CA Hwy 5 overnight stop suggestions

[kkinna]

Hi all,

We are picking up our new T@G in San Diego, despite selling the Escape 15 yet, and bringing it home to the Bay Area. Does anyone have a suggestion about where to camp overnight along Hwy 5 about half way home? I think 101 is still a travel issue?

Thanks, Kim

[Dave Fish]

Buena Vista Aquatic Park, along I5 generally west of Bakersfield is a nice park. We stopped there a few years ago for just an overnight, but would stay longer some time in the future. Nice large spots and plenty of grass,

I5 is pretty lonely.

[Bob & Jackie C]

HWY 101 is clear and Refugio State Park just 20min north of Santa Barbara is a great place to camp. Drop ins are available most nights. Always seems to be a spot for the night as people often cancel.

Bob

[Byron Kinnaman]

I don't know how far that is but it doesn't far enough to require an overnight stop. That said I suggest you check out CALTRANS web site for rest areas. LINK
The above like has all CA rest areas on it.

FYI We've stayed overnight in many CA rest areas. Price is right.

[John in Santa Cruz]

101 is open. its highway 1 thats closed a little ways north of san simeon, but thats the very slow way at the best of times.

The fastest I5 route is about 7 hours of driving, about 460 miles (central SD to central San Jose). the more scenic route of US101 is maybe 30 minutes longer, 490 miles total.

I'd suggest taking 101 north of LA, and staying in the san luis obispo or paso robles area. Paso Robles is about 5 hours from San Diego, and 3 more hours to the bay area, I can't recommend any specific campground but those areas are very nice....

me, I'd leave early, stop in Pismo Beach, or SLO, or Paso Robles for a leisurely late lunch, then motor the rest of the way up the Salinas and Santa Clara Valleys. Or stop at one of the campgrounds in Pismo(*), then walk the strip and eat a early dinner...



(*) camp reservations are a must!!

[kkinna]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

101 is open. its highway 1 thats closed a little ways north of san simeon, but thats the very slow way at the best of times.

The fastest I5 route is about 7 hours of driving, about 460 miles (central SD to central San Jose). the more scenic route of US101 is maybe 30 minutes longer, 490 miles total.

I'd suggest taking 101 north of LA, and staying in the san luis obispo or paso robles area. Paso Robles is about 5 hours from San Diego, and 3 more hours to the bay area, I can't recommend any specific campground but those areas are very nice....

me, I'd leave early, stop in Pismo Beach, or SLO, or Paso Robles for a leisurely late lunch, then motor the rest of the way up the Salinas and Santa Clara Valleys. Or stop at one of the campgrounds in Pismo(*), then walk the strip and eat a early dinner...



(*) camp reservations are a must!!

Thanks. If 101 is open, we will do that as we often do. Just didn’t know with the fire damage. It was pretty messed up last time we went to L.A.

[Eggcentric]

San Luis reservoir just to the west of Los Banos is good, there is a state campground above the dam and another just below the dam beside the lake (that is the one we use).
There is a good road over to Gilmore or you can keep going up 5.

[MaryLG]

Hi,

Depending on how long you want to drive, I like Carpenteria State Beach. When I visit family in Riverside, I stop there going and coming. Breaks up the trip and makes an easy drive. I'd make a reservation to be sure of a spot, but have often been able to get in last minute. But if you can reserve, get a space on the beach. Our trailers fit the shorter spaces.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599

[kkinna]

Originally Posted by MaryLG

Hi,

Depending on how long you want to drive, I like Carpenteria State Beach. When I visit family in Riverside, I stop there going and coming. Breaks up the trip and makes an easy drive. I'd make a reservation to be sure of a spot, but have often been able to get in last minute. But if you can reserve, get a space on the beach. Our trailers fit the shorter spaces.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599

Great suggestions, thanks!

[MK Evenson]

Great suggestions above. Since the speed limit in Cali is 55 MPH while towing, Hwy 5 is crazy with drivers going 70-75 MPH. We usually go 101 or 99.

Please excuse my ignorance but what is T @ G?

Mark

[kkinna]

Our new T@G is a teardrop trailer. We won't be leaving fiberglass trailers for long. I hope to pick up another Uhaul to have along with the new T@G.

Here's a picture.

[stevebaz]

Nice little trailer.

We use to meet half way for grand kid swap staying overnight at lost hills at the days inn for the night. If we were doing it today we would take our trailer and stay at the rv park.
Lost Hills RV Park | I-5 and Highway 46 Junction | Lost Hills, CA

I doubt it is a good as its pictures.

After half a day beating yourself up the 5 towing the trailer in the truck lane your ready for a stop. and you need one with a pool.

We did a one day turn around trip LA to SF towing an empty trailer up and a full trailer with a VW on it back. The 5 freeway just plain beat us to death with the trucks beating the slow lane to into wagon ruts. I felt like a bruised bag of marbles the next day.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by stevebaz

Nice little trailer.

We use to meet half way for grand kid swap staying overnight at lost hills at the days inn for the night. If we were doing it today we would take our trailer and stay at the rv park.
Lost Hills RV Park | I-5 and Highway 46 Junction | Lost Hills, CA

I doubt it is a good as its pictures.....

I always double check places like that with google satellite view...
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lo...4d-119.6597626

and street view where available.
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.6142...7i13312!8i6656

looks pretty barren and desolate, likely very dusty when the winds are blowing. thanks, but no thanks, i'd rather camp at Carpenteria, Pismo, or SLO/Paso Robles somewhere....

[Sherm2954]

Lodi area, Harvest Hosts

[Sherm2954]

Lodi, Harvest Hosts. There are 3 or 4 locations that can take 3 or 4 rv's each.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Sherm2954

Lodi, Harvest Hosts. There are 3 or 4 locations that can take 3 or 4 rv's each.

Lodi isn't midway between San Diego and the SFBA, in fact, its not even en route to the SFBA

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

Lodi isn't midway between San Diego and the SFBA, in fact, its not even en route to the SFBA

Oops! You're so right. Either way, check harvest Hosts.

[kkinna]

I have heard of Harvest Hosts - sounds fun. I think you might have to be self-contained to stay on those properties. Lodi is also a good place to visit and they have different festivals throughout the year.

We will be coming back 101 and staying at Carpenteria State Beach for the night. I have never stayed there, but always want to check it out.

Kim