If you are looking for a great place to go camping, whether it is tent camping or you have and RV, you should check out Cachuma Lake Campground in Santa Barbara County. Located off Hwy 154, it is a beautiful lake that offers many activities year round. Widely known for fishing, this campground/recreation area also offers wildlife tours, hiking, boat rentals, a swimming pool, miniature golf, and so much more. There is no swimming or skiing allowed on the lake however, so keep this in mind when you go. The lake hosts fishing tournaments through-out the year, and is home to the UCSB Rowing Team.

So, now you know what the park has to offer, let me tell you a little more about it. The campground is a County run park, camping is first come first served. They do not take reservations. They have a large number of full hook-up sites for Rvers as well as partial hook-up sites. They have an even larger number of tent sites. In most cases, when you arrive they will give you a map of the campground, tell you which sites are available and you can drive around, choose the one you want and go back and pay for it. Most of the campground is dirt, they do allow campfires year-round, and they have a wonderful little store in case you forgot or run out of something. There is also a wildlife museum in the park and they occasionally host special events for kids. Prefer hiking? Try out one of the many trails available around the lake. They range from short walks to longer hikes. Maps are available at the park.

Want to see wildlife? This is the place to do it. Because the park is located in the mountains you will most definitely see raccoons and probably a skunk. Keep your trash picked up at night and the raccoons won't be a problem. Skunks? Don't do anything to scare them and they will leave, they are just passing through anyway. You will also see squirrels, birds, and other small wildlife. Go down by the boat launch ramp and you can feed the ducks, carp will come and eat with the ducks too if you're lucky! You can wear yourself out riding your bike around the park on the roads leading to the various campsites. They also have Yurts for staying in if you don't want to stay in a tent.

Cachuma Lake is located only half an hour from the Santa Ynez Valley. Day trips into Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez are a must. There are a variety of fun shops, wine tasting, and excellent restaurants in the Valley. If you would rather go to Santa Barbara, you can head the other direction from the lake and it is about forty-five minutes or so depending on traffic. The most important thing to remember about camping there is to have a great time! Roast some marshmallows, make new friends, and catch a big fish! Enjoy Cachuma Lake and you will want to return.

By: Christy Tuller
Christy Tuller is an expert on several topics and enjoys camping. For more tips, ideas, and photos check out my blog Camping In The Western States at http://mrstscampwest.blogspot.com

California State Parks offer a total of 64 state beach facilities up and down the beautiful California coastline. Many of California's state beaches provide camping facilities and they all offer gorgeous coastal views and a wide range of activities that are sure to please everyone in your family.

Sonoma Coast State Beach is located in the northern coastal region of California. Visitors to Sonoma Coast can enjoy hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding along the scenic trails and craggy beaches. While the strong surfs and rip currents of California's northern beaches are not safe for swimmers, they provide great opportunities for surfing. Wildlife, including harbor seals and the endangered snowy plover, can be spotted throughout the park and fishing is bountiful all along the 17 miles of beaches.

Sonoma Coast offers two developed family campgrounds as well as two environmental camps. Bodega Dunes features 98 campsites and hot showers. A sandy beach with a handicap accessible boardwalk is located near the campground and summer programs are available for children. Wright's Beach offers 27 campsites along the beach with picnic tables, fire pits, and paved parking. Wright's Beach campers can use the nearby showers at Bodega Dunes.

In the San Francisco Bay area of California, Half Moon Bay State Beach lets campers experience the moderate temperatures and gorgeous sandy beaches of the San Francisco Bay through hiking, fishing, or picnicking. The four miles of vast beaches at Half Moon Bay includes four beaches, a three mile trail for walking, jogging, and biking, and a horse trail. Francis Beach offers a 52 site campground for tents and campers, as well as coin operated hot showers. The water in the San Francisco Bay stays too cold for swimming year round, but fishing in the park is abundant.

California's central coast boasts a wide variety of state beaches, offering many different activities and venues. From hang gliding to bird watching, the central coast has a little of everything. El Capitan State Beach is located just outside of Santa Barbara and offers shady picnicking and camping beside the El Capitan Creek. Hiking, bicycling, surfing, and fishing can be enjoyed in the park. One bike trail connects the park to nearby Refugio State Beach, only 2.5 miles away. Visitors to Refugio can also enjoy camping, hiking, biking, and fishing.

Los Angeles County has several state beaches with picnicking facilities and hiking trails. While most of these state beaches do not provide camping facilities, they are perfect for day trips. Visitors to Malibu Lagoon can enjoy historic and cultural exhibits, as well as bird watching and guided nature tours, including watching the gray whale. Santa Monica State Beach is a beautiful beach that offers shopping as well as activities like volleyball, basketball, and jogging. Many of LA County's beaches also provide wireless internet services. When visiting, carry along a cooler, like one of Coleman's wheeled coolers, to keep your lunch fresh and your drinks cool.

Orange and San Diego Counties have some of California's best beaches for swimming and surfing. The balmy, Mediterranean temperatures make the beaches great vacation destinations year round. San Clemente State Beach is a beautiful, sandy beach that stretches one mile down Orange County's coast. The campground at San Clemente features 157 sites, 72 including hook-ups. Visitors can enjoy nature trails, as well as natural and cultural exhibits and events. The beach is popular for picnics, swimming, and surfing, and the park has an available wi-fi connection.

By: Nicole Munoz
For more tips and information about Camping at California State Beaches, check out http:www.summitcampinggear.com.

Camping information featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal and Lifestyle resource for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

Need a few laughs, check out our camping jokes section.

California is a great place to go camping because of the warm temperatures and the great terrain. Many areas also feature beautiful scenery and great places for picnics, hiking, and fishing. The most popular place to camp in California is Yosemite National Park featuring more than 1,200 square miles. However, since this particular area is so popular it is wise to make your reservations well in advance.

San Bernardino, California offers great camping on Mount San Jacinto. This is a great site known for rugged terrain that is often used for rock climbing adventures. There are also plenty of trails for hiking or exploring on horseback. Many people enjoy Mount Diablo as the summit allows you to oversee a vast portion of California. This campsite features lovely cabins if you want some comforts of home while on your trip.

California is well known for allowing people to explore the Pacific Ocean. Camping at San Simeon Creek gives you the opportunity to camp with the beach only a short walk away. Many people find this to be a wonderful way to enjoy their camping trip. Benton, California offers relaxing hot springs for you to enjoy while camping. You can camp out under the stars or enjoy one of the many bed & breakfast locations.

Regardless of where you choose to camp in California, you will have many great options. You can choose from a variety of different terrains. Many people enjoy the beach as it offers a unique camping experience. Others enjoy the desert campgrounds and the country because of the hot springs and open land. Still others long to camp on the beautiful mountains of California where they are free to explore and also to enjoy the excitement of rock climbing. Make sure you find out about reservations and restrictions before you make any definite travel plans to one of these amazing camping sites.

By: Gabriel J. Adams
Get your camping gear from Thompson Outdoors: Compasses, Kershaw knives, and more!

Camping information featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal Information and Lifestyle Resources directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

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Lassen Park in California is an amazing place with massive lava tubes and whatnot. If you are in Northern California, this is a place to visit when RVing.

California is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. With a broad range of different climates, atmospheres and terrain, California offers vacationers many different activities to choose from. From the glitter of Hollywood to the family fun of Disneyland to the beaches and mountains of California, this state is a perfect place to go RVing if you can stand the gas prices.

One interesting spot to visit while you're in California is Lassen Volcanic National Park. This park, situated in northern California, is a great example of how volcanoes have shaped the world as we know it. On May 15, 1915, the volcano located in Lassen Peak erupted. This southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range emitted enough volcanic ash and material to affect areas that were up to 200 miles away.

If you are RVing in this area, there are a couple of places that cater to the RVing family. One of the Lassen RV campgrounds in the area is actually located in Hat Creek, California – equidistant from Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park. The Rancheria RV Park, located at Lunker Lake, is a perfect spot for your Lassen trip. Lunker Lake is a three acre private lake that offers families a good spot for many different water activities. There are not just RV hookups at this park, rather there is also a camp store, bathing facilities a laundromat and restaurant all on site for your convenience.

Another RV facility located near this national park is the Lassen Pines RV Resort in McArthur, California. With 150 acres of land, this site is a beautiful spot to park your RV. There are 46 pull through sites available with 15 deluxe sites. Cable TV, electric, phone, water and many other amenities are available. A heated swimming pool, heated bathhouse and laundry room mean that you won't need to leave camp for many of the basics.

Whether you are a volcano aficionado or just an outdoor lover, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great spot for your next California vacation. The winter season lasts a long time in this area of California high in the mountains with snow starting to accumulate in October and not melting until July. Summer is a more temperate time to see Lassen Volcanic National Park. In short, hit it in the summer if possible.

By: Adrien White
Adrien White is with RVRentalsforYou.com - information on RV rentals, dealers, parks and more.

Camping information featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal Resources and Lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

There are many beautiful beaches in California. Although most of these have many activities available for day-use, not all of them provide facilities for camping and allow overnight stays. This article lists the best beach camping parks in California and gives you some of the hightlights of each park. We have broken the beach camping parks out into three sections: Northern California, Central California, and Southern California, so that you can locate beaches in just the region you desire.

Northern California
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Clam Beach County Park is located just south of Little River State Beach, north of Eureka. It is one of the few parks that allows camping right on the beach. Beachcombing, clamming, fishing, picnicking, camping, kite flying, and building sand castles are all popular at this beach.

Gold Bluff Beach is within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The campground is located in the dunes along a beautiful 10-mile stretch of golden beach. The campgrounds lie between the Pacific Ocean and a bluff thickly covered with Redwoods. It is located about 50 miles north of Eureka.

Westport-Union Landing State Beach covers over 3 miles of rugged and scenic coastline. There are approximately 100 campsites located on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is located about 19 miles north of Fort Bragg.

Central California
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Half Moon Bay State Beach offers 4 miles of broad, sandy beaches. This picturesque setting is ideal for sunbathing, hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, and camping. It is located near San Mateo in the San Francisco Bay area.

Manresa State Beach is a large, beautiful sandy beach, which offers surf fishing, surfing, swimming, and camping. It is located on Monterey Bay just south of San Francisco.

New Brighton State Beach is located in the town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. This beach camping park offers swimming, fishing and a nearby forest. The camping area is located on a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay.

Seacliff State Beach is best know for its fishing pier and concrete freighter just offshore. There is swimming, fishing, camping, and hiking trails. It is located on Monterey Bay near Aptos.

Sonoma Coast State Beach is one of California´s most scenic attractions. It has long sandy beaches below rugged headlands. The craggy coastline has natural arches and features secluded coves. The beach is located north of San Francisco between Jenner and Bodega Bay. There are many campsites to choose from. Fishing, hiking, horseback trails, and many other activities are available.

Sunset State Beach features pine trees, mountainous sand dunes, and oceanside picnic spots. The beach is 16 miles south of Santa Cruz.

Southern California
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Carpinteria State Beach is approximately 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. This park offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May.

Doheny State Beach is two parks in one. Camping is located in the southern area and the northern area is limited to day-use. There is a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts. Surfing and surf fishing is popular here. It is located just south of Los Angeles.

McGrath State Beach is famous for bird-watching. The lush riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and the sand dunes along the shore create just the right environment for our feathered friends. There is a nature trail for hiking, and 2 miles of beach for surfing, fishing, or swimming. It is located near Ventura.

Morro Strand State Beach is a coastal frontage park with excellent picnic sites and about 3 miles of beach. Fishing, windsurfing, jogging, kite flying and camping are popular at this park. It is located near San Luis Obispo.

Pismo State Beach is located near San Luis Obispo. This park offers all kinds of attractions: hiking, swimming, clam digging, surf fishing, camping, and bird watching. Four restaurants are within 2 blocks of the campground.

San Clemente State Beach has about 1 mile of beach. The beach is located at the south end of San Clemente and is popular for surfing, skin diving, and swimming. The park has a landscaped bluff top with picnic areas. There are also hiking trails on the bluffs which lead down to the beach.

San Elijo State Beach is located near San Diego. The beach is narrow and backs up to a bluff. It has a nearby reef that is popular with snorklers and divers. The park also offers swimming, surfing, picnicking, and camping.

San Onofre State Beach has 3.5 miles of sandy beaches with access trails cut into the bluff above. The campground is near old highway 101 adjacent to the bluffs. The beach is popular with swimmers and surfers. Whales, dolphins and sea lions can be seen offshore at times. It is located just south of San Clemente.

Silver Strand State Beach has extensive beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and on San Diego Bay. Camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking are popular activities, along with fishing. The park is located in Coronado.

South Carlsbad State Beach is a beach near San Diego that features swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing, and picnicking. Its large bluff-top campground has stairs that lead down to the beach. It is a very popular camping spot, especially in the summer.

Our family really enjoys camping, and we hope that you do to. There is nothing like the beach for relaxing and having some fun together as a family. Whether its just going for the day, or extending your visit by camping overnight, we hope that you have a wonderful time. Most of all, have fun and stay safe. You are creating memories that will last a lifetime!

By: Rich Herman
Rich Herman loves the outdoors and travels extensively with his family. For more information on California beaches and other Beach Camping Parks in the United States, visit his website: www.FavoriteFamilyVacations.com.

Featured by the camping directory in the lifesttyle directory at Resources For Attorneys, a legal and lifestyle resources directory.