Community Forums

judgebobk · 07-30-2015, 10:17 AM

We will be getting our 2016 Newmar Dutch 4369 and Toad in August and want to do the Pacific Coast Highway (101)from Oregon down thru California. Can anyone make a suggestion on difficulty and places to camp?

kalynzoo · 07-30-2015, 11:05 AM

The 101 is lovely along the entire route from Ventura to Oregon. San Diego to Ventura...not so much, too much traffic at all times. You do write 101, do not take the 1 (highway 1) between Morro Bay and Carmel, the Big Sur area. There are many nice RV parks along the way, my favorite Resort type parks are: Flying Flags, Beulton; Petaluma KOA, San Fran area; Benbow KOA, Garberville.
Enjoy.

bigben · 07-30-2015, 12:48 PM

Just did this and really enjoyed a number of parks but two in particular.

Sunset Bay State Park in Oregon - beautiful we have a 38' with toad. We had to unhook to park in a back in and it is about 10 miles off PCH in Coos Bay. But SPECTACULAR coast line and vistas.

Ancient Redwoods RV Park in Redcrest, Ca. Very nice little park, kinda wide open but easy to get into and out of spaces - right next to Humboldt Redwoods State Park . Just off PCH - a little tight clearance but very easy to do on the access road.

vettenuts · 07-30-2015, 02:53 PM

Have to watch this as we are planning a future trip from the east coast through the Cascades and then south along the coast.

Falcon190 · 07-30-2015, 03:19 PM

We recently stayed on the Oregon coast for a week, then drove 101 from Newport Oregon up to Astoria Oregon. It's pretty narrow and winding in spots but nothing too bad. Very pretty drive with lots of RV Parks.

RUFINIT · 07-30-2015, 05:59 PM

Also when traveling south towards San Francisco, go east on 580 at San Rafael and cross the Bay towards Richmond and Oakland rather than crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. The freeway ends on the SF side of the GG bridge and becomes city streets. Not exactly where you want to travel. You can stay in the Pleasanton Area of East Bay at the Alameda County Fairgrounds which is not too far from a BART station to get into the city (SF). Pismo Beach has some nice parks on the water (Pismo Coast Village for one). If you travel south thru Santa Barbara about 20 miles south is one of our favorite places to stop...It is called Rincon Parkway and is run by Ventura County Parks, About 150 or so spots marked off on the side of old Hiway 1. Dry camping, but open your door and you are on the ocean, just a short walk down the hill. First come first serve, but if you arrive on a M - Thur about 9 or 10 AM, usually not a problem getting a spot.

You will be in for a treat taking that route. We really enjoy it when we head to Southern CA via the Coast route. I am sure you will also.

MisterT · 07-30-2015, 06:29 PM

yes, DO drive south on the Big1 - at least once in your life! and yes, stay at Rincon Parkway right on the beach - Loved both!

judgebobk · 07-31-2015, 09:25 AM

How long is your unit? I'm worried about our length at around 65 feet.

bigben · 07-31-2015, 09:47 AM

Our coach is 38' plus about 4.5' towbar + a Ford Explorer of about 16.5 for about 60'. We had no problems but STAY off the road to Fort Bragg. Like we said earlier no problems on PCH.

biosensai · 07-31-2015, 05:51 PM

In California, 101 is not a problem, but don't take it thru SF. Highway 1 in California has stretches that are not RV friendly. Period. Pismo has no parks on the water. Rincon Parkway is very popular during the summer. About a month ago we stayed at Ventura Beach RV for 3 days and not a site opened at Rincon. Be aware that in California PCH is Highway 1 not 101. You have a big, beautiful coach. Park it & use your dinghy. Everyone on the road, especially you, will be much happier.

CarlGeo · 07-31-2015, 06:04 PM

Highway 101 will not be a problem. However, if you drive Hwy 1 between Cambria and Carmel you could have a problem. That portion of highway tends to be very narrow and lots of tight curves. Definitely would not for any coach longer than 40 ft.
Pismo Beach has Pismo Coast Village RV park that is adjacent to the beach and is an award winning RV Park. Great place to stay, but it will be crowded in the summer, and all holidays.

judgebobk · 07-31-2015, 07:22 PM

Appreciate the help. Is 101 a nice drive and where can I start, in Astoria, WA?

RUFINIT · 07-31-2015, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by judgebobk

Appreciate the help. Is 101 a nice drive and where can I start, in Astoria, WA?

yes, you can start in Astoria (in Oregon)

If you can, head over to the WA side across the bridge to Long Beach. There is a wonderful state park called Cape Disappointment with a full hook up facility. Get reservations on line.

When you are heading south in OR, stop at Newport. There is a great aquarium there. Worth visiting.

bigben · 07-31-2015, 08:32 PM

Oregon has some of the best state parks we've seen. The parks can be reserved through ReseveAmerica Campgrounds and Camping Reservations - ReserveAmerica. Haystack Rock just south of Astoria is great, especially at low tide.

Just came back from the area as part of a cross country trip.