Are we nuts?!  My husband and I are buying our new rig tomorrow (36' Class A) and will be heading out on March 1st.  We're both in our 50's, 3 grown kids, 2 grandkids.  Hubby will be keeping his job, working out of the rv.  We'll be hopping around SoCal, beach to beach, until summer, and then we'll have to figure out how to spend the summer when all the campgrounds are booked solid.  Here's my question: Does anyone have input on where in north San Diego/south Orange County, CA to tuck in for the odd night when we don't have reservations at a campground?  WalMarts in CA don't let you stay the night (bummer.)  Thanks for any advice you can pass on - we're totally naive (but excited) newbies, and we really appreciate any info!  

Sorry I can't help you with places to park in S. California, but I would like to welcome you to the Forum.

There's a great bunch of people here, and I'm sure someone will have some ideas for you.

As for the scared part, that's pretty normal. You're taking a big step, but I think you'll find that once you actually make the move, things will look better.

Good luck,

Jim

Why do you have tgo keep hopping around? Can't you make reservations at a campground you like and stay for an extended period? We've always been able to find a campground within an area on short notice, even without reservations. You just have to stay flexible. Good luck,

Welcome to the forum, Yeah it can be a little scary but you'll do fine. Don't forget to check out Free campgrounds .com there are a lot of sites in California. Also don't be afraid to ask some one for permission to park on there parking lot, example.....Churches, Fraternal Clubs any place that has big parking lots. I have stayed at Funeral Homes just ask. Enjoy and Stay Safe. Gummy

Cheryl, Congratulations on your decision to join a great lifestyle. I'm jealous....still have a few years to go before we can hit the road. We live in Torrance, CA so here's a few of our favorite spots: In North San Diego there are lots of RV parks east of Temecula. Outdoor Resorts has a park in Rancho, CA, there's Vail Lake RV Resort and Pechanga Casino has an RV Park. All are a little pricey but worth it. Near Vail lake is a state campground, don't remember the name but it ends with _______ creek. Another nice spot is www.tucalotasprings.com Near you is South Carlsbad state beach campground, further north is San Clemente state beach and San Mateo or San Onofre campgrounds... all are nice some have hook ups some don't. Some of the casinos allow you to park overnight. Further east is the desert areas with lots of BLM areas where you can camp. These are near Salton Sea, El Centro, Brawley and Glamis. These would all be boondocking areas but good for a night ot two. Ther are lots of RV resorts in these areas as well. Orange County around Disneyland are lots of RV parks. Newport Dunes, near Newport Beach is nice but expensive. Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach is great for overnight or a week. Good luck on your adventure.

Why the bouncing around? Find an RV park and/or beach you like and settle in for the summer. Most parks have better rates for monthly stays. I know what you mean about the pre-full-timing jitters. I was a wreck for the week before and week after we got started. Selling the house felt like someone cut my umbilical cord. And then I had to learn how to drive a 40' motorhome. Here it is a year later and now think it was the best decision we ever made...

One of you can join the Elks and many of the lodges have camping including Vista and Oceanside, CA in San Diego County.  Plus you can get some good and inexpensive meals at these lodges some days of the weeks.  Not to mention the local contacts within the membership.

-- Edited by bjoyce at 21:15, 2009-01-14

Thanks so much everyone! Look for us out there on the road!

bjoyce wrote:

---

One of you can join the Elks and many of the lodges have camping including Vista and Oceanside, CA in San Diego County.  Plus you can get some good and inexpensive meals at these lodges some days of the weeks.  Not to mention the local contacts within the membership.

-- Edited by bjoyce at 21:15, 2009-01-14

---

I have heard very good things about the Elks we are planning to join. They had the best camp ground in all of Payson, AZ and it was empty.