As you know, we do a lot of camping. I thought it would be helpful to write down some reviews of the campgrounds we have stayed at recently. I am sure there will be a Part II of this post in the future as we add this year’s camping trips to our review repertoire. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or if you would like more specific reviews or information.
Cachuma Lake
2225 Highway 154
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 686-5055
Things to do in the area: Visit Solvang, wine taste, visit Santa Barbara, fish
Pros: Beautiful lake-front camp spots – anmazing thing to wake up to, close to Los Angeles
Cons: The ground is really hard, so it was difficult to get the tent spikes into the ground. Not to mention that we didn’t bring an egg crate or air matress, so were a little stiff in the morning. Would have been fine had we remembered a hammer and an egg crate.
The lake at sunset from our campsite.
The lake early in the morning (fishing time).
Things to do in the area: Star gaze, fish (tons of tilapia live in the Sea), visit Palm Springs
Pros: It feels “out there,” but is not that far from LA, beautiful stars
Cons: It smells like fish, can’t go year-round because of the heat
The lake at sunset.
Sedona – Manzanita
5900 N HW 89A
Sedona AZ 86336
Things to do in the area: Chapel of the Holy Cross (A-MAZING views), admire the natural beauty, hike
Recommended hike: Cathedral Rock
Misc: There are many vortexes in Sedona (areas of spiritual energy). For the record I visited one and didn’t feel a damn thing.
Pros: The camground is a lovely stream, and is a beautiful place
Cons: Campsites really close together, and a little out of town (so uou have to drive to the good hikes and views)
The stream next to the campground.
The view of Cathedral Rock from Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Things to do in the area: Hike, admire natural beauty
Misc: Bears! Make sure you adhere to the rules regarding food and toilettries in your tent and car (you must use the bear lockers at each site). There are literally bears coming through the campsite each night.
Best spot: 73. It was HUGE.
Pros: Huge camping spots, great location in the valley
Cons: Books early, so you have to make reservations well in advance
The two tents we fit in our large campsite.
Pismo Beach – Oceano Dunes
928 PACIFIC AVENUE
Oceano CA 93445
Things to do in the area: Walk along the beach, wine taste
Pros: Campsites really close to beach, large tent camping spots
Cons: None really
The beach.
An unedited photo of the sunset.
Lake Cuyamaca
15027 Highway 79
Julian, CA 92036-9530
(760) 765-3867
Things to do in the area: Visit the quaint town of Julian and eat some of their famous apple pie
No major pros or cons, just a nice getaway surprisingly quick from Los Angeles or San Diego.
The lake.
The dock.
Things to do in the area: Whale watch (amazing during April), hike
Pros: Camp right on the beach, and very close to LA
Cons: Right next to freeway, so you get some street noise
View of the Point to the north.
View of the coastline to the south.
Other camping reviews and resources
See more camping resources from Fab Everyday in these articles:
- The Only Camping Packing List You’ll Ever Need
- Fab Everyday Camping Packing Tips: Organized Camping Supply Box
- S’mores Variations – Unique Takes on the Traditional Camping Recipe
- Outdoor Cooking Recipe: Camping Pasta with Clam Sauce
- Cool Camper – Camping Fashion Inspiration
- Texas campground reviews: The best camping in Texas for families
- Camping in Tombstone, AZ
- Family Camping Trip in Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas
- Camping in Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ
- One Day Family Camping Trip in Zion National Park
- Family Camping Trip to Arches National Park
- Camping in Marble Falls, TX – Shaffer Bend Recreation Area
- DIY Kid’s Camping and Outdoor Safety Necklace Craft
- Kid’s camping craft idea: Leaf Rubbing Tree (easy toilet paper roll craft)
- Outdoor Children’s Activity: Go on a Nature Hunt!
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