CA Lovin' & Livin'
California Camping
As a child we used to go camping A LOT, at least once during the summer and during the winter! It was our ritual!
For almost 40 years, my Dad, has worked at a recreational vehicle, parts, and service center that specializes in everything related to Recreational Vehicles (RV’s); and since he’s been an exceptional employee, he’s been able to rent the RV’s at a reduced rate, so when I was a child, we used to go camping in “style” LOL
Our “immediate” family, which also included my aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends would join us and we’d all pile into one big RV. My Dad was always the driver, primarily because he was in charge, and because he was the navigator; he had a sense of direction and just always knew where to go and what to do! He literally had every detailed lined up: sites, locations, what to take, how to get there, and when to go—I got that from him!!
During our summer trips, my siblings and I used to ride in the Cabover section, sleep in tenants, and roast smores over the fireplace! It was so much fun! During our winter trips, we used to rent a cabin, play in the snow, and sleep on the floor in front of the fireplace! As we grew older, we stopped traveling as a family, but since I inherited my Dad’s leadership, and skillful traits, I often venture out and continue to explore!
Living in California, albeit its horrible traffic, comes with many ‘privileges!’ I can drive 90 minutes east into the desert, 90 minutes west and I’ll hit the beach, 90 minutes north and I am driving through a forest, or 90 minutes south and I’m in Mexico! But moreover, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that this magnificent state has so much to offer, such as: national parks, coastal areas, small islands, historical monuments, world-famous attractions, natural wonders, Disneyland (which is my FAVE), and so many other outdoor sites! In other words, we have EVERYTHING! And while I am not a very outdoorsy person, per se, I do like to get out and explore new sites often!
Many years ago, I created a check-off list, and slowly, but surely, I am crossing off many sites, parks, and adventures, as time goes! But camping has always remained one of the top on my list! Even around the world, I like to camp out and stay in small cabins, yurts, glass houses, bungalows, treehouses, over-water, open-quarters, riverbeds, trailers, airstreams, catamarans, and hammocks. From time to time, I do like to splurge and go glamping, and book a night at some of the coolest and most uniquely designed ‘rooms’ on earth!!
With so many options available, it was hard to determine which locations are the best and/or what areas I recommend because they’re all so great, but I do have a few that are my fave, for various reasons! And at the top of that list lies the Joshua Tree National Park and its surrounding areas.
Joshua Tree (“JT”) was such a hidden gem that most locals had never even heard of it! LOL!! But due to the pandemic and limitations on international travel, many Californians wanted to get out, so they started to research regional getaways and Voilà, and to my dismay, many discovered JT! “Thanks” to social media, Instagram influencers, and celebrities, Joshua Tree started to receive notoriety and became an overnight sensation, and now everyone wants to go!
As the mass emerged, lodging prices have skyrocketed, and availability has become somewhat scarce!! Nonetheless, Joshua Tree is magical, sacred, spiritual, private, and a dreamy sanctuary, so it remains my fave! Primarily, because it is so unique. There’s just so much to see and do!! Summers can be extremely hot, but evenings can be chilly! On the way to JT, on Hwy 62, you can hit up several stops along the way in Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, and through Twenty-Nine Palms! There’s an overabundance of coffee shops, artsy retailers, restaurants, and many attractions worth a stop.
But of course, you want to head into the National Park to see the Joshua trees, climb up giant boulders, and drive through mountainous roads. There are so many hiking trails, towering rocks that offer spectacular views, and a mesmerizing palm-tree oasis. Some visitors make it a one-day visit, and only hit the main attractions, but avid hikers camp out for days to explore this beautiful natural wonder! On a clear summer night, you can see the Milky Way!! I once parked on the side of the road, laid on the roof of my car and just watched the night sky!! I took so many pics but was unable to capture the skies’ beauty! I needed a professional camera! So, take one
NOTE: There are some pet restrictions on some of the trails, but not on camp sites or picnic areas, so double-check the rules and regulations before visiting! TAKE PLENTY OF WATER AND STAY HYDRATED!!
If Joshua Tree National Park sounds appealing, but you prefer to make the park a one-day trip, then I recommend that you explore Joshua Tree Town, and/or its surrounding areas, at least for one full day and night. Given the surging numbers of visitors to JT, there are plentiful of lodging accommodations that have been steadily growing and keeping up with demand. You can book a budget hotel or a Bed & Breakfast anywhere along the main road, but if you prefer a unique lodging experience, check out the newly designed Airbnb site, where you can discover new places and explore extraordinary accommodations. You can also visit cool museums, stop at one of the many FREE sculpture sites, go off-roading, ride a horse, or take a Hummer tour through the desert hills and explore some of the lands. With many widespread outdoor activities available for the entire family, including pets, you can spend as much, or as little time as you’d like away from ‘civilization’ by disconnecting completely in Joshua Tree!
Next on my FAVE list is Sequoia National Park!! Sequoia reminds me of my childhood! I’ll never forget the very first time that I visited, I was in awe!! And even now, as an adult, seeing all those giant sequoia trees, still produces the same reaction. WOW!! It is so captivating!
For many that don’t know, Sequoia National Park is in Central California, on the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Sequoia is home to the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest tree (in volume) and some of the longest-living trees, thus making it a great sightseeing and camping destination!
Before you visit, take note that there are no gas stations within the park, so plan accordingly. Also, it can get extremely busy during the summer, so plan ahead to avoid the large crowds at some of the main attractions. Join one of the many guided programs and explore the area! If you are an enthusiast, stop at Grant Visitor Center for some educational material, to buy some souvenirs, or to watch a short film about the Park’s history.
Cell service is limited, so don’t drift too much, carry a map, stay in a group, and post at common grounds. There are plenty of campsites all over the park that cater to RV’s, and even hikers, as well, so you don’t need to fear being alone! Sequoia is relatively safe, but be sure to follow the park Ranger’s instructions, warning signs, and that you are fully prepared in case of evacuation, as all these measures have been put into action to ensure your visit remains pleasant and safe!
During your visit, trail up some short hiking loops, visit some caverns, and take plenty of pictures! There are many cool, but ‘scary’ high trails; and even though some offer paved walkways, I do not recommend it for the faint-hearted! For those that make it to the top, you will be glad that you did—you’ll be able to see meadows of trees and beautiful landscapes.
Many campgrounds have bathrooms and recreational centers with clean restrooms, and warm showers for about 25 cents a minute, so you can bathe there, or you can be like many others and shower in the rivers but be advised that the waters will be cold!! With so many waterfalls and swim holes, you will find many cliff jumpers!! If you’re a devil, please ensure that there’s no risk of injury when jumping in!
During the summer nights, the park sets up big theater screens to play family-friendly movies. Many will bring their chairs or mats and sit in the grassy knoll areas, others will drive in their trucks, lay in their flatbed, set up a picnic, and enjoy the movie!!
There is no shortage of wildlife, so be mindful and do NOT leave your food out!! Bears are a thing in Sequoia!! My cousin left her meat out to defrost one night, and in the morning, everything was gone and there were signs of “Bear” everywhere!!
And lastly, if you are planning to stay in a tent, make sure you bring tents that are big enough for all! My sister and her husband purchased a small tent, and they didn’t fit—and he’s not a tall guy! So, we zipped him up with his feet dangling outside the tent hahaha! As an added tip, buy a tent with a few “window” openings for some fresh air!! It may get hot (or stinky) in there! LOL
Now, onto Big Bear Lake, another one of my faves!! Big Bear is nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest. It is known for its winter ski-resorts, Oktoberfest celebration, and off course, water activities! It makes for a great weekend getaway with plenty of mountainous trails, extreme sports, lake cabins, and a big little town with many dining, live-entertainment, and shopping options!! Big Bear has grown so much over the years, that they know have regular shopping centers!
During the summer months, you can hit up one of the many local events, meet at the summit for yoga, go golfing (yes!! LOL),or visit the year-round Magic Mountain Recreation Area to ride down the famous Alpine Slide. If none of that sounds appealing to you, just post-up somewhere, BBQ, have some drinks, and let the kids run around! I personally, prefer to paddleboard on the lake! Others go hiking, sailing, boating, kayaking, fishing, water-skiing, or parasailing—the cool thing is that the possibilities are endless.
If you decide to go on a hike through the forest, do not veer off into unknown paths!! Once, some of my family members decided to go on a hike and they got lost!! It took a while for one of them to get reception to contact me. And then, it took much longer to narrow down a general area that we believed was close to them! Thankfully, it didn’t take much effort to locate them thereafter, but they were not prepared. Not very smart!
If you prefer to visit during the winter and rent a cabin, there are some general rules that are heavily enforced! During winter season, whether it is snowing or not, you are required to carry tire chains with you! If you rent a cabin, you cannot leave the trash in the bins, you will have to go take it to the dump site. Also, there are booking restrictions regarding the number of people that can stay in a cabin based on a sq/ft ratio. But, most importantly, during heavy snow, the roads are closed, thus making it impossible to drive back down the hill, so take note and have a back-up plan!