The spray from Burney Falls kept Tom Smith cool as he caught and released this healthy brook trout at the state park. Photo by Brian Sak.

No matter where your interests lie, California -- with 4,800 reservoirs and lakes, more than 1,100 miles of coastline and 30,000 miles of rivers and creeks -- has nearly endless camping and fishing opportunities. You might think that finding a quality location to take your family would be easy. But with over two million licensed anglers and even more campers, the selection process isn't always straightforward.

With summer right around the corner, now's the time to dig out the camping gear and begin planning your outings. And the key to selecting a destination they'll talk about for years is making sure that it has something that appeals to every member of your family.

You want well-maintained campgrounds, a better than average potential for catching fish, and non-fishing activities nearby.

Don't know where to begin your search? Take a look at the 10 destinations below. Each offers something different from the others with one simple exception -- the fishing at all of them is excellent.

JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOODS
This is California's northernmost coastal redwood park, located at the confluence of the middle and south forks of the Smith River. The Smith's crystal-clear waters are often the only ones that remain fishable after winter storms. That makes it one of the state's most fishable rivers year 'round. But the angling here is not for novices.

The stars of the show are the huge salmon and steelhead that move into this river annually. For salmon to 40 pounds, plan a trip between late August and December. For steelhead, try January through March.

You'll catch both species right in the park at popular locations like Cable Hole, Chub Rock and Park Hole. During the summer, you'll also catch resident rainbows.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is considered a coastal campground, but lies far enough inland that summer fog is rarely a concern.

There are 108 general campsites, plus several accessible only to hikers and bikers. The river flows right through the park, and anyone with a drift-boat, canoe or inflatable is welcome to float. For information, call the park at (707) 464-6101. For reservations dial 1-800-444-7275.

Campers who want a change of pace can go to nearby Ocean World in Crescent City. You can observe fish from local waters, watch seals and sea lions perform, and caress sharks in a touch tank. For other ideas, call the Crescent City Chamber of Commerce at (707) 464-3174.

LAKE MARGARET
Families looking for a genuine backwoods experience should put Lake Margaret at the top of their list. You'll be only about four miles off Highway 299 in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, it will seem like you've traveled days from civilization. You'll have to join Wilderness Unlimited to go here, but the membership fee is small compared to the experience.