Big Sur International Marathon
Running on the Ragged Edge of the Western World
Iconic coastline, foot race from Big Sur to Carmel. Run along scenic Highway One, the nation’s first nationally designated Scenic Highway
Annual event; April
Running on the Ragged Edge of the Western World
Iconic coastline, foot race from Big Sur to Carmel. Run along scenic Highway One, the nation’s first nationally designated Scenic Highway
Annual event; April
Flight of the Lasers
(EVENT RENAMED)
50+ year old event. Flight of Newport is a Southern California sail boat race near Newport Beach, CA
Annual event; July
Yacht race from Newport Beach to Ensenada, Baja California Mexico. This boat race is celebrating its 75th year in 2022.
Annual event; April
NEWPORT BEACH, CA
ENSENADA, BC
NOSA = Newport Ocean Sailing Association
30 years running, this Redondo Beach event is a hot hit, especially for beach-goers near Los Angeles, California
3 day event held at the Seaside Lagoon next to King Harbor, just north of the Redondo Beach Pier. Live music, entertainment, lobster recipes, celebrity chefs, craft beer, kids activities and vendor booths.
Annual event; October
310-376-6911
2 weekends long, Dana Point host this festival celebrating Whale Watching. Street Fair features arts and crafts booths, including food vendors and live entertainment.
Annual event; March
949-496-5794
The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a competition event for swimming & paddling on the Orange County coast. 45 years running!
Annual event; July
949-440-6141
42 years running. This Southern California tradition is a great beach block party scene. Laid back San Diego meets the surfing shores with hundreds of vendors, food & plenty great live local music. Beads, tie dye, tattoos, skateboarding, massages & more. Chili cook-off is one of the main attractions.
Ocean Beach Street Fair
O.B. West San Diego, CA
Annual event; June
619-224-4906
The Pacific Pride Festival takes place on Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara California. The local parade is called the “Summer Solstice Parade”.
Annual event; July
805-963-3636
San Diego county’s Imperial Beach is the home of the biggest & best sand castles on the west coast. Sandcastle City!
Annual event; August
The super scenic Central Coast of California is home to numerous waterfalls, but this one on the Big Sur coast is, by far, the most well-known.
Since I camped out and slept on the cliff featured above, I thought I ought to create a post about it.
Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park is where the most photographed waterfall is located. The creek falls off of a cliff into a secluded cove, on a sandy beach just a few feet from the Pacific Ocean.
After visiting this place more than once, I knew I had to keep coming back. I even found this waterfall photo used as graphic marketing for Mexican Riveria cruises, by Costco.
One sunny autumn day, I called my camping pals to join me on our pre-planned camping trip to the majestic Big Sur coastline. Not just any camping spot or campground, but the two rare, hike-in campsites – located above McWay Falls. The camp reservations had been made months in advance and I was eager to leave the smog basin of L.A.
One by one, all my friends backed out of their commitment to camp that weekend. Too busy at work, a wedding or other plans interfered, home improvements, or the typical lame excuses that city folks always use not to travel locally.
…only 2 camp sites exist here, perched on a forested cliff, overlooking a private sandy cove w/ a gorgeous waterfall
I thoroughly explained to them the spectacular scenery, the unique location, the advanced reservations and fees, and the carpooling options. But not one person could go, so I went anyway.
All alone; which may have been the start of me craving to camp solo (way back in 1995).
The California State Park system has named these as environmental camps, where you must haul your gear – a half mile, on foot, in order to reach these special campsites. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, along w/ one vault toilet. Although a real bathroom w/ flush toilets is within walking distance, over at the main paved parking lot.
INACCESSIBLE:
The picturesque sandy cove is off limits to all = campers, hikers and climbers. New fencing and signs warn visitors not to enter the small beach cove area. Sheer, steep cliffs w/ erosion are unstable and dangerous; and you may have a citation awaiting you, on your climb back up.
Accessing the cliff edges or private cove is dangerous and difficult, and totally off limits. If you wanna die trying, that’s up to you.
OVERNIGHT TIPS:
Reservations are needed to camp at this location. Contact California State Parks for booking this spot.
The ocean sounds of crashing waves on rocks is very, very loud. located just below (100 feet) the ideal camp sites. Bring ear plugs for sleeping.
Leave food and cooking to the tailgate. Parking in the paved, forested parking lot, and not transporting food, ice chest and cookware back and forth is the lazy way. Since I was camping alone and the parking lot was secluded and full of vegetation, I decided to try minimal food at camp. Worked well for me.
Blackberry bushes are abundant around parking lot.
PANCAKES ANYONE?
Danger looms around this State Park entrance, as Coast Highway 1 drivers tend to speed by at 55 mph, on a big shady curve. Be very careful crossing the road at this location and listen for traffic before you walk.
TRAILS & DAY VISITORS:
Swarms of tourists stop at this location, just to walk out, photograph and view this waterfall. Many pay top dollar (day use) to park and then stay less than an hour. The tunnel trail goes past a pelton wheel and then underneath the highway – skirting along the north shore of the cove. The State Park gate closes at sunset, so very few people will be found roaming around after sundown.
Just hiking around this park, plus the back and forth to camp and car will feel like you’ve walked many miles. There is a redwood canyon and creek hike located in the inland portion of the State Park. Mountain peaks here reach to about 3000′ elevation.
AUG 2020 UPDATE: WILDFIRES burning most of this State Park and Limekiln State Park. Not sure how the cove looks now, or if it was affected, but expect the hills to be black, up above the highway.
52801 CA State Route 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
831-667-1112
If there is a single most popular image of Big Sur, it is probably of the 80 foot falls seen from this trail as McWay Creek cascades onto the sandy shore. hikinginbigsur.com/hikes_mcwayfalls.html
Even though I spent the warm weekend alone, camping on a waterfall cliff and hiking redwoods forests, I enjoyed myself and the seclusion. I did meet 2 surfers traveling in a vintage VW bus and they joined me for my tailgate dinner one evening. On the last night, the weather turned windy and a storm came in, so the next morning I was happy to leave. So, for all the camping pals that backed out at the last minute, this 2020 post is for you.
Each Autumn monarch butterflies invade the Pacific Grove region of California. A sanctuary has been established along this coastline.
Annual event: October
831-648-5716
Gone are the days of ‘beach blanket bingo’ where film crews glamorized California – the beautiful people, the nice vehicles, the sport of surfing and the glorious beaches. There are very few places left on the California coast that you can actually drive a vehicle on the sand, right next to the ocean. The military bases, oil corporations and the utility companies have the front row seats to the Pacific genocide, and the rest of the population is restricted with extreme limited access.
Baja California has minimal regulations on coastal access with a car. No pavement, no signs, no cell phone signal, and no help for miles – something to consider if you get stuck south of the border in Mexico. Baja has numerous places to explore below Ensenada, but asking locals is always a favored approach. Pay attention to private property signs and always close the cattle gate (if you found it closed).
Southern California, no beaches allow vehicle traffic. San Diego offers a sliver of sand @ Silver Strand SB, which is a developed campground for motorhomes and car campers, located right on the beach south of Coronado, CA. Fiesta Island in Mission Bay, San Diego allows driving on sand and a favorite among active dogs, but not camping is allowed. In Los Angeles you can park a motorhome at a sandy, paved campground for a hefty overnight fee. Dockweiler Beach, right near the Chevron plant and LA sewage treatment facility. Sounds delightful, not.
Ventura & Santa Barbara Coastal Regions have many awesome State Beaches, but none allow vehicles on the sand.
Central Coast California:
Northern California:
Lost Coast
after-the-fun maintenance tip:
Salt water and sand is very corrosive to metal – which will rust your truck or car badly. Now that you’ve had fun on the beach, we remind you to clean the underneath of your vehicle ASAP. Spraying powerful hose in your wheel wells and all underneath the vehicle. You might need to lay on the ground and get wet to do this job properly. Some car wash places might be able to do this service for you, but it will cost ya.
One of the most visited coastlines in the world, San Francisco – where 2 peninsulas almost meet – at the mouth of the “hidden bay”.
This is the Golden Gate to California and the Wild West.
So, you wanna escape the tourist masses… and camp out, overlooking an amazing place?
(put on your hiking boots)
Nope, the Lighthouse doesn’t have a campground! There are no camping facilities at Muir Woods National Monument, nor Muir Beach. No camping at Stinson Beach, nor Bolinas.
The Tule Elk Reserve has no camping at all. Tomales Bay State Park no longer has car camping or RV camping available; hike-in or boat-in
camping, maybe.
What is available for campground camping on “the Point” is listed below, with phone numbers and links for more info.
Point Reyes National Seashore Campground
reservations required
hike-in, bike-in, and boat-in camp sites only
415-464-5100
415-464-5137
Mount Tamalpais State Park Campground
reservations required
415-388-2070
Marin Headlands Camping
reservations required; no pets & no RVs
415-331-1540
Samuel P. Taylor Redwood State Park
reservations recommended; open year round
415-488-9897
Cycling, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking and boating are all popular outdoor recreation activities.
Small towns located on the Point Reyes peninsula do have a few private campgrounds, some of which can accommodate motorhomes. Follow towns links for those.
There are no RV parks, camper trailers or motorhomes allowed in campgrounds on the steep coastal region of Point Reyes. Most of the narrow, winding roads are forbidden for motorhome travels. No shoulder, no guard rails, on many curvy roads. Great viewpoints are best when you STOP to look, off the roadway.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
nearby towns –
Overlook Camps, View Spot Camp Sites
This camp list is comprised of primitive camp sites and developed campgrounds with good views overlooking a large area (valley, town, canyon, desert, river, ocean). Many ideal spots may require dirt road driving, and a few might need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach.
Prewitt Ridge, Big Sur Coast
We were suggesting this very spot way back in 1999, well before anyone else was ‘blogging’ about it. This area is by far the best, free coastal camping on the Central Coastline of Big Sur. Dirt roads traverse 10 miles out to vacant ridges overlooking the Pacific, with steep hills down to the highway. Camp above the fog layer and above the crowds. Explore the beaches during the day, and camp above the traffic & crowds at night.
Dry brush is abundant on the mountains of Los Padres National Forest. Camp fire restrictions should be of utmost concern in this area, since wildfires burn here often. Camp fire permits are required for camping on the back roads, and much of the time camp fires are banned in this region. Call ahead to the rangers to find out the current conditions.
Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park
Big Sur Coastline
Two prime walk-in camp sites, on a shady point, high above a beach cove w/ scenic waterfall.
Called “environmental camps” these highly desirable spots need advanced reservations w/ fees many months in advance. Tables, fire rings and a vault toilet. Bare bones basics, but the ideal location is worth it. A forested cliff on the edge of the ocean, high above a secluded cove. This location a can get windy if a storm moves in (generally October – March).
Kirk Creek Campground
on Highway 1 @ Nacimiento Road
Big Sur CA
Willow Creek Road # 23S01
primitive camping on dirt road, above Hwy 1 @ Gorda, CA
Reyes Peak Camping
North of Ojai, CA
Pine Mountain Summit, CA Hwy 33
Off Cerro Noroeste Road, W of Pine Mountain, CA
Above Santa Maria, Highway 166
West of New Cuyama, CA
There are several primitive campsites off of M10 with views of chaparral and canyons. Just above Stonyford, CA, on the way up to Fouts Springs. Unfortunately Mendocino National Forest is may be closed for 2019 due Ranch Fire (wildfire 2018) w/ Snow Mountain Wilderness completely 100% burnt.
Planning more scouting of this region summer 2019. Stay tuned.
Montezuma Grade, overlooking Borrego Springs & Anza Borrego Desert
inside Death Valley National Park
inside Inyo National Forest
Multiple riverside RV havens, county parks, and campgrounds near Parker, AZ
Riverside RV parks in Blythe, CA
Riverside RV parks in Lake Havasu, CA
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!
Open 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.
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.
La Sage Riviera RV Campground
319 North Highway 1, Pismo Beach
Oceano County Campground
Oceano, CA
Pismo Coast Village RV Resort
Pismo Beach, CA
Lake Lopez, inland
Arroyo Grande, CA
nearby cities include:
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
nearby towns –
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
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.
Flying Flags RV Resort, Buellton, CA
River Park RV Campground, Lompoc CA
Santa Maria Pines Campground (CLOSED)
Oceano Dunes State Park (SVRA) – Pismo Dunes Off Road Area
Pacific Dunes Ranch & RV Resort
Le Sage Riviera RV Park, Grover Beach, CA
Avila Beach Hot Springs Camping
El Chorro Regional Park Campground
Morro Bay State Park Campground
San Simeon State Park Campgrounds
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.
San Diego’s mild climate means camping is available all year round. Winter storms can get windy and rainy, but most campgrounds are still open. From north county where the coastal cliffs overlook the ocean, to downtown bay side marinas w/ RV camping, to camping right on the sand w/ ocean crashing just feet away. Bike paths are common around downtown San Diego, so you can bring your bike or skates.
San Diego has 2 BAYS, both located along Interstate 5: The main bay downtown is called San Diego Bay (one of the deepest on the west coast) and the other a few miles north, is named Mission Bay (a man-made coastal waterway w/ green parks and paved bike trails).
Reservations are required at almost ALL coastal campgrounds, especially around holidays, any 3 day weekends, and all summer long. Tons of tourists flock to Southern California and this is a very popular coastline – with busy little cities and crowded beach towns. Beware: if you are seeking secluded camping – this would not be the place.
listed from south to north
There are numerous private RV resorts, some quite large, like KOA and GoodSam parks located in and around San Diego county. Most are metro-close and not located on the beach. This list is primarily coastal camping options for the San Diego region.
water resources / water scarcity / land and water
State Snow Depths – Wunderground
SNOTEL Snow Depth Reports
http://www.wunderground.com/StateSnowDepth.asp?state=CA
California Snow Water Equivalents
Sierra Snow Pack Data
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/snow/current/snow/
Eastern Sierra Snow Pack by Sierra Wave
Article published Feb 2014
http://www.sierrawave.net/tag/eastern-sierra-snowpack/
Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
Snowpack summaries published Dec 2014
http://www.esavalanche.org/content/snowpack-summaries-begin-soon
Sierra Avalanche Center
Sierra Nevada Mountain Snow in California
http://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/
The Lowest Lake Levels in California
List of Reservoirs below 30% full, as reported Jan. 2015
Conditions for Major Reservoirs in California
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/
San Diego River & Reservoir Data
Map of San Diego Hydrology, Water Storage
http://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/
San Luis Obispo Reservoir Data
Lakes on the Central Coast of California
http://www.slocountywater.org/
Ventura County Watershed Map
Watershed Protection District
http://www.vcwatershed.net/
California River Forecast Center Map
Overview for recent rainfall data, snow depths, and ocean temperature
http://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/google.php
California Current River Conditions
CA.gov Dept of Water Resources
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/rivcond.html
California River Forecast
California Nevada River Forecast Center
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/rivforecasts.html
Drought Info
http://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/droughtInfo.php
Upper Sacramento River Forecast
Northern Sacto River
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/rivfcast/USACBUL
Irrigated Lands in California – Farming Map
Dry Wells in California – DanaMite’s Map
More than 1,480 domestic well failures in 36 counties have been reported to the state of California recently.
California will need 11 trillion gallons of water to end epic drought by Mashable.com
http://mashable.com/
California Department of Water Resources
http://www.water.ca.gov/
Water in California – Wikipedia
Reservoirs, Water Sources, Aquaducts, Water Distribution
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_in_California
Residential Per Capita Water Use across California
Water conservation measures and stats per city
http://www.californiadrought.org/
Aquafornia, the Water Education Foundation
California water news from various news sources
http://www.watereducation.org/aquafornia
Association of California Water Agencies
Largest statewide coalition of public water agencies
http://www.acwa.com/content/water-information
USGS Water Data for California
The United States Geological Survey
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis
EPA – Environmental Protection Agency
California Drinking Water | Local Drinking Water Information
http://water.epa.gov/drink/local/ca.cfm
California Water Impact Network, C-WIN
Advocates for equitable and environmentally sensitive use of California’s water
http://www.c-win.org/
California Drought Map
National Drought Mitigation Center
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?CA
Heal the Bay
Volunteer, Beach Cleanups, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
http://www.healthebay.org/
The Pacific Genocide
For over 100 years Pacific Grove has celebrated its history & culture with a summer festival called the Feast of Lanterns. This Festival has lantern parade to the beach and fireworks over the Monterey Bay; A community event filled with entertainment.
Annual event; July