California Coast Range tent sites

San Simeon State Beach, CA
June 1996

This campground is just south of Hearst Castle in San Simeon. You are somewhat protected from the wind by Hwy 101 which is above ground and to the west of the campground. But it's cold no matter what when the wind blows which is quite often. There is a undercrossing to get to the beach which is very rocky (not much sand) but absolutely gorgeous. The campground is covered in grass, instead of dirt which is welcome change. Depending on which way you faced your tent, you had some seclusion, but not a lot.

Pinnacles Campground Pinnacles National Monument, CA
June 1996

This particular campground is a private facility right outside the park entrance on the east side. It had a pool, (which was semi-green), and showers which were nice. It's very expensive, but it offered good shade and privacy. The NPS campground is on the west side of the park and is a dry campground. No roads connect the east and west side of the park so you have to plan ahead if you are going to use one or the other campground.