We're headed to California after a great time in Arizona.  We'll be stopping to see the Hoover Dam, then on to Bakersfield.  We're skipping Southern California this trip in favor of points north of Los Angeles.  We're generally trekking north to Oregon and Washington, but fortunately, we're not in a big hurry!

California's so vast we're having a hard time!  We tried to search as we know the topic's bound to have been discussed before, but please share some of your favorite stops.  We like day hikes (but we don't boondock), we like to visit historical sites and beautiful nature stops with our boys.  We also hope to find campgrounds that will allow day trips to some of the scenic sights without lugging the 5th wheel up steep terrains.

Thanks for sharing !

Just some ideas if you get to the Marysville/Yuba City area...

http://www.ncgold.com/Museums_Parks/syrp/Bridgeport/

http://www.waterfallswest.com/waterfall.php?id=412

There's a lot to see if you get into the gold country of California.

And if you need a place to stay that is close to both of these area's:

http://www.sycamoreranchrvpark.com/

http://www.collinslake.com/

There is also a TT resort if your a member:

http://www.1000trails.com/getaways/california/index.asp

Lake of the Springs is just a couple miles past Collins Lake.

California has so much to offer it is hard to cut the list down to just a few places. We like the coast route of US101, but without being Elks and Thousand Trails members the camping is expensive especially between L.A. and the S.F. Bay Area. Plus you don't want to drive US101 in the Bay Area, too much traffic. On the central route of I-5 or CA99 (old US99) between Bakersfield and Modesto I would divert to see Yosemite National Park, probably staying at the Escapees Co-op in Coarsegold. Once to Modesto area there is lots to see as Norcal Dan recommends. North of the the Bay Area and Sacramento the least mountainous route is US101 and there is much to see including the redwoods and that will put you on the Oregon coast.

As mentioned...California is a very big state, lots to see and do. If you share your travel route and planned stop area's I'm sure you will get more detailed suggestions.

Why don't you stop and see Howard and Linda?  They're workkamping here:

http://www.northshorecampground.com/

Sure looks like a great area with lots to see.

Pismo Beach is a beautiful community with a few RV parks. We too are planning a trip to Northern CA. I am a Southern CA native and my brother recommended this park to us. http://www.pismocoastvillage.com/ . He has camped there and said it is really nice. If you went to Solvang and headed north along the coast it would be a great next stop.

Thanks everyone! We're moving to Kingman AZ today, but will have time this afternoon to peruse the places and links posted so far. Looks like we might need to consider the TT membership for this route. We like the mountains and the beautiful coastline - definitely not traffic or twisty winding roads with the trailer! We appreciate your insights so much! Linda

One of my favorite memories as a kid is the camping trip our family took up Highway 1 in California to Crescent City. You pick up Hwy 1 north of Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo the road pretty much hugs the coast with great ocean vistas and groves of trees. Some of the sights to see: San Simeon, Hearst Castle.... very beautiful and amazing Several state parks for camping and hiking to the beach Big Sur.... beautiful trees and flora 17 mile scenic drive in Carmel... great views and Pebble Beach golf courses Monterey Bay Aquarium Half Moon Bay San Francisco sights and cable car ride Walk across and drive across the Golden Gate Bridge Bodega Bay... neat little seaside village Fort Ross... Old Russian Fort Fort Bragg... take a ride on the Skunk Railroad over to Willets and back Cross over to Hwy 101 and continue north into the Redwoods National Parks Eureka... Salmon exhibits Up to Crescent City and on into Oregon. Lots of other sights to see along the way, I just chose some of the highlights. Hwy 1 is a winding narrow road in some places and there can be delays due to emergency road work. It's an awe inspiring trip if you're in no hurry. Lots to see, including the roadside attractions like the Trees of Mystery and the Mystery spot among others. Have a great trip which ever way you choose.

Thanks everyone! We're still working on our itinerary and decided to stay put in Bakersfield until we sort out our route and campgrounds. On top of our indecisiveness, we're a bit worried about Memorial Day traffic and crowds at the more popular sights. The Bakersfied RV Resort is really comfortable (even if Bakersfield itself is NOT at 105 F yesterday!) with a sparkling clean pool/spa, great showers, etc. so we're going to work on school with the boys, check on Thousand Trails membership (put another post on the appropriate thread), and look forward to the beautiful mountains and cooler temperatures awaiting us further north! The boys have been browsing with us and are very excited about the things we'll be able to see and do along the way....truly priceless! We are so appreciative of this forum and it's members. The 'search' function is working again and that has helped us to browse past threads for ideas as well. You all are the best! Linda