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theoutdoorlife-hikingcampin-blog · 8 years ago

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Laguna Seca- Mazda Raceway (Monterey/Salinas, CA)

May 2013 and May 2016

Where is it:

Laguna Seca is off the 68 highway in Salinas, Ca (right outside of Monterey about 15 minutes). The entrance is across the highway from a SPCA (animal rescue) sight. You go up a few hills and around some corners after you enter to get to the ranger station (this is where you check-in). They accept “drive-ins” if they have space available but also take reservations. Check out https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/lagunaseca_camp.html for pricing and the reservation number to call.

There are actual campsites with hook-ups and water but they are pretty close together and I am not sure how many of these campsites with hook up and water there are. But there are a lot of places to camp at this site! This is based off of what I have seen because every time we have stayed we have been in the overflow area (Grey Campsite). There are a lot of different colored campsites. Some people even camp within the race track area. The campsite area that we have stayed at is in an open hill side above the racetrack. Driving down into the hillside campground is a little bumpy, but not to bad considering we have gotten smaller cars (Smart Car, Buick Verano & Honda Accord) down it. There is no water or hook-ups. However, you can pick any spot on the hill you want and there is hardly anyone ever there (at least when we were there). It is definitely worth it though due to the view and seclusion! Both times we have gone have been during a music festival in the area and one of them was even during Memorial Day weekend. This campsite has close bathrooms and one of the close bathrooms has showers in it. To get to the closet bathroom, climb through a hole in the fence rather than walking up and around the fence line, unless you are looking for a nice, short walk.

Map:

This map isn't the best (they give you a better one when you check-in) and took a long time to download onto my computer... https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/images/laguna/1-Laguna-Seca-Maplg.jpg

What to do:

Well, the obvious is to check out the racetrack, if you are interested. There are always cool and nice cars zooming around. http://www.mazdaraceway.com/camping This is the Mazada Raceway website with more information on camping and the racetrack in general. The Laguna Seca Recreation offers a rifle and gun range near the campgrounds. We have not gone so check out their website to find out more information.

Monterey and Big Sur are just a short drive away. We have not been to Big Sur yet but have heard amazing things! As far as Monterey, there is a ton to do: walk around the pair/fisherman’s wharf area, food festivals on the pair/fisherman’s wharf, walk/shop around town, rent kayaks, boats, paddles boards, rent a paddle boat in the pond across from the beach (near a McDonalds) or just hang out at the beach! We went to the aquarium during our last trip and it was amazing. The fish and animals are beautiful and well taken care of. The aquarium really cares about their animals and sustainability. Both time we have camped at Laguna Seca, we went to a music festival called California Roots ( Reggae Music) at the Monterey Fair Grounds.

What to bring:

Depending on which campground you stay at, the amount of things and what you need will vary. Some of the campsites offer hook ups and water. If you stay at the same campsite or a similar campsite that we stay at, you will need to bring your own water to drink/use. There are showers near by though. Bring food and all your other necessities (Tent, clothes, bathroom supplies, medicines, sleeping needs, lights, etc.) It has been pretty cold when we have gone so be sure to check the weather. The nights get chilly so bring enough blankets, sleepy bag, whatever keeps you comfortable. I’m always cold so the more warm things I can bring the better! The fist time we camped on the hillside campground it was too windy to make a fire, but this last time we were able to set up our own fire pit (just has to be off the ground). Check with the rangers when you check in if you can have a fire at the time.

Opinions and other information:

The hillside campground is cover in fox tail so be careful when bringing dogs or other pets with you. Find information on fox tail here- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/foxtail-grass-and-your-dog

There are some other bushes and small spiky plants near by but for the most part the hillside campground is pretty open.

One of the mornings, we woke up with fleas in our tent but they left that day and never came back. We only experienced this once and are not sure why. They were light colored bugs and didn't bight or bug us at all. My only advice to people who don't like bugs is not to camp at all....

If you have any question or comments please post below =)

#camping #lagunaseca #monterey #theoutdoorlife #salinas #california

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theoutdoorlife-hikingcampin-blog · 8 years ago

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Santa Margarita Lake

May 25, 2016

Where it is: San Luis Obispo County

We stayed at the Grey Pine Campground, but there are many other campgrounds in the area. The campsites form a horse shoe and there are water faucets near each site and a fire pit. The bathrooms are porter potties near the entrance. However, there are “real” restrooms closer to the lake and general store/marina. The Grey Pine Campground is next to the rangers station. Other campgrounds are closer to the water/ have better views of the lake. There are showers, which you have to pay for, closer to the other campgrounds and pool. I do not know how much they are because we take our solar shower everywhere with us.

Map:

http://www.californiasgreatestlakes.com/margarita/santa_margarita_lake_map.html

How much is it:

It’s about $25 a night plus a $9 registration fee. I believe there was a 3 night minimum when we stayed. Call (805) 788-2397 to make a reservation!

What to do:

Well...there is a LAKE! You can rent boats at the general store/marina. We rented a pontoon both days we were there. Our dogs were allowed on =) The prices were inexpensive but may have changed so ask when you make your reservation. We also bought fishing poles and a fishing licenses. Renting a boat is great because they do not allow swimming in the lake. The lake was up 100 feet lower than usual in some areas.

There are also hiking trails near by. We went on a beautiful hike that started right next to the campground and took us up a few hills and through some open land. We ended up at the top of a hill looking over the lake. It was a beautiful view! Overall, it was an easy and short hike, five miles at the most. We were able to hike with the dogs off the leash.

There is also a pool. We did not use it because we spent most our time on the lake and hiking. We walked by the pool and noticed that it was very crowded! Nice that they give you a place to swim though!

We enjoyed sitting down near our campsite, meeting our neighbors and watching the sunset. This is a very beautiful spit! We saw a few deer running around near the our campsite. There is a farm down the road with goats. The goats make a lot of noise and there were some rosters on the farm but it was actually pretty cool. They will even walk up to the fence so you can see them up close. Don't feed or touch them though.

What to bring:

The general store/marina sells almost everything you need. They have food, s’mores ingredients (which is a must for me), fishing equipment, boat rentals, some camping gear, wood, nick-nacks, etc.

Always buy your wood near where you are going to burn it.

Its always better to be safe than sorry so bring a tent, sleeping bag, food, water and other necessities. Not that we experienced this but the general store/marina could be closed or not have what you are looking for when you are there.

Bring a bathing suit, sunscreen, hiking gear and a sweater. The weather was nice during the day but definitely cooled down.

Opinions and Other Information:

I highly recommend this campground! It was clean and provides many luxuries that other campgrounds don't offer. Campsites are a good distance away from each other, which makes it easy to keep to yourself and relax or meet new people!

*If you have camped here before, comment with your experience, opinions and recommendations. If you plan to camp here, feel free to comment with questions.*

#santamargaritalake #theoutdoorlife #camping #hiking

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