Over the past year I've camped at the Oceano Campground (San Luis Obispo County) and San Clemente State Beach. Going to and from the Bay Area on public transit.

Here are some thoughts:

Use the internet to gather as much information as possible before you go. PRINT IT OUT AND BRING IT WITH YOU. Not all buses and trains have complete (or any) schedules available.

Print or purchase some road maps of your target area.

If you will be depending on public transportation upon your arrival be sure to call the transit authority before you go to confirm the schedule. Schedules change and you don't want to get caught.

If you will be taking a taxi from the nearest transport hub, call ahead, get rates and cost estimates.

Above all be flexible.

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When it comes to bus systems, the rules can vary widely even here in California. For example; on SCAT (South County Area Transit – Oceano/Pismo Beach) the bus won't move until everybody is seated and all luggage is stowed behind a seat and only some OCTA (Orange County) bus routes can handle luggage at all.