Expert: Steve Summers - 3/26/2007

Question
Hi Steve, we live in Riverside and are trying to plan a camping birthday party for my son's 7th birthday.  We would have a group of approx. 4 families (3 trailers and 1 tent).  We are looking for a good beach camping spot, but are open to any others you may recommend.  Birthday is Memorial Day Weekend so there is not much time.  We know we may have to do it another weekend if there is nothing available.  Thanks for your help and time.
Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,

This is the time of year when I get a lot of these questions. The best place to have this, IMHO, is Carpinteria State Beach. There are several groups sites where your group would fit, and there are a lot of fun things to do in the town (see my other answers).

However, the bad news is that it's Memorial Day weekend, which is open for reservations back on Nov 1. Most people don't naturally think of making camping reservations for the spring back in November, but it's one of the realities of such a popular spot.

I did a check for all my favorite beach campgrounds for that weekend (south to north, from SD to SB):San Elijo, South Carlsbad, San Clemente, Doheney, Carpinteria, El Capitan, and Refugio. Even some lesser ones like Leo Carrillo and McGrath which aren't on the beach, but across a road. Alas, all are completely booked at this time. At this point, your only chance might be one or two of the private campgrounds, which cater mostly to RV's, but still allow tent camping: Campland on the Bay (camplandonthebay.com) by San Diego, or Newport Dunes in Newport Beach (newportdunes.com). They'll be more expensive, but may be the only choice at this point.

You might have some luck with some campgrounds in the mountains. I noted that Silverwood Lake (near Cajon Summit, off I-15) had some openings. There are also some campgrounds in the Big Bear area run by the national Forest Service.

Good luck,

Steve