First new state park campground in 30 years to open on California coast (San Francisco: rental market)

[Tulemutt]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The first new state park campground on the California coast in 30 years is expected to feature ocean frontage on Monterey Bay when it opens in 2022.
Fort Ord Dunes State Park has 4 miles of ocean beach on the bay and is located near Marina, south of Moss Landing and north of Monterey, The San Francisco Chronicle reported Saturday.

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/...r-15078425.php

Only problem is: the cost to camp anymore is nuts

[MtnSurfer]

Looks like a great location! I was just there this past week on business travel.

I hear ya regarding the cost to camp. Funny thing is I found a hotel under $50 in Monterey which is normally unheard of probably because its off season. I think camping cost more than that now in most coastal areas. You pay more for the experience which is worth it in places like Big Sur.

Derek

[NorCalMan]

The plan proposes a unit with 45 recreational vehicle sites, including drive-through sites with hookups for electricity and water.

Another unit is designed for family camping, with 40 sites for tents and small, self-contained RVs.

A third area will have walk-in sites for backpack-style campers and be available for cyclists.

All of this with HWY 1 at your back. Sounds... what's the opposite of quiet?

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

Looks like a great location! I was just there this past week on business travel.

I hear ya regarding the cost to camp. Funny thing is I found a hotel under $50 in Monterey which is normally unheard of probably because its off season. I think camping cost more than that now in most coastal areas. You pay more for the experience which is worth it in places like Big Sur.

Derek

$50 room in Monterey is amazing, Derek!

Perhaps at least one factor behind the high campsite cost in California is the cost of rents in coastal markets. At $50 a night you can live - with spouse and kids - in an rv for $1500 a month as long as you move from park to park every 20-30 days (limit each). Plenty of rental markets are higher than that and inventory low - and qualifications high and competitive.

But still, some parks are just mind-boggling: Carpinteria State Beach charges $70 a night for an RV site with hookups.

Nuts. This ability to get out and enjoy the state’s beaches and forest s supposed to be accessible to all?

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by NorCalMan

The plan proposes a unit with 45 recreational vehicle sites, including drive-through sites with hookups for electricity and water.

Another unit is designed for family camping, with 40 sites for tents and small, self-contained RVs.

A third area will have walk-in sites for backpack-style campers and be available for cyclists.

All of this with HWY 1 at your back. Sounds... what's the opposite of quiet?

Unfortunately, many parks are right up against highways / noise. Not just California.

Sucks.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

BLM is still free

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

BLM is still free

It certainly is. And I for one endorse it ...

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

It certainly is. And I for one endorse it ...

Turkey season right around the bend! Thank you to whoever introduced these wild toookies to S Cal.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

$50 room in Monterey is amazing, Derek!

Perhaps at least one factor behind the high campsite cost in California is the cost of rents in coastal markets. At $50 a night you can live - with spouse and kids - in an rv for $1500 a month as long as you move from park to park every 20-30 days (limit each). Plenty of rental markets are higher than that and inventory low - and qualifications high and competitive.

But still, some parks are just mind-boggling: Carpinteria State Beach charges $70 a night for an RV site with hookups.

Nuts. This ability to get out and enjoy the state’s beaches and forest s supposed to be accessible to all?

I've been considering getting a camper/RV. But when I look into all the upfront and hidden costs such as initial purchase price, insurance, maintenance, storage, low gas mileage, poor visibility driving, wide load, high costs of RV sites with hookups, etc... its starting to lose it's appeal in terms of a budget friendly way to travel. Here's one of many articles on counting the cost prior to RV ownership:

7 Good Reasons Why You Should Never Buy an RV

When compared to flying and finding an affordable room, it just seems more budget friendly with a lot less hassle. The hotel has zero upfront cost, more room with a nice little kitchenette, great WIFI and free breakfast. Now if I boated, that might be a better option.

Derek

[ikoolu]

we have owned a 5th wheel for 15 years and wont get rid of it till we are to old to set it up or drive. there are lots of options to keep traveling costs down from free nites in Walmart parking lots, BLM lands, state parks, local parks and large truck stops

we spent 5 weeks last year going to Yellowstone and Utah parks and spent 3.2 k total - food, rv spots, river raft trips, fishing guides, restaurants etc fuel