So this is pretty crazy - Deals blogger Marla Fisher just sent over this story she wrote about the cost of beach camping in Orange County pretty much doubling in price.

A pretty big bummer for me, since one of my favorite things to do locally is set up camp at Doheny State Beach (read story my friend Jen Muir about our trip here.)

Up until recently I had no problem forking out $35 for a night. But now that the prices have gone up to $65 for beachfront and $60 for others, I’d have to do some serious thinking about whether it’s worth it at all.

As Marla notes, you can get cheaper hotels for what the state is charging. Read more about what she has to say about it here.

Post from: OC Beach Blog

Orange County Register’s Marla Fisher just did a blog post saying that there’s some spots available this week because of cancellations down at Doheny, San Clemente and other state beaches that allow people to sleep on the sand.

They may be scooped up by now, but check often because there’s tons of cancellations. Here’s the link with more info.

Post from: OC Beach Blog

The new project will include the first campgrounds to be added to the State Parks system in more than 20 years, and likely the last that will be added. It’s expected to draw about 250,000 to the area in a year,  said State Parks spokesman Ken Kramer.

“It’s good news, everyone is going to see that the project is finally underway,” he said.

The State Parks recently awarded a $12 million contract to Los Angeles Engineering, Inc. for the revamp of the land, which sits within the 2,791-acre Crystal Cove State Park. The state is hoping to generate about $1 million each year in park-use revenues from camping, day use and special events.

A group of residents – many who had lived there for decades – were evicted more than two years ago after the state decided it wanted to build the campgrounds, along with a picnic area and public beach. The desolate area has been fenced off and not much has changed since 2006.

El Morro fits snugly between Newport and Laguna, once little beach towns that sprouted into expensive coastal enclaves. Somehow, El Morro remained a snapshot of decades ago, a laid-back and tight-knit community that would get together for Saturday night parties and holiday gatherings.

Some people were wealthy and owned second homes here, while others lived off Social Security.

The departure for many was heartbreaking and difficult.

Many residents in the nearly 300 trailers fought the eviction, and were granted 20-year leases and then a five-year extension in 1999. Many battled the state every step of the way in its effort to create the 35-acre campground. Many residents left during the fight in 2004, with others staying until midnight the night they had to leave, shutting the gate with a lock and shedding tears.
While most of the remaining trailers left behind were taken down by August of 2006, remnants of a once-vibrant community still remain. The construction, scheduled to start Monday, will include taking down remaining buildings, laundry rooms and an office, as well as remaining asphalt.

The funds for the project came from voter-approved Proposition 12 park bond funds.

The state is predicting that when first-day reservations open up for this camp site, they will sell out. For areas such as Doheny State Beach campgrounds, spots in the summer can be difficult to nab.

Here’s what will be there:

66 family camp sites

200 day-use parking spaces

Park and school entry upgrades

Road and trail improvements

Creek restoration

Picnic areas

Hiking trails

Native plant and habitat restoration

An outdoor educational amphitheater

Restoration of the beach and shoreline

Interpretive exhibits

Public restrooms

Lifeguard building

Other campsites near Orange County:

Doheny State Beach: 120

San Clemente: 161

San Onofre: 330

Bolsa Chica: 59 (vehicles only)

More stories from the Beach Blog:

• “Save Trestles” campaign trying to get support for new toll road meeting
• The grunion are running!
• Holiday on the coast brings crowds and a plane crash
• Daily Wave Check
• Icons to be honored at Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame announced
• More drunks on the sand and rescues in HB for the world to see
• Blue whale spotted offshore
• Blackball is in effect - do you know where you can surf?
• Shark attacks woman on kayak at Catalina, knocks her off in front of her kids
• More drunks on the sand and rescues in HB for the world to see
• Get out: Kayaking Huntington Harbour
• Blackball is in effect - do you know where you can surf?
• Holiday on the coast brings crowds and a plane crash
• HB Surf Museum to celebrate 20 years
• State cracks down on San Onofre nude beach

Post from: OC Beach Blog