If you’re looking for the best camping destinations in Southern California, look no further! In this blog post, we’ll explore the nineteen best places to pitch a tent and enjoy all that nature has to offer. So whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, read on for inspiration on where to go camping in Southern California.
When is the best time to camp in Southern California?
We have found that the weeks following Labor Day are an ideal time to set up a tent or park your RV. The warm summer air is cooling. Humidity evaporates. The leaves of the trees are still green, but the understory has begun to thin out, making it easier to find a good campsite. Best of all, there are few crowds this time of year.
What are the best things to do while camping?
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy while camping. Here are a few ideas:
Hiking: There are endless hiking trails to explore in Southern California. Be sure to pack your sunscreen, water, and snacks!
Swimming: Take a dip in a lake or river to cool off from the summer heat. Note that the Pacific Ocean is chilly year-round, but in Southern California, the sun helps offset the water temperatures.
Fishing: Cast a line and see what you can catch! We love to walk the piers in Southern California, specifically the Santa Monica and Oceanside piers.
Campfire Cooking: Make s’mores, hot dogs, or anything else you can cook over a campfire. This is ideal nearly year-round as the weather in Southern California is near perfect and never has freezing temperatures.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for campers and hikers alike. With its unique landscape of Joshua trees and huge boulders, it’s easy to see why this place is such a popular destination. There are plenty of campsites to choose from, and each one offers stunning views of the surrounding desert.
Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent option if you’re looking for a fantastic camping destination that offers a little bit of everything. With its proximity to Los Angeles, this Park is a popular destination for campers and hikers.
Big Bear Lake
Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is a beautiful spot for camping all year round. In the winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding at one of the nearby resorts, and in the summer, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming in the lake. There are also plenty of campgrounds to choose from, so you can find the perfect spot for your group.
Jumbo Rocks Campground
Jumbo Rocks Campground, situated close to an extensive range of museums and trails, is another popular but primitive site in Joshua Tree National Park. These massive rock formations formed thousands of years ago were smoothed out by wind to their unique form. Creatures such as lizards, snakes, and scorpions can also live within. There were 124 separate campsites on an unpaved sandy floor between the boulders. These places cost $20 per night. There is no shower or water provided. In addition, Twentynine Palms is just 10 km away, and food and water are readily available outside the Park. Reservation must be made between November and June.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is home to some of California’s most breathtaking landscapes. From dunes to canyons, there’s something for everyone here. And with over 3 million acres to explore, you could spend weeks camping here and still not see everything. If you’re looking for an otherworldly experience, Death Valley should be at the top of your list.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
Mount San Jacinto State Park is a hiker’s paradise with over 50 miles of hiking trails and two mountain peaks above 10,000 feet. But it’s also an excellent spot for camping, with several campgrounds that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Mount San Jacinto is the perfect place to cool off iSo if you’re looking to escape the heat of the desert below.
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Canyon State Park offers some great views of Southern California. The Park can be reached by a 6-mile road from Malibu’s coast highway to Malibu. This climb sets a more elevated stage for the entire route. The Malibu Creek Campground in the Park offers over 55 campsites scattered over an extensive loop. Camping sites are welcome, and no power outlets are provided. The campground has flush toilet facilities and coin-operated hot tubs. All places have picnic tables and barbecues and usually view the mountain tops surrounding the site.
Chino Hills State Park
Chino Hills State Park is one of the largest state parks in Southern California, with over 14,000 acres to explore. Many hiking and biking trails wind through the Park, and horseback riding is also allowed on some tracks. And if you want to camp here overnight, several primitive campsites offer stunning views of the surrounding hillsides.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is one of Orange County’s best-kept secrets. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, kayaking, and more. And if you want to camp here overnight, several beachfront campsites provide breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. So if you’re looking for a little bit of everything—beaches, hiking trails, scenic views—Crystal Cove State Park is worth checking out.
San Bernardino National Forest
The San Bernardino National Forest is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and covers 724,000 acres. The forest has many habitats, including oak woodlands, pine forests, desert scrub, and alpine tundra. The forest is also home to many animal species, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and coyotes. In addition, San Bernardino National Forest offers many recreational opportunities for visitors, including camping, hiking, fishing, and bird watching.
Manker Flats Campground, Los Angeles National Forest
Manker Flats is a high-altitude camping complex located close to Mount San Antonio and referred to as Mount Bardy. It is the usual spot for establishing an excellent hiking route around 10 miles around Baldy Loop. Campers offer rustic lodging in Angeles National Forest. A nearby parking garage is easily accessible from this trailhead. This camping area is over 6,000 meters high. The 21 locations offered are first available and first servable. While not always complete, these are available on weekends. The toilet is accessible for each guest during an overnight stay.
San Diego County Parks
San Diego County is home to over two dozen state parks, all offering camping opportunities. So whether you’re looking for a beachfront campsite or a spot nestled in the mountains, you will find what you’re looking for here. Some popular parks include Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Palomar Mountain State Park.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is in San Diego County and features several campsites and over 100 miles of hiking trails. The Park is also home to Lake Cuyamaca and Green Valley Lake, where visitors can go fishing or canoeing/kayaking, respectively. In addition, there are several picnic areas throughout the Park where visitors can enjoy a meal with family or friends.
Tamarisk Grove Campground, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert Park is California’s largest State Park. It covers more than 700,000 ha of land. The most pleasant time of the year for visiting Anza-Borrego is October through May, as temperatures drop to 100 degrees during the summer. Tamarisk Grove campground is a great place to stay. It is a primarily developed campground in Anza-Borrego and is centered within the Park. In addition, campsites and cottages can be found. Visitors should supply water, but drinking water is available on demand at the Park. Official website: www.official.org.
Leo Carrillo State Park
It is undoubtedly a great place to camp in Southern California. Leo Carrillo State Park is situated on the PCH in North Malibu. Backcountry trails climb the hills beneath the camping grounds, some short and simple or some long and hard. There are about 130 campsites in the state park which cost $47 for the whole night and are covered with tall oaks that shade them. Facilities include toilets, running water, and bathroom facilities. Reservations are available six weeks before the date of the booking. In addition, Leo Carrillo offers another 1.5 miles of shoreline, perfect for swimming, surfing, or relaxing.
Doheny State Beach
Doheny Beach is an iconic state-owned beach in Southern California. The site is at Dana Point, about halfway between San Clemente and Laguna Beach. Sixty-two acres of beachfront land. Located on beaches and coasts, there is plenty to do and enjoy, such as swimming and fishing. Camping has been popular in Doheny State Beach. Around 113 campsites are available for RV or camping vehicles, although electricity is unavailable at these sites. This site is often booked months ahead throughout the year. There is a flushed toilet, a coin-operated warm shower, and easy access to over a mile of beach.
Oak Knoll Campground, New Hogan Lake
The Oak Knoll campground is situated on an elevated hill that overlooks Lake New Hogan in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Currently, 49 spacious campsite primitives will accommodate your RV. Two sites have been reserved for tenting, and electricity is unavailable. You can do as little or as little at Oak Knoll. You can relax reading or enjoy boating and skiing at the lake – the campers have free access to a nearby boat launch area. After a long day hiking or cycling, cleaning the coin-operated shower will be great.
Sycamore Canyon Campground, Point Mugu State Park
The Santa Monica Mountains National Nature Park houses the closest camping areas to LAX. It runs from Santa Monica to the Oxnard coast, with endless outdoor activities and nightlife. Point Mugu State Park is just two of the numerous excellent camping areas within the Santa Monica Mountains. The Sycamore Canyon Campground in the Park provides nearly 60 tent-and- RV-only spaces that feature sweeping ocean views and sprawling canyon trails.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Some of the best camping beaches of southern California are located along the coastline that extends to 50 miles. A popular campsite with 219 Blufftop campsites in south Carlsbad State Beach. All overnight guests at South Carlsbad enjoy sea views and easy access to large beaches. In addition, these sites have access to a flush-out toilet and coin-operated shower.
Furnace Creek Campground, Death Valley National Park
While camping in Death Valley may not be as pleasant, its harsh desert landscape is no barrier to visitors. Furnace Creek is an accessible Death Valley campground with the highest-rated tourist attractions nearby. Some of the hottest spots around Death Valley lie near Furnace Creek and include golden canyons and inspirational Zabriskie Point.
Conclusion
So there you have it—seven of the best camping destinations in Southern California! Whether you’re looking for majestic mountains or pristine beaches, there’s sure to be a spot on this list that’s perfect for you (and your tent). So get out there and explore all that nature has to offer!
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