California Coastal National Monument
RV Guide
Introduction
If you're looking for a great new place to explore, why not consider stopping by the California Coastal Monument? It's a wonderful place to visit on your next RV holiday.
The California Coastal Monument stretches through a large expanse of land along the western coast of the state. It encompasses the length of the full coastline of California. The natural landscape includes breathtaking topographical features such as natural reefs and rocks. The full length of the coast is 840 miles in total.
Declared a national monument by former President Bill Clinton in the year 2000, the property now boasts 2,272 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This beloved recreational area is one of the most popular monuments in the state.
The views of thePacific Ocean from the coast are awe-inspiring to behold. The natural landscape is a haven for many different species of marine-dwelling animal and plant life. Along the shore, there is also a wide expanse of islands and reefs that are ripe for exploration. Among six popular properties families enjoy visiting during a trip to California Coastal National Monument are Trinidad Head, Waluplh-Lighthouse Ranch, Lost Coast Headlands, Point Arena-Stornetta, Cotoni-Coast Dairies, and Piedras Blancas. Many of these incredibly scenic properties are also home to beautiful sand-lined beaches.
Also found on the premises are natural nesting grounds for many species of waterfowl. It is believed that approximately 200,000 of them gather here annually. Some of the most frequently seen types of marine life here include harbor seals and sea lions.
This BLM tract of land has an air of tranquility and peace, making it the ideal spot for families seeking rest and relaxation. While there are many things to see and do during a visit here, note that overnight camping is not permitted anywhere along the California Coastal National Monument grounds. However, dispersed and RV camping can be found in neighboring towns and state parks, including nearby San Simeon.
For a wonderful seaside vacation that will leave you longing to return as often as possible, plan a trip to California Coastal National Monument. It's a wonderful place to enjoy a little getaway.
RV Rentals in California Coastal National Monument
Transportation
Driving
Travel along the coastal property that comprises the California Coastal National Monument proceeds along highways of two and four-lane construction. The drive is quite scenic, and traffic moves at a consistent pace. There are lots of places you can stop to take in the sights; all of which offer parking areas where you can safely leave your vehicle.
Each of the roads along the route are kept in very good condition.
Parking
Parking can be found in provided lots at various points throughout the monument grounds.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to California Coastal National Monument.
Campgrounds and parking in California Coastal National Monument
Campsites in California Coastal National Monument
Reservations camping
San Simeon Creek Campground
Nestled in the heart of nearby Hearst San Simeon State Park is San Simeon Creek Campground. The property is home to 134 campsites which are well-suited to RV or tent camping. This camping facility is open year-round, and reservations are required for all stays.
San Simeon Creek Campground can accommodate RV's up to 35 feet in total length. Each of the campsites is equipped with a fire pit and picnic table.
The on-site amenities at this popular campground include drinking water, bathrooms, toilets, coin-operated showers, a waste disposal station, and payphones.
There is also an area where RV campers can replenish their water tanks if needed.
Washburn Primitive Campground
Washburn Primitive Campground is also found in Hearst San Simeon State Park. This camping facility is found approximately one mile from a stunningly beautiful beach property and offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Reservations are required for this campground which offers year-round camping for RV and tent campers to enjoy. Each campsite is complete with a fire pit and a picnic table.
The on-site amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, and a waste disposal station.
Dogs are welcome at this popular BLM camping facility, but they must remain leashed at all times. There are no power hookups at Washburn Primitive Campground; however, generator use is acceptable.
Morro Bay State Campground
Morro Bay State Campground is a popular camping facility found in Morro Bay State Park. This recreational area offers RV and tent camping year-round. Reservations are required.
Morro Bay State Campground can accommodate trailers up to a maximum length of 35 feet. Dogs are permitted on the grounds but must be on a leash at all times.
This much-beloved camping facility offers RV and tent campers the following amenities: showers and modern bathrooms. There are 120 campsites in total; many of which offer full power and water hookups.
Among the most popular activities found on the grounds are water sports, hiking, golfing, sailing, and swimming.
Seasonal activities in California Coastal National Monument
In-Season
Point-Arena Stornetta Public Lands
One of six public recreational areas found within the California Coastal National Monument grounds, the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands is a concentrated property that surrounds the famed Point Arena Lighthouse.
In addition to the historic lighthouse is a beautiful beach with a vast shoreline where families can enjoy such popular activities as sunbathing, swimming, water sports, and beachcombing.
To the south of the beach is an area composed largely of rocks. Sea lions often like to catch some rays on top of them, making this an ideal spot for capturing some photos of the wildlife that frequents this area.
Walpulh-LIghthouse Ranch
Another of the six properties found along the coast of this popular monument, Walpulh-Lighthouse Ranch is worthy of a visit during an RV trip to this popular BLM land. From the grounds of the ranch, families are treated to the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the Eel River Estuary.
Near to the grounds is the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, a haven for those who enjoy watching unusual species of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Other popular attractions at Walpulh-Lighthouse Ranch include the simple hiking trail found along the bluffs. Though the premises are named for a lighthouse, this beacon no longer stands watch over the land and sea.
Lost Coast Headlands
The Lost Coastal Headlands are found along the drive while visiting the California Coastal National Monument. Situated within the bluffs outside the well-renowned Eel River, this property sits 280 miles outside the booming metropolis of San Francisco.
There are 463 acres of property that are the ideal locale for hiking, beachcombing, and other land-loving activities. There is also a beautiful beach that is open to the public in season.
Found to the north of this beautiful BLM property is a section of rolling terrain with gently sloping hills and sand-lined beaches. Visitors to the Lost Coastal Headlands can enjoy such recreational opportunities as hiking, bird watching, wildflower viewing, and leisurely strolls along the beach.
Off-Season
Trinidad Head Lighthouse
A haven for families who enjoy viewing and learning more about marine culture, the Trinidad Head Lighthouse is a great place to discover. The lighthouse itself is quite small and rests 175 feet above sea level. Today, the lighthouse is still in use, guiding ships through the Pacific Ocean safely into the harbor.
This beloved beacon is over 146 years old and was donated to the Bureau of Land Management in the year 2014. Tours of the lighthouse are conducted on the first Saturday of the month. At all other times, this much-loved beacon can only be viewed from outside.
Photography
For those who love to take beautiful photographs, a trip to California Coastal National Monument will not disappoint. From breathtakingly beautiful bluffs to sunset vistas seen from the shore of the sand-lined beach, families will not want for subject matter at this stunning property.
In season, wildflowers dot the landscape, adding a vast palate of intense color to the backdrop. Many species of wildlife also congregate here. On a fortuitous day, you may have the opportunity to train your lens on sea lions, seals, or even some unusual varieties of waterfowl.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at California Coastal National Monument. Many of the beaches are the ideal spot for casting off in a powerboat or canoe, but you can also enjoy trying your hand at catching the big one right from the shore.
A fishing license is required to angle in California waters, so be sure to obtain one prior to your trip.
Not all beaches allow fish filleting on the premises, so be sure to check with monument officials prior to cleaning your haul on the grounds.
