Whether you are looking for a place to pitch your tent or want to stay in a camper, there are many great places to camp in Southern California. From surf spots to hiking trails to scenic drives, there are plenty of spots in this part of the country to enjoy.
San Onofre State Beach
Located in the north coastal region of San Diego, this beach attracts millions of visitors each year. It is also one of the top five most-visited parks in California. There are several activities that can be enjoyed while at San Onofre, including surfing, hiking, and fishing.
San Onofre State Beach is a 3,000-acre park that is leased by the US Marine Corps to the state of California. The park is home to a number of historic sites, including the oldest known California Indian village. The Acjachemen people lived in this area over 8,000 years ago. The site is still considered sacred to the Acjachemen people.
The park is divided into three main sections, which include Surf Beach, Trestles Beach, and Trails. Each has its own unique characteristics and surf breaks.
On Surf Beach, the southernmost of the three sections, you can catch some good waves. The south swell performs best. It is a very popular area for the summer and fall. If you are looking for a more quiet, relaxing beach, then Trails may be the perfect choice for you.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Located in the Cuyamaca Mountains and part of the Peninsular Ranges in Southern California, the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is one of the most popular state parks in the county. The park offers camping, fishing, hiking, boating, and horseback riding. The park is open from sun up to sundown. The state park has more than 100 miles of trails.
The Paso Picacho Campground allows tent and trailer camping, and there are no hookups. The park also has a self-guided nature trail that gives an overview of the changing environment. There are also several picnic tables and fire rings.
There are eight RV campsites available. You can also rent a cabin or float tube. Lake Cuyamaca is 110 acres of water and is a popular spot for fishing and hiking. The Lakeside Rodeo takes place each year. There are hiking trails around the lake and there is a visitor center with maps.
The Cuyamaca Mountain is a great spot to see the area. It offers spectacular views of the county. It is the second highest peak in the county, and the paved fire road is steep.
San Bernardino national Forest
Located in Southern California, the San Bernardino national Forest offers outdoor enthusiasts many recreational opportunities. You can experience the beauty of Los Angeles and the mountains that surround it. The national forest is also home to some of the best hiking in California.
There are several campgrounds that can be reserved. However, some are only accessible on a first-come, first-served basis. You can choose to stay in a campground that is nearest to the trails. If you are looking for a more rustic campground, you can consider staying in one that does not offer any amenities.
You can enjoy fishing and swimming at the 5-mile beach, which is accessible through the campgrounds. The area is also perfect for body-boarding. The Lake Gregory water slide park is also a fun activity. You can also find boat rentals.
The Marion Mountain Campground is a great place for smaller campers. There are dozens of single and double campsites available. There are also grills, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground is open from May through November.
Death Valley National Park
Whether you are camping for the first time in Death Valley, or you are a camper who loves the desert, you’ll find plenty of options. This guide will help you pick the best places to stay.
Mesquite Spring Campground is located in the northeastern part of Death Valley. It is one of the prettiest campgrounds in the National Park. The campground is open year-round and has a beautiful view of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The campground is also close to Highway 395 and Scotty’s Castle. It has drinking water, fire pits, and flush toilets.
The Emigrant Campground at Death Valley is located about 40 minutes from Furnace Creek. The campground is open year-round and offers cooler conditions than lower elevation campgrounds. The campground has 6 tent camping sites.
The Sunset Campground in Death Valley is the largest campground in the park. It is located about a mile from the Furnace Creek area visitor center. It has a dump station on site and is fairly inexpensive. The campsites are spacious, though not very private.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Located on a coastal bluff, the South Carlsbad State Beach Campground provides campers with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. It has more than 200 campsites, ranging from primitive to full hookups. There is a seasonal camp store, as well as restrooms with running water and a picnic table.
The South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is located about 45 minutes north of San Diego. It offers 138 ocean views.
The South Carlsbad State Beach is three miles long and features a warm, smooth sand beach. It is a popular surfing and body surfing spot. The beach is also known for its tidal pools. It is a great place to explore and jump around.
The campground has a seasonal camp store that carries supplies and food, as well as a dump station. There is WiFi, beer, and wine sold at the camp store. The store also rents boats.
The campground is located on the eroding bluffs of Carlsbad, California. This campground is accessible during the day. There are gas stations, restaurants, and retail outlets near the campsite.
Doheny State Beach
Located on the Pacific Ocean in Dana Point, California, Doheny State Beach is a popular surfing and beach camping destination. It is a popular location for families and tourists, drawing over one million visitors each year. There are also a number of other activities to enjoy at Doheny State Beach.
Doheny State Beach is protected by the California state park system. In addition to the beach, there are also campgrounds that allow guests to stay overnight. There are a total of 113 campsites at Doheny State Beach. Many of these are beachfront and offer premium views of the beach and the ocean.
Doheny State Beach is open year-round. It has three parking lots. On-site restrooms and showers are available, as well as potable water. There are no hook-ups, however, and the campground is considered “dry camping.”
The campsites at Doheny State Beach vary in size. Some are quite small. You should consider making a reservation if you plan on staying longer than a weekend. During high season, Doheny State Beach can be crowded.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Located just a short drive from the metropolis of Los Angeles and San Diego, Lake Perris State Recreation Area is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy nature. The area is a great destination for wildlife viewing, boating and fishing. The park has over 350 campsites, 300 picnic sites, 9 miles of hiking trails and a variety of activities.
During the summer months, life guards are on duty. There are two beaches available for swimming. For the more adventurous, the area offers a nine-mile paved trail that covers the entire lake.
The park’s campgrounds offer tent and RV camping, as well as hike and bike campsites. Many campsites are shaded by trees and provide grills and tables. Several of the campgrounds have full-electric hookups.
There are 264 paved RV sites and 167 tent campsites. Most of the campsites are cool in the summer. The campgrounds do not accept credit cards, but guests can pay cash or money orders.
The campground is near the Perris Dam, which has a variety of launching facilities for watercraft. There is also a primitive horse camp. A ranger-led hiking and biking trail is available in the spring.
