Expert: Steve Summers - 12/4/2006

Question
Hi Steve, I've read another answer you've given and was absolutely blown away by your thoroughness and attention to detail! Mind if I ask a question?

We just bought a pop-up trailer and are wanting to do a 10-day road trip over the Christmas/New Years holiday. We are coming from Oregon and will be traveling with a 19-month old baby.

Ideally we'd like to camp at 2-3 sites for a few days at a time. Normally when we come to So. Cal, we we do the Disney thing which we love. But we should probably check out some other places. Historically we've been backcountry backpackers, but with the baby we aren't quite that free. But we enjoy scenic beauty and nature and are pretty laid back. I have to say that the idea of parking in an RV park sort of freaks us out, so some more "natural" campground (though with hookups!) recommendations would be welcomed.

We've been thinking of Southern CA, but aren't set on that. Mostly we'd like to get to a moderate climate, out of the Oregon rain.

Any ideas you could suggest would be welcomed.

Thanks so much,
Amy

Answer
Hi Amy,

I have a few suggestions for you, but let's remember that SoCal is just a little short on the "scenic beauty" mixed with hookups. It's just the nature of the desert we live in. For scenic beauty, you usually need a little more of that rain. With that in mind, I have a few suggestions:

Olema Ranch Campground, 25 miles north of SF. It's an RV park, but you can also tent camp or hook up your popup. It's a beautiful setting, and close enough to SF, and Point Reyes. There are plenty of trees, and it's quite beautiful there.

Big Sur Campground & Cabins: Close to Monterey, alongside Big Sur creek in beautiful Big Sur. Besides Monterey, you can explore the Big Sur area where there are plenty of places to explore, including some waterfalls and nice hikes.

Pismo Coast Village: This is a premier RV park, one we have enjoyed many times. It's not "back to nature", but I believe you'll have an excellent time there. The resort is adjacent to the beach, and the town and pier are a short walk/stroller ride away. There's a little merry-go-round that our 5 YO loved (and still does, even though she's too big), and a nice heated pool and a little wading pool. Both are heated year round. We love the town, where you can get excellent chowder at Splash Cafe or Pismo Beach Fish & Chips. There are playgrounds throughout the grounds, so you can play on the slides with the baby.

Carpinteria State Beach: If you've read my responses, you know how much I love Carpinteria. This is a great beach, but you have to make your reservations a long time in advance. For example, on Nov 1, we were calling to try to get reservations for Memorial Day. (Phone 800-444-7275) Sadly, we got skunked. Be sure to try to get a beachfront site in the Santa Rosa section (which has sewer hookups), or San Miguel (no sewer, just electrical & water). The beachfront sites are spectacular, and it's so nice to be able to go right out on to the sand with the baby. The town is also very nice, as well. It's the self-proclaimed "Safest Beach in the World", and deservedly so.

Canyon RV Park: As a family park, this one is pretty good but not great. Good playground, park is right next to bike path, but also right next to the 91 freeway and the noise is quite prevalent throughout the park. Pool is seasonal. The rope course advertised on the website looks cool, but is operated by an outside vendor and is not always open. Game room is shabby, camp "store" is pretty slim pickins'- make sure you don't forget anything. Front desk help is not exactly rude but they aren't helpful or cheerful either. There are a number of permamnent and semi-permanent residents and all the sites are sort of mixed together. All told, this is an ok park and beats most others in the Anaheim area. The nice part is that it's about 6 miles from Disneyland, an easy drive.

Hope this helps,

Steve