Are there ones that are right on the sand?
I was also looking more for a one or two day thing, its with my boyfriend coming home from the Marines.

Any suggestions?

There are some state parks that are right on the sand, and they're reservable thru www.reserveamerica.com. Unfortunately, those sand sites are a hot commodity - and require reservations almost a year in advance.

If he's coming home via Camp Pendleton, you can look into renting one of the little cottages at Del Mar Beach, which is right on the base:
http://www.mccscp.com/images/lodging/cottage_photos/index.htm

Del Mar Beach Cottages (760) 725-2134
Cottage Rates / Night: For new 1 bedroom cottage $70

San Onofre Beach Cottages
(760) 763-SURF or (760) 763-SAND
Cottage Rates / Night: 1 bedroom $55, 2 bedroom $65, and 3 bedroom $75

If he's been stationed in the Middle East, he may not be as excited about the sand as you are… I'd look at lots of options. Cottages might be nice, or maybe just go to a cute B&B or hotel where there are fun things to do… SeaWorld, Disney, etc. Maybe even find a cabin up in Big Bear or Idyllwild that you can rent off of Craigslist.org ?

Find something fun that will bring out the kid in him…he'll probably love the chance to forget about his tour of duty for a few days and just spend the time with you having fun!

What are the laws in California regarding camping in places other than campgrounds? I mean, is it legal to pitch a tent in other places without reservations or explicit permission? What about fires? I want to go camping tonight with my kids but don’t want to use crowded, noisy campgrounds (they’re all booked up anyway). Any ideas about where near the South Bay area would also be very welcome. Thanks.

Definitely no fires! Isn’t half the state still burning, and the conditions are the driest in decades.

My friends and I want to go camping, but we don't know where. We want some place that you can drive your car onto the ground and pitch a tent next to it. Reservations for a spot would also help. Does anyone know a place?

For information on camping places in the San Diego area go to: http://www.sandiego-romantics.com/San-Diego-camping.htm.

You will find information on different places as well as links for making reservations.

Would like to be able to see lots of stars, and even sleep in the back of my truck
There is no place around Long Beach where you can tent camp. There is a place, Golden Shore RV Park, where you can bring your RV, but I believe that your RV must be self-contained, ie no pickups or tent camping. A lot of RV parks have restrictions like that.

If you want to see lots of stars, go to Oscar night at the Kodak Theater or a Laker game. Other than that, there are only about 12 stars you can see in the LA night sky. You need to drive at least 100 miles away to get away from the city lights.

The closest place where you can camp like that is at Doheny State Beach. You can make reservations at www.reserveamerica.com.

I have a pop-up tent trailer. I am in Los Angeles, & looking for a good place to go within about 100 miles. Primitive is fine. Not worried about the cold. Probably heading for Joshua Tree, but wondering if anyone has any other good ideas. Thanks!

The Mojave National Preserve is begging to be explored. http://www.nps.gov/moja/

Hey guys,

Me and a couple of my buddies wanted to have an overnight camping trip at big bear to unwind and relax. We ideally want a site next to a lake that we can fish at. Also a site that is ok with alcohol and barbecues would be an added bonus as well.

Anyone got recommendations?

go to holcomb valley up the mountain to the beginnings of the Santa Ana River and camp and fish the creeks by mid summer the trout are all starving and are easy prey and it is rural and beautiful as in the wild gets so expect bears at night and mountain lions also without fishing but I have camped here and when I looked it up on line I found this:
http://www.bigbear.us/yellowpostcampsite.html
instead of fishing take a couple of books and catch up on some reading

http://www.campingearth.com/ - Camping is a lot of fun, but sleeping in your tent or camper can sometimes be uncomfortable or leave you sore in the morning. Sleep comfortably while camping.

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Also, when is the best time of year to go to avoid the crowds? How do you find the best deals on campsites?

I like camping on Highway 1 at anyone of the numerous campgrounds available on the coast north of San Francisco. There are plenty and they're cheap. Early Fall is the best, least crowded time. My favorite is MacKerricher State Park on Highway 1 just north of Fort Bragg.

I would like a wooded area where i can fish, swim, have a little fire, hike, and maybe find a cool cave or somthing to explore and i dont mind driving a few hours

I camped at Picacho State Rec Area back in January - and that was pretty cool. Check it out:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=641

It's on the Colorado River, just north of Yuma, AZ. The river is excellent for fishing, there are trails everywhere, and if you're brave, jump in the river for a dip! It should be about hot enough to want to do that. There are 4WD access camp sites and boat in sites. We paddled canoes & kayaks on a 4 day weekend and stayed in the park the last night. There are solar showers, lots of cool desert rock formations right by the campsites. Just be careful for rattlers.

Have fun!

I live in Huntington beach and i am willing to drive up to 2 hours in any direction.

No need to go very far. You can camp right at Doheny State Beach, where they allow Campfires. Further down the coast, you have San Elijo, South Carlsad, and San Clemente State Beaches.

To the north, you have Leo Carillo, McGrath, Carpinteria, El Capitan, and Refugio State Beaches.

All allow campfires along with camping. You can reserve them at www.reserveamerica.com.