Big Lagoon - Humboldt County

Big Lagoon is a nice alternative to Patrick's Point State Park if the aforementioned is full or you just want to avoid some of the crowds. It is more rustic and much less expensive than its state park neighbor, yet only a few miles north. Not only that, but dogs are allowed on the beach there, making it a more pleasant trip for the 4-footed friends. The walk to the beach is easy, any many sites back right up to the lagoon. My husband and sons rented a kayak in the adjacent day-use area, and had a big time, paddling for several hours in the calm waters of Big Lagoon. For more info, click here.

DogWood Campground in the San Bernadino Mountains

On our way to Big Bear, Ca to watch the Amgen Tour of California Bicycle Race; my family and I stayed at a lovely campground high in the San Bernadino Mountains. Dogwood Campground is at 7000 feet in elevation, it features: nice newer bathroom facilities, beautiful trees, affordable fees, spacious sites, minimal highway noise, friendly staff, firewood, fire-pits with grill, picnic table, tent and RV sites. When we stayed, we had minimal neighbors and a restful night's sleep. Highly recommended! To book a stay click here.

Guest Blogger: Robin Fator
www.darkponydesigns.blogspot.com

Sunset Beach-Camping Near Santa Cruz, Ca

Looking for a camping spot near Santa Cruz, Ca? My family and I recently stayed at Sunset Beach near Watsonville. This campground offers tent camping about 3/4 of a mile from the beach. It has the typical amenities you would expect: bathrooms with showers, water at every site, bear box, fire pit with grill, and firewood for sale. Not a lot of highway noise, beautiful trees and landscape, easy access to the beach. When we visited the campground was about half -full, we ended up with noisy neighbors, but I think that is always a gamble at any campground. To make a reservation click here!

Guest Blogger: Robin Fator
www.darkponydesigns.blogspot.com

Black Rock Campground - Lassen National Forest

This place is a real gem, tucked into the mountains between Red Bluff and Chico. I had no idea this special place existed at low elevation so close to home. On the edge of the Ishi Wilderness, it feels very isolated. The drive in is a bit arduous, as it is about 20 miles of dirt road, some places very slow-going, with one creek crossing. We were able to do it in our Subaru wagon, which I would not really consider a high-clearance vehicle, but a sedan might not be the best bet for this winding, rocky, narrow road. The dirt section took about 1.5 hours, but has several great views and passes through some beautiful territory (as well as some recently logged areas). We came in from the north side, off highway 36, but access can be gained from the Chico area as well (we were told this was the rougher of the 2 roads).

The campground itself is primitive, with no potable water available, so bring your own or a filter. There is one outhouse, which seemed generally unmaintained (bring your own toilet paper!). We had two lovely sites right at the front of the campground, with large grassy areas and just the right balance of sun and shade. The sites further back were more shaded, but less private. There is a trail into the wilderness that leaves right from the campground.

This has been an unusually cool year, so the creek was still flowing very rapidly, and the weekend was chilly, so we did not do any swimming. But I am certain that in warmer weather, you could find some great spots to cool off. We actually got snowed on- in May! The kids loved exploring up the creek and found a beautiful waterfall not far from the campground.

I highly recommend this unique place if you are willing to do the drive. You will not be disappointed by this area and its namesake monolith.