camping

Camping is one of life's greatest rewards.....there is something about the tranquility of blue skies, the breezes that whisper among the trees, the sun shining...crisp bacon sizzling on the stove...a crackling fire in the cold night....it's nurturing....and just downright fun....
Here are some of my favorite, most used links I use when reserving campgrounds. I prefer to reserve, unless I know the campground is remote and highly unlikely to be full.
http://www.reserveamerica.com/
http://www.recreation.gov/
http://www.camping.com/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/

I will include some campgrounds that I've visited and little tidbits of each....also, each website above will provide detailed information...
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• Leavis Flats-near Sequoia (CA)
• Headquarters-near Kernville (CA)
• Goldledge-near Kernville (CA)
• Kaweah River-near Sequoia (CA)
• Doheny Beach-Dana Point, Ca (CA)
• San Onofre-near Oceanside,Ca (CA) 
• Silverwood Lake-Devore area (CA)
• McGrath State Beach-Oxnard (CA)
• Hospital Flats-near Kernville (CA)
• Seven Oaks-Angelus Oaks/Big Bear area (CA)
• Pine Flats-Big Bear area (CA)
• Lake Cachuma-Santa Barbara area
• Prado Lake Regional Park-Chino (CA)
• Lake Jennings-San Diego area (CA)
• Table Mountain-Wrightwood (CA)
• Four Jeffrey-Bishop area (CA)
• Old Shady-near Mammoth Lakes (CA)
• Leo Carrillo State Beach-near Malibu (CA)
• Silver Lake-June Lake area (CA)
• Skinner Lake-Perris (CA)
• Cerro Alto-Atascadero (CA)

ARIZONA

• North Rim, Grand Canyon
• Black Canyon (Colorado River)

UTAH

• Zion National Park

Campground Reviews:
Leavis Flats-We arrived at Leavis Flats, a little suprised. It was quiet. It was "remote", save for being right beside a small, two lane highway. It was basic. There was a post with an attached box with a drop slot for paying the camping fee.
Our site was smack dab next the clear stream, surrounded by large boulders to sit upon. We reveled in the fact that no-one was there but us, until later that evening, one car load of guys took the site next to us, but it was still a good distance away, so we felt our privacy was not really compromised. All night, we were the only two sites being used.
Thumbs up: peaceful, water-side camp sites, pay upon arrival
amenities: vault toilet, water spickets
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Headquarters: This was a medium sized campground, with several sites right next to the river. Lots of trees.
We camped here twice. Both times, it rained. Don't recall the time of year...possibly early fall. WIthout a doubt, we like the river side camp sites.
amenities: campground host, vault toilets, firewood, fishing, river floating/rafting, swimming
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Goldledge: Goldledge is nestled above Headquarters and Hospital Flat campgrounds at the Kern River.
There are sites that border the river's edge, and a small "beach" area that offers easy entry into the river. Entry into the river from the other sites, requires a climb up and down large boulders.
Goldledge, Headquarters and Hospital Flats parallel the highway, and it is a 15 minute drive to the nearest market and another five minutes to another market, and the small community of Kernville.
Our site was medium sized, with enough room for two tents. One small tree for shade.
amenities: vault toilets, beach entry to river, tables, fire-rings, fishing, river floating/rafting, swimming