Southern California is a dream destination for those who love nature, sunshine, and adventure. With its vast deserts, towering mountains, lush forests, and miles of beautiful coastline, it’s a paradise for campers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an exciting family trip, there are many great spots to set up your tent or park your RV. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to camp in Southern California, highlighting everything that makes each site special. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, these spots will give you unforgettable experiences.
1. Joshua Tree National Park: Where the Desert Meets the Sky
One of the best places to camp in Southern California is Joshua Tree National Park. Known for its iconic Joshua Trees and stunning rock formations, this park offers a truly magical experience for nature lovers. The desert landscape, with its wide-open skies, is perfect for stargazing at night. The weather here can get very hot in summer, but during spring and fall, it’s ideal for camping.
There are several campgrounds in Joshua Tree, such as Hidden Valley and Jumbo Rocks, where you can pitch your tent and enjoy the beauty of the desert. The best part? You’ll be surrounded by unique plants and rock formations that make for excellent hiking and photography. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water because it’s very dry in the desert! Also read Best Math Community Colleges in California A Comprehensive Guide
2. Big Bear Lake: Camping by the Water
If you prefer camping near water, then Big Bear Lake is one of the best places to camp in Southern California. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake offers a combination of mountain scenery and a beautiful lake, perfect for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
There are several campgrounds around the lake, such as Serrano Campground. Serrano is well-maintained, and it even offers access to restrooms and showers, which can be a nice perk for families. The campground is close to the lake, so you can easily spend your day fishing or enjoying a boat ride.
Big Bear is also fantastic for those who love hiking or mountain biking. There are trails for all skill levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’ll find something that suits you. In winter, the area transforms into a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding, making it an all-year-round destination.
3. Point Mugu State Park: Coastal Camping at Its Best
Camping by the beach is one of the most unique experiences Southern California offers, and Point Mugu State Park is a top spot for this. Located along the coast, Point Mugu offers both beachside and mountain camping. Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves and watching the sunset over the ocean every evening.
One of the most popular campgrounds here is Sycamore Canyon Campground, which is tucked into the hills but still close enough to the beach to enjoy a quick walk to the water. The campsite offers basic amenities, like fire pits and picnic tables, making it great for a laid-back camping trip.
Point Mugu also has many hiking trails, some of which take you to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins or whales in the water during certain times of the year. It’s truly one of the best places to camp in Southern California for anyone who loves the ocean and wants a mix of beach and hiking adventures.
4. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: A Desert Oasis
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California and offers one of the best places to camp in Southern California for those who enjoy desert landscapes. Located in the Colorado Desert, this park is known for its stunning wildflower blooms in the spring, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
There are several campgrounds in the park, including Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, which offers both tent and RV camping. The desert can be hot during the day, but the evenings are cool and perfect for campfires. The stars here are incredibly bright due to the lack of city lights, making it a great spot for stargazing.
Anza-Borrego also has several hiking trails that lead to beautiful desert views, slot canyons, and even palm oases. It’s a great place to explore during the day and relax by the campfire at night. Be sure to bring extra layers because the temperature can drop significantly after sunset.
5. Malibu Creek State Park: A Slice of Wilderness Close to the City
Malibu Creek State Park is an ideal camping spot if you’re looking for a wilderness experience that’s not too far from the city. Located just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, this park offers a peaceful escape with its rolling hills, oak woodlands, and scenic creeks. It’s one of the best places to camp in Southern California for those who want a mix of nature and convenience.
The park’s Malibu Creek Campground offers a variety of campsites, including tent and RV camping. There are plenty of picnic tables and fire rings available, making it easy to set up a cozy camp. During the day, you can explore the many hiking trails, some of which lead to old movie and TV filming locations, including the famous set for the TV show MASH.
If you love to swim, head to the Rock Pool, a natural swimming hole where you can cool off on a hot day. Malibu Creek State Park is also great for bird-watching and wildlife spotting, with deer, bobcats, and many species of birds often seen in the area.
6. San Onofre State Beach: Surf and Sand Camping
For those who love the beach and surfing, San Onofre State Beach is one of the best places to camp in Southern California. This beach is well-known for its great surf breaks, but it also offers some lovely camping spots that are perfect for families and friends looking for a beach getaway.
San Mateo Campground is located just a short distance from the beach and offers both tent and RV sites. It’s a peaceful place to camp, with easy access to trails that lead directly to the beach. Whether you enjoy surfing, swimming, or just relaxing on the sand, San Onofre is a fantastic place to enjoy coastal camping.
One of the highlights of camping here is watching the sunset over the ocean. There’s nothing quite like sitting around a campfire with the sound of waves crashing in the background. Plus, the beach has many tide pools to explore, which can be fun for kids and adults alike.
7. Mount San Jacinto State Park: Camping in the Pines
For a cooler camping experience, head up to Mount San Jacinto State Park. Located in the San Jacinto Mountains, this park is one of the best places to camp in Southern California for those who enjoy the fresh mountain air and tall pine trees. The park is especially popular during the summer when temperatures in the lower elevations can get too hot.
The park’s Idyllwild Campground is a peaceful spot surrounded by trees and is perfect for both tent and RV camping. The campground offers basic amenities, such as restrooms and picnic tables, and is close to many hiking trails that lead to stunning mountain views.
One of the best things about camping in Mount San Jacinto is the scenic ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes you from the desert floor to the mountain in just minutes. The temperature difference is striking, and it’s a great way to experience the diverse climates of Southern California in one trip.
8. Leo Carrillo State Park: Family-Friendly Beach Camping
Leo Carrillo State Park, located along the Pacific Coast Highway, is a top pick for families looking for the best places to camp in Southern California. The park offers beautiful beaches, tide pools, and even sea caves to explore, making it a fun destination for kids and adults alike.
The campground is located just a short walk from the beach, and it offers a variety of campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs. The sites are shaded by sycamore trees, providing a nice break from the sun during the day.
Leo Carrillo’s beaches are great for swimming, surfing, and even exploring marine life. There are plenty of family-friendly activities, such as beachcombing and hiking along the bluffs that overlook the ocean. At night, you can gather around the campfire and listen to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore.
9. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park: Mountain Meadows and Oak Trees
Another excellent spot for mountain camping is Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, located in the Laguna Mountains east of San Diego. This park offers a peaceful and serene environment, with rolling meadows, oak woodlands, and beautiful mountain views. It’s one of the best places to camp in Southern California for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some quiet time in nature.
The Green Valley Campground and Paso Picacho Campground are both popular choices within the park. Both offer plenty of space for tent and RV camping, along with fire pits and picnic tables. During the day, you can hike one of the many trails in the park, including the popular trek to Stonewall Peak, which offers stunning panoramic views.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and even the occasional mountain lion. In the fall, the leaves on the oak trees change color, creating a beautiful landscape that’s perfect for photography.
10. Lake Arrowhead: Scenic Camping in the San Bernardino Mountains
If you’re looking for a scenic mountain getaway, Lake Arrowhead is one of