Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAMPGROUND RATES & RESERVATIONS
Many public and private campgrounds accept reservations for all or some of their sites,
while a few are strictly first-come, first-served. Overnight fees range from $10 or less for the
most primitive and remote campsites to $60 or more for developed oceanfront sites with RV
pull-throughs and full hookups.
Booking services can be used to search for campground locations and amenities, check
current availability and make reservations (a fee of up to $10 may apply).
Recreation.gov
( 877-444-6777, 518-885-3639;
www.recreation.gov
; most tent & RV sites $10-25)
Camping and cabin reservations in national parks, national forests (USFS) and other fed-
eral recreational lands (eg BLM).
ACCOMMODATION SERVICES
ReserveAmerica
( 916-638-5883, 800-444-7275;
www.reserveamerica.com
)
Reservations for California state-park campgrounds and cabins that accept advance
bookings, as well as East Bay and Orange County regional parks and some private camp-
grounds.
ACCOMMODATION SERVICES
Kampgrounds of America
(KOA; 888-562-0000;
www.koa.com
)
National chain of reliable but more expensive private campgrounds offering full facilities,
including for RVs.
ACCOMMODATION SERVICES
Hostels
Coastal California has 16 hostels affiliated with
Hostelling International USA
(HI-USA;
888-464-4872;
www.hiusa.org
)
. Dorms in HI hostels are typically gender segregated and alco-
hol and smoking are prohibited. HI-USA membership cards ($28 per year) get you $3 off
per night.
California also has dozens of independent hostels, particularly in coastal areas. They
generally have more relaxed rules and often no curfew. Some hostels include a light break-
fast in their rates, arrange local tours or offer pick-ups at transportation hubs. Facilities typ-
ically include mixed dorms, semi-private rooms with shared bathrooms, communal kit-
chens, lockers, internet access and coin-operated laundry.
Some hostels say they accept only international travelers, basically to keep out homeless
locals, but Americans who look like travelers (eg you're in possession of an international
plane ticket) may be admitted, especially during slow periods.
