Date:         Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:34:34 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Summer camping Wa/Or/Ca?
In-Reply-To:  <20080430183246.CE8E0455CB0@mpls-mf-07.inet.qwest.net>
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> Date:    Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:49:19 -0700
> From:    Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Summer camping Wa/Or/Ca?
>
> We are planning a trip from BC to southern Calif. in late July, probably down
> the coast, then hitting Disneyland (will probably stay at a motel 6 for a few
> nights), then returning inland stopping at some highlights like the Grand
> Canyon, Zion, etc. mostly avoiding major highways where possible. I have
> not been on this route since 1976, and have no idea how busy the
> campgrounds will be, but can guess they will be crazy. Is there any
> possibility of doing this sort of trip mid summer without reservations? I really
> detest the thought of planning so far ahead, as it just doesn't suit our travel
> style. Any advice, trip reports, web guides, etc. would be appreciated.
>
> We'll be travelling in our Westy with 2 kids ages 10 & 11, and will have
> about 3 weeks total. Our preference is to stay in state/natl parks with fewer
> big rigs and minimal services where possible.
>
> Thanks for any info you can offer!
>
Shawn,

I've done that trip every couple of years for the last 30 years, in 3
different buses.  Beautiful trip.  First and foremost, get a copy of
California Camping book
(http://www.amazon.com/Foghorn-Outdoors-California-Tom-Stienstra/dp/1573540536)
- absolutely invaluable!  Has all the campgrounds listed, public and
private, and has a very good rating system to tell you which are dogs,
and which are not.  A couple of things:

   1. A great stopping over point is the KOA (yeah I know, but for
      laundry and ...) in Crescent City CA, just south of the Oregon
      border.  Has some beautiful spots in a Redwood grove if you call a
      couple days in advance, and you can get a map on their website to
      find the spots in the grove.
   2. There's another great campground in Los Osos (and you can stop by
      GoWesty) that is a State Park IIRC (right by the water, with boat
      rentals and a nice funky little cafe), but you'll likely need
      reservations for that as well.  If you have internet on the way,
      you can make reservations a couple days out, but weekends will be
      available without some advance planning.
   3. In July, you will NOT find a campsite in the Big Sur area south of
      San Fran on the weekends without a reservation.  It's possible to
      get a first come / first serve spot in the NP campgrounds, but you
      better be there Friday noon.
   4. Expect >$4/gallon gas on Highway 1, probably from Pismo Beach
      south to LA.
   5. There's an RV park within walking distance of DisneyLand, with
      showers, pool, games, etc.  Slab of asphalt with a picnic table,
      but we'd take it over Motel 6.  If you're willing to plan at least
      the DisneyLand part of the trip, you can shop around and get some
      good deals on Hotels in walking distance, or with shuttles, fairly
      cheaply, especially if you hit there during the week, and many
      offer good discounts on park passes with your stay, so it really
      can pay.  Disneyland during the weekend in July is NOT FUN - think
      45min+ lines for all attractions.

We're doing this trip again this fall, probably September.  We always go
either before school's out, or after it's back in session, but if that's
not an option you do the best you can.  Have fun!

Keith Hughes
'86 Westy Tiico (Marvin)