Boondock on Oregon coast and CA coast

[Born2camp]

Going up to Oregon over July 4th on Hwy 5 for few days then crossing over around Brookings on coast. Then traveling Hwy 1 to San Francisco. Any suggestions on camping spots? Looking for quiet ocean spots (not sure if that's possible this time of year)

[was_butnotnow]

CA Traveler wrote:
What happened to George the vagabond?

George is still posting at The Adventures of Tioga and George

[Born2camp]

We found several places to camp along the road in Southern OR and Northern CA. Didn't see any signs about no over night camping and saw several trailers pulled off. Loved the fact that they allowed you to spend time on coast with no charge and not being in campground. And no crowds! Did spend a few nights in RV parks, and was really surprised at how inexpensive they were. Running about $30.00 a night. In my neck of the woods, Half Moon bay on CA coast will cost $75.00 and up. SP is $50.00. I would love to go back and spend a week on northern coast in fall. So peaceful....

[Roy_Lynne]

So OP what did you find and how did it go?

[rztravelerUSA]

I've driven the Pacific Coast in a 30 foot RV three times over the years and found boondocking spots in Northern CA and in Oregon along the highway. I have the GPS coordinates if anyone is interested. Last time was in 2012 so maybe things have changed. It has lost it's luster as I did notice there were fewer places to boondock and I avoid RV parks, only use them if it's an emergency. Been boondocking since 2005 from Alaska to Panama and never once did I feel unsafe. I have 2 dogs with me, when they die I head to the nearest dog shelter for another one. Gotta have my dogs!

[ksg5000]

nevadanick wrote:
Question, what do people that dont know they have to have a reservation do when they are just to tired to keep going ? I for one would stop alongside the highway and deal with the consequenses when and if that happed.

I have never had anybody give me too much flak for pulling over for a few hours sleep - that includes cops who have knocked on the door and reminded me that camping isn't allowed.

[FULLTIMEWANABE]

TravelswithKevinandRuth met up with George in Ca during their winter Sojourn = check out their blog posts before they returned to Sask' for their summer work position. He was looking good in the photos.

For sure it's getting more and more regulated to not O/N near the ocean but FWIW: We spent 43 nights doing Washington, Oregon and California coasts and we only paid for sites enroute at Waterton (1N) Glacier (2N) and Seattle (1N). We found lots of dry camping options on our travels and spent many nights at the courtesy of Casinos, near rivers/estuaries for fishing as well the usual Wallydock/HD/Lowes/Restaurant and deep pull ins. Check out: CasinoCamper and Freecampsites.net.

To each their own and we have absolutely no problem with paying $10 +/- to park O/N as we are totally self sufficient and need no other services but personally can't justify except when absolutely no other option whatsoever or of high convenience paying $30 or even $70+ for our needs of just a "parking space" for the night.

Enjoy!

[garyhaupt]

CA Traveler wrote:
What happened to George the vagabond?

He suffered a stroke, I believe. He is now living in an apt in southern Ca. If you Google him, you can find his currant Blog.

Never mind....here it is....http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/


Gary Haupt

[CA_Traveler]

nevadanick wrote:
Question, what do people that dont know they have to have a reservation do when they are just to tired to keep going ? I for one would stop alongside the highway and deal with the consequenses when and if that happed.

That's one option.

They will only not know once! Sometimes you can boon dock at a full CG.

We're headed up the OR coast and in Coos Bay. Driving around at each of our stops there are plenty of sites available, buy not necessarily at a desired CG. So you can call and/or drive elsewhere and take a chance. At the Mill Casino in Coos Bay there would always be doon docking space unless there is a RV show like the one about to start for example.

[nevadanick]

Question, what do people that dont know they have to have a reservation do when they are just to tired to keep going ? I for one would stop alongside the highway and deal with the consequenses when and if that happed.

[tuna_fisher]

Do a search for the Lost Coast, it links you up with Mattole Beach. If your rig is not big.

[bdpreece]

Probably your best bet for boondocking on the Oregon coast is the Indian casinos and they are few and far between. I know Chinook Winds in Lincoln City and Three Rivers in Florence allow overnight camping. The Mill Casino in Coos Bay used to allow free overnight but I think they charge now.

[CA_Traveler]

What happened to George the vagabond?

[CA_Traveler]

On or rear beach sites will be difficult. You might find a site more inland or in January. :B

[ksg5000]

No boondocking on the Coast that I am aware of and 4th of July will is busy. Probably no spots in State Campgrounds and even private campgrounds might be full --- suggest you make some calls and find out availability and make reservations.