Rod trip Hwy 1 LA to SF
 

I thinking of a road trip up Hwy 1 from LA to SF. I woulfd like to stay mainly in camp grounds with tent sites as I am planning on renting a convertable for the trip. Any advise on best time of season or places to linger at or campgrounds in particular would be great. Chaz

Best time of year is September - October or April - May. Summer is crowded. In winter it rains.

Favorite campgrounds for tents include Montana de Oro State Park near Morro Bay, Morro Bay State Park, Limekiln State Park, Kirk Creek (our favorite), San Simeon State Park, and Andrew Molera State Park (walk-in only but great). There are many other fine spots.

Best to avoid driving on the weekends if at all possible.

Nice beach camping at Refugio-must book the day reservations are open (7 or 8 months in advance I beleive), Morro Bay is great, and our favorite is Big Sur. Pismo Beach has a nice campground-no tents allowed. Limekiln is very pretty, but primitive. We prefer it for a picnic spot with a nice hike up into the fern-lined trail. Don't miss Julia Pfiefer burns park along the way-an easy walk for a fabulous view.

Morro Bay State Park campground closed for renovations in April 2004. It is not expected to re-open for camping until next year. Montana de Oro State Park campground in nearby Los Osos is a good alternative.

www.Costanoa.com in Pescadero is very nice. The Lighthouse hostels along the coast are wonderful locations also!