Expert: Steve Summers - 3/31/2006

Question
Hi Steve,

My daughter and I are YMCA Adventure Guides (formerly Indian Guides).  We are researching group campgrounds that will be large enough for our group yet accessible for a weekend getaway for our members liviing in the San Fernando Valley & Ventura Co.  We have used Lake Casitas, Far West, & McGrath.  Can you suggest others?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Pam,

You didn't mention how large your group is, but I know of a number of campgrounds that will accomodate large groups.

Of these, my favorite is Carpinteria State Beach. Last year, this beach went to "site specific" reservations, so rather than trying to get a bunch of campsites for your group, you can try for the two group sites here. One is called Heron (it's in the Santa Cruz section), and the other is called Racoon (in the Anacapa section). Of these, Heron is larger and has better bathroom and beach access. We love Carp because it is such a nice beach, has tidepools, and is close enough to town to walk. We have a tradition of eating at "The Spot", a local eatery on Linden Avenue. There is also an old fashioned candy store called Robitaille's (pronounced ROBE-it-ties). We camped there last year with 83 people in our group, though we had to reserve a couple extra sites to do it.

Refugio State Beach also has an excellent group site, which is on a small hill overlooking the ocean. It's about another 20 miles up the road, but great for camping.

Finally, Cachuma Lake in the mountains above Santa Barbara is another option. Besides the lake, you are a short drive from the VERY cute Danish village of Solvang. Go and have some abelskivers!

Have fun!

Steve