Center Pin
Fort Langley, BC
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Joined: 04/15/2009
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Well not quite yet, but already planning our big trip for next year. Just winterized the trailer and it's killing me, so I'm doing my home work for next season.
We will be driving from Vancouver BC and I planned on 3 week trip in September. At that time the kids will be 6.5, 4.5, and 2.5 years old. I picked September as the crowds should be gone??? I think the best plan is to drive half way one day, one day at a CG, then another full day of driving (I-5 there). Then a full week camping near DL, I thought 3 day passes would be good for DL? Another day or 2 at Lego Land. And what else are must do's for kids in that area?
After the full week of commercial fun, we would take 2 weeks camping our way home along the coast. Our camping style is dry camping at State/Provincial/Forestry parks with fishing, canoeing, hiking and bike riding taking up most of our days. Any recommendations for places to hit on the way back? I haven't been camping south of Olympia in 15 years.
Please provide any input that would help make this trip fun and affordable.
Also there may be one to three other families joining us with similar rigs and aged kids.
Trailer: 07 Tango 299BHS
TV: 2004.5 Dodge 610 CTD 3500 QC 48RE 2wd Laramie SRW, FP Gauge, FASS 95/95, Rhino Lining, Hensley Arrow, Reese Signature Series 5er Hitch, Air Bags & Compressor, Canopy, AL Boat Rack.
Been running B100 home brew June 2008!
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RicJones
So. Cal.
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Joined: 10/29/2007
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Sounds like a fun trip!! One day at Legoland should be enough. I would recommend hitting Sea World in San Diego for a day, it's not that far from Legoland.
Have you thought much about where you will stay when you go to D-land? I would recommend some place close like Anaheim Rv Resort. You will be beat!
The crowd in September will probably still be heavy but not as bad. We have season passes and the DW goes about 15 times a year. You never know when it will be a heavy or light day. GOOD LUCK. If you have any questions you can pm me.
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lobo princesa
northern calif
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Joined: 05/25/2004
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if you have time, plan a day of rest hanging out at the pool or go to the beach. You have 13 days after your first visit to Disneyland to use your next two day passes, so take it easy and try NOT to go 3 days in a row. Make sure you have a park hopper pass, your children are young so they will enjoy some of the atractions at California Adventure. Also, plan a day at "Downtown Disney" it is an outdoor mall in between the parks and the Disneyland hotel. There is alot of "cute" shopping to be done there. You could even do the swimming pool in the morning and Downtown Disney in the afternoon.
Ah... see what you did. It's been 4 months since my last visit and I wanna go back already. ENJOY your trip.
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Beacher
Long Beach, CA
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Joined: 05/07/2004
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Sounds like fun! While in the area you might also be interested in Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios in Hollywood, and perhaps my town Long Beach. We have a nice Aquarium, The Queen Mary museum, and some fun places to hang out, eat, and catch a movie.
If you have not run across it yet, Canyon RVPark is probably the nicest RVPark centrally located to most of the stuff to see in Southern California. If you prefer State campgrounds there is Dockweiler, Malibu State Park, Cabrillo, and Thornhill Broome State Beach which all have nice campsites in interesting unique locations in the Southland. And there is also The Golden Shore RV Park in my town, (it's the most conveniently located place to RV, but it's kinda just a parking lot)!
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Pucka1378
Northern VA
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We have stayed here anaheimrvvillage.com and it was nice. I would go for a premium site for sure. It is close enough that many people walked to Disneyland. But, they do have a shuttle that is shared with another place. I found it to be convenient. The pool was great! It was not very crowded when we were there in mid July/early August.
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Vakeel
So. California
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Joined: 04/27/2008
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One day at Lego Land will be plenty. If you want to stay at state owned campsites, reservations for Sept are done 6 months in advance on the first day of March. The site is www.reserveamerica.com.
Good beach camgrounds between DL and San Diego are Bolsa Chica SB with water and electricity, Doheney SB, Carlsbad SB and San Elijo SB. These are all on the ocean and very popular so if you decide to stay at them you have to be on that site come March 1 at 8 am PST.
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happybooker1
Magnolia Texas
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Joined: 03/03/2007
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If you want to see sea lions in their natural surroundings, go to La Jolla beach. Pretty place and the city has an aquarium too.
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Center Pin
Fort Langley, BC
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Thanks for all the great info keep it coming.
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tiptoe tommy
Seattle
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You have a great plan driving fast one way and dawdling on the way back. We often try to make it to Ashland, a great town, on the first day down. We sometimes find it difficult to pitch camp for one night and then drive another long day, so sometimes we cheat and stay in a hotel for a night between long driving days. Just an option.
We went to Disney last spring break on a hotel/air vacation. I don't have recommendations for RV parks there, but I would stay as close as possible. Families with kids always get tired at the end of the day. We found it best to go to the park, return mid-afternoon for naps, pool, beer, and a break, then return to the park for the evening when the crowds are smaller and the park is lit up.
Legoland is a day trip. Sea World is definitely worth it as are the SD Zoo and Animal Park. We also liked Universal Studios in LA. You might want to look at Costco for a LA City Pass--you get two or three days at Disney, Universal, Sea World, the zoo, and more for a great price.
Given your time and the limited RV options, I would skip the Bay Area. If you like mountains we are huge fans of Lassen NP in Northern California. But you can also choose to take 101 through Northern California to the Redwoods.
With kids I would spend some time on the Oregon Coast. One route is to drive up the Rogue to Crater Lake, and down the Umpqua back down to the coast. Great camping at Diamond Lake. I have posted several of my favorites on the Oregon Coast here as have others. The kids will love the aquarium in Newport and the entire central to northern coast. All of the state parks are great and Cannon Beach RV is outstanding for families.
I would skip the Washington Coast and perhaps visit Mt. St. Helens and/or Mt. Rainier if you have the time--or simply save your neighboring state for another trip. PM me if you want more detailed advice. Good luck.
Family that loves to camp 30 days a year! Two kids, 13 and 9
1999 Coleman SeaPine PUP
GO COUGS!
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RN Enigma
Florida
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Joined: 07/15/2005
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The Sea Lion Caves that are a little bit north of Florence Oregon is a wonderful place for both kids and adults to see. In Florence, Oregon there is an awesome state park called Honeymoon State Park located at 84505 Hwy 101 N, Florence OR 97439. It is conveniently located to the Oregon dunes which are spectacular to see. There are dune buggy rides that kids just love to do. I agree with the other poster...not much along Washington Coast. Even though it is pretty...kids may become bored.
Have a safe and wonderful trip.
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