So I am not a camper - my idea of roughing it is hitting a Days Inn. But I live in Washington state, and I have a weekend coming up where my wife will be out of town visiting family and I'm thinking about going and doing something. I LOVE driving out to the Olympic peninsula and the different beaches out there. What I would LIKE to do is bring a couple of good books and a cooler and head out to the beach for the weekend. I'm in school and working full time and I would LOVE a chance to just unwind. So my problem is this - I am cheap as anything and I don't want to pay to stay somewhere. My SUV is plenty big and I can sleep comfortably in there with a sleeping bag & blankets. My first question is whether you guys think I need to pay to stay at a campground (or that I should WANT to stay at a campground), even though I'm not going to be putting up a tent or anything like that (I don't even own a tent, and clearly this is not something I do often enough to be enticed to buy one). Is there a way to just park off to the side somewhere near the beach for free? Is it frowned upon to just park at a campground and not put up a tent or any gear or anything? One last thing - I'm taking my little dog with me (dachshund - equally disinterested in camping as I am), but she's really well-behaved and easy to take care of. Thoughts?
I dunno about public access beaches, but speaking from a safety standpoint, I would much rather pay the 10-15 dollars/night to stay at a state park.
Stay at a state park. they are awesome and well worth the SMALL cash. Sleeping in your car is not camping but no matter what get a GOOD flashlight.
At a state campground you have a nice fire pit and restrooms, but I'd think this time of year most will be booked.
Just got an e-mail today about a camping trip in Alaska gone wrong. I know you won't be doing anything like this but it may change your mind. BTW, the pictures are very graphic... http://www.scribd.com/doc/348383/Polar-Bear-Attack-at-Camping-Ground
Like most people, I like to click on stuff with graphic warnings.... But damn, that's some sick stuff. Feel sorry for the bear, too. OP, I wont be much help other than to say first, you live in Washington state - awesome. Second, it's camping and car camping at that. Not rocket science. Enjoy and don't overanalyze.
Polar bears??? Where do you go camping, the North Pole? Fun fact of the day: Most polar bears are left handed. For the OP. Whatever you do, don't pee on the fire.
So sad. That's a pretty small polar bear, and the can't get to their normal food sources. Ugh. We could have spared one dumb human camper, but there aren't that many polar bears.
I live in SF, and we camp out in various spots out here in Northern Ca and the Central Coast several times a year. You'll need the following bare essentials: sleeping bag (add a rollup foam if you don't like rocks on your back) tent flashlight (stronger the better) extra batteries (for said flashlight) lots of water charcoal + lighter fluid + lighter trail mix or other dry snacks knife sunscreen bug spray trash bags fishing equipment (incl bait and tackle) 100 beers
I'm about to move to Sacramento and would love any details/reccomendations you can provide about campgrounds/state parks in Northern, Central Ca, especially on the coast with good surf. Thanks.
Do not look at those polar bear camping pictures if you are even remotely squeamish, I may not be eating today. DD
Out at San Luis Pass you can usually spot a drunk that has parked on the beach that is in/or dangerously close to the water because of the tides.
stay at the camping grounds. It's just not safe to sleep in your car in a public areas like that. Take a couple of good flashlights and a quality headlamp helps. Necessary items for a fire, if needed. Rain gear...you never know. Protection...and not condemns. Basically, use common sense but be prepared for anything. Better to have too much with you than too little.
