Southern CA Beach Campgrounds

[Wavery]

Winter is actually a good time for reservations because the kids are in school and the weather is either OK or BAD........but in reality, it isn't often bad.

This pic was from 2 weeks ago @ Pt Mugu (15 miles so of Ventura)



The sites are 65' long and from the road to the ocean (about 300'). Reservations are not site specific (they are all the same anyway).

Reservations are open (almost) any day during the winter (except possibly some holidays). Right now, there are 53 sites open for next weekend.

Refugio (just south of Santa Barbara is great and you can reserve a site #

There's a really nice CG just near there called Faria State Beach. 1st come 1st served (no reservations). Campsites are fairly small but right on the beach. It's a beautiful spot that mostly the locals know about. Weekdays are wide open.

South of Refugio is Carpenteria State Beach. They are a lot busier and the sites are smaller.........beautiful beach..

In Orange County, there is Doheny State Beach and the sites are expensive and some are small but not bad......we go there often too. I would recommend a beach front site, if you can get one.

Farther South is San Elijo. This is our 2nd favorite CG. The Southern most beach front site are the best. As the camp-sites progress north, the sites get higher on a bluff. We only camp here or Doheny if we can get right on the beach.

SoCal State CG are almost all "No hook-ups". If you want hook-ups, let me know and I can recommend the few that are available but I will tell you, they aren't the best sites and never beach front.

Check-out this website for pics of sites by CG name and site #.
http://www.campsitephotos.com/

My wife just reminded me that I forgot our favorite CG of all.
Jalama Beach County Park
http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cas...jalamabeac.htm

It is very remote, right on the Beach and OK size sites. The only noise that you will hear is the train....it really isn't bad and I don't remember it ever waking me in the night. The draw-back......no reservations. However, if you get there on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you shouldn't have a problem getting in.......especially in the winter months. I attached a few pics of it.

Lots of great information there Wayne. I can vouch for your recommendation at Pt Mugu. Loved it and GREAT hiking!

One minor correction to a portion of your post

Originally Posted by harveyrv

Refugio (just south of Santa Barbara is great and you can reserve a site #

Refugio is actually north of Santa Barbara if US101 is your compass and west otherwise. El Capitan State Beach lies between Refugio and Santa Barbara and is another great place for OP to consider.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by M&M Hokie

Lot's of great information there Wayne. Pt. Mugu lived up to your recom I can vouch for your recommendation at Pt Mugu. Loved it and GREAT hiking!

One minor correction to a portion of your post


Refugio is actually north of Santa Barbara if US101 is your compass and west otherwise. El Capitan State Beach lies between Refugio and Santa Barbara and is another great place for OP to consider.

Thanks for the corrections........ too much turkey.....

Wow you guys are the best. Thanks for planning my next trip! I am so glad we that we get to use our TMs all year here in the southwest.

Thanks again

Josh