Here in the Pacific Northwest, where I live, a weekend forecast of sunny and 82 degrees is a guarantee for every waterfront campsite to be occupied.
So, when we were traveling through California during the fall a couple of years ago with a similar forecast, we were surprised to find that we had our choice of waterfront campsites to choose from at Medeiros Campground. Not only waterfront and uncrowded, but a large shade tree too!
Photos via author, Dave Helgeson
The campground is located along the southern shoreline of O’Neill Forebay, which is part of the sprawling San Luis State Recreation Area. One of the less formal campgrounds in the recreation area, the campground offers primitive campsites right on the lakeshore, with some campsites featuring fire rings, shade ramadas, and picnic tables. Fresh water, a dumpster, and a dump station are also available.
When you go
Medeiros Campground does not take reservations and is first-come, first-served. Currently, the rate is $20 per night which is very reasonable for a California State Park. The campground is conveniently located just a few miles off Interstate 5, which makes it a great place to stay overnight.
Getting there
Take exit 403B off of I-5, travel west on Highway 33 approximately 2.5 miles to Santa Nella Road. Head north (right) on Santa Nella Road about a third of a mile to Donohugh Road West. Take a left turn onto Donohugh Road West, which is the entrance to the campground.
Those navigating by GPS will find the intersection of Santa Nella Road and Donohugh Road West at N37° 03.718 W121° 00.995. Click here to learn more about the San Luis State Recreation Area including other campgrounds offering hookups.
Waterfront camping in beautiful weather without reservations, just another adventure in RVing!
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
Very nice.