[pct-l] camping inland enroute from San Diego

[Carol Feinberg]

Re Road Trip from San Diego to SF,

This info is re: camping along 101: 

In the Santa Barbara area there are several campgrounds on the 101. The first is Carpinteria State Park--great spot. Then, you will encounter Refugio State Park (right on 101), El Capitan State Park, and Gaviota State Park (hotsprings). All of these are before 101 turns inland. If you travel only slightly more, Jamala State Park is not far from Lompoc. Check with the parks re: availability. Jamala does not take reservations.  I believe that the others take both reservations and walk ins. However, due to popularity walk-in space is limited.

In San Luis Obispo County campgrounds are at Lopez Lake (inland), and many, many spots along the coast from Morro Bay on should you change to a coastal route.

Inland in Monterey County you could camp at Pinnacles, San Antonio Lake or Naciemento Lake. All are relatively close to the 101 and inland. Again, more camping is along the coast but both Naciemento and San Antonio Lakes are both nice.
 
If you take the 395:  There is camping at Whitney Portal outside of Lone Pine. Also at South Lake outside of Bishop, Ca. and at North Lake outside Bishop. South lake is spectacular and offers great day hiking.

In Mammoth Lakes you could try Devils Post Pile. Along the June Lake Loop there are a good number of campsites.

Traveling on 395 you will reach the turn off for Tioga Pass into Yosemite. There is a camp ground immediately before you reach the park entrance. It is in a fabulous spot and very popular. You could also continue into the park and camp at Tuolumne Meadows. If you choose this option, arrive early for a walk up campsite.


You can cut off 395 to Lake Tahoe via Heavenly Valley and there are many campgrounds in the Tahoe area.
Carol Feinberg