Finding a campground can be overwhelming right now. Knowing what's still open and what has campsites available for you is difficult to figure out. It doesn't have to be this way!
Over half of the campgrounds in California are first-come, first-served (FCFS). That means that over 1,000 campgrounds in California are waiting for you to ditch work on Friday to find your ideal campsite right there waiting for you.
You've been stuck inside the house due to the corona virus pandemic. It's now summer and the family vacation you had planned is no longer looking like a safe way to spend your time. Camping is an incredible alternative! But here's the rub - you've never been camping before.
The thought of finding the right gear to bring and a campground that's actually open is completely overwhelming. We believe you and your family shouldn't miss Continue Reading...
As a kid, the critical components to epic camping memories were simple: dirt, the freedom to wander, and sugary foods. The everyday rules of civilized living were left behind, and I loved it. I remember the slimy frogs we caught, the way the lake shore mud felt between my toes, and the secret forts we made with fallen tree limbs. We explored when and where we wanted to, coming Continue Reading...
Ryan and I recently hosted two California Camping Classes at REI. This year all levels of campers were present - beginner, well-seasoned and those that hadn't been in years but were looking to get back into it. It was encouraging for Ryan and I to see how our experiences and resources created on Campgrounds 360 could combine for a power pack of information for all levels of campers.
For those of you that weren't able to make it (and those that forgot to take Continue Reading...
This is a seriously kickin' campground that everyone should make the effort to visit. Albee Creek Campground is located in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, tucked into the crook of the confluence of Albee Creek and Bull Creek. The closest town for supplies is Myers Flat which is 13 miles south. The Avenue of Giants is just 5 miles east.
Albee Creek Campground is positioned under a grove of second-growth redwoods which provide partial to completely shaded Continue Reading...
French Camp is located just off the 395, about 1/2 mile from Tom's Place. Rock Creek flows on the south side of the campground. None of the sites are situated right on the creek but you can hear the rushing waters from most of the campsites.
French Camp has a paved camp road with dirt parking spurs. The sites vary in size and what they are able to accommodate. Some of the sites have so many granite rocks that there is hardly a large enough space to fit a Continue Reading...
Rock Creek Lake Campground is located on Rock Creek Lake in the Inyo National Forest - 27 miles south of Mammoth and 33 miles north of Bishop. This is a fantastic campground for the tent camper/backpacker/hiker/angler/sunrise coffee drinker.
Most of the sites at Rock Creek Lake Campground are walk-in and a good distance from the parking (25-75 feet). The sites are small, fitting a single 6-person tent at most. They each offer good privacy from the neighboring Continue Reading...
Pine Grove Campground is located 30 miles north of Bishop in the Eastern Sierra. From Tom's Place, drive south on Rock Creek Road 7.5 miles. This is a small and quiet campground just below Rock Creek Lake with only 10 campsites.
Pine Grove Campground has one walk-in site with a beautiful view of Rock Creek. All other sites are just a short walk from the creek. The campsites are moderate in size and will fit at least two tents each. The camp Continue Reading...
Chris walked up to me after dropping his son off at class and blurted out, "Hey" When are we going to do that camping trip?"
It was one of those questions people ask in passing because they know you do that kind of stuff - you camp. But Chris is a sincere person who doesn't say many superficial things. Plus, his son and my son were close friends at school.
So instead of blowing him off by saying "Someday soon would be great! Continue Reading...
Huckleberry Campground is located on the western side of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 1.4 miles from the Big Basin Headquarters and grocery store. The camp is situated in the upland environment with smaller redwood trees. Union Creek runs on the southern side of camp while Sempervirens Creek runs through the western side. Many of the sites back right up to Union Creek.
Continue Reading...
Jay Trail Camp is located central to the park and designated for backpackers and bikers on the Skyline-to-the Sea Trail. It's only .4 miles away from State Park Headquarters (hot showers) and Big Basin Grocery Store (great beer selection). The campground itself is within a beautiful old-growth redwood forest with Huckleberry bushes as undergrowth. You are not assigned a specific site when you Continue Reading...