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California campers rushing to reserve prime park sites
| Saturday, Feb 10 2007 9:20 PM
Last Updated: Saturday, Feb 10 2007 9:26 PM
Reserving a prime campsite in a state park is becoming a bit like trying to score tickets to a big concert.
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Andrew Martinez of Bakersfield fishes at the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area southwest of Bakersfield.
"Some campsites sell out in the first few minutes," said Sheryl Watson, a spokeswoman for California State Parks.
Feb. 1 was the first day to make reservations for a state campground in August, one of the most popular months for camping. And it was a record breaker.
With an enhanced online and phone system, 17,600 reservations were booked that day, Watson said. More than half of the reservations were made in the first hour.
"People will sit at their computers and at 8 a.m., they hit the button to try and get the (campsite) they want," she said.
State parks are one of the most popular camping destinations. They tend to be a cheap way to vacation on the coast and the sites usually offer more amenities than campgrounds on federal lands.
"If there's a state park it means there's something there worth seeing," said Robert Galarza, manager of The Supply Sergeant, a camping supply store in Bakersfield. "Plus, they're safe and clean."
Reservations in state park campgrounds open six months in advance, at 8 a.m. on the first of the month. So if you're planning a camping trip to one of the more popular campgrounds in September you better be ready to book on the morning of March 1. Not all camp sites in state parks require reservations.
And remember, there are plenty of other camping opportunities out there. The nearby National Forests offer great opportunities for a more rustic camping experience, while offering refuge from the summer heat. Water lovers can also find swimming and boating opportunities in some county parks.
Here's some information to help you plan your trip this summer.
State parks
Online information and reservations:
* www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex (information); www.reserveamerica.com (reservations)
Reservations by phone: 800-444-7275
Things to know:
* Reservations can be easier to book if you camp midweek.
* The busiest camping days are on Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend.
* Check for cancellations on the ReserveAmerica Web site or over the phone. They're rare, but they do occur.
* The months of April, May, September and October are usually less popular than June, July and August.
* Campgrounds in Southern California and along the Central Coast are the most popular. Consider a location that's more inland and further north.
Already full for August*:
* Crystal Cove State Park (cottages) (near Laguna Beach)
* Mount Tamalpais -- Steep Ravine Cabins (north of San Francisco)
* El Capitan State Beach (near Santa Barbara)
* Refugio State Beach (near Santa Barbara)
* Bolsa Chica State Beach (Huntington Beach)
* Doheny State Beach (Dana Point)
* San Clemente State Beach (Orange County)
* South Carlsbad State Beach (San Diego County)
* San Elijo State Beach (San Diego County)
* Seacliff State Beach (Santa Cruz County)
* Some sites may still have one or two days open during the week.
Federal lands
Many campsites in national forests operate on a first-come, first-served basis and some are even free. On the flip side, the campgrounds tend to be more rustic, featuring just a fire ring and toilets, if you're lucky. For those into roughing it, the national forests and the Bureau of Land Management offer dispersed camping areas on undeveloped lands. As the BLM Web site puts it: A good campsite is found, not made.
National forests
Online information and reservations:
* www.fs.fed.us (information); www.recreation.gov (reservations)
Reservations by phone: 877-444-6777; 661-245-3731 (Mount Pinos Ranger District);
Things to know:
* Like state parks, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day are the busiest times for camping.
* Reservations can be made for most campgrounds near Isabella Lake in the Sequoia National Forest, but the campgrounds also reserve some sites for first-come, first-served bookings.Reservations can be made six months in advance. The most popular sites include: Hobo, Tillie Creek, Boulder Gulch and Paradise Cove.
* All campgrounds in the Mount Pinos area of the Los Padres National Forest are on a first-come, first-served basis. Campgrounds closest to the highway fill up first.
* The Los Padres National Forest Web site lists nearby activities for each campground, including off-highway vehicle trails, star gazing, hiking and even gold panning.
* Campfire permits may be required when camping outside of official campground areas.
* Potable water is not available in most national forest campgrounds.
* Some campgrounds may require and Adventure Pass (in Los Padres National Forest) or charge a fee.
Bureau of Land Management
* For information on local BLM campsites, visit www.ca.blm.gov/bakersfield/recreation.html or call 391-6000.
Locally
If you're simply looking for a quick camping fix, there's plenty of local options for a spontaneous weekend camp-out. Head to the mountains to escape the heat or pitch a tent along the Kern River. Water-lovers can also get their fill locally with swimming, boats and watercraft allowed on some lakes in county parks.
Online information and reservations:
* www.co.kern.ca.us/parks
Reservations by phone: 868-7000; 868-7050 (Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area only)
Things to know:
* Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area: Swimming, boating and other watercraft are allowed. Camping reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and open four months in advance. Waterfront sites fill up fast.
* Kern River County Park: Boating is allowed on Lake Ming, but swimming is prohibited. Paddle boats and other activities are available in Hart Lake. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
* Tehachapi Mountain Park and Greenhorn Mountain Park: a great reprieve from the heat. First-come, first-served basis. Group campsites available.