Expert: Steve Summers - 6/2/2004

Question
Kamping Kahuna, i need to know of an awesome camping site thats not too expensive, but that can take a reservation at the last minute, because my friends and i are doing a couple camping trip at the last minute this weekend and we cant really find anything can you maybe help and recommend some places in southern california.

Answer
Hi Christina!

Here is my list of "last-minute deals".

First check out www.reserveamerica.com. There are a few sites still available.

Carpinteria State Beach is my favorite campground of all. I was just there over Memorial Day Weekend, and would you believe that there were some campsites available because people canceled at the last minute? If you get to the campground before 8 AM, you have a chance to get one of these cancellations. Carp does have availability Sunday and Monday.

Jalama Beach is one of the best-kept secrets in California. Just don't tell anyone. Check it out at www.jalamabeach.com. The beach is pristine, and because it's out of the way, it's not crowded like other beaches. The downside is that if there is a missile launch at Vandenburg (about 3x a year), everyone has to clear out. They don't take reservations, so send a scout out to get a spot.

Cachuma Lake is in the mountains above Santa Barbara, and also is first-come, first served. Check out www.santabarbaraparks.org/DOCS/camping.html.

San Simeon has some availability in the Washoe (AKA "overflow") sites. Like Gilligan's Island, it's primitive as can be.

Doheney, San Elijo, and South Carlsbad are all booked up, and tend to be more difficult to get into, which is why I'm concentrating on the sites in SB and SLO counties.

Morro Strand in Morro Bay has some availability, but these are mostly RV sites.

If it was me, I'd send scouts to several campgrounds with cell phones. That will increase your chances of getting a site.

Good luck,

Steve