California State Parks Voted Among Top 100
Family Campgrounds in U.S.

Summer is just around the corner and it's time to get ready for camping in the great outdoors at a California State Park, with several destinations named as one of America's top 100 family campgrounds and greatest "hidden gem" locations.

That recognition comes from ReserveAmerica, the reservation service for California State Parks and other state parks in the U.S. in its second annual "Top 100 Family Campground Awards." The list was compiled by campers, rangers and ReserveAmerica staff in a survey of more than 100,000 campers and a review of more than 3,000 parks across the country.

California State Parks named in the top 100 include the following:

Auburn State Recreation Area, Benbow Lake State Recreation Area, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Emerald Bay State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, Limekiln State Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, and Russian Gulch State Park.

The top 100 family campgrounds were selected based on criteria requested by family campers, including park amenities, stunning outdoor scenery and educational facilities. Also considered were the quality and availability of hot showers, laundry facilities, hiking trails, family beaches, radio-free zones, visitor centers, educational programs, children's events and location.

Here are some tips to make the most of your California State Parks summer camping plans:

· For Reservation Sites - Plan ahead. You can make reservations up to seven months in advance through ReserveAmerica at 1-800-444-7275 or on-line at www.parks.ca.gov

· Determine where you want to camp and be flexible: Have alternate parks in mind in case your first choice is booked. Check the State Park website at www.parks.ca.gov

To help you, get your copy of California Escapes magazine and the California State Parks Camping Reservation Guide by calling (916) 653-6995 or writing to:

California State Parks Information Office
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

· Consider non-reservation sites: If the reservation sites are full, look for first-come, first-served campgrounds, and try and arrive on a Tuesday or Wednesday to maximize your chance to get a campsite.

· Consider less busy months: Summer is the busiest time of the year, so try and take your vacation during the "off season" - April, May or after Labor Day.

· Consider less busy days: Sometimes reservations are easier to make if you can camp mid-week.

· Consider less popular camps: Southern coastal campgrounds can be full year-round. You could have better luck getting reservations at State Parks north of Santa Cruz or inland. Look for sites which are more remote, away from major metropolitan areas.

· Remember the holiday crush: The closer you try to make reservations to a holiday (Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July, Labor Day weekend), the further north and inland you may need to go.

· Consider cancellations: Check the ReserveAmerica website or call the
800-444-7275 phone number. Cancellations are rare, but they can happen.

· If the campgrounds you want are booked, consider visiting the park for a day for a picnic, hike or other outdoor recreation.