California campground suggestions needed

Kathy and Bob,

Patterson Pass Road (152) looks like a logical crossover from I-5 to miss all the Bay Area traffic. Haven't driven it myself, but heard it can be quite scenic. If you plan on spending any time investigating the Monterey Peninsula, one of our favorite spots is Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove. Sand dunes, tide pools, white sand and turquoise water-a beautiful sight.

Al is right, bring those binoculars. Elephant seals and migrating Grey Whales all over the place. We just had a visit from a Grey Whale mom and her calf this morning in San Francisco Bay. Wonderful time of year here.

Camp On,

Jim and Sue
 
I'm really hoping to see whales! Thanks for your suggestions. I'm printing everyone's comments. We will definitely report on our trip.

Kathy
 
I see you listened to my pleas and brought the rain with you. Gee, thanks, we really need it. Sorry it's making your trip through California all soggy...but at least you'll have plenty of spaces to choose from in the camp grounds and the CI will keep you dry.

And come to think of it, my favorite time to view the ocean is during a storm. Crashing surf and a steel gray sea is a gorgeous sight and you can usually have it all to yourself.

Anyway, hope you are enjoying yourselves. Stay safe.

Camp On,

Sue
 
We have arrived in San Diego! It is raining, but that is fine as we have more than 40 years of stories to discuss with our friend. Your recommendations have been so helpful. We'll post a more developed narrative with pictures when we get home in a couple of weeks, but for now:

Valley of the Rogue SP north of Medford, OR: one loop open, good restrooms w/free showers, open area on the river with nice walking path, low mountains on both sides

Los Banos KOA, Los Banos, CA: very friendly host, clean restrooms and showers, seemed that most "campers" were long-term residents w/some funky sites, shared a fence with a housing development, camping available just west of here at the San Luis Reservoir (along Hwy 152)

Casa de Fruta produce stand - fruit stand on steroids. Bought some dried fruit to include chili dusted dried mango. Yum

Veterans Memorial Park, Monterey, CA. Open park space, decent restrooms w/showers, friendly ranger, used by "down on their luch" folks but ranger said rarely a problem. Easy drive back into city and beach. 17 Mile Drive well worth the $9.75 - stopped at Pebble Beach and went into the lodge but too expensive for lunch (or dinner, we're sure); proceeded on to Carmel for lunch at Katy's, then continued drive.

Pismo Beach KOA: nice park, lot's of rentals, rarely saw other "campers," clean restrooms and showers, very short drive to Avila Beach, also close enough to Tom 'n Gayle for them to stop what they are doing and come by (not totally true but good to see them)

Saddleback Butte State Park, 17 miles from Lancaster, CA in Antelope Valley - open campground with a wind break and picnic table at each site, clean restrooms w/o showers, have to walk aways to get water, Joshua Trees abound, camp host and her dog, Hap,a delightful pair. Just south of Edwards AFB so see/hear some big planes. Really hope this park does not close - as many in CA will in July.

Friend's home in SD: rainy but good conversation, coffee pot always going, WONDERFUL bed, clean bathroom and shower, wireless wifi.

More later. Safe travels, everyone.
 
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