Expert: Steve Summers - 7/5/2007

Question
Hi ...we just got a new travel trailer and and wanting to do some last minute
trips this summer and fall.  Can you give me any advice on beach
camping...we love Leo Carillo and Jalama and El Capitan...and how to get in
without reservations...when to go etc.
We have 4 kids...7 months-6 years old and live in the south bay.
Thanks so much!!
Laura

Answer
Hi Laura,

My wife and I LOVE camping at the beach, especially at Carpinteria, our favorite spot. But we both roll our eyes in unison when these questions come up. California beaches are some of the hardest places to get reservations, and to get in without reservations in the summer is next to impossible. Here's why: Let's say you just happen to show up at Carpinteria at 8 AM. The rangers will put your name on a wait list. During that hour, if any spots are available, they will go to people who already have reservations and want to stay an extra day (and haven't reached the limit). THEN, if there are any sites left, they will dole them out on a first-come, first served basis. More often than not, the people who want to stay an extra day don't even get a site.

Basically, your only hope at this point is to lurk around reserveamerica.com, hoping for a cancellation. It could happen. Especially since I just answered a question for someone who got site 153 at Carpinteria, and they only have a tent (it's an RV site).

If you like Leo Carrillo, you'll LOVE Carpinteria. First off, the place is Chock-full of kids. And bikes. And scooters. So if the kids aren't playing in the water, they are riding their bikes or scooters. Second, there is a cute little town nearby with an old-fashioned candy store, a local burger joint (The Spot), and a Foster's Freeze. A burger and fries at the Spot ranks right up there with a Jalama Burger!

Once Labor Day rolls around, however, your chances improve greatly. September and October are excellent months to go, since the weather is usually still warm, and the big crowds are gone (except for the first weekend in October- the Avocado Festival). If you like El Cap, you will also like Refugio, just 2 miles away.

Shoot me an email or a private question, maybe we could go camping sometime! We're always looking for camping buddies (we have a 6YO girl and a 30 foot motorhome).

Good luck,

Steve