ashenNot always do we come across an area where you get rugged mountain tops, sandy beaches, valleys, forests, desserts with rock formations and wine country. Southern California is one such place where you have it all and you definitely can isolate a spot suited for your camping preferences. For every month of the year with the changing weather patterns, you got a campground to visit. In fact, we’ve already introduced one of these locations before. Ready to claim your spot under the stars besides your RV or car? Then here are our recommendations for the best places to camp in Southern California.
Best Places for Beach Camping in Southern California
We thought it would be appropriate to start off with beach camping. Because after all, who says no to a beach vacation? Waking up to the sound of waves hitting the shore is a totally different experience as opposed to waking up on a mountain top campground which can be equally exciting too. Sipping a drink while watching the setting sun on the horizon never gets old fashioned too. If you are a coastal lover, this list is for you.
Leo Carrillo State Park
Located in Malibu, Leo Carrillo offers both campground and beach camping options within its two and a half miles of rugged shore and beach. All kinds of surfing, exploring the tidal pools and coastal caves are popular here. There is plenty of shade in the campground because of the trees and it’s a 10 minute walk to the beach from the campsite.
Crystal Cove State Park
Nestled between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove has three miles of coastline and offers primitive beach camping at Moro Campground. It’s a great spot for both relaxation and outdoor activities like hiking and snorkeling. There are 58 total sites in the Moro campground which is situated along the coastal bluffs of Crystal Cove State Park and consists of three parts: Coyote Run, Sage Loop, and Dolphin Circle. There are also secluded, primitive tent sites that are only accessible by foot with strict limitations like fires and pets. Beyond camping, Crystal Cove State Park is renowned for its pristine beaches, rugged coastal landscapes, and historic cottages.
San Onofre State Beach
The beach camping list will not be fulfilled if we leave this one out. San Onofre State Beach offers some of the best surfing in Southern California and consists of inland and shoreline camping. 175 sites catering mostly to RVs and recreational vehicles. The 140 sites in the inland campground are dedicated to tent camping. Several hiking trails can be found near the campsites. And a significant one is the 1.5-mile nature trail that connects campers to the famous Trestles Beach. You can find showers and flushing toilets in both the campgrounds. So much to enjoy here with all the aquatic activities along with the camping so don’t miss it.
Tent Camping in Southern California
Because after all, camping for most adventurers is mostly about residing in a tent as opposed to RV or cottage lodging right? So in this part we will cover the best spots for tent camping.
Joshua Tree National Park
Checkout our blog post about hiking in Joshua Tree and you’ll get to know much about this location and what makes it special. Jumbo Rocks Campground is the camping location in Joshua Tree surrounded by rock formations and boulders. There are 124 sites in total for both tent and RV camping. Jumbo Rocks is the largest among five other campgrounds that offers reservations during the peak season. It is a first come first serve basis reservation type. So it’s definitely no walk in the park to reserve a site during the winter season. Place feels rarely crowded though. You cannot overlook this location as it is the perfect outdoors package for camping, rock climbing and stargazing. Undoubtedly one of the best places to camp in Southern California.
San Bernardino National Forest
With its proximity to cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, San Bernardino National Forest provides easily accessible camping options. The main camping ground here is Holcomb Valley Campground but you can also try campgrounds like Barton Flats or Dogwood for a peaceful mountain getaway. It’s actually a bit tough to recommend one particular campground that stands out in San Bernardino National Forest. Take for example, the Serrano Campground which is also here. It hosts over 100 campsites for tents and RVs. The specialty here is that it is within walking distance of Big Bear Lake. How awesome is it to lake camp as well? Holcomb Valley site is also just a few miles from this lake but it only accommodates up to 19 single-family campsites. Nonetheless, each of these accommodates a maximum of 8 people. Amenities include a picnic table, 1 fire ring, bear boxes and vault toilets. No water though. Needless to say, stargazing here is a feast for the eyes. Cost goes as $27 per night; $28 on holidays.
Angeles National Forest
Angeles National Forest provides numerous camping opportunities. Check out campgrounds like Buckhorn, Huttopia Paradise Springs or Manker Flats Campground offering scenic views and ample hiking trails. If you take the Buckhorn site for instance, It’s located in the San Gabriel Mountains, about an hour and a half drive from downtown Los Angeles. It’s situated at an elevation of around 6,300 feet, providing cooler temperatures compared to the city below. The campground features tent and RV sites, though it’s more suited for tent camping. Each site typically includes a picnic table, fire ring, and access to vault toilets, again no water. This location is another great area for lake camping in Southern California.
You can explore numerous hiking trails, including the nearby Burkhart Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. Buckhorn Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so there are no reservations available. Usually the busiest time is the summer time. Also, you got Manker Flats Campground with 21 sites available. It is situated in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California, near the base of Mount Baldy (officially known as Mount San Antonio). Located at an elevation of around 6,000 feet, this is also a first come first serve site. In addition to hiking and climbing Mount Baldy, visitors can explore other attractions in the area, such as the Mount Baldy Ski Lifts and the scenic San Antonio Falls.
Secret Camping Spots in Southern California
So many of us prefer hidden secluded locations, free from the crowd with just tranquility all around. The next few recommendations are for you if you are one of them. These campgrounds are a mix of beach, tent and RV camping. Here are some of the best places to camp in Southern California if you don’t want to mingle with the crowd too much.
San Mateo Campground
Tucked away between San Clemente and Camp Pendleton, San Mateo Campground offers beachside camping with a more laid-back atmosphere compared to some of the more popular beach campgrounds in Southern California. There are 157 campsites all with access to picnic tables, restrooms and hot showers etc. The experience for most people here seems to have been wonderful and they want to return for more. However, there have been instances where large parties were thrown with loud music and karaoke. Nonetheless, you can still find hidden spots just for yourself or if you are with your family.
Saddleback Butte State Park
Located in the Antelope Valley northeast of Los Angeles, Saddleback Butte State Park offers a peaceful desert camping experience with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. This campground too is often less crowded than those in more popular destinations. Best time to visit is in the springtime i.e from February through May. 37 sites containing a table, BBQ grill, and fire ring offered on the first come first serve basis. There aren’t any showers but Potable water faucets and full restrooms with a flush toilet and sink are located throughout. There are two popular hiking trails here and they are the Little Butte Trail which is about 2.5 miles and the 2-mile Saddleback Butte Peak Trail. At the top, you can feast your eyes on the panoramic view over the Antelope Valley and east across the Mojave desert.
Thornhill Broome Beach Campground
Another secluded coastal getaway. Located in Point Mugu State Park with 69 primitive campsites stretching for two miles along the coastal line. Facilitates RV, tent and group camping. Each campsite has a table and fire ring. Some have BBQ grills. All fires must be in the designated fire rings. There is no running water, so campers need to bring their own or be prepared to treat water from nearby sources. Campsites 48-64 are seasonal sites and you can make a reservation here. A few other attractions within Point Mugu State Park, including hiking trails like the Point Mugu Loop Trail and the Sycamore Canyon Trail. Nearby attractions also include the iconic Mugu Rock and the picturesque La Jolla Canyon.
