RV Camping California's National Historic Sites

This is the 3rd of 3 posts on RV camping in California's National parks. Also see: RV Camping California's Desert Parks, and RV Camping California's Redwood Forests.

Not only do California's National Parks showcase the beauty of nature, they also preserve sites of national historic importance. Here's a short list of some of the NPS locations in the Golden State that should be on every RV-driving history buff's vacation itinerary:

• Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site: A chance to see where the Nobel Prize winning playwright made his home near Danville.
• Rosie the Riveter/World War II Homefront National Monument: A wonderful Bay Area attraction where the memories of how America responded to a World War are preserved.
• Tule Lake Unit: A sad page in American history is remembered at Tule Lake, where Japanese American citizens were incarcerated after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It's part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument near the Oregon/California border.

California's National Parks and Historic Sites are worthy of an entire summer of RV camping. But if you don't have that much time, pick one or two to visit this year. The sights, sounds and memories you'll encounter at our National Parks will have you wondering how soon you can book another RV trip to California.

For more California RV Camping information and information on where to rent you RV for a California National Park vacation, see RV Rental California - For Your California RV Vacation.

RV Camping California's Redwood Forests

This is the 2nd post of 3 posts on RV camping in California's National parks. Also see: RV Camping California's Desert Parks.

No RV camping trip to California is complete without time spent in its redwood forests. Fortunately, two parks sit side by side in California and showcase not only these redwood forests, but also mountain peaks, awesome caves and classic California chaparrals. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, east of the San Joaquin Valley, are a non-stop photo opportunity, as well as the perfect place to hike, ride horses or mountain bike.

Choose from hundreds of miles of hiking trails, take a Ranger-guided tour, or simply drink in the stillness of early morning in the forest. To plan a memorable RV trip to these two National Parks, use this link for campground information and pay attention to RV length limits and tips for camping amidst the abundant wildlife.

For the ultimate in California redwood viewing, plan an RV trip to Muir Woods National Monument, a spectacular part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Walk among the giant redwoods at Muir Woods, and then take in the astonishing variety of attractions in the Golden Gate NRA.

Being able to visit such sites as the Presidio, Alcatraz Islands and the beautiful beaches of the Bay Area all in the same trip make this a top pick among RV campers. Although no RV campgrounds exist within the NRA itself, campgrounds like Marin Park are close to public transportation and within easy driving distance of all the Golden Gate attractions.

And we haven't even mentioned the most venerable of California's redwood-filled National Parks, Yosemite. The waterfalls, granite slopes and sunlit meadows of Yosemite draw millions of visitors each year. RV campgrounds are available within the Park itself, and nearby parks like High Sierra RV give motorhome campers plenty of options.

For more California RV Camping information and information on where to rent you RV for a California National Park vacation, see RV Rental California - For Your California RV Vacation.

RV Camping California's Desert Parks

Three major National Parks in California showcase the wild beauty of the California desert. Joshua Tree National Park, one hundred forty miles east of Los Angeles, gives visitors the chance to enjoy both mountains and desert in one trip. The RV campsites here are minus hookups, so you'll need to fill your water tanks in designated areas. But the chance to camp in the middle of such breathtaking beauty makes an RV trip to Joshua Tree NP a must-do for motorhome campers.

For the ultimate Mojave Desert experience, turn your RV toward Mojave National Preserve. From volcanic cones to vast sand dunes, visitors will find the images of the Mojave unforgettable. Developed RV campgrounds exist within the park boundaries, so plan to stay in the midst of one of America's great desert treasures.

Iconic Death Valley National Park draws visitors not only to its enormous stretches of desert, but also to its snow-capped mountains and incredible array of wildlife. Fill your vacation photo albums with magnificent shots of Death Valley while camping in one of many developed campgrounds at the Park. Keep in mind the extreme temperatures here; visits in spring and fall will be much more enjoyable.

For more California RV Camping information and information on where to rent you RV for a California National Park vacation, see RV Rental California - For Your California RV Vacation.

RV Vacation to California Wine Country

Did you know there are actually thirteen separate regions in California that claim the name "Wine Country?" Whether you long to sample the flavors of Napa, Mendocino or Temecula, there's a great RV vacation in store. Stay with us as we savor the possibilities of an RV vacation to California Wine Country.

RV Camping in Northern California Wine Country
Why not start your RV trip into Northern California's Wine Country by reserving a spot at Wine Country RV Park-Sonoma Grove? This well-equipped park is only forty-five miles north of San Francisco, in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Taste the award winning pinots of Gary Farrell Winery in Healdsburg, then head back down Hwy 101 to Santa Rosa, where Matanzas Creek Winery offers stunning views and wonderful wines.

We can definitely help you rent a comfortable RV to call home during your trip. Just contact our San Francisco RV rentals office to get started.

For another fabulous round of wine tastings in Northern California's Wine Country, come visit Napa Valley. This fertile valley is absolutely overflowing with famous wineries! Flora Springs Vineyards in St. Helena offers a nice tour and wine tasting package. You'll also love the offerings at the Hess Collection, on Redwood Road in Napa. Plan to stay at Dutcher Creek RV Park in Cloverdale so you're near the best vineyards.

There are simply too many world-famous wineries in the Wine Country Region of Northern California. Use this comprehensive wine country guide to find more vineyards to visit while you're there.

Central California Wine Country RV Trips
The San Luis Obispo/Paso Robles area is also abundant in its wine production. Pick up your RV rental at El Monte RV Rentals in Paso Robles, and then treat yourself to the varietals of HammerSky Vineyards, just down the road. Wine Country RV Resort, right there in Paso Robles, is surrounded by dozens of wineries, and even offers this helpful list of local vineyards.

Other wonderful places to visit in the area, if wine tastings are on your mind, are Justin Winery and Vineyards, Tablas Creek Vineyard, and Midnight Cellars.

Southern California Wine Country RV Trips
About forty miles south of our El Monte RV Rentals office in Corona, you can visit almost two dozen wineries in Temecula Valley Wine Country. Although wine hasn't been grown in this region as long as in Napa Valley, they've already produced some very respectable wines.

Some local favorites? The Hart Family Winery, the elegant Falkner Winery and beautiful La Cereza. Plan to make Pechanga RV Resort, run by the Pechanga Native American tribe, your base for a Temecula Valley Wine Country RV trip.

What could be more deliciously relaxing than a leisurely RV trip through California's wine regions? Start planning yours today, and get ready to indulge in relaxing RV camping and some of America's very finest wines. Check out this site for more California Wine Resources / Wine Information.

BCS National Championship by RV

What could be better than having the Rose Bowl this year in Pasadena? Having the Citi BCS National Championship at the same stadium six days later! Rose Bowl Stadium will host this year's January 7th battle between the BCS first and second ranked teams. Why not plan to camp (and tailgate!) in a luxurious RV at this year's game?

If that sounds like a great idea to you, or you've got tickets but can't find lodging, here's our BCS National Championship pre-game checklist:

1. Gather the Gang to Go: Bring the whole family to the game, or gather a group of friends to make the whole experience nicer. An added benefit to sharing the BCS Championship experience—share costs on RV rental, campsite fees and tailgating food.
2. Buy Game Tickets: Just in case you don't have tickets, here's your best bet for finding them now: Fan2Fan Ticket Exchange by RazorGator.
3. Reserve the Right RV: Contact our Santa Fe Springs/Los Angeles RV Rentals office to reserve the RV that will fit your lodging and tailgating needs. Less than thirty miles from Rose Bowl Stadium, this location makes it simple to pick up your RV.
4. Plan for RV Campsites: You can park your RV near the stadium prior to game day, if you make reservations. Here is a link to motorhome camping near Rose Bowl Stadium: BCS Championship Parking Information.
5. Plan the Perfect Tailgate Party: Think portable, quick to cook and delicious when planning your tailgating menu. RV kitchens make it easy to prep, cook and clean. After all, who wants to be stuck cooking when everyone else is out exploring other tailgate parties?

There, now you have the essential ingredients for a great Citi BCS National Championship experience. When top-ranked Alabama's Crimson Tide faces off against the number two Texas Longhorns, you're going to want to be there. Use these tips to plan your trip to Pasadena, and be sure to share your memories with us!

Attention RV Campers: Are You Headed for the Rose Bowl?

It's that time of year again, RV camping fans, when we indulge our love of college football in our beloved motorhomes! Our favorite way of doing so is to travel by RV to Pasadena, home of the Rose Bowl, each New Year's Day. This year's game pits the Oregon Ducks against Ohio State's Buckeyes, and it promises to be exciting! Just in case you hadn't thought of heading to the big game by RV, here are our top four tips for an unforgettable trip to the Rose Bowl.

Tip #1: Buy Your Tickets Now!
Believe it or not, there are still tickets available (as of this posting date) for the Rose Bowl. Use this link to RazorGator on the official Tournament of Roses site to find available tickets. There may also be tickets available through sites like StubHub and TicketsNow.

Tip #2: Plan Ahead!
RV campers absolutely love the Rose Bowl, so parking can be a problem if you don't plan ahead. There are specially-designated places where RV parking is allowed near Rose Bowl Stadium, and arriving early is a must.

If you plan to arrive as early as December 28, you can rent space at Brookside Park (no hookups). On game day, RVs are allowed through a designated entrance into the West Drive parking area. A fee is charged for parking in this lot, as well. For complete details, go here and scroll down to "Motor Home Parking."

By the way, if you plan to also attend the Tournament of Roses Parade at 8 a.m. on January 1, you'll need to purchase grandstand seating tickets from Sharp Seating. They may also be able to help you find a place to park your RV near the parade route.

Tip #3: Reserve Your Rental RV!
What's next? The perfect RV for your Rose Bowl experience, of course! There's nothing quite like the convenience of cooking great food on game day in a self-contained RV kitchen. The other big plus to camping in an RV before the game is that you're close to the action and you're not scrambling to find a hotel room.

Our talented staff at El Monte RV Rentals in our Santa Fe Springs/Los Angeles RV rentals location is ready and waiting to help you choose your RV. Let them know how long you'll be staying in Pasadena, how many football fans will be onboard and how big a kitchen you'll require for your tailgate party. It's that simple!

Tip #4: Plan Your Tailgate Party!
Bake it, microwave it, or cook it outside on the grill, it's a whole lot easier with a kitchen at your fingertips. Tailgating before the big game is a passion with many RV'ers, and it might just become one of yours, too.

If you've never planned a tailgate party, there's a wealth of information available. Check JohnnyRoadTrip.com, FoodNetwork.com and SouthernTailgater.com for the great recipes to feed your football-frenzied crowd.

We hope you'll consider an RV road trip to Pasadena for the 2010 Rose Bowl Game. RV comfort, great football and one big, crazy tailgate party in the parking lots - doesn't that sound like the perfect way to spend your New Year's Day?

RV Vacation Idea - Exploring California Ghost Towns

We've had so much fun delivering the goods on great ghost towns in other states, we almost forgot to include California! For an RV camping vacation that's hauntingly spectacular, use these tips for exploring California ghost towns on your next trip.

San Bernardino Area Ghost Towns
Very near our El Monte RV Rentals San Bernardino RV Rentals location, you can explore ghost and historic mining towns to your heart's content. Twin cities along the Santa Ana River were once the largest between Los Angeles and New Mexico. A devastating flood in 1862, however, destroyed most of Agua Mansa and La Placita. Today, ghost town fans can visit the historic Agua Mansa Cemetery, with graves dating back to the 1840s, to learn more about San Bernardino County's earliest non-native settlers.

Ten miles from Barstow, discover Calico Town, the historic silver mining town that's a treasure for the entire family. With one third of this once-bustling mining town's structures still standing, your RV camping trip to Calico Town will provide an unforgettable glimpse into the California silver rush. Pan for gold, shop at the Mercantile and take the kids for a ride on the narrow gauge railway. A large RV campground onsite offers the amenities you'll appreciate after a day exploring Calico Town.

One more area for hardcore ghost town fans to explore is the Wildwash mining area east of Victorville. Numerous working mines, abandoned mines and rock houses can be found. Pay attention to private property signs and plan to hike this area to find clues of mining towns now vanished. While visiting both the Wildwash area ghost towns and Calico Town, why not park your RV at the Mojave Narrows Regional Park campground? These lakeside campsites are sure to soothe your spirits after a long day of hiking.

Sacramento Area Ghost Towns
Swing by our El Monte RV Sacramento Rentals location for the perfect motorhome rental, and then head south to the historic town of Locke. Locke is a delightful place to spend several days exploring. Built in 1915 by Chinese merchants, it has remained a marvelously quirky village with narrow streets, abandoned buildings mixed in with thriving businesses and its own unique atmosphere. Explore the only completely Chinese California ghost town, and stay in waterfront luxury at Snug Harbor RV Park in Walnut Grove.

While in Sacramento County, be sure to visit Folsom. Although still a living city, Folsom has incorporated its mining town past into an intriguing historic district. Located on the beautiful American River, just twenty miles from Sutters Mills, you'll find plenty of gold mining history to keep you busy in Folsom.

San Diego Area Ghost Towns
There are several fascinating ghost towns in the San Diego area. Start your trip at Stonewall Mine in Cuyamuca State Park. The collapsed mine shaft and a few ruins, as well as a cabin/museum mark a place where over one million dollars in gold was mined.

Vallecito stage station was rebuilt in the 1930s so that visitors to the area could have a taste of California's early history. To the north, visit Banner to see the remains of a mining town struck by three floods and a fire before being abandoned. While you're in the area, don't miss Julian, CA, a beautiful historic gold mining town that caters to history buffs. If San Diego County is your preferred ghost town exploration destination, be sure to reserve your RV first at our San Diego/Santee El Monte RV Rentals location.

Learning about the past while exploring abandoned or historic towns in a fantastic way to spend an RV camping vacation. Choose a comfortable RV as your home for the duration, and pack your camera and hiking boots. Who knows? Exploring ghost towns in California just might become a lifetime obsession!

Gemstone Hunting RV Camping Ideas in California

There are so many possibilities for mining gem-rich ore in California. A popular stop for gem lovers hoping to find green or pink California tourmaline is the world famous Himalaya Mine near Santa Ysabel in San Diego County. Prospectors can purchase buckets of gem ore to screen onsite with equipment furnished by the Mine. Lake Henshaw Resort, adjacent to the Mine, is a beautiful site for RV camping, lake fishing and plenty of hiking in the foothills of the Palomar Mountains.

Another real gem for RV camping prospectors is found right in the same county! Oceanview Mine in Pala, California charges a set fee that allows gem hunters to screen fresh, unprospected mine tailings all day long. Recent visitor finds include aquamarine and many colors of tourmaline.

For your RV Rental needs in San Diego County, be sure to check out the El Monte RV San Diego RV Rentals location.

About two hours southwest of Fresno, screen for benitoite, California's state gem. The California State Gem Mine near Coalinga is open most weekends to prospectors. Dry camp your RV at nearby Los Gatos Creek County Park and spend the day sifting mine tailings near where a fabulous 34 carat rough benitoite was recently found!

El Monte RV has numerous California RV Rentals locations that you can use for a gem hunting RV vacation starting point.

Fishing New Melones Lake, California

We're hearing great reports from RV campers who have discovered New Melones Lake in California's gold rush Country. Nestled in Calaveras County, New Melones Lake is a fisherman's dream come true. With one hundred miles of shoreline, this scenic lake is home to trout, catfish and bass fishing year-round.

Recent fishing reports from the lake boast of rainbow trout over three pounds. Bass, which are strictly catch and release, are giving fishermen plenty of action. There are also monster catfish at the lake that guarantee some great fish stories back home.

Don't have a boat? No worries, if you make your RV vacation trip during cooler months. Plenty of fish are caught right off the bank from November to late spring.

The uncrowded shores of New Melones Lake also make it the perfect place to spend an RV camping vacation. Hundreds of campsites managed by the Bureau of Reclamation are located around the lake in scenic campgrounds. Call for reservations before you head for New Melones, to insure the perfect campsite for your stay.

Hundreds of miles of wooded trails make biking and hiking great alternatives for the non-anglers in your party. The abundance of wildlife in the area, including osprey, deer and bald eagles, keep nature photographers busy year-round, as well.

When you're ready to take a break from fishing, visit Angels Camp nearby. This historic town has preserved the look and feel of a gold rush mining town and makes a great day trip for the fishing party.

For more information on fishing excursions, visit the fishing vacation section of Monty's Musings. Nearby El Monte RV Rental locations for a New Melones Lake fishing vacation include our Sacramento RV Rentals and Stockton RV Rentals locations.

El Monte RV Promoting Visiting Wine Country in an RV

El Monte RV Rentals is promoting visiting wine country in an RV. See:

• California Wine Country Events on the El Monte RV Website
• El Monte RV Rentals Promotes Fall Travel in California Wine Country

If you ever have had the opportunity to check out the prices of the B&Bs and resorts in California's wine country you would quickly come to realize that an RV rental is an excellent low-cost alternative for visiting wine country.

See the Wine Road Less Traveled's Wine Events Calendar for more California wine events.

Additional California Wine Country Resources

• California Wines
• Mendocino Winegrape & Wine Commission
• Napa Valley Grapegrowers
• Napa Valley Vintners
• Sonoma County Vintners
• Sonoma County Winegrape Commission

RV Parks in California Wine Country (Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma)

Some places to stay when RV camping to wine country:

• Mendocino Campgrounds & RV Parks
• Napa Valley Exposition RV Park
• Napa County Fairgrounds RV Park
• Skyline Wilderness Park
• Sonoma County RV Camping from the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau
• Wine Country RV Park - Sonoma Grove

RV Rentals for a California Wine Country RV Vacation

To get set up for the perfect California wine country RV vacation, check out the California RV Vacation and Rental Resources page.

Fishing Folsom Lake, California

Folsom Lake is part of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA). It is located at the base of the Sierra foothills about 25 miles east of Sacramento.

Fishing
Folsom lake fishing offers trout, catfish, large mouth, small mouth and spotted bass, and perch. Folsom Lake is perhaps best known as an excellent destination for bass fishing. Large fish can be caught by those willing to put in the time.

For additional information on the fishing at Folsom Lake see:

• Folsom Lake - Good Fishing for Sacramento Residents

Other Things to Do at the Folsom Lake SRA
The Folsom Lake SRA offers more than good fishing. Other things to do there include:

• A 32-mile long bicycle path (the American River Bicycle Path) that connects Folsom Lake with many Sacramento County parks.
• The Oaks Nature Trail that offers a trail of over three quarters of a mile that is appropriate for hikers of all fitness levels and is handicapped accessible.

Other Attractions Near Folsom Lake
Attractions that are within a 30 minute drive of Folsom Lake include:

• The California State Railroad Museum
• The Old Governor's Mansion
• The State Capitol Museum
• Sutter's Fort
• Marshall Gold Discovery State Park
• Auburn State Recreation Area
• California State University (CSUS) Aquatic Center

Campgrounds for RV Campers
There are two campgrounds near the lake that can accommodate RVs - the Beals Point Campground and the Peninsula Campground.

RV Rentals for a Visit to Folsom Lake
RV campers can easily pick up an RV from El Monte RV's Sacramento RV rentals location for an RV vacation trip to Folsom Lake.

Great California RV Camping Ideas

You want to visit California, but don't want to bother with hotels and rental cars. Why not travel by RV? Whether you're hitting the state's theme parks or national parks, capturing photos or catching the waves, it just makes sense to have a comfortable RV as your home base.

To make trip planning easier, here's a quick list of California RV camping ideas to stir your fantasies. Gather the family 'round and build your dream trip. You're going to love RV camping in California!

Attractions for the Kids
You can't travel California with kids without visiting one of the world-famous theme parks. Travelling by RV keeps trip costs reasonable - imagine what you'll save on hotel rooms, rental cars, and fast food!

Start your trip in Anaheim at that most famous of theme parks, Disneyland! And while you're there, save time to enjoy Disney's California Adventure. If travelling with Lego fanatics, head for Carlsbad, California to Legoland. A wild and crazy time awaits you as you discover rides, thrills and challenges for the entire family.

If vintage fun suits your fancy, spend your vacation in Santa Cruz and experience the ocean side amusement park at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Giant Dipper roller coaster, built in 1924, is sure to thrill the kids, and don't miss the beautiful carousel that's been around since 1911. For families with lots of interests, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo offers sea creatures, thrilling rides and wildlife in the same theme park.

One last "must do" for theme park aficionados: the Wild West themed Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park. From Camp Snoopy to some of the most famous roller coasters in the world, you'll be glad you turned your RV toward Knotts Berry Farm.

Cruise the Beaches
Who could visit California without hitting the beach? With more than 450 beach destinations, you could spend a year on the road and not visit them all! California beach cities have become part of American legend - Malibu, La Jolla and Monterey. Add some time there to your family's own legends by cruising the coastline in motor home comfort.

Let Your Family Go Wild
Another way to experience California is to really get into the wild. With nearly thirty National Parks Service sites in California, your kids can explore nature and history the entire summer. Head for Muir Woods National Monument, part of San Francisco's Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where giant coastal redwoods have been preserved and studied for a century. At northern California's Lassen Volcanic, see where volcanoes have erupted in the past one hundred years! Yosemite, Sequoia and King's Canyon - if you've been meaning to visit one of California's historic National Parks, why not do it this year? Most National Parks offer easy RV camping, so even the least hardy camper can experience it all!

And don't leave California's state parks off your list. Treat your family to spectacular views and wildlife photo opportunities as you hike the trails of Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe. Fish for bass and hit the cycling trails at Folsom Lake. If you've never experienced the California desert, Anza-Borrego State Park is the place to go. The variety of wildlife you'll find there, from bighorn sheep to roadrunners, will excite the most jaded city dweller.

Whether you're looking for the endless wave or craving a wild ride on a roller coaster, an RV journey through California is the cure. Winter or summer, there's something fascinating to see in California. Plot your course, rent your RV and get started!

Renting An RV for Your California RV Camping Vacation

El Monte RV is your place for RV rentals in the State of California. With over 20 locations in the Golden State, you are never too far from an El Monte RV rental for your California RV Vacation Adventure. Rental locations include: