Do you want sunny beaches and Sequoia trees? If you want a slightly different type of vacation away from your hectic work lifestyle and the big city, camping is a wonderful way to get away from it all. Now that weather is cooling slightly, it’s the perfect time to embark on a camping trip to southern California.
Whether you want to bring the entire family, or camp solo, there are dozens of campgrounds where you can set up your tent, or bring your camper or RV. If you don’t have time to do your research, we’re narrowed down the multitude of camping spots in southern California to only the best.
1. Moro Campground in Crystal Cove State Park
The Moro campground is located in Crystal Cove Park, just close the Pacific Coast Highway, between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar. Campers get to visit the beautiful beach that is over three miles long. This location includes over 2400 acres of backcountry wilderness untouched by development.
You can choose to hike, or bring your mountain bike here. You also have the option of setting up your tent, or bringing your RV. You should know there is a restriction on RVs, though, so they must be less than 35 feet long. There are 58 campsite locations that book up quickly. You can enjoy swimming in the lake, diving, and tide-pooling.
If you want to socialize, there are also group activities you can book, such as the guided hikes, or the tide-pool walks that the park staff organize. There are plenty of amenities at the campground, including restrooms with showers. You are also allowed to bring your gas barbecue.
2. Dripping Springs Campground in Cleveland National Forest
If you enjoy rustic camping with few amenities, the Dripping Springs Campground in the Cleveland National Forest may be right for you. This is the perfect spot for backpackers, hikers, and equestrians. This location is beside the Agua Tibia wilderness.
There is a wide range of wild life, if you’re interesting in doing photography. If you enjoy long hikes, you can embark on the 20-mile hiking loop. If you have a horse, you can bring it, as horses are allowed on certain trails. You can even house them in the horse corral and staging area.
This site does have the basic drinking water and fire rings, but there are no showers (hot or cold), and no electrical hook-ups. RVs are only allowed if they’re up to 20 feet long.
3. Camp Williams Resort in Azusa
For those who live in LA, or are planning on a before or after trip there, the Camp Williams Resort in Azusa is located on the banks of the East Fork region of the Gabriel River. You can enjoy the river and the natural sights of this location. You can set up your tent right beside the river, or park your RV beneath one of several oak trees.
Unlike many other campgrounds, if you enjoy glamping, there is an electrical hook-up for RVs or your small appliances. There is also a building where you can enjoy a hot shower in your own private stall. Each camping spot also has a picnic table so you don’t have to fill up your vehicle with furniture.
There is plenty to do here, whether you are birdwatching and doing photography along the riverside, or you choose one of the many hiking trails in the region. Swimming and fishing are allowed in the river, so be sure to bring suitable supplies and equipment. There are also designated activities for those days when you want the family to take it easy, such as panning for gold in the river.
4. Horse Flats Campground at San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
The Horse Flats Campground is located near Los Angeles, in the San Gabriel Mountains where the National Monument is located. You’ll be roughing it at this location, as there is no fresh water source, and no showers.
You can bring in your own water, or an RV. This campground doesn’t require any reservations, but you should get there early in the day before it fills up. You can bring an RV, or a tent if you prefer to sleep under the stars. You’ll be surrounded by the enormous old pine trees, which will keep you cool during the day.
There are fire pits where you’ll be allowed to set up a fire at night, and toast marshmallows. There are only pit toilets available and no sinks. If you have a horse, you can bring it, and have the use of a horse corral or a hitching post, but note that you need to bring your horse their own water and supplies.
5. Emma Wood State Beach in Sacramento
If you’d prefer to camp alongside the ocean, rather than a forest or a lake, the Emma Wood State Beach in Sacramento may be the location for you. You can park your RV or trailer. This location does not allow tents, though, only fully contained motor homes or trailers, both up to 45 feet long.
You should know that there are no amenities at all here, so you’ll need to ensure your vehicle/trailer or RV has enough fuel for a visit. If you have your heart set on a tent, there is one site where tents are allowed, in the Ventura River Group location. There are no restrooms, showers, electrical hookups, or garbage bins on site.
You can enjoy the regular activities you would if you were going to the oceanfront. You can swim, surf, and do windsurfing and fishing. During the busy summer months from May to October you must book in advance. During the off-season, you can show up on a first-come first-served basis.
6. Oak Knoll Campground at New Hogan Lake
If you’re interested in camping near the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Oak Knoll Campground is at the foothills of the mountains, and beside the New Hogan Lake. There are 49 campsites that are for your RV or trailer. If you want to set up your tent, there are only two sites for that.
You should also be aware that there aren’t any electrical hook-ups. You can simply relax on site, or head out for some outdoor activities, such as fishing or boating. You can also enjoy watersports like skiing on the lake. There is a free spot where you can launch your boat.
Each campsite has a picnic table with a grill, so you don’t have to bring one. There is a lantern post where you can hang your light too. There are restrooms, and bring plenty of coins so you can enjoy a shower.
7. Doane Valley Campground in San Diego County
If you want to camp at an extremely high altitude and be surrounded by beautiful meadows and forests, the Doane Valley Campground Palomar State Park in San Diego County may be the perfect spot. You can set up camp here and get back to nature, at an altitude of 5000 feet.
There are 31 campsites here that are family-oriented. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There is also running water, flushing toilets, and access to hot showers for those who don’t enjoy roughing it too much. Trailers and RVs are allowed, but only up to 27 feet long.
There are the usual activities to enjoy here, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and the photography of wildlife and plant life. If you enjoy watching the stars, the lack of light from surrounding cities at this elevation will give you the perfect viewpoint.
8. Buckhorn Campground in Arcadia
This campground is located in the Angeles National Forest in Arcadia, California. You’ll actually be camping within the forest, not some paved area of a parking lot. This location is suitable for nature lovers of all ages.
You can set up your tent, or bring your RV. There is space for 38 campsites, so you’ll want to arrive early in the day to avoid disappointment. Your campsite will be sitting at an elevation of 6300 feet and you’ll have access to drinking water and toilets. Dogs are welcome at this campground but you must keep them leashed when outside.
There is plenty to do at this location. First on the list should be the Burkhart trail, which connects to a vast network of National Recreational Trails within the forest.
9. Fern Basin Campground in San Bernardino National Forest
The Fern Basin Campground is located close to Idyllwild. This is the perfect site for those who want to reconnect with nature. You can simply relax, or enjoy some of the amenities here. There are only 15 campsites for your tent or RV, so it is a much quieter spot. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.
The site is subject to local fire regulations, so check before using it. There are public restrooms. If you have an RV, you can drain and clean it at the RV sanitation site. If you don’t want to rest all the time, you can get out into the forested region for hiking or try one of the biking trails.
There are also safe spots for rock climbing. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating in the nearby lake. If you’ve forgotten anything at home, you can visit the local convenience shop to buy what you need.
10. Buttercup Group Campground in San Bernardino
If you want to camp at a high altitude, the Buttercup Group Campground is located at an altitude of 7000 feet, right within the center of the San Bernardino National Forest. Some of the highlights of this location include the Big Bear Lake. This involves a short two-mile hike from the campground.
Once that’s done, you can enjoy further hiking, grab your mountain bike to go riding, or even try climbing some of the cliffs. The campground itself is in a shady location so you can enjoy it year-round. There are picnic tables so you can cook your meals on a grill and enjoy them with your friends.
There are also toilets. You can enjoy camping, starting in early April of each year. This is one location where it’s not first-come-first-served. It’s recommended that you book your campground immediately, and up to one year in advance.
11. Dogwood Campground in San Bernardino
If you’re going to be visiting San Bernardino, you can see the sights, then head to the Dogwood Campground, located only twenty miles away. This is a larger campground, with over 87 campsites. You can set up your tent, trailer, or RV. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in this campground.
You can bring your boat and head out to the lake for boating, fishing, or swimming. If you don’t mind driving to Lake Gregory, about 15 minutes away, you can also enjoy the water slide into the lake. If you have disabled members of the family, this campground is fully accessible. Each camp site has a fire ring and a picnic table.
When you register, you can ask for an electrical hook-up if you need it. If you enjoy the social aspect of camping, you can join various programs on Friday or Saturday nights. There are full restrooms with hot showers on site. If you want to get back into society, you can enjoy a five minute drive to Arrowhead Village, with its good restaurants and shops. This campsite must be booked in advance.
12. Camping Options At Carpinteria State Beach, Santa Barbara
If you’re not interested in camping in a forest, camping oceanside may be right for you. You can enjoy the calming sound of rolling waves, and the wonderful scent of saltwater in the air. The Carpinteria State Beach is located 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. You aren’t limited to just one campground either.
There are four different options to choose from. If one is booked up, you can try one of these others: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, San Miguel and Santa Rose campgrounds.
These areas are all spacious and set back from the other sites, if you want some peace and quiet. You can go fishing for seafood, and also visit the Tar Pit Park located nearby, or see the seals at the Harbor Seal Preserve.
13. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground in Carlsbad
This campground is located close to San Diego so you’ll have plenty to do when you stay here, with only a short trip of 3 miles to the big city. This campsite is also located near the edge of an oceanfront bluff, so you can enjoy the sites, but still smell the fresh ocean air.
You can reach the beach by a long set of wooden stairs. You should probably stay offline during your camping adventures, but there is Wi-Fi if you park close to the campground office.
RVs of up to 35 feet are also welcome, and there are full electrical hook-ups. You can even arrange to rent your own RV, if you don’t want to sleep in a tent every night.
14. San Mateo Campground in San Onofre State Beach
This is a large campground that consists of 67 sites. You’ll be right beside the San Onofre State Beach, which is 3.5 miles long. You won’t be roughing it too much here, as there are electrical hookups. You’ll find plenty of activities, besides heading to the beach for sunbathing.
You can enjoy a hike to the nearby Trestles Beach, then go surfing. There are boards to rent if you don’t have your own. There are also wetlands to the east of the campground where you can take some wonderful photos of the wildlife there.
At the end of the day you can head back to your campground and enjoy a hot shower in one of the coin-operated showers there, along with sinks and fully flushing toilets. Campfires are allowed, so you can relax under the starry sky late at night before heading into your tent or RV.
Whether you plan on staying at just one campground in Southern California, or you’re going to visit as many as possible, each has their own set of amenities. Book early to avoid disappointment, and start packing now! Soon you’ll be having a wonderful time away from technology and the busyness of the big city!
Here we made a list with the best camping spots in the whole California, check it out.
