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Reader Meital wrote in with a common summer vacation problem:
I would like to go camping this summer with my boyfriend and our friends. I know that on your website you always mention that parks have free admission during certain times of the year. Can you recommend a few parks that are beautiful and cheap/ reasonable in california (probably about a few hours out of the san fernando valley or LA)?
Meital, here are five places you can camp for free or park an RV for $10 a night. There are many places near Los Angeles on the list. Camping is my favorite cheap summer vacation, among others.
Where do you like to camp in California or another state?
Got a question or savings tip? Email me and you could be featured on BargainBabe.com!
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
Here are some places we’ve camped in the last year for free: Mendocino National Forest, Los Padres National Forest and Lassen National Forest. Last time out, it rained and we ended up paying $35/night to camp in Sunset State Park just north of Big Sur in sunny California
At the rate that California’s finances are going south – if people want to camp for free they better do is soon! Word is that the State is talking about closing some parks.
Thank you so much for featuring this. It was very helpful! and thank you @Junie and @Jrbwojcik for your advice. I will be looking into those national parks.
If you belong to AAA of Southern California, they have maps for camping sites in both Southern and Northern California. You may also want to go to the library and check to see if there are any books that have listings of campgrounds – or better yet, google free campgrounds in California on the internet.
@JRBwojcik Good tip! I was just looking at my AAA mailer with all the discounts the card offers. Seems the AAA discount is as widespread as the senior discount.
i am taking my dad sister uncle and nephew on a four day cruise.its my dads 83th birthday. we are taking my motorhome from slc where can i park my moterhome in LA around the pier for 4 days