There are some nice State campgrounds (yes, State!) north of Santa Barbara,
near the ocean.  There is also a nice county campground 12 miles or so out
of Vandenburg/Lompoc called Jalama, right on the ocean.  Lake Tahoe also has
quite a few public (State or federal I think) parks that are nice, as well
as some private ones with hook-ups, etc.  In the Pismo Beach area there are
also a lot of nice State campgrounds near the beach, as well as private with
all the amenities.  Dealing with the State can be rather difficult at this
time of year because you have to plan 6 weeks in advance, etc., etc. and
make reservations and that is no fun.  WHO plans that far ahead - not us, I
assure you.  There are also some nice State campgrounds around Big
Sur/Hearst Castle, if you take the long, slow route to Monterey on Highway
1.  Big Basin State Park near Santa Cruz area is also a very nice one.

North of San Francisco there are really nice State campgrounds in the
"Avenue of the redwoods"  area along 101.  Gorgeous area.  Del Norte used to
be one of our favorites near Eureka.  Also one of our old favorites is
Patrick's Point in the Eureka area.