The campground consists of 15 or so sites that are all first come, first serve and for a very reasonable price ($15/night, up to 8 people per site). The bathrooms aren't delightful, but they could be worse. There is a freezing cold stream behind some of the sites so we could get cleaned off when the dirt got the best of us. Our neighbors fished, but I'm not sure how much there is to catch out there. Also, there's some serious poison oak patches near the water, so we had to be careful.

As I sat back in my folding chair, unwillingly taking in the smoke from the fire with my watering eyes, I came to a new conclusion.  I so badly wanted to camp on the coast until I went on an AWESOME 10 mile hike across Highway 1 from Kirk Creek Campground and talked with some of the local campers. Not only were their sites stacked up on top of each other with minimal privacy but it seemed more like the site of an all-night frat party instead of catching up with some old friends. One friendly camper at Kirk Creek invited us to his party that evening as we passed, saying it "wouldn't end until 4:15 AM." That's just not my cup of tea anymore!

At that moment, I became grateful for the seclusion of the Ponderosa campground. We made noise when we wanted to and went to bed without trouble when we were ready. The sites were spacious and generously mapped out. We were able to set up a game of washers, three tents and an enclosed canopy (our safe zone from the bugs) without any interference from the picnic table or fire pit.

I stayed Thursday through Sunday morning and got quite a few bug bites. The bugs were pretty bad this year but hey, that's camping. Also, there was no cell reception all weekend which was such a blessing and breath of fresh air. There were lots of laughs shared and now that my clothes all smell like I've been living in a campfire for months, my freshly showered self can sit back at home, relax and think of all the fun I had this weekend.

-Whitney

P.S. You can see more hiking videos on the myCampmate YouTube channel!

The official start of summer doesn't happen until next week but already the temperature is climbing!  Everyone is looking to cool off and many are looking to rivers and lakes to do just that.  

When you go to a lake are you jealous of those folks that are flying over the water on their skis or wakeboards and think, "Man, I'd love to know how to do that!"  Or maybe you know the basics but want to take your level of experience up a notch. Well, then listen up!

On June 23rd, The WaterSports Farm is having an open house!  Wait, you're asking what is that?!?

The WaterSports Farm is Northern California's premiere water sports facility.  They have their own private lake, Deep Water Lake, with a staff of professionals to teach you water skiing, wakeboarding, boat driving and more.  There are private and group lessons as well as lake memberships available.  It is an awesome and safe way for those, young and young-at-heart, to learn some cool moves on the water.  Located in Nicolaus, CA, just 25 minutes from Roseville and Yuba City, it is in the perfect spot for a quick getaway!

If you want to check out the facilities and learn a little more about who they are and what they do then head on out to Deep Water Lake on June 23rd for their open house!! The WaterSports Farm will be open from 10-4 for you to see what they are all about.  Come meet the pros, check out the gear and facilities, get tips, hang out or go out for a ride!  

Camping in Big Sur is always going to be a beautiful experience. Many authors have been exhilarated by this place and I am no different in noticing its awe-inspiring qualities. I just finished my second annual camping trip to Ponderosa Campgrounds in Big Sur, CA and I can't wait to go back again.

Every year, I try to celebrate my birthday with two requirements; being surrounded by people I love and being outdoors. Although it takes some serious planning and coordinating, there really is nothing better than camping with your friends, drinking some beer, eating tons of food and taking a break from the normal nine to five.

This year's trip was a bit smaller of a group than the last one and because of that, I attempted to book a first come, first serve campsite closer to the coast. I knew it was a long shot, but I had some time and patience to check out what else was nearby.

As it is, Ponderosa campground is about 14 miles from the coast on a super swervy, nauseating road (Nacimiento-Ferguson Road) that lends many breathtakingly gorgeous views.

I showed up early Thursday morning along the coast of Highway 1 and stopped by all the spots I had looked up online. All sites were already full, couldn't accommodate dogs (we have a spunky wiener dog that comes with us wherever we go), or couldn't give us sites next to each other--understandably so, as it is the peak time for camping and we were a group of 12 people without reservations.

After a little research, we ended up back where we camped last year. It's not "beach camping" or "in the redwoods" but it is a good safe bet for a larger group of campers. When we showed up, Ponderosa was completely vacant. We stayed in the same two spots as last year and I think they're the best ones in the campground. Note to self: Campgrounds #8 and #9 are legit!

Check back Monday for the second half of the trip!!

- Whitney

Most families have that one RV park or campground that they revisit every year during their much anticipated summer vacation.  For many in the Fresno, CA area and beyond Lindy's Landing was that place.

Lindy's Landing was started 50 years ago by Mr. Lindquist who most call "Old Man Lindy."  Over the years as the park and owners aged Lindy's Landing's light started to fade.  The park became less attractive, employees were less attentive and many families who had been returning for decades found themselves finding other places to spend their family vacations.

Enter Gary Lange and his son Jake...  Visiting Fresno to look at a grocery store for a possible business venture, their realtor took them by Lindy's Landing.  Gary and his son knew right away that the spot was right for them.  "It was just a beautiful spot...it's like an oasis in the middle of all these orchards and cities," says Gary.  Although a challenge, neither father or son has experience owning a campground, they are up for a good challenge and welcome it!

Already in the short amount of time the pair has been there they have made a lot of changes, both staff changes and park changes, that have really improved things.  Gary kept the staff that was committed to restoring Lindy's Landing to what it should be and let go of those that didn't want to be part of the new team.  They have really made an effort to clean up debris from the sites and have even redesigned some of the sites.  Steps have also been taken to open the already existing on-site mini mart for guests and they hope to have it open by July 4th.  Most recently, the swimming lagoon has been filled again and is ready for families to come have fun.

The Lindy's Landing baton has been passed to Gary and Jake Lange in hopes that they can truly restore the park to its hayday glory!  If you were once a Lindy's Landing regular or have never been and want to see how great it is feel free to call Gary at (559) 877-2885 to make a reservation for your spot next to the river.  To follow their progress in restoring the park and events that might be happening visit the Lindy's Landing Facebook page and be sure to "like" it so you get current information often!