End Summer with a Splash at One of California's Waterfront Campgrounds
With the end of summer approaching quickly, there's no better time for families to pitch a tent or park an RV next to one of California's many shimmering shores. From creeks to lakes to the vast Pacific Ocean, California has a multitude of waterways to discover and explore.
For swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, tidepooling, or whatever else your heart desires, check out some of California's great campsites all close to a river, lake or ocean near you. Here are just a few of the many options California offers:
Shasta Cascade
In the shadow of Lassen Peak, seven campgrounds and four picnic areas are nestled along ten miles of Hat Creek in the Hat Creek Recreation Area. Outdoor opportunities are abundant with fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking, wildlife observation and natural history. Families can explore the area's fascinating volcanic past by visiting nearby lava tubes, dormant and extinct volcanoes and massive lava flows. For more information call 530-336-5521 or toll free 877-444-6777, or visit: www.reserveusa.com.
North Coast
Families who prefer lakes to oceans will like camping at Lake Mendocino Recreation Area near Ukiah. This private, gated campground offers spaces for RV or tent camping on the north shore of Lake Mendocino. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, an evening campfire program, and a large, grassy park with a roped-off swimming area and beach. The visitor center has an interesting exhibit on the history of the Pomo people, the Native Americans of this region. For more information call 707-462-7581 or toll free 877-444-6777, or visit http://www.reserveusa.com/.
Mackerricher State Park outside of Fort Bragg features 143 campsites on 2,030 acres. Families can enjoy picnicking, tide pooling, hiking, biking and equestrian trails, and eight miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline. Visitors can tour Fort Bragg's picturesque Noyo Harbor on the south end of town or stroll the spectacular Ten Mile Beach on the north. For more information call 707-937-5804 or toll free 800-444-7275, or visit http://www.gomendo.com/.
San Francisco Bay Area
In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park with four camping areas offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. For very adventurous families with older children, camping on Angel Island is considered a backpacking experience visitors arrive on the island by boat armed only with what they can carry, sometimes for two miles to reach the campsites. While the sites do have running water, only pit toilets are available, but the hardship is worth it for a truly unique camping experience. For more information call 415-435-1915 or toll free 800-444-PARK (7275), or visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/.
Central Valley
Whether your family consists of fishermen, water skiers or those who just want to cruise the California Delta, Lundborg Landing on Bethel Island offers something for everyone. Nestled under 13 acres of shady trees, the Landing is the ideal location to park an RV or pitch a tent. A renowned bass fishing location, families can rent bass boats and participate in mid-week bass tournaments. Float planes are also welcome. For more information call 925-684-9351 or visit www.lundborglanding.com.
Head to the Kern River Valley for a picturesque campsite at the Kern River Campground, featuring 50 campsites, picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms and showers. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy kayaking on the upper and lower Kern River, and rafting on the lower section, as well as mountain biking, hiking and birding. For more information call 661-868-7000 or visit www.co.kern.ca.us/parks.
Gold Country
Nestled in the Sierra foothills of El Dorado County at 3,500 feet elevation, Sly Park offers camping, picnicking, fishing, biking, hiking, swimming, boating, water-skiing and equestrian trails. Seven campgrounds are available, a total 164 individual sites, each with table, fire ring and barbecue. Surrounding Jenkinson Lake, this beautiful campground offers serenity and beauty at the base of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range. For more information call 530-644-2792 or visit http://www.eldoradocounty.org/.
High Sierra
Surrounded by pine forests and located next to the longest stretch of sandy beach on Lake Tahoe's southwest shore is Camp Richardson Resort. Featuring a full service marina and bike rentals, Camp Richardson Resort offers an abundance of adventurous ways to explore Tahoe's great outdoors. For more information call 530-541-1801 or toll free 800-544-1801, or visit http://www.camprichardson.com/.
Meeks Bay Resort & Marina, located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe in Meeks Bay, offers the water enthusiast an array of activities. In addition to tent and RV sites yards from the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe, the Meeks Bay Resort & Marina features a boat ramp, slip spaces available by the day or week, ski boat rentals, canoe and kayak rentals, guided fishing excursions, paddleboats and water toys. For information call 530-525-6946 or toll free 877-326-3357, or visit www.meeksbayresort.com.
Central Coast
A favorite spot along the Monterey County coast is Big Sur, long-loved for its spectacular seaside cliffs and redwoods, lush canyons, rocky beaches and wildlife watching opportunities. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers camping facilities along the Big Sur River. A sunny afternoon in Big Sur might include time spent floating down the Big Sur River, lounging on the beach at Andrew Molera State Park, or fishing at Garrapata State Park. For more information call 831-667-2315 or toll free 800-444-PARK (7275), or visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/.
Boasting the "World's Safest Beach," Carpinteria is a calm stretch of coastline excellent for swimming and beach fishing. The Carpinteria State Beach Campground has 227 sites, showers, restrooms, barbecue grills and open fire pits, making it an easy and accessible location. Carpinteria State Beach is an ideal location for spotting starfish, sea anemones, and other sea life in its many tide pools. Kayaks and bikes are available for rent, and a Nature Center houses exhibits on wildlife and the environment. For more information call 805-968-1033 or toll free 800-444-PARK (7275), or visit http://www.reserveamerica.com/.
Los Angeles County
For those seeking pristine beaches by day and sightseeing attractions by night, Malibu Beach RV Park offers the best of both worlds. Visitors can enjoy dolphin and whale watching, ocean swimming, and an outdoor spa "under the stars," along with easy access to area attractions such as Universal Studios, the Getty Museum and Hollywood. For more information call 310-456-6052 or toll free 800-622-6052, or visit http://www.maliburv.com/.
East Shore RV Park, located on the banks of stream-fed Puddingstone Lake in San Dimas, features large picnic areas, boat rentals, lake and pool swimming, water skiing, sail boating and jet skiing. A large county park located within walking distance also offers visitors an 18-hole golf course, waterslides, hiking and bicycling trails. For more information call 909-599-8355 or toll free 800-809-3778, or visit http://www.eastshorervpark.com/.
Orange County
Called the "Ritz of RV Parks" by the Los Angeles Times, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort offers luxury accommodations for visiting families. Whether traveling in a RV, camping under the stars in a tent, or renting one of the cozy beachfront cottages, everyone can enjoy the secluded beach complete with a waveless swimming lagoon. Activities include a pool, spa, kayaking, sailboat rentals and more. In addition, a boat launch is available. For more information call 949-729-3863 or visit www.newportdunes.com.
Deserts
Located almost two miles below the Parker Dam and Lake Havasu and nestled beside the Colorado River, the Sunshine Resort is a great place for vacationers looking for an oasis to get away from it all. Offering serene views of the Arizona Mountains, boating facilities and great fishing, the Sunshine Resort is an ideal place to relax and play. It is also a short boat ride to the Blue Water Casino and a quick drive to Emerald Canyon Golf Course. For more information call 760-663-3098 or visit http://www.sunshineresort.info/.
Inland Empire
Surrounded by the pine forest of the San Bernardino Mountains is the picturesque Serrano Campground. Close to the town of Big Bear and a stone's throw from Big Bear Lake, the Serrano Campground features tent campsites with views of the lake. Popular activities at Serrano include hiking, mountain biking, boating and fishing. For more information call 909-866-8550 or visit www.reserveuse.com.
San Diego County
Nestled among the avocado-covered foothills near Escondido is Dixon Lake Regional Park, which offers excellent fishing, scenic camping and attractive picnic areas. The 47 campsites provide breathtaking views of the lake and the city of Escondido far below. For more information call 760-741-3328 or visit http://www.lakedixon.com/.
South Carlsbad State Beach is located three miles south of Carlsbad overlooking the beach and features 222 bluff top campsites. The 110-acre park, with a dramatic staircase that leads down to the beach, offers swimming, fishing, picnicking, scuba diving and surfing. For more information call 760-438-3143 or toll free 800-444-7275, or visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/.
