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MamaFitz · 06-11-2013, 11:02 PM

Hi there gang!

We have a 32' Sovereign and we are finding it hard to get sites big enough to camp along the California & Oregon Coast. Any experiences & suggestions would be SUPER appreciated!

Thank you!

jimmini · 06-15-2013, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MamaFitz

Hi there gang!

We have a 32' Sovereign and we are finding it hard to get sites big enough to camp along the California & Oregon Coast. Any experiences & suggestions would be SUPER appreciated!

Thank you!

I am with you sure would like to know about some.I have been going to drive over and look aound Montrey area and Big Sur but have not had time yet

rashton · 06-15-2013, 05:32 PM

can't say much about calif. but there are numerous state parks on the Oregon coast which should be able to take you. Brookings- Harris beach state park. Florence- Honeyman s.p. Newport South beach s.p. (electric and water only) or Beverly Beach, Tillamook cape lookout s.p. Astoria- fort stevens s.p.. I think all these would have a large enough space. May have trouble without a reservation. there are others which are first come first served.

kscherzi · 06-15-2013, 06:06 PM

I've camped in almost every major state or federal campground in California. Most in a popup that needs 24 feet opened. Add 17' tow vehicle, you get to 41 feet. Somehow we never had a big problem and somehow always managed to fit into their standard 27' space. Hanging the trailer off the back of the pad, and parking at an angle always sufficed. Honestly, i never gave it a thought when making reservations. The problem for such a long trailer may he getting it level.

Your worst case scenario will be to park your tow vehicle in the overflow area. Usually the picnic area.

Bessie1968 · 08-11-2013, 04:13 PM

Pfeiffer Big Sur (Monterey Area) - you might fit into 72 - 78 ... These sites are full sun (in a meadow, not under the redwoods). Favorites are 74 and 75 but a low oak tree hangs over part of 74 FYI... It is absolutely beautiful in that park and is one of our favorites. Don't bother with the private campgrounds in Big Sur, we drove through three of them and OMG no way would our 22' fit!!! The sites say 32' max, if your truck doesn't fit next to it there is a parking lot about 100' away next to a store that is typically closed. This campground is SUPER TIGHT for campers, no lie we got stuck and the hosts had to dig out a 6' sunken 8' x 8' post to get us out!

Half Moon Bay State Park - you would probably fit in most of the sites next to the ocean ... 16, 17, 19, etc... there are a bunch but you have to book RIGHT AWAY or they are gone! So pretty, you are right on the beach (no cliff, you just walk over a little hill) but be prepared for the geriatric generator parade... super irritating to listen to when they drown out the waves! Right across the highway from downtown HMB and there is a bike path too that goes along the ocean.

New Brighton State Beach (Santa Cruz area) - you will fit in 75, 76, 78,79,82. These are ocean view sights, really deep will a view of the ocean (you are up on cliff, it's a steep walk down to the ocean). Really pretty but really popular! These sites go immediately so book as soon as available. Close to town of Capitola if you want to pop in for a little breakfast.

Henry Cowell State Park - you won't fit
Portola State Park - you won't fit
Big Basin State Park - you won't fit
Butano State Park - you won't fit
Samuel P Taylor State Park - you won't fit
Seacliff State Park - on the beach parking lot style, we don't camp there because it's a zoo and lots of partiers

I hope this helps you!

Road Geezer · 08-12-2013, 10:48 AM

Here are a few suggestions:
In Monterrey, Veterans Memorial Park. It's a city campground. Don't believe the posted restrictions on their website, we've camped there many times and have seen large RV's accommodated. Choose sites along the park, they're open and can easily fit larger rigs. No hookups, but a dump station, flush toilets, and hot showers.
Near Jenner on Hwy 1, Cassini Ranch (on Russian River). Private, full hookups, all grass. No length restrictions, many pull thru sites.
Near Mendocino, Pomo Family Camp. Private, cash only, well maintained, large sites.
At Klamath River and 101. There is a private rv campground with full hookups I(can't remember name) right on the river, pull thru sites, very well maintained. Take turn off immediately south of 101 bridge over river follow road about 1/2 mile towards coast. There are two campgrounds, the best is the first one, nearer the bridge. Avoid the one farther down the road.
In Oregon, we've stayed at New Brighton and Jesse Honeyman SP's. Both have site that I believe accommodate long rigs. They have full hookups available.

Hope this helps, it's a beautiful journey we've taken several times.

Hittenstiehl · 08-12-2013, 11:17 AM

Those are really great locations I'm gonna subscribe to this thread for some future trips. Anyone have any personal experience with the sand dunes rv park in Marina Ca. I have read the online reviews about cost being high, beach being a long walk and freeway noise. We have family in Salinas and usually spend week in hotel but we hope this falls trip will be last in hotel and in two years it will be in the TW.

Taj MaHaul · 08-12-2013, 11:27 AM

We live on the So Oregon coast. I see where the folks that asked about camping along the coast have moved on the the Columbia but for anyone who gets close to our region, there are some good options. There are several State Parks (Harris Beach near Brookings, Humbug south of Port Orford and Bullards Beach north of Bandon). This time of year (August) reservations are almost required for Harris and Bullards. Cape Blanco is another good alternative and because it is off Hwy 101, isn't always as crowded.

Brookings also has a RV park run by the Port that's right on the beach. Gold Beach has a similar one.

Let me know if you need more.

Bill

Taj MaHaul · 08-13-2013, 07:20 AM

A few years ago we stayed at Marina Dunes and it was expensive then. However, if you are bicycle riders you will love it as there is a trail that takes you all the way into Monterrey. Same trail goes north a ways. Lots of good beach walks to be had. There was a great breakfast house across the way in Marina City but don't recall its name.

Hittenstiehl · 08-13-2013, 08:01 AM

Thanks for the feedback on Marina Dunes.

pattonsr · 08-13-2013, 09:10 AM

I assume when Monterrey is mentioned that one means Monterey, CA and not Monterrey which is in Mexico.

TinShack · 08-13-2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bessie1968

Pfeiffer Big Sur (Monterey Area) - you might fit into 72 - 78 ... These sites are full sun (in a meadow, not under the redwoods). Favorites are 74 and 75 but a low oak tree hangs over part of 74 FYI... It is absolutely beautiful in that park and is one of our favorites.

Heads up! Pfeiffer BS just made changes to the campground and they no longer admit trailers over 27' according to the Reserve America reservation site. They claim you will be turned away.

**Janet H** · 08-13-2013, 10:27 AM

Further up the OR coast around newport

Avoid Devils lake State Park - you won't fit (although they say you will) and sites are at right angle to loop roads.

Check out Southbeach State Park - lovely.

You will also fit at Beverly Beach State park but the campground in mostly heavily shaded and quite dark. Avoid the loops here that are close to the front of the park - head for the F and G loops. Sites are farther apart and lovely.

jspafford · 08-13-2013, 12:11 PM

Our all-time favorite campground is Prarie Creek Redwoods State Park in CA just south of the OR border. Giant coastal redwoods, banana slugs, forest trails, fern canyon, beach combing and the resident herd of elk. Some sites have power and water hookups.

Road Geezer · 08-13-2013, 01:48 PM

We stayed at Marina Dunes RV park once. They are right on Hwy 1 which at that location is a busy freeway. Sites to the left of the entrance are a bit larger than the narrow sites on the right. It is expensive; that's why when in the area, we stay at Veterans Memorial Park. It's $27 vs $60 per night, although Marina has full hookups.

Hittenstiehl · 08-13-2013, 03:58 PM

Thank you for your info on dunes. We currently stay in Salinas at over $100 a night so we are just looking for an alternative when we get our trailer road worthy. Veterans does not have good online reviews but i think we'll check both of them out this fall when we go again to the hotel.

TinShack · 08-13-2013, 04:43 PM

There is also a campground at Laguna Seca Raceway between Salinas and Monterey. Monterey County Parks | Camping at Laguna Seca Recreation Area

Hittenstiehl · 08-13-2013, 04:50 PM

We will add Laguna Seca to the check it out list when we visit this fall.

Mrs.Mod · 08-13-2013, 05:44 PM

Half Moon bay SB is nice. It will be closing in October of this year and will reopen in the spring because they are adding water and electric hook ups! They have a dumpsite also. Plenty of sights big enough there. Might be a good place to rally.
You have to be careful with coastal campgrounds. The coast is so popular that they really try to pack 'em in. We stayed at Santa Cruz Redwoods Resort and while the campground was really pretty, our awning was inches from the tent trailer next to us. Privacy was a bit of an issue. Especially when our tent trailer neighbors decided to get 'frisky' the next morning.

Road Geezer · 08-14-2013, 10:50 AM

There is a KOA campground, Costa Noa, about 20 mi north of Santa Cruz on Hwy 1 we've stayed at a couple times. Full hookups, large sites in the the first loop, good restaurant, store, and spa on site; the heated restrooms with large showers are to die for. It's about the same price as Marina Dunes.