🌲 We found the holy grail of lakeside camping in Mammoth Lakes... 🎣 🏕️

🌲 We found the holy grail of lakeside camping in Mammoth Lakes... 🎣 🏕️

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up, stepping right out of your tent, and casting a line into crystal-clear lake waters within seconds—you HAVE to check this out.

In our trip to the Eastern Sierra, we set up camp at two of the absolute best waterfront campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes: Twin Lakes Campground and Lake Mary Campground.

Campsite #12 at Lake Mary: Is this officially the single best waterfront campsite in the entire Basin? (The views from our morning coffee spot speak for themselves ☕ View total perfection!). 🎣 Cast a Pole in the water right from your campsite!

Paddleboard Deep water Lakes to paddleboard

🥪 Gourmet Camp Eats: Why settle for basic camp food when you can make toasted ciabatta grinder sandwiches and crockpot lettuce wraps right at the lake?

Which campsite would you pick for a summer getaway?

🎥 Watch the full video now to check out the campsites, fishing spots, and lake views: 👇👇👇https://youtu.be/_JacvdqveOg?si=wF4G706ZFCdLKLXu

u/Naturetravelers1000 — 19 hours ago

Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park: In-Depth Camping Review

Perched on the coastal bluffs between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park is widely considered one of the finest coastal camping spots in Southern California. Whether you're taking advantage of the ocean views, exploring tide pools, or simply enjoying a sunset dinner, camping here feels like playing tourist in your own backyard.

⛺ Campground Overview & Location

Moro Campground sits elevated above Pacific Coast Highway, offering panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean toward Emerald Bay and Catalina Island.

Attribute Campground Details
Location Laguna Beach / Crystal Cove State Park, Orange County, CA
Check-In Policy Strict 3:00 PM check-in time (California State Parks policy)
Early Arrival Tip Reef Point Day Use area is the perfect spot to make a fresh coffee and watch for dolphins while waiting for check-in
Best Campsite Loops Dolphin Circle (Campsite 56) offers premier blufftop elevation and expansive ocean views
Reservation Lead Time Highly popular—booking 4 to 6 months in advance via ReserveCalifornia is essential

🌅 The Camping Experience & Daily Highlights

1. Pre-Check-In & Scenic Outlooks

Arriving early before the strict 3:00 PM check-in allows you to settle in along the coast early. Pulling into the nearby Reef Point day-use area provides front-row seats for coffee with a view—frequently rewarded with pods of dolphins swimming along the breakwater.

2. Campsite Setup & Views (Dolphin Circle / Site 56)

Camping in Dolphin Circle places you right along the upper ridge of the coastal terrace. Site 56 in particular stands out as arguably one of the top spots in the entire park, featuring unobstructed looks down toward Emerald Bay, blue waters, and surrounding coastal bluffs.

3. Direct Beach Access & Cove Exploration

Accessing the beach is remarkably convenient:

  • A paved road leads from the campground terrace down toward Pacific Coast Highway.
  • A pedestrian underpass tunnels safely beneath PCH, leading directly out onto the sandy cove.
  • The secluded cove is ideal for surf fishing, tidepooling, or simply relaxing on the sand away from standard beach crowds.

🍝 Campsite Amenities & Sunset Dinners

  • Facilities: The campground features clean restrooms, hot showers, and paved parking spurs suitable for both camper vans/rigs and traditional tent setups.
  • Campsite Meals: Setting up camp cooking gear to prepare a warm hearty meal—such as bronze-cut Italian spaghetti with meat sauce, fresh peppers, and Rao's sauce—while watching the golden-hour sun dip into the ocean is the ultimate way to wrap up the day.

💡 Quick Tips for Camping at Moro Campground

  1. Be Mindful of Check-In Times: Plan to arrive near 3:00 PM or utilize Reef Point day use to relax nearby if you arrive early.
  2. Pack Wind Protection: Being perched up on a bluff means evening coastal breezes are common—bring a windbreak or secure canopy stakes.
  3. Explore the Historic District: Take time to wander down to the nearby Crystal Cove Historic District to see the restored 1930s coastal cottages and vintage beach vibe.
youtu.be
u/Naturetravelers1000 — 5 days ago
▲ 2 r/alaskacruiseplanning+3 crossposts

7-Day Alaska Inside Passage Review

Cruising through Alaska's Inside Passage aboard the Norwegian Bliss was an unforgettable Trip!! Sailing roundtrip from Seattle to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, and Victoria!

🛳️ Ship Experience & Onboard Life

Staterooms & Layout Tips

Opting for a Balcony Cabin is easily one of the best decisions for an Inside Passage itinerary. Having private, uninhibited views of snow-capped peaks, sea life, and misty fjords right outside your door elevates the entire trip.

  • Cabin Space: The balcony rooms feature a comfortable king-size bed, a separate vanity area, a cozy couch, and ample closet space for heavy parkas and rain gear [01:42].
  • Pro Tip on Location: Avoid picking a room too far forward [42:33]. The front of the ship requires a long walk down the hallways to reach staircases and elevators, which can add up over a week—mid-ship is ideal for convenience [42:52].

🌲 Port Excursions & Destination Highlights

1. Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls

  • The Experience: When weather prevents helicopter tours from taking off, taking a quick ride directly to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is the perfect pivot ..
  • Nugget Falls Hike: A short, accessible trail leads right up to the roaring Nugget Falls [10:52]. Walking along the sandy glacial shoreline right next to iceberg-filled water allows you to experience the vastness of the glacier up close [12:13,13:58].

2. Skagway: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

  • Historic Town Walk: Skagway retains its 1898 Gold Rush charm with historic saloons, wooden boardwalks, and local breweries like Skagway Brewing Co. [18:22,22:47].
  • Scenic Railway: The iconic White Pass Railway takes passengers high into the mountains along sheer cliffs, wooden trestle bridges, and cascading waterfalls, providing some of the most dramatic views on the entire coast [21:17,23:02].

3. Glacier Bay National Park (Cruising Day)

  • Natural Wonder: Slowly navigating through Johns Hopkins Passage surrounded by floating icebergs and wildlife (like sea otters and seals resting on ice floes) is a surreal experience [23:47,24:49,25:59].
  • Scenic Viewing: Watching the towering blue ice faces of tidewater glaciers directly from your balcony or the ship's upper decks makes this the undisputed visual highlight of the voyage [23:55].

4. Ketchikan: Creek Street & Native Culture

  • Creek Street: Built over wooden stilts along Ketchikan Creek, this historic boardwalk district offers views of rushing fish ladders and historical landmarks [29:34,30:26].
  • Totem Heritage: Ketchikan houses remarkable collections of historical Tlingit and Haida totem poles, where local historians share the stories, potlatch traditions, and craftsmanship preserved across centuries [31:09,32:00,33:49].

5. Victoria, British Columbia

  • Evening Stop: A late-afternoon or evening arrival into Victoria often brings breathtaking sunsets over Vancouver Island [42:58,43:31].
  • Downtown Exploration: Stroll past the illuminated British Columbia Parliament Buildings, explore North America's second-oldest Chinatown, or take a scenic harbour walk before reboarding [43:51,44:33].

💡 Practical Cruise Tips

  • Rain Gear is Essential: Weather along the Inside Passage can change rapidly—waterproof shells, warm layers, and sturdy footwear ensure rainy port days remain completely enjoyable
u/Naturetravelers1000 — 15 hours ago