Lake Shasta, CA ( Grass Lake Rest Stop )

When in route to your next adventure there will come a point where you just can't drive anymore. When driving from California to Oregon we found a great rest area. It's the Grass Lake Rest Stop. Located just off the 97 in the Shasta area (still in California).

It's clean, quiet, flat and FREE. It has plenty of space to exercise your children or dogs. It is so wheelchair friendly that you will even find a handicap parking spot.

Rincon Beach Parkway

Rincon Beach Parkway is a year-round RV-ers hotspot.  It is located in Ventura, California on Pacific Coast Highway between Hobson and Faria (exit Highway 101 at Seacliff).  You will find beautiful ocean views above the sandy beach.  During high tide the beach will disappear.

This area offers 127 paved spots that separate the beach from PCH.  Each spot is large enough for one RV and one car. It is first come first serve.  During the summer and on a weekend cross your fingers and hope for the best. This piece of prime California real estate comes with no amenities.  No hookups, no electricity, no water and no bathrooms of any kind.  No tent camping either.  It is a self-serve payment of $27 per night.  Cash or check put into a dropbox (Be prepared because the "oops I forgot fine" is huge).   However, what you do get is Priceless!!  This beach on the Southern California coast is beautiful, the sunset is always stunning and after that you can listen to the waves crash all night long.

 

My helpful hints:

  * for the wheelchair user or someone with limited mobility the accessible and safe area would be on the beach side of your campsite.  Because a wall of large rocks protect PCH from the surf, access to the beach is challenging (no matter who you are).  So... For the wheelchair user unless you have someone willing to give you the scary piggyback ride over the rocks don't count on playing in the water. 

  * Avoid spaces 4 thru 19.  There is a tide-wall that will separate campers from the beach (someone in a wheelchair will never see around, over or through it).

  * Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy the breathtaking sunset!

Mammoth Lakes, California (Whitmore 2012)

September, 2012 we headed to Mammoth Lakes, California so my husband could participate in the High Sierra Fall Classic bike ride.  It's an annual 100 mile ride in the Sierra mountains.

The ride started and finished at the Whitmore baseball field, near Mammoth Airport.  We were fortunate to be able to dry camp in right field for the weekend.  It's a beautiful spot next to Crowley Lake.  The promoters of the bike ride hosted a barbecue with music and games.  After the party the campers were given all of the extra ice cream.  That was a win – win for the rest of our adventure.

There was no electricity, no amenities and no facilities.  We were completely self-contained (with only my glam-ping supplies).   The grass is tall and this site was NOT wheelchair friendly at all.

My husband enjoyed his race,  I caught up on some reading and we both enjoyed a couple of spectacular sunsets!!

I survived my first dry camping experience... Yay!!