Rating: 
Summary: Don't ever fret about finding a campsite again...
Review: 5/4/02Whether you're a grizzled veteran or a newbie this will become your bible of California Camping. Of the three past editions I own, the 2001-2002 twelfth edition truly is the most improved. As Tom says in his introduction: "More than 5000 updates and upgrades have been made in the campground listings of this edition, the biggest makeover in five years, and the third major makeover in the 15-year history of the book." And it shows! Many of the directions are now detailed down to the nearest 10th of a mile. All new reservation numbers have been added plus web site information and the RV camps that accept credit cards and are wheelchair accessible are just some of the additional improvements. To insure accuracy "... the page galleys were reviewed by hundreds of field scouts, including 200 rangers at Forest Service Districts and state parks. Research editor Stephani Cruickshank, faxed the galleys out to field stations, then personally reviewed each listing with rangers. A similar process was completed for every page." So it is not only the most complete - with more than 1,500 campgrounds listed - but by far the most accurate. This book achieves the author's goal of making it possible to always find a spot for the night. After living in California for some forty years, I've moved a couple of states to the north. I got this edition so I'd be up-to-date and able to show my kids and grandkids who live in California some of the wonders of the great outdoors in their beautiful state (without getting lost!).
Rating: 
Summary: A mixed bag
Review: Although I'm a huge fan of Tom Stientstra's "California Hiking" book I'm only lukewarm about the value of this camping guide. On the positive side, it's comprehensive, with detailed descriptions of hundreds of campgrounds throughout California. It's well organized, lucid, and easy to read. The negative is that I haven't found the book very useful. That's largely a matter of target audience. The campgrounds listed tend toward the bigger, more established, more feature-rich, and (unfortunately) more popular sites. Readers who find themselves driving down the highway 30 minutes before sunset with no idea where to camp for the night will find this book a godsend. People planning a trip with a trailer, boat, or family will find it a valuable resource. But people like me, who prefer roughing it even when camping 10 feet from the car, and care more about scenery and tranquility than the number of amenities offered such as flush toilets and boat ramps, will have to look elsewhere. The campgrounds I've enjoyed most aren't listed in this book.
Rating:
Summary: Another great book from Tom
Review: As an avid camper in the north state I would like to recommend this book to everybody. It is user friendly and has all of the information you need from directions to your destination or a phone number of the the place you would like to make reservations at. Buying this book is worth all the time you would waste otherwise.
Rating:
Summary: This book is a must for campers.
Review: Camping in California was hit and miss until I bought the 1992-93 "Complete Guide of California Camping" by Tom Stienstra. Now with the new 12th Edition of "California Camping" in hand we are ready to hit the road. Since we switch between tenting and using our travel trailer accurate information is essential.
Rating:
Summary: We use this book all the time.
Review: I bought this book several years ago and we use it all the time. With so much land in California it is hard to find great campsites without the type of descriptions that are in this book. Many of our friends wonder where we find all the great camping in California. The answer is this book.
Rating:
Summary: Lots of locations, very little information.
Review: I bought this book to plan a vacation, and was very disapointed. although the book shows a very detailed list of what campgrounds are out there, the descriptions of the campgrounds are very poor. I wouldn't buy this book if you are trying to finding a new campground or area to camp without having an idea about the area you are going into.
Rating:
Summary: This book is a campers Bilble!
Review: I can not believe how wonderful this book! I thought that I would not be able to go camping this summer because I could not get a reservation at any of the Cailifornia State Parks. California Camping had tons of campgrounds that I had never heard of. We have gone camping each week for the past month, and each place was close to home and somewhere we had never been before. Not only does it list places to camp, but also what you can and can not do there. The book made me well prepared for my camping trips. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to camp, but is tried of fighting with crowds.
Rating: 
Summary: The worst guide ever written
Review: I don't believe Tom Stienstra has visited many of the campgrounds he recommends. Twice I have stayed at campgrounds given 9 (out of ten) which were awful. For example, he never mentions that Shelter Cove's campground is basically a parking lot with no privacy and no space. It is a good list of all the campgrounds in CA but not a guide.
Rating:
Summary: The worst guide ever written
Review: I don't believe Tom Stienstra has visited many of the campgrounds he recommends. Twice I have stayed at campgrounds given 9 (out of ten) which were awful. For example, he never mentions that Shelter Cove's campground is basically a parking lot with no privacy and no space. It is a good list of all the campgrounds in CA but not a guide.
Rating:
Summary: Incredibly complete!
Review: I don't know how Tom Stienstra does it but I'm sure glad he does. This is the best guide ever written for California outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a state park, national forest or private campground; if you're a wilderness backpacker or a Winnebago warrior Tom has compiled everything you need to know about every possible destination in the golden state categorized by region. Each year's new edition is up-to-date. Helpful reminders, lists of things to take, words to the wise...it's all here. This book is my home state outdoor bible.
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