March 11, 2013 (Jacumba Hot Springs)--Pinch Flat Fortune Productions has created a delightful video that provides a cyclist’s eye view of Jacumba Hot Springs, a town built around a natural mineral spring bubbling up from the ground near a pond that’s a birdwatcher’s haven. The filmmakers call Jacumba Hot Springs “magical,” adding that in addition to free camping and soothing soaks, the community has, “some of the kindest, quirkiest, most interesting people we have ever met, all in one place.”

September 9, 2012 (San Diego) – Parks and Rec has created a camping PSA to be shown in movie theaters and on cable television.  Next time you settle into your seat and juggle your popcorn and your soda, keep your eyes on the giant, silver screen.  Along with reminders to turn off your cell phone, you’ll see a reminder of another sort - how to enjoy the outdoors at our County parks.

March 17, 2012 (Boulevard) -- Veterans and their families are invited to come geocaching on Saturday, April 7th and to enjoy inexpensive camping ($10-$15) at Sacred Rocks Reserve during April.  The privately owned campground has set aside the month of April to say thanks for the sacrifices of veterans and their families.

Owner and Staff are extending appreciation for military service by offering their best - the gift of peace and quiet and simply being with family. Sacred Rocks wishes to stand apart from regular Memorial Day deals with a whopping 78% off.

March 25, 2012 (Anza-Borrego) – Now is the chance to stay overnight in an authentic Mongolian gers during a weekend of events that will introduce the fascinating culture of Mongolia and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s connection to this intriguing country.

Throughout the weekend, talks will be given on the nomadic lifestyle, Mongolian wildlife, ABDSP’s Sister Park relationship, traditional dress, games and a photo slideshow that captures the beauty of this vast country and its people.

 
 August 22, 2011 (Julian, CA) --  Organizers of the fourth annual Julian StarFest announced the popular astronomy event will be held at the Menghini Winery from Thursday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Aug. 28. Presented by the San Diego Astronomy Association and the community of Julian, the event draws thousands of Southern Californians to Julian to enjoy the dark skies. 
 

July 23, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)--Wildfires are on the increase. Yet most wildfires can be prevented.

If you go camping, Cal-Fire asks that you follow these safety steps:

Donated Dwellings Expand Camping Options at Scenic Ramona Getaway

June 9, 2011 (Ramona) --County Supervisor Dianne Jacob joined County staff and a local nonprofit donor Thursday to unveil two new cabins the public can now reserve at Dos Picos Regional Park in Ramona.The 200-square-foot cabins are designed to accommodate disabled users and the general public. They were donated by Cabins by the Lake, Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to establishing accessible cabins around the region.

October 3, 2010 (Boulevard) – Sacred Rocks campground and RV park in Boulevard is kicking off a new activity for its two- and four-legged friends: horse camping October 15-17. If you bring a horse, you camp for free! Or if you prefer, enjoy trail riding through beautiful backcountry scenery – all free for a day.

May 29, 2010 (Boulevard) – Sacred Rocks Reserve RV park and campground invites you to an annual Memorial Day celebration. Don’t feel like roughing in a tent or RV? Other lodging options include rental cottages or a Western-style bunkhouse.

“We have exciting new games like bocce ball and petanque, and as always, nature walks, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and labyrinth for friends and family enjoyment,” said Sharon Courmousis, co-owner of the boulder-strewn rural retreat one hour east of San Diego. Other attractions include a stargazing plateau, ancient oak grove, badminton, horseshoes, and “wild croquet.”

by: Sharon Courmousis, Sacred Rocks Reserve

Increase your enjoyment of living

 “We are not cisterns made for hoarding, we are channels made for sharing.” -- Billy Graham
 

Unstuffing

Cooler weather and wild storms have caused spring to come later this year. Signs of spring for me are seen in the plants and animals around Sacred Rocks. The Yucca plants, like huge asparagus, are popping up all over the mountains. I photographed peachy blossoms, pinkish with deep purple at the outside edges -- one I saw was a brilliant eggplant color. Astonishing beauty without human intervention, a gift.

April 4, 2010 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation invites the public to kick off Earth Day on April 22 by camping free for one night at any of eight camping parks.

"What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by getting outdoors?” said Brian Albright, Director of County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation. “Our campgrounds are places where nature converges with fresh air, clean water and beautiful landscapes, and on Earth Day it’s all free.”

Story and photos by Joel Ryerson

July 31, 2009 (Alpine)--"Look how close you are!" exclaimed Lynn Hopewell, a guest of the overnight event at Lions, Tigers, and Bears in Alpine. "When I was up in Las Vegas I saw the cats at the MGM Grand, but this is a totally different experience," added Hopewell, who was amazed at how close you could get to the big cats.

The occasion was a campout last weekend to help raise funds for exotic animals at East County’s big-cat rescue facility. About thirty five guests attended the event, which included a rustic barbecue dinner prepared by the crew. Guests brought their own tents and set them up in a grassy area right next to the Big Cat enclosures. Guests were free to roam around the area and check out the variety of wild cats in the enclosures, which included tigers, lions, bobcats, mountain lions, leopards, and more.