Chris asks…
Coastline Camping in Northern California?
I am trying to find a place to camp in the Upper Central Coastline & Northern Coastline of California, the closer to San Fran the better. My husband and I just want somewhere we can go for our weekend that wouldn’t be too much of a drive from the Sacramento area. We would like to find a campground near the beach or a beach that allows camping. Any ideas?
Martin answers:
Let me recommend this website. I’ve used it in the past for the camping trips I have taken, and it’s so convenient! Locate the campground you are interested and click to find availability, amenities, and reserve while online! Terrific! May I suggest the No. California area around Mendocino and Fort Bragg. Happy Campers!
Mary asks…
Where’s the best places to camp and hike along the Southern California coastline?
Martin answers:
Some of the best places to camp and hike are along the foot of the Santa Monica Mountain Range. There are several campgrounds in the mountains, one being right on the shore. There are miles of hiking trails with numerous trailheads starting either in or near the campgrounds.
Depending on where your definition of Southern California ends on the north side, Montana De Oro State Park, west of San Luis Obispo, offers some of the best camping and hiking along the coast with a rustic setting. The only way to reach the campground is via a narrow two-lane road so it does not receive the heavy through traffic that the Santa Monica Mtn. Area does from Pacific Coast Highway.
Robert asks…
Secluded coastline in Southern California??
I would love to find a nice spot on the beach where there aren’t many shoobies… Not a camp ground, but somewhere I could spend over night without being bothered. Just need to get away and relax. Anyone know where this could be?
Martin answers:
There are some nice, small and private coves along the Palos Verdes coastline. You may have to climb down some steep trails to get to them. Check out Palos Verdes, CA on google maps.
Sharon asks…
Year long backpacking trip: permits and laws?
I am a student in California and I’m planning a one year backpacking trip from Mexico border to Canada, and need to know what laws will restrict me and what permits/licenses I need. Will be following california coastline until Redwoods area, after that we should be staying pretty close to Pacific Crest Trail but not all the time. Camping on beaches? Camping with a hearing dog? (one of the campers is slightly deaf and she wants her dog with her, what are the laws for bringing him into state/national parks/forests? Is Yosemite going to be a problem for her? He’s very quiet and professionally trained). Campfires? Is there a pass that will give me access to all public parks/forests/etc.? Or do I seriously have to pay each and every camping fee for every stinking camp ground we stay in on the way?
If we end up getting a fine for something like camping in an undesignated area or whatever, can I wait until the end of the trip to handle the court appearance/fees/etc.? Is there any way to get some of the fees wavered? Like attending classes and getting permits or something?
We aren’t planning on doing any hunting/fishing along the way.
And is there a good resource for getting state/ county maps with tons of trails on them? Getting a little tired of using fifty different maps and books….
Martin answers:
I just have to jump in here and clear up a couple of things.
Most of the travel you describe will be in the national forest system. Do not confuse that with the more restrictive national park system.
Camping in national forests is NOT restricted to campgrounds nor is there any limit on how close to the water you can be. As long as you are not inhibiting wildlife from getting to the water source, you are good to go.
Campfires in national forests largely depend on the local conditions. If the fire danger, as determined by the forest service, is moderate or low, there is no restriction on where you can have your fire but you ALWAYS need a free fire permit. If the fire danger is high or extreme, you may not be able to have a campfire at all or be limited to certain campgrounds if you want a fire.
In some national forests, there are also “wilderness areas”. These areas have more restrictions that mostly pertain to the use of motorized vehicles. Being on foot, it won’t restrict your travel. Some of the wilderness areas also require use permits. Check with the forest service in charge of that area.
Try to stay as far away from all “State Recreation” areas in California! They only know one word and it is “NO!”.
Below, I have placed a link to the forest service that covers all of the california national forests.
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