With gorgeous scenery, and all the natural wonders that can be found here in Southern California its no mystery why many visitors and locals enjoy camping here. We took the time to talk to our native California friends, scout parents, and other camp experts to bring this awesome list of camping gems to you. Whether you are looking for a place at the beach, a lake or the mountains, we got you covered.
Choose one of these amazing places and take your young adventurers or just as a couple for a memorable summer trip. And don’t sweat it if you don’t posses those next level scout merits because we added info with lodging and cabin options for those with no campers or proper tents 😉
A little hack, many people go camping in the summer because the kids are off school, but mind that according to experts the best time to actually go is not the hot Summer months but rather when it cools off a bit.
1 – Dogwood Family Campground
Description:
This is our first recommendation for families who want to go camping in nature. The gorgeous campground of Dogwood Family Campground has over 87 spots, but there is no first come first serve here, you have to reserve your spot ahead of time!
It is located in San Bernardino National Forest, so get ready for a true camping experience. Bring your awesome tent and show off your scout skills because this location is perfect for true campers.
As for things to do, there are several hiking trails, also there are interpretive programs on Friday and Saturday nights. If you have kids who enjoy camping and the outdoors they are going to love this experience.
Besides the beautiful natural forest environment there are many amenities available for an even more pleasant experience including onsite available restrooms and showers. If you want even more modern amenities Lake Arrowhead Village, with its fine dining and quaint shops, is only 5 minutes away.
Location: 26898 Rim of the World Hwy, Rimforest, CA 92378
Pic Credit: @toughcampers_2018
2 – Malibu Creek State Park
Description:
This is a great area to go camping because c’mon its Malibu! Perfect for those looking for beautiful surroundings for photos and romantic scenes with their trek into overnight nature. The Malibu Creek State Park campground has a total of 63 sites, you can reserve your spot online at the CA parks website.
There are several hiking trails, including the popular one from the old M.A.S.H TV set, which is considered moderate in difficulty. Or you can take easier trails like Rock pool or Century Lake. Dogs on leash are welcome in the park and campground areas, but not on the dirt trails.
There are lots of great nature activities you can enjoy besides hiking like, bird watching, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. The park offers some commodities including restrooms and showers but be mindful that the showers only work with $1 dollar bills, so bring some cash on your trip.
If you want to camp near the beach but still do in it Malibu check out nearby Leo Carrillo State Park. Here you can go swimming, surfing, windsurfing, or simply hang out at the beach or explore the tide pools.
Location: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
PIC Credit: @masitello
3 – Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday
Description:
Calling all glampers! Yes, the KOA Campgrounds in Ventura is perfect for all those looking to bring their families to a nice trip without having to hassle with a tent. Unique gram worthy lodging options include covered wagons which can sleep 4 people comfortably, although the max capacity is 6 people.
Cabins are also available, which are fully equipped with queen size beds, kitchen and bathrooms. For those who want to bring their own tents, there are amazing individual tent spots, with a fire ring and a picnic table. And you can bring your dog as well.
Beautiful surroundings and only about an hour and 30 minutes from DTLA with tons of fun activities including an obstacle course, rope course, zip line, climbing wall, hiking trails, and a meditation labyrinth. This place is an awesome choice if you want the camping vibes but don’t really want to rough it!
Location: 7400 Pine Grove Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060
PIC Credit: @venturaranchkoa
4 – Best Campgrounds near LA to Stargaze
Description:
One of the things I love to do personally when I visit Joshua Tree National Park, is to hit the hammock and admire the stars. After all they say in Joshua Tree if you don’t look up your missing 1/2 the show!
You can see thousands of stars dot the sky here and sitting back and admiring them is a very relaxing activity that gives you the opportunity to meditate and calm your mind. And if you have little ones, it gives you the chance to give a hands on lesson about the mysteries of the night sky.
So if you are looking for a perfect place to camp and stargaze, Joshua Tree National Park is our first recommendation.
Another fun experience where you can glamp and stargaze is Caravan Outpost in Ojai. Here you can rent an airstream, that’s right my friends, these delightful accommodations parked within a nice garden provide you with Queen bed, air conditioner, and bathroom with shower. Complementary bikes, coffee, and use of the garden with lounge chairs, and pagoda umbrella. Relax and enjoy the stars in comfort and style!
Also for stargazer we recommend you check out Chula Vista campground in the Los Padres National Forest. This is a fantastic area with meadows, trails, woodpeckers and you can stargaze without going much farther than 2 hours from the big city of LA.
Last but not least, we recommend you take a look of Mount Wilson campgrounds, Lytle Creek in San Bernardino, and Holcomb Valley campground in Big Bear. Another area that is amazing for camping, glamping and stargazing is Santa Barbara where you can plan your trip to visit El Capitan Canyon.
Location: Cuddy Valley Rd, Frazier Park, CA 93225
PIC Credit: @joshuatreenps
5 – Best Lake Camping Spots
Description:
Camping near lakes can be tons of fun, visitors can swim, enjoy the scenery and in some cases even go fishing. There are tons of options in SOCAL, so we gathered a few for you here. Our first pic is Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, for its convenient proximity to DTLA at only about 50 minutes away. There you can find outdoor adventures like mountain biking, fishing, and kayaking.
Inside Angels National Forest you can find the beautiful Crystal Lake Recreation area. It has four loops of camping for a total of 50 first come first served camp sites. Expect to pay $12 per night per site and the hike to the lake is only 1 mile. This is a truly gorgeous area in nature and fishing is permitted.
Next we have Big Bear, the popular winter and ski destination is also among the best places to visit during warm weather. It has the perfect forest and lake scenery for amazing camping. You can find several spots including Serrano family campground, and Pineknot campground. With a Summer visit to Big Bear of course you can expect the best of the outdoors activities and amenities including, fishing, water skiing, fire rings, with grills and picnic tables and plenty of RV friendly areas and cabin rentals for glampers.
For those who love Southern California road trips like me, get your family ready for some of the most beautiful lake camping destinations. Visit Lake Nacimiento, a 5,000 acre lake offering gorgeous mountain views, river canyons and waterfalls. And good news if you need to pick up anything this spot has a general store!
Lastly, if you don’t mind spending a couple extra hours behind the wheel for an amazing lake camping experience, head to Mammoth Lakes. This spectacular area located in the eastern Sierra Nevada, gives you plenty of fun activities including hiking, mountain biking, boating and fishing.
Take amazing pictures while you stay at one of the many beautiful campgrounds including Big Meadow, Minaret Falls, and Pumice Flat. If you love the outdoors, this trip will be one you and your family cherish the memories from for a very long time.
Location: Pumice Flat Campground Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
PIC Credit: @juliane.eger
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!