camping in Ca. and Ar.

We live in central Ca. and have camped in the high sierras and from Fresno area all the way to the Wa. border. At the end of march we will in pismo beach for 4 days, after that we have 12 days to make it home so we were thinking of going toward Arizona but don't where to start. We have looked up campgrounds online before and after arriveing at the campground ,,,BOY,,, what a shock , nothing like the pictures, so if their is anyone out there who has camped between pismo beach and even into Arizona would really appreciate your comments and if their are things do around the campgrounds. Thanks