Above: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Thumbnail Image: Guajome Gazebo at Dos Picos County Park
By Rebekah Green
Thumbnail photo courtesy of www.sdcounty.ca.gov
Top photo by Rebekah Green
With the stress of school and work, it is no question that a quick getaway will provide a remedy for day-to-day chaos. We are fortunate to have great spots in Southern California for residents and visitors to kick back, explore hiking trails, and camp out. Here are a few places to check out and possibly plan that next little (or big) vacation.
Dos Picos County Park
LOCATION: In Ramona, 46 miles northeast of San Diego from Highway 67.
ABOUT: The park has accommodations for those seeking space for picnics and gatherings, with a soccer field, an enclosed pavilion, and more. Surrounded by nature and nearby ranches, Dos Picos is a very welcoming and peaceful atmosphere for any nature lover. Camping is available 24 hours a day, and daytime visitors are welcome from 9:30 a.m. to sunset. For campers with tents, there is a $19 fee. For the prices of different camp plans, see http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/Camping/dos_picos.html.)
Guajome County Park
LOCATION: In Oceanside, about eight miles from the ocean.
The park offers 33 campground sites, a playground, basketball court and two ponds with hiking trails winding through Guajome connecting all sorts of terrain from grasslands to woodlands. Guajome County Park is also a great host site for special occasions, including weddings. Like Dos Picos, the prices for Guajome vary and making reservations is an easy way to get in on the camping experience. See http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/Camping/guajome.html for details on making reservations and print outs of park maps.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
LOCATION: Roughly 60 miles east of CSUSM, on Highway 78.
If you are up for a bit of traveling, visit the Anza-Borrego Desert, one of the largest state parks in California. Twelve campgrounds are available for the public (including a horse camp). Open camping is permitted within the majority of the park’s grounds. Pricing on day-use and camping varies depending on which campgrounds are the chosen destinations. For example, Tamarisk Grove has a $20 fee per night, whereas Bow Willow ranges from $7 to $9 per night. The park provides hundreds of miles of roads, hiking trails, and various canyons and wilderness areas. For more information on the Anza-Borrego Desert, or other California state parks, visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/.
Other parks and campsites include:
– Palomar State Park – This park has an impressive ocean view, and provides visitors with fishing, hiking, picnic, and camping activities from dawn to dusk.
– San Elijo State Beach – Located on the coast, San Elijo State Beach runs along the 101 Highway and welcomes visitors for picnicking, swimming, surfing, and snorkeling.
– South Carlsbad State Beach – Travel three miles south from Carlsbad to find South Carlsbad State Beach open for visitors to experience ocean activities (surfing, swimming, and fishing) and set up camp.