are both unemployed and what better way then to hop in our van and travel through ca wa and or camping for free! Since we don't make $$$$$ and what we do make gives us a bugdget of about $30 a day so we figured if we spend 2 to 3 days at each location (can be longer/shorter) and try to see as much as possible during the visit. We really wanted to find a beautiful place along the beach to start (we are in big bear lake ca) but most places smash our budget the first night! So we are heading to his parents for a week or so then up to visit family at lake pilsbury then headed north for our escursion. We would like to know if you are aware of any places to stop with in 2 to 3 hours of eachother to camp our van for free (no water or bathrooms necessary we have it all) preferrably by lakes or rivers to fish or swim in. I really appreciate all information you can give this trip can be anywhere from 1 month to 3! Thanks again Erin and Brian

Answer
Why not make an adventure out of a period of unemployment!  Unfortunately, during this recession, local and state governments have closed or reduced many facilities for camping, and in other cases, fees have increased to help with the budget crisis.  In California, there are now fewer and fewer beach areas available for overnight camping or parking for free.  Your best bet is to do as you will probably anyways and simply drive the coast, keeping eyes pealed for such an opportunity as it presents itself.  In general, state parks are cheaper than national parks, and regional parks are less likely to have overnight camping.  Parking right on the beach is exceeding rare, although the state park for RV parking at Aptos, CA is a very popular beach front spot (it's not free though, and it's very crowded).  I'm not so familiar with the Oregon and Washington coasts, but I do expect there to be more opportunities for free camping on the beach.  Use the state and national park websites to research specifics on each campground.  These websites are very well developed.  Sorry I can't be of more help.