Camping on Interstate 5 around the 46 in California?

[dakonthemountai]

Hi All, I'll be taking a little trip to Big Sur this week and want to stop somewhere around the intersection of the 5 and the 46 for just one night on the way. Any recommendations? I don't need hookups, but do like it a bit quiet and peaceful with something to look at..

Thanks in advance!
Dak

[Valkyriebush]

5 and 46. I boondock in the large area right after turning west on to 46 in to the service area. Lots of space. Run genny for ac if hot, no issues. There is an RV park in this service area also, but lots of boon docking space. HWY 46 has come a long ways in safety over the years. Use to be called blood alley.

[Camorhino]

The raccoons used to be pretty thick at Nacimento and in the campground 🙂

[Naio]

Thanks, AnEv942.

[AnEv942]

Well-simplifies the decision process.

Just outside of Paso Robles-
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.7485977,-120.8947406,15z/data=!5m1!1e1?hl=en
Lot of the listings under Lake Nacimiento Resort. Oak Knoll just one the campground loops within park.

[Naio]

Hmmm.. where is that? Google maps doesn't have it. And I'd like to know how you like it!

[dakonthemountai]

Well here's what transpired... We are staying at the Oak Knoll campground at Lake Nacimiento for the night. I was overruled for dry camping anywhere this trip... 😞 Anyway, Thanks again for your help!

Happy camping!

Dak

[dakonthemountai]

Thanks everyone! Now I've got options I hadn't thought about. See? this is one reason I love this site! I'll look up some of those I had not heard about and will most definitely consider Hwy 58. It's been years since I've driven that and it was in a car at the time. I'm not afraid of heights and I have new brakes on the truck too! 🙂

Thanks again!

Dak

[AnEv942]

Something to look at? ... not much out there
http://www.bing.com/mapspreview?q=Intersta+5+and+hiway+46+rv&mkt=en&FORM=HDRSC4

But there's an RV park in Lost Hills, think it used to be a KOA, block from 5/46 http://losthillsrvpark.com/NOT a destination but we stayed there one night stopover. Cant say all that quite so close to freeway, stations etc but convenient fuel food services. Havent been over 46 in a while but curious whats at Blackwells corner now? Didnt use to be any thing but a place to buy nuts.
The 58 is a really nice drive if you have time, once you get into the hills. Very scenic. It'll add a good hour or better but once over if you turn left/south toward Santa Margartia Lake (though almost empty) but nice campground, trails, theres also KOA just before the lake. Or right/north into town of Santa Margarita and onto 101 to Astacasdero, 41 over to Hiway1/Morro Bay.
All about time...

[Naio]

There is camping at the San Juan reservoir, off 5 a bit north of 46. It's ok. Nothing to write home about, but better than anything else along that stretch AFAIK. Lake, shade structures, big sky, out in the middle of nowhere...

You can also camp along the coalinga road, some BLM in the Diablo Range I have not been to but mean to next time I am in the area. Looks awfully pretty in pictures.

[Naio]

If you like boondocking, hwy 58 is unbelievably gorgeous and with many huge pullouts and some side roads. You don't have to go in to the Carrizo if you don't want to, although it's awfully neato.

Be aware that the section of 58 east of Carrizo has a dropoff and no guard rail if you are headed west. Two lanes, very curvy. But really incredible views. The section west of Carrizo is tamer, but still very pretty.

Caveat: I've been there twice, but both times were in March. It could be drier by now, I'm not sure.

[Two_Hands]

Go on to Paso Robles. There are at least three nice rv parks there. We prefer the one on the east side. The one on the north side of town and on the west side of the 101 looks good, but the one on the east side just north is way too close to the 101.

[Buzzcut1]

2oldman wrote:
Nice, but not anywhere near the 46

It's a lower cut over to the coast via 58 where it hits 101 only 12 miles from where 46 does.

[HMS_Beagle]

Personally, if I was headed out 46 towards Big Sur I would drive another hour to Paso Robles. There is *very* little to look at in the SW corner of the San Juaquin valley in my opinion.

Have you considered the Nacimiento road over to Big Sur area? Not the fastest route for sure, but quite a scenic drive that few people experience. Don't do it if you have a fear of heights.....

[2oldman]

Nice, but not anywhere near the 46