This summer my kids and I decided to take a long road trip and visit different parts of California. Just us, my Mazda, a tent, a propane stove, and a cooler full of food. Now listen, there was a time when I couldn’t even imagine pulling something like this off. I’m a single mom now but when I was still married I was what we call a trad wife. I didn’t know how to do these things on my own. I didn’t grow up doing what my own mom called man things. It’s embarrassing now, but I’m telling an honest story here.
I’ve been divorced for about 8 years now and I’ve had this one mantra on repeat every time I try something new: If Sugar can do it, I can do it. Sugar was my mother-in-law, a woman so fierce and determined and powerful that she could do (and often did) anything. I met my ex-husband when we were 15 so I watched Sugar live and work as a single mom from the start. She worked overtime at the bank every week, filled her pantry for all of us, and never once said the words, “I can’t do that.” She had tools in her garage, rescue animals in her yard, and an innate sense of adventure dripping from her body. Later, after I married her son, I watched Sugar set up an entire kitchen tent while we camped and then start making incredible full meals from a propane stove. I once saw her drag half a tree out of the street during a monsoon. She told me stories about being a trucker, a biker, and a wild child kind of woman in her earlier days. So, when it came time to plan this epic trip I channeled Sugar with all my heart.
Right off the bat, I found the app HipCamp. Have you ever wanted an AirBNB type app, but for camping? Because that’s exactly what this baby is. You can rate hosts, leave reviews, and even narrow your search to Super Hosts. Some land is privately owned and some is far more public so you can choose what feels like a good time to you and yours.
We stayed in two HipCamp spots. The first was called Carizzo Sunrise and is not far from San Luis Obispo. We ended up rolling into our campsite really late at night and setting up the tent via headlights. We fell asleep to a clear sky full of stars and the far-off howl of coyotes. And in the morning we woke up to the most stunning view. Being in the middle of nature was such an incredible experience and, although it was warm during the day, I would highly recommend this site if you’re willing to rough it.
Bonus experience: on the breathtaking drive out we passed by 2 cowboys driving cattle. We waved and they waved back – making my daughter’s day.
The second place we stayed was near Whitethorne, CA with an easy drive to see the Redwoods. This site was called Shelter Cove and is hands down the very best campsite we have ever visited. I wish we could have stayed even longer. The coastal sunset was stunning, the bathrooms and showers were impeccably clean, the other campers were a delight, and the deli/restaurant/coffee shop options were incredible. My only advice is to learn how to downshift before you make your way down into Shelter Cove. It’s a skill you’re gonna need and one I’m so grateful my cowboy dad taught me at the age of 12.
Each site was so unique and came with its own sense of adventure. The hosts communicated quickly and with full information. The app was easy to use and neither site was more than $40/night. If you’re planning a camping trip this year, I highly recommend using HipCamp for all of your sites.
And listen, friends. If Sugar can do it, we can do it.
