California Covered Bridge

Covered Bridges of California

Oregon City Bridge
Oregon City Bridge, off Cherokee Rd, N Oroville, CA

Overland pioneers and miners flooded the Sierra Nevada mountains after 1848, when gold was discovered, transforming the natural landscape and native life of California – in horrendous ways. Industrius, eager and using the abundance of natural resources available to build homes, divert creeks, and construct a new way of life. Mining for precious metals was not a hobby, it was a ‘way of life’ for many who sought westward locales. Most traversed a continent on foot with covered wagons to get out here.

Many early bridges made of wood have disappeared in California. Historic places, such as these few wooden bridges of the West, need to be protected and preserved. So no carving your initials; spray paint (tagging), littering – nor bullet holes.

Felton Covered Bridge
Santa Cruz Mountains & Redwoods
Railway Train Rides
Felton, CA

Bridgeport Covered Bridge
(built in 1862)
South Fork of the Yuba River
Northern Gold Country Hwy 49
Nevada City & Downieville, CA

Honey Run Bridge
on Butte Creek @ Skyway
Historic Landmark from 1894
in between Chico & Paradise, CA

Knights Ferry BridgeState Park
State Historic Park

on Sacramento River
North of Sacramento, CA

oregoncitymarker

Oregon City Bridge
(see photo at top of page)
Oregon Gulch, North Lake Oroville
via Table Mountain @ Cherokee Road
North of Oroville CA

Oregon Covered Bridge
Middle Fork of the Yuba River
Northern Gold Country Hwy 49
in between Nevada City & Downieville, CA

Woodson Bridge SRAState Park
State Recreation Area

Woodson Bridge Campground Campgrounds
on Sacramento River, in betweenRV camping
Chico & Corning, CA

Honey Run Bridge
HoneyRun Bridge of Butte County, California

Volcanic Buttes of Chico
Volcanic Buttes of Chico California

Big Basin Redwoods Campground

Big Basin State Park

Big Basin Redwoods Camping – Big Basin State Park

By far, one of the best Redwood State Parks near the San Francisco Bay Area. Very popular on weekends and all summer long. Reservations are recommended. Open all year!

State Park
These are the majestic Santa Cruz redwood forests, located behind Boulder Creek, California. Off of Hwy 9, this redwood park has awesome hiking, easy access & overnight accommodations to suit your style. Stay in a tent cabin, a developed campground or use the walk-in camp sites for a real natural setting.

Real Forest Camping
Real Forest Camping

  • camp
  • backpacking
  • hike
  • picnic
  • redwood groves
  • creeks
  • waterfalls
  • campsites
    hike in campground
    primitive camp

    Big Basin Redwood Campgrounds

    184 camp spots include:

    • 74  tent campsites
    • 38 walk-in sites
    • 41 tent cabins
    • 31 RV campsites (27′ max)

    Additionally there are 40 hike-in camp sites & 4 group camps, by reservation.

    RV camp
    tent cabins
    RESERVE a CAMP SITE or TENT CABIN in the REDWOODS

    If you prefer not to camp out among the ferns & the forest, then the tent cabin may be the way to go, or there are several dozen inns nearby. Select the towns below for lodging options.

    Big Basin Redwoods State Park Campground

    nearby communities:

    Redwoods Camping

    Sacramento River Camping

    The Sacramento River of Northern California

    The main artery from the North; the Big River of California

    Sac River California

    Mighty Mount Shasta snowmelt flows south, bound to meet the giant Lake Shasta, which merges with the Pit River and numerous other major waterways, becoming the big Sacramento River. Running right down the center of the North Sacramento Valley to merge into the California Delta. Shipping channel links the State Capital city of Sacramento with the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Agriculture and wildlife depend on this river heavily.

    tent camping camp sites, campground camping, RV camps, dump stations, marinas, bait, gasoline, public boat ramps, boating, fishing, kayak rentals

    Redding Winters

    CAMPGROUND PARKS below listed from NORTH to SOUTH

    JGW RV Park
    Riverland Drive
    South Redding, CA

    Sacramento River RV Park
    Riverland Drive
    South Redding, CA

    Wildlife Refuge
    Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge
    Willows, CA
    ~ Camping is not permitted on the Sacramento NWR. Along the Sacramento River, camping is permitted on GRAVEL BARS for up to 7 days during a 30 day period. For waterfowl hunting, overnight stay is permitted in a vehicle or RV in designated areas. Tents are prohibited. No person may build or maintain fires except in portable gas stoves.

    Orchards

    Chico Area

    Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area
    Red Bluff, CA

    Driftwood RV & Fishing Resort
    @ Mill Creek Park
    Los Molinos, CA

    Hidden Harbor Marina & RV Park
    Los Molinos, CA

    River’s Rest Resort
    Los Molinos, CA

    Woodson Bridge RV Park
    Corning, CA

    State Parks
    Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area
    Historic State Park w/ Campground
    South Avenue (A9)
    Corning, CA

    Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
    Chico, CA

    Colusa Landing & RV
    Butte Slough Road
    Colusa, CA

    State Parks
    Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area
    Colusa SRA Camping

    Camping Colusa
    Tent Camping Colusa SRA

    California Delta Region

    State Parks
    Brannan Island State Park
    Rio Vista, CA

    Sandy Beach Solano County Park
    2333 Beach Drive
    Rio Vista, CA

    Vieira’s Resort
    California Delta
    Isleton, CA

    State Parks
    Old Sacramento State Historic Park
    Downtown
    Sacramento, CA

    Sacramento Hostel, see more budget lodging

    Pismo Camping

    Pismo Beach Camping – Oceano Dunes SVRA (Pismo Dunes)

    This might be the only place on the entire California coast where you can take your vehicle on the sand. Drive on the beach!

    RV CampingOpen dispersed camping is available along Oceano Beach. Watch the high tide line and set camp well beyond that mark. A typical weekend is busy year round. Sand rails, quads, the beefy family SUV, or the ‘garage queen’ trucks. With all these motorized toys, you’re thinking either – yeah, or no way. Option B is listed below.

    SAND DUNES
    Off-Road playground, Oceano Park is also referred to as Pismo Dunes.

    San Luis Obispo: SLO is north of Pismo a few miles. North of Avila Hot Springs. Other amazing parks include – Montana de Oro & Morro Bay.

    DSCN1054

    Oceano Dunes Camping open camping

    Oceano State Vehicle Recreation Area has open camping on the beach, with a toilet within walking distance. No tables, no fire rings or paved anything! This is where all the big boys with the big toys like to hang out. Toy box trailers, bon fires, crowds & exhaust fumes. This crew can be seen each weekend driving Hwy 166, over to Bako.

    Option B:

    a large 82 site coastal campground is better suited for RVers & tourists wanting to avoid dune buggies. Horseback riding, beach, bike trails, laundry, market, shops & restaurants all close by. State Park Campground within walking distance to downtown Pismo & the Pismo pier.

    Pismo State Beach State Park

    Pismo State Beach Campground camp

    more Pismo camp options:

    Coastal Dunes RV Park RV Parks Pismo

    La Sage Riviera RV Campground RV Parks Pismo
    319 North Highway 1, Pismo Beach

    Oceano County Campground
    Oceano, CA

    Pismo Coast Village RV Resort RV Parks Pismo
    Pismo Beach, CA

    Lake Lopez, inland
    Arroyo Grande, CA

    beach camps

    nearby cities include:

    pismo dunes

    see also – Rock Front Ranch

    Big Sur Campground

    Big Sur Camping Sites & Campgrounds

    big sur camping

    Plaskett Creek Campground has green lawns, pine trees, & flush toilets. Located across the highway from Sand Dollar Beach, right on Hwy 1. Ponderosa Campground, on the other hand, has native grasses, oak trees, a seasonal creek and is located on a paved back road, with easy access from US Hwy 101

    Central Coast Camping

    Monterey Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest manages several Campgrounds along the Central Coast. Some are first come, first serve.

    aldercamp
    Alder Creek Camp
    willowcreekrdsign
    Willow Creek Road #23S01

    hikes

    Los Padres National Forest

    Backpacking trails lead into the wilderness backcountry, along ridge lines with vast ocean views and also deep into fern creeks with redwood canyons. Sykes Hot Springs is a remote destination, if you like to hike, although summer can get crowded. Overnight wilderness permits and campfire permits may be needed.

    mcwayfalls
    McWay Falls @ Julia Pfieffer Burns SP

    Free camping in Big Sur
    can be found on dirt back roads:

    primitive camp sites

    DISPERSED CAMP: No charge camp sites means dirt road access, tighter camp fire restrictions & no facilities (table, bathrooms, fire pits). Campfire permits are required for primitive camping (stoves & BBQ), but unfortunately much of the time camp fires are not even allowed in the backcountry due to extreme wildfire danger.

    None of these free camp sites are located on the beach or ocean shoreline. They are situated in the mountains near the coast.  These premium, hard to find camp spots usually require that you venture off the beaten path – w/ a National Forest map or regional topo map. If you want to camp without the tourists and crowds, with excellent views of the coast & the night sky, plus avoiding all fees – then take one of these dirt roads off the main highway & start exploring (preferably before sunset, with a high clearance vehicle).

    prewittroads

    Free camping California

    Big Sur Private Campgrounds –

    camp

    Big Sur State Park Campgrounds –CA state parks

    Big Sur Coastal Towns –

    Prewitt Ridge Camping

    Santa Barbara Beach Camping

    Santa Barbara Beach Camping
    Santa Barbara Beach Camping

    Santa Barbara Campsites

    Beach Campgrounds along the coast are made up mostly of State Beaches & Parks. This is a popular and busy part of the California coastline for camping, all year long. Many RVers vacationing year round and big family events are held often. Tent camping is also available – but you will be surrounded by motorhomes, and paying a premium price for a camp spot. With the major highway US 101 zooming along the cliffs at shoreline, some of these campground are located within ear distance from the freeway and the railroad track. Ocean waves may overpower the traffic noise, but we aren’t guaranteeing anything. Early summer vacations tend to be foggy.

    Try also, Santa Barbara Mountains Camping

    Big Sur Camping, Ojai Camping & Ventura Coast Camping

    Sand Dollar Beach
    Sand Dollar Beach on the South Big Sur Coast

    nearby towns –

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    Central Coast Beach Camping

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    Beach Camping
    on the California Central Coast

    Camping right on the sand is possible in California, you just need to drive far enough to find it. Campground reservations are common (year round) on this stretch of coastline, since PISMO is a premier vacation spot for most of Central California.

    blue links lead to State Park pages for camp reservations  camp

    This camping page features all beach front camping options along the Central Coast, from Santa Barbara to Big Sur. State Parks, State Beaches, bay side marinas and rugged rural coast camps. We even list private campgrounds and RV parks, just so you have more choices.

    Santa Barbara Camping & State Parks

    Flying Flags RV Resort, Buellton, CA

    River Park RV Campground, Lompoc CA

    Santa Maria Pines Campground (CLOSED)

    San Luis Obispo Camping, Off Road & RV Parks

    pismo beach

    Pismo Beach Campgrounds

    Oceano Dunes State Park (SVRA) – Pismo Dunes Off Road Area State Park

    DSCN2931Pismo State Beach State Park

    • North Beach Campground

    county park camping Pismo

    RV camping near Pismo, CA

    Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    Pacific Dunes Ranch & RV Resort

    Pismo Sands RV Park

    Le Sage Riviera RV Park, Grover Beach, CA

    Montana de Oro
    Steep Cliff Dunes @ Montana de Oro State Park

    San Luis Bay & Point Conception
    Avila Beach, Morro Bay Camping

    Avila Beach RV Camping Sites

    Avila Beach Hot Springs Camping

    Montana de Oro State Park State Park

    El Chorro Regional Park Campground

    Morro Bay State Park Campground State Park

    Morro Strand State Beach State Park

    Morro Strand RV Park

    Morro Dunes RV Park

    DSCN3175

    San Simeon & Big Sur Campgrounds

    San Simeon State Park Campgrounds State Park

    • San Simeon Creek Campground
    • Washburn Primitive Campground

    Big Sur Camping & State Parks

    Big Sur Coast

     

    Los Padres National Forest

    USDA National Forests lies inland along the Central Coast of California, all the way from Ventura to Monterey.  Numerous recreational lakes and back roads that lead to secluded small campgrounds. Primitive dispersed camping is allowed, but campfires are limited to local fire restrictions. The later part of the year means drier conditions and sometimes campfires are not allowed during wildfire season. Obtain a free campfire permit & check current conditions from the local ranger before venturing into the backcountry.

    Central Coast Inland Lakes Camping

    Launch Spot
    Flying high at Reyes Peak Launch Spot, Los Padres NF

    Orange County Beach Camping

    Orange County Coastal Camping

    OC Beach Campgrounds

    The overdeveloped Orange County coast is packed with condos, homes, parks and beaches, coastal villages, restaurants, shops and train tracks, so campgrounds in this region are few and far more popular than one might expect. Since Los Angeles has very limited beach camping options, most tourists wander further south for SoCal beach camping on the OC or San Diego coast line.

    blue links lead to State Park pages with camp reservations.

    State Park

    Orange County Coast Campground reservations are highly recommended all year long, so make sure to plan ahead.

    pierscene

    Bolsa Chica State Park
    Huntington Beach, CA

    Crystal Cove State Park
    Tent Camp & Beach Cottages
    Laguna Beach, CA

    Doheny State Beach
    Dana Point, CA

    Huntington State Beach
    Huntington Beach, CA

    Newport Canals

    Newport Dunes RV Resort
    Newport Beach Resort & Marina
    Newport Beach, CA

    San Clemente State Beach
    San Clemente CA

     

    DSCN0037

    see more on OC towns –
    Seal Beach, CA
    Huntington Beach, CA
    Newport Beach, CA
    Laguna Beach, CA
    Dana Point, CA
    Capistrano Beach
    San Clemente CA

    Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway

    chimney peak Wilderness

    East of Lake Isabella and west of Walker Pass, there is a small community called Canebrake along Highway 178 Canebrake Road, a graded dirt road climbs up into pinyon pine forests. Lamont Peak (aka Lamont Pinnacles) is a decent hike & rock climbers dig it too.

    Lamont Peak

    Chimney Creek Campground is along the main road and has RV access (28′ max), for the motorhomes who do not mind a little dirt road driving. Easy trail access to numerous area hikes. The PCT is routed close by.

    Long Valley Campground is tucked way back in the boonies with trailhead leading into the granite Dome Lands; Fishing and river access to the South Fork of the Kern.

    Long Valley Loop
    Long Valley Loop Road (2001)

    Long Valley Loop Road circles the Chimney Peak Wilderness, which skirts the Domeland Wilderness. THE LOOP is washed out and ROAD is NOW CLOSED in one portion. See BLM web site for up to date info.

    [ see the photos from 2001 ]

    nearby towns –

    ALTA SIERRA
    LAKE ISABELLA
    KENNEDY MEADOWS
    KERNVILLE
    WOFFORD HEIGHTS

    maps of the region –

    SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST MAP
    DOMELAND WILDERNESS MAP
    HIKING MAP PCT #3 (PACIFIC CREST TRAIL)

    Central Valley CA

    happyvalleycow
    Happy Valley Cow

    The Great Central Valley of California – the San Joaquin Valley (on the south side) & the Sacramento Valley (on the north) together make up some of the most fertile farmland on the whole West Coast. Agriculture thrives, water flows & smog settles.

    This huge valley, bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west & the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the east side, is the one of the biggest farm land regions of the U.S. The food that feeds the world is grown right here in the Center of California. Vegetables, rice, fruits, citrus, garlic, onions, nuts, you name it.

    redlettuce

    Central Valley residents can easily enjoy fresh produce year round. Centrally located they can access the neighboring Central Coast, Historic Gold Country, and the Sierra Nevada mountains, plus The City (San Francisco) is not too far away either.

    Since the capital city of Sacto has a “port of entry”, the California Delta & surrounding waterways, make for excellent fishing, boating & camping.

    Unfortunately this low lying area is one of the worse smog basins on the west coast. The upper & lower Central Valley see the worst of it, as wind pushes the emissions right up against the mountains. Triple digit temperatures are common throughout the summer months. The super heat just magnifies the poor quality of air.

    cauliflower

    California Country – CA Countryside Communities

    California Central Valley Map

    Counties, Cities & Towns of the San Joaquin Valley:
    (south to north)

    Kern County
    Tulare County
    Kings County
    Madera County
    Fresno County
    Merced County
    Stanislaus County
    San Joaquin County
    Solano County
    Sacramento County
    Yuba County
    Sutter County
    Yolo County
    Colusa County
    Glenn County
    Butte County
    Tehama County
    Shasta County

    Reservoirs

    blue links lead to more info on camp services. camp RV Camping

    Central Valley Parks & points of interest:

    Henry W Coe State Park
    George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
    Carnegie SVRA
    Dos Reis County Park, San Joaquin River
    San Juan Bautista State Historical Park
    Hollister Hills OHV Park
    Pinnacles National Monument
    Hernandez Reservoir
    Los Banos Creek Reservoir
    Caswell Memorial State Park
    Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
    Codorniz CampgroundEastman Lake
    Kern National Wildlife Reserve
    Kesterson National Wildlife Reserve
    San Luis National Wildlife Reserve
    Merced National Wildlife Reserve
    Modesto Reservoir Regional Park
    Honey Run Covered Bridge
    Oroville Wildlife Area
    Spenceville Wildlife Management & Recreation Area
    Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
    Mount Diablo State Park
    Auburn State Recreation Area
    Sherman Island Waterfowl Management Area
    Grizzly Island Waterfowl Management Area
    Cache Creek
    Sutter National Wildlife Reserve
    Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
    Colusa Sacramento River State Recreation Area
    Colusa National Wildlife Reserve
    Delevan National Wildlife Reserve
    Sacramento National Wildlife Reserve
    Mill Creek Wilderness
    Ishi Wilderness
    Tehama State Wildlife Area
    Red Bluff Recreation Area
    Shasta-Trinity NRA
    Whiskeytown Reservoir NRA

    California Central Valley Lakes & Reservoirs

    walk in camps

    for more lakes in California, check the BIG LAKES LIST

    Los Angeles Beach Camping

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    There are very few camping options along the Los Angeles coastline and what is available is geared toward RV campers and the dreaded, amusement parks. Orange County Coastline has the best camping near the Los Angeles region (without needing to smell the oil refineries). Ventura and Santa Barbara, both north of L.A. also have excellent camping beaches.

    blue links lead to State Park pages with camp reservations.

    State Park

    SoCal Camping

    Sunny and near perfect temperatures all year long, Southern California seriously pulls in the tourists. L.A. is a major metropolis city right next to the Pacific Ocean. With 22 million people residing in Southern California, and millions of visitors annually, this region is pretty busy all the time – even in winter months. Off season for camping might be November-March, when most of the precipitation falls for the year, but campground reservations are highly recommended all year long.

    (located from south to north)

    Orange County Beach Camping

    camp

    Long Beach and LA Campgrounds

    queenmaryship
    Queen Mary Ship @ Long Beach, CA

    Bolsa Chica State Beach, Long Beach CA State Parks

    Golden Shores RV Park, Long Beach CA

    Redondo Beach (no campgrounds)

    Hermosa Beach (no campgrounds)

    Manhattan Beach (no campgrounds)

    Dockweiler State Beach RV Park
    Situated near LAX airport, the Chevron refinery and the main sewage treatment plant, this location can be stinky at times. Paved bike path along the beach leads north & south.

    Playa del Rey (no campgrounds)

    Venice Beach (no campgrounds)

    Santa Monica (no campgrounds)

    Malibu Campgrounds

    Leo Carillo State Beach Campground State Parks

    Point Mugu State Park Campgrounds State Parks

    • Sycamore Beach & Canyon Campground
    • Thornhill Broome Campground

    Ventura Beach Camping

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