Camping Patrick's Point State Park

The north coast of California is some of the most majestic coastline found anywhere. With tall rugged cliffs flanked by giant redwoods, California’s Agate State Beach and Patrick's Point State Park and campground are jewels of this great country.

Patrick's Point State Park campground is located south of Eureka and is nestled amongst the giant trees set atop of cliffs overlooking spectacular beaches comprised of small highly polished stones, including the prized agate. On sunny days, looking off the cliffs of the campground at the beach below, the waterline comes alive as the reflecting sun shimmers with brilliant colors from the wet pebble-sized stones.

The campground itself offers wonderfully private sites amongst the trees, with and without hookups, making it great for larger RVs and tent campers alike.

Traversing the well maintained and gently winding trail from the campground to the beach, you will quickly find yourself immersed in nature as the trail takes on a world of its own making one forgetful of the final destination. It is a beautiful walk in nature and an experience in itself. The trail meanders through the massive trees and fern covered ground, passing not one, but two hidden waterfalls before revealing the beach below.

Miles of small sea-polished stones including agate cover the beaches that are littered with driftwood, old washed-up fishing buoys, and other great treasures make walking the shoreline not only enjoyable, but a treasure hunt as well.

We camped and explored the region during the height of summer, over the Fourth of July holiday, and yet the campground was not completely full, the trail nearly empty, and once on the beach you felt as though you where visiting on a Wednesday in October. People were very much absent from the equation, leaving you with a sense of calm and privacy as you walked in search of great treasures.

All in all, this is one of the best combinations of camping and wild beauty we’ve found along the coast of California. If you are looking for a quietly majestic coastal camping experience, this is it!

Camping Lee Vining

Lee Vining is one of many jewels found in eastern California. Nestled at the bottom of the steeply rugged slopes of the Sierras, along the shore of Mono Lake, Lee Vining is a small western town full of charm and character. Located at the junction of interstate 395 and the majestic Tioga Pass, it is the eastern gateway to the great Yosemite National Park.

Lee Vining is host to great antique shops and restaurants including the can’t miss Mono Cone.

Hidden along the Tioga Pass, on the way to Yosemite National Park, following the bountiful river shrouded in giant pines, lie campground after campground offering majestic views and fantastic trout fishing.

These quiet and relatively private campsites offer a wonderful camping experience, and are very affordable. There might be hookup spaces available, but opting for the more remote sights back along the river's edge is always the way to go!

We will be back!