With its Mediterranean-style climate and rich natural reserves, Southern California is one of the most exciting regions to camp in.
The wonders of Southern California are not just limited to its rich biodiversity. SoCal has myriad landscapes - sun-kissed beaches, untamed mountains, expansive deserts, and vibrant forests. From surfing the Pacific waves and trekking through beautiful winding trails to stargazing in the desert sky, there are a ton of options to choose from.
Let’s look at ten of the best campgrounds in Southern California to help you plan your next trip.
Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park has hundreds of campgrounds you can choose from. However, Jumbo Rocks stands out because it’s the largest and, hence, potentially the easiest to get a slot in. The site is surrounded by scenic boulders and rock formations, besides the namesake Joshua trees. The park also offers stunning stargazing opportunities.
There are 124 sites available at this campground, catering to both tent camping and RV setups, though you have to keep in mind that there’s no electric facility. The National Park has four other campgrounds : Indian Cove (the second largest), Black Rock, Ryan Campground, and Cottonwood. We recommend you book your site well in advance as it’s pretty competitive from Halloween till Christmas. Please note that the park has no cell service or internet.
Best Time to Visit: Fall to Spring (October to May)
Max Number of People: Up to 6 per site
ADA Accessible: Limited accessibility; a few sites are ADA accessible.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes (fire rings with grates).
Site Access: Drive-in, with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 35 feet.
Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, but no water or electrical hookups (campers need to bring their own water).
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Generators are allowed but only during specific hours (7 AM to 9 PM).
Pets Allowed: Yes, but must be on a leash; pets aren’t allowed on trails.
Activities: Hiking, rock climbing and stargazing
Wildlife Viewing: Desert wildlife like coyotes, jackrabbits, and various birds can be spotted.
Minimum Price: Approximately $20 per night.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Through Recreation.gov.
- Booking Tips: Jumbo Rocks is very popular, so reservations fill up fast during the cooler months. Book as early as possible.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited sites available during the off-season.
Moro Campground, Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park, situated just north of Laguna Beach along the Pacific Coast Highway, features a beautiful coastline and the vast Moro Canyon inland. This site is a popular choice for campers as it is dotted with canyon trails, hiking trails, and pristine beaches.
Perched on a bluff with breathtaking ocean views, this campground has 71 sites. However, because of its location at a higher altitude, it tends to get quite windy.
If you’re looking for a rugged camping experience, Lower Moro Campground also offers primitive, hike-in-only sites, a secluded alternative to the main campground.
Total Campsites: 71 sites, with 65 reservable from March 1 to October 31.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 25 feet.
Facilities: Coin-operated showers, flush toilets, potable water.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Generators allowed in Loop C only.
Activities: Hiking, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, geocaching, biking and wildlife viewing
Pets Allowed: Yes, but they must be on a leash and are not allowed on the beach.
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, accommodates tents and RVs.
Wildlife Viewing: You can see marine life like dolphins and tidepool creatures.
Minimum Price: Approximately $55 to $75 per night, depending on the site location.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Via ReserveCalifornia or the official state parks reservation system.
- Booking Tips: Sites with ocean views are in high demand and fill up quickly; early booking is recommended.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited availability outside of peak season.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
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The San Diego coastline that stretches over 50 miles, is home to some of Southern California’s greatest beach camping destinations. Out of these, South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is a favorite among nature enthusiasts. It offers a whopping 223 sites located on top of coastal bluffs, accommodating both tents and RV camping.
You can enjoy uninterrupted views of the crystal blue seas and easy access to the beach.
Here’s a pretty insightful tip from a happy camper:
“The beach is rocky there, so good water shoes/sandals would be helpful. There’s also a really cute store and restaurant at the campgrounds, so you’ll be able to buy anything you’ve forgotten. Bonus points, the hotel across the highway is pretty great, the Cape Rey. Good restaurant and bar in there if you want a short break from roughing it.”
Total Campsites: 223 sites.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (March to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in, with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 35 feet.
Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, showers, potable water.
Activities: Surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, geocaching, swimming, fishing and hiking.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash; not allowed on the beach.
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, accommodates tents and RVs.
Wildlife Viewing: You can see dolphins, sea birds, and tidepool creatures.
Minimum Price: Approximately $50 to $70 per night, depending on site location.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Via ReserveCalifornia or the official state parks reservation system.
- Booking Tips: Oceanfront sites are very popular and book quickly, often six months out.
- First-Come, First-Served: Not available; all sites are reservable.
Doane Valley Campground, Palomar Mountain State Park
Palomar Mountain State Park is located 60 miles north of San Diego. The park has dense forests nestled on rolling terrains, and is quite family-friendly with accessible hiking trails. Please note that oak firewood is not allowed within the park. You can bring other kinds of firewood, like pine, or buy some at the onsite kiosk. The park has a Sierra Nevada type atmosphere as it’s located at an altitude of almost 5000 feet.
A review from a Reddit user states that the trails offer enjoyable short walks through the fantastic forest, and that it’s fairly easy for kids aged 7-11.
Total Campsites: 31 sites.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (March to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 24 feet.
Facilities: Flush toilets, picnic areas, potable water.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Not allowed.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash; pets aren’t allowed on trails.
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, accommodates tents and RVs.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, geocaching and wildlife viewing
Wildlife Viewing: Deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species can often be spotted.
Minimum Price: Approximately $30 per night.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Through ReserveCalifornia.
- Booking Tips: Peak summer weekends fill up quickly, so early booking is recommended.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited sites may be available during off-peak seasons.
Serrano Campground, San Bernardino National Forest
Serrano Campground is situated near Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino National Forest. The forest has over 100 campsites for both tents and RVs, including dedicated RV sites with various amenities. You can walk over to the Lighthouse Trailer Resort and Marina for a relaxed evening of fun activities and delicious food. This campground is ideal for experiences like fishing, watersports, and mountain biking.
Total Campsites: 109 campsites
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (May to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites are available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 40 feet.
Facilities: Restrooms with flush toilets, coin-operated showers, potable water, and a dump station.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours (typically 7 AM to 9 PM).
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash (pets must be attended to at all times).
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric and electric hookups, accommodates tents, RVs, and trailers.
Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, biking and hiking
Wildlife Viewing: Frequent sightings of bald eagles (especially in winter), as well as deer, squirrels, and birds, are common in the forested areas around the campground.
Minimum Price: Approximately $37 to $47 per night for standard sites; electric hookup sites are approximately $47 to $57 per night.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance for standard sites.
- How to Book: Through Recreation.gov.
- Booking Tips: Sites with electric hookups are highly sought after, so early reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited sites may be available, but reservations are recommended to secure a spot.
Malibu Creek Campground
The Malibu Creek Campground is a six-mile uphill drive from the Pacific Coast Highway via Malibu Canyon Road. The Malibu Creek State Park offers stunning views of the Santa Monica mountains and houses nearly 3,000 acres of natural preserves.
Total Campsites: 62 sites.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (March to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites are available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 35 feet.
Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, picnic areas and potable water.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash; pets aren’t allowed on trails.
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, accommodates tents, tent camping, and RVs.
Activities: Hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Wildlife Viewing: Common sightings include deer, coyotes, and a variety of birds.
Minimum Price: Approximately $45 per night.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: You can make reservations up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Via ReserveCalifornia or the official state parks reservation system.
- Booking Tips: Peak season, especially weekends, fills up quickly; early booking is recommended.
- First-Come, First-Served: Not available; reservations are required year-round.
San Elijo State Beach
San Elijo State Beach is located along Coast Highway 101. This area can also accommodate large groups at once, with a group campsite accommodating up to 40 guests and 2 vehicles. The layout resembles a parking lot but offers amenities like hookups, making it suitable for large recreational vehicles and providing convenient access to the beach.
Remember that though the beach is open all year, it is open for overnight stays for a limited period - 7 nights during the peak season and 14 nights during the off-season, with a maximum annual stay of 30 days.
Total Campsites: 165 sites. (check info - 171?)
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (March to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 35 feet.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, potable water and a camp store.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash; pets aren’t allowed on the beach.
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, accommodates tents and RVs.
Activities: Surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, geocaching, swimming, fishing and hiking.
Wildlife Viewing: Dolphins and seabirds are commonly spotted.
Minimum Price: Approximately $50 to $70 per night, depending on site location.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Via ReserveCalifornia or the official state parks reservation system.
- Booking Tips: The oceanfront sites book out first, so early reservations are essential.
- First-Come, First-Served: Not available; all sites require reservations.
Idyllwild Park
Idyllwild Park Campground is nestled among towering pines and oaks. It features a seasonal creek named Lily Creek, adding to its charm and appeal. The 202-acre Riverside County Park is situated in a canyon at a height of 5,000 feet, which matches the altitude of the San Jacinto Mountains. The park is a favorite among fishing enthusiasts as Lake Fulmor and Lake Hemet have great fishing spots.
Total Campsites: Approximately 88 sites.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (March to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 30 feet.
Facilities: Restrooms with flush toilets, potable water, showers and picnic areas.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash.
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, accommodates tents and small RVs.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, biking and wildlife viewing.
Wildlife Viewing: Common sightings include deer, birds, and squirrels.
Minimum Price: Approximately $25 to $35 per night.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Through the Riverside County Parks reservation system.
- Booking Tips: Summer weekends fill up quickly; early booking is advised.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited availability during off-peak seasons.
Campers are required to vacate the campground after reaching the limit on the number of consecutive nights and cannot return to camp in the same park for a specified duration.
Sycamore Canyon Campground, Point Mugu State Park
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a vast outdoor space spanning from Santa Monica to Oxnard. It’s the ideal option for campers who live in Los Angeles. Point Mugu State Park is just one of the camping options in the area. The Sycamore Canyon campground offers stunning ocean views, extensive canyon trails, and accessible hiking trails.
Total Campsites: 58 sites.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (March to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 31 feet.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, potable water and picnic areas.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash; pets aren’t allowed on the beach or trails.
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, accommodates tents and RVs.
Activities: Swimming, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, geocaching, fishing and hiking.
Wildlife Viewing: Deer, birds, and marine life are often spotted.
Minimum Price: Approximately $45 to $65 per night.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Via ReserveCalifornia or the official state parks reservation system.
- Booking Tips: Popular during weekends; early booking is recommended.
- First-Come, First-Served: Limited availability during off-peak seasons.
El Capitan State Beach
The El Capitán State Beach is a stunning coastal gem near Santa Barbara, California. This sandy beach features rocky tide pools and warm waters, making it perfect for swimming and exploring. El Capitán Creek is quite scenic with sycamores and oaks lining its borders. You also have a bike trail that is 2 miles long and leads to Refugio State Beach - perfect for a ride with your partner or family.
It’s a must-visit stop along the Coast Highway, making it ideal for a quick pitstop as well. We suggest you make reservations in advance for this stunning campground since it tends to get overbooked each year.
Total Campsites: 131 sites.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall (March to October)
Max Number of People: Up to 8 per site.
ADA Accessible: Some accessible sites available.
Picnic Table: Yes.
Grills: Yes.
Site Access: Drive-in with parking pads.
Parking Pad Length: Supports vehicles up to 42 feet.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a camp store.
Campfire Allowed: Yes, in designated fire rings.
Generator Policy: Allowed during specified hours.
Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash; pets aren’t allowed on the beach.
Campsite Type: Standard non-electric, accommodates tents and RVs, including RV camping.
Activities: Swimming, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, geocaching, fishing, hiking and biking.
Wildlife Viewing: Dolphins and sea birds are often spotted from the bluff.
Minimum Price: Approximately $45 to $60 per night.
Booking Availability:
- Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
- How to Book: Via ReserveCalifornia or the official state parks reservation system.
- Booking Tips: Oceanfront sites are highly sought after; early reservations are essential.
- First-Come, First-Served: Not available; all sites require reservations.
Camping Tips and Essentials
Before embarking on your Southern California camping adventure, it’s essential to pack the right gear. Here’s a checklist of must-have items:
- A sturdy tent or RV
- Sleeping bags and pads
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Water and non-perishable snacks
- First aid kit
- Map and compass or GPS device
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Fire starters and cooking gear
It’s also wise to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly, as Southern California’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains and deserts.
Remember to always follow the rules and regulations of the park or campground you’re visiting, and be respectful of the natural environment and your fellow campers.
Conclusion
These are our top picks for the best campgrounds in Southern California, curated with campers of varying interests in mind. From balmy beaches and towering mountains to vibrant forests and expansive deserts, Southern California offers diverse landscapes to explore. Whether you prefer RV camping with all the amenities or primitive camping in breathtaking locations, there's something for everyone.
Time to start planning your next camping trip! Make sure you reserve your spot well in advance if you’re planning a visit during the peak season. If you end up making last-minute plans, you can find a campsite via Campsite Tonight. Happy camping!
