Craving beaches, deserts, and mountain views? These epic camping spots in Southern California offer everything from oceanfront escapes to starry desert nights perfect for outdoor lovers and families.
Highlights:
Unique Camping Ideas
1. Buckhorn Campground, Arcadia
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Angeles National Forest, Arcadia, California
Recommended For: Hikers and tent campers seeking a peaceful retreat in the San Gabriel Mountains
What I Love: ♥ “A hidden forest gem above the city—cool air, quiet trails, and starry nights.”
- Unplug at Buckhorn Campground, located at a cool 6,300 feet in the heart of Angeles National Forest.
- Camp naturally: Choose from 38 campsites—including 3 accessible spots—all available first-come, first-served.
- Bring your boots: Access the Burkhart Trail and connect to scenic National Recreational Trails for forested hikes and wildlife views.
- Stay comfortable with basic amenities like drinking water and toilets.
- Pet-friendly: Dogs are welcome—just keep them on a leash at all times.
Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall, when weather is mild and trails are dry
Local Tips: Bring layers—temperatures drop significantly at night. This campground is remote, so pack essentials and arrive early on weekends for a site.
How to Get There: Take CA-2 (Angeles Crest Highway) northeast from La Cañada Flintridge for about 35 miles
Address: 701 N. Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006, Phone: 626-574-1613
2. Buttercup Group Campground, San Bernardino
Location: San Bernardino National Forest, near Big Bear Lake, California
Recommended For: Large camping groups and nature lovers exploring the Big Bear area
What I Love: ♥ “Shady pines, crisp air, and space for all your friends to gather in nature.”
- Camp together at Buttercup Group Campground, located at 7,000 feet elevation in a lush part of the San Bernardino National Forest.
- Reconnect with nature: Only 2 miles from Big Bear Lake, this peaceful forest location is great for hiking, biking, and climbing.
- Bring the comforts: The site offers tables, grills, drinking water, and vault toilets—perfect for keeping your group comfortable and well-fed.
- Ideal for groups: Spacious layout designed to host large gatherings of campers, families, or scout troops.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall; campground opens in late April
Local Tips: Make your reservation up to a year in advance—this site is popular for summer group trips. Nights can get chilly, so pack warm layers.
How to Get There: Follow Highway 38 toward Big Bear Lake; the campground is well-signposted within the forest.
Address: San Bernardino National Forest, San Bernardino, CA 92408-2607, Phone: 909-382-2600
3. Camp Williams Resort, Azusa
Location: East Fork of the San Gabriel River, Azusa, California
Recommended For: Families, RV travelers, and LA locals seeking a quick riverside escape
What I Love: ♥ “Pitch a tent riverside, pan for gold, and wake up beneath oak trees.”
- Escape to nature at Camp Williams Resort, located along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River—a perfectly scenic getaway just outside Los Angeles.
- Flexible camping: Choose from riverside tent camping or shaded RV sites with full hookups under majestic oak trees.
- Comforts included: Campers enjoy hot private showers, picnic tables at each site, and a relaxed, rustic vibe.
- Fun for all ages: Hike the mountain trails, go birdwatching or fishing, cool off in the river, or let kids pan for gold.
Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall, when the weather is ideal for riverside activities
Local Tips: Bring water shoes for swimming and gold panning. Weekends fill fast—reserve early if visiting during holidays.
How to Get There: Follow East Fork Road in the Angeles National Forest toward Azusa. The campground is well-marked near the river.
Address: 24210 East Fork Rd, Azusa, CA 91702, Phone: 626-910-1126
Family-Friendly
4. Moro Campground, Crystal Cove State Park
Location: Off Pacific Coast Highway between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar, California
Recommended For: Beach lovers, hikers, families, and RV travelers looking for coastal wilderness
What I Love: ♥ “Three miles of pristine beach meets 2,400 acres of wild backcountry—California camping at its best.”
- Crystal Cove State Park is a coastal gem offering a 3-mile stretch of beautiful beach and 2,400 acres of wilderness trails perfect for hiking and biking.
- Camping options: Choose from primitive backcountry campsites or stay in comfort at Moro Campground, which offers 58 scenic sites for tents and RVs (up to 35 ft).
- Outdoor fun: Enjoy surfing, swimming, diving, tide-pooling, and guided tide pool walks and hikes with park staff.
- Facilities at Moro Campground include restrooms, showers, and allow the use of gas barbecues.
Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall for ideal beach weather and clear trail conditions
Local Tips: Reserve your site early during summer and holiday weekends. Bring sturdy shoes for hiking and a camera for tide-pool exploration.
How to Get There: Access the park via the Pacific Coast Highway. Moro Campground is well-marked with parking on site.
Address: Moro Campground, Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, Phone: 949-494-3539
5. Dogwood Campground, San Bernardino National Forest
Location: 26898 Rim of the World Highway, Rimforest, CA 92378 – just 20 miles from San Bernardino
Recommended For: Families, RV campers, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful forest escape near Lake Arrowhead
What I Love: ♥ “A serene forest retreat with hot showers, hiking trails, and evening programs under the stars.”
- Dogwood Campground offers 87 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and some include electrical hookups.
- Nearby activities include extensive hiking trails and fun at Lake Gregory (15 minutes away) with boating, fishing, and a water slide.
- Campground amenities feature restrooms, hot showers, and ADA-accessible sites.
- Special programs: Join interpretive programs on Friday and Saturday nights for nature-themed storytelling and education.
- Local attractions: Lake Arrowhead Village is just 5 minutes away, offering shopping and fine dining.
- Reservations required: All sites must be reserved in advance; no walk-ins or first-come, first-served options.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather and full access to lake activities
Local Tips: Bring layers for cool evenings, and don’t miss the weekend ranger programs for a family-friendly experience.
How to Get There: Access the campground via Rim of the World Highway from San Bernardino or Lake Arrowhead.
Address: Dogwood Campground, San Bernardino National Forest, 26898 Rim of the World Highway, Rimforest, CA 92378, Phone: 909-382-2790
6. Dripping Springs Campground, Cleveland National Forest
Location: 39755 Highway 79, Aguanga, CA 92536 – in the heart of Cleveland National Forest, near Temecula
Recommended For: Hikers, equestrians, backpackers, and rustic camping enthusiasts
What I Love: ♥ “Remote wilderness, scenic trails, and a peaceful base for riders and hikers.”
- Dripping Springs Campground offers a rustic experience with no showers or hook-ups, perfect for campers looking to immerse in nature.
- Equestrian facilities include a horse corral, staging area, and access to designated riding trails.
- Hiking opportunities: Located next to the Agua Tibia Wilderness, the site provides access to a 20-mile loop trail teeming with wildlife.
- Campground amenities include toilets, drinking water, and fire rings. RVs up to 20 feet are allowed.
- Nearby attractions: Enjoy a day off the trails with a visit to Temecula Wine Country for wine tasting just a short drive away.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler weather and vibrant wildflower displays
Local Tips: Pack everything you need for a dry camp, including extra water and lighting. Don’t miss sunset views from the trailhead ridge.
How to Get There: Access via Highway 79 southeast of Temecula. Follow signage into Cleveland National Forest toward Dripping Springs.
Address: Dripping Springs Campground, Cleveland National Forest, 39755 Highway 79, Aguanga, CA 92536, Phone: 760-788-0250
7. Emma Wood State Beach, Sacramento
Location: 1416 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 – right on the Pacific coast near Ventura, CA
Recommended For: RV travelers, surfers, and beach lovers looking for oceanfront serenity
What I Love: ♥ “Uninterrupted ocean views, soothing surf, and sunsets from your RV window.”
- Emma Wood State Beach Campground is a coastal RV-only campground with no hookups or facilities, ideal for self-contained motorhomes or trailers up to 45 feet.
- Activities: Spend your days surfing, swimming, fishing, windsurfing, or simply relaxing to the sound of the waves. A bike path leads into nearby Ventura.
- Amenities: There are no toilets, showers, electricity, or a dumpsite – dry camping only. Be prepared and pack accordingly.
- Reservations: Sites are bookable in advance during the summer months (May–October). In the off-season, it’s first-come first-served.
- Group Camping: The Ventura River Group Camp features four tent-only group campsites with basic amenities.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for the best weather and water conditions
Local Tips: Arrive early in the off-season to secure a spot. Bring binoculars – you may spot dolphins or whales offshore!
How to Get There: Take Highway 101 to Ventura, then follow signage west to the beach. GPS is helpful due to narrow beach access roads.
Address: Emma Wood State Beach, Phone: 916-653-6995
Romantic Camping
8. Fern Basin Campground
Location: Forest Rte 4502, Banning, CA 92220 – just under 6 miles north of Idyllwild in the San Bernardino National Forest
Recommended For: Tent campers, RV travelers, hikers, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful mountain escape
What I Love: ♥ “Small, quiet, and scenic – a hidden gem for outdoor solitude near Idyllwild.”
- Fern Basin Campground features just 15 campsites nestled in a tranquil forest setting, ideal for both tents and RVs. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and access to vault toilets and an RV sanitation station.
- Activities: The area offers access to mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing. For more water-based fun, boating, fishing, and swimming are available in nearby recreation areas.
- Convenience: A convenience shop just a few miles away provides last-minute essentials you may have forgotten.
- Peace & Privacy: With only 15 campsites, it never feels crowded – making it an ideal destination for a quiet getaway.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for pleasant weather and full access to hiking and biking trails
Local Tips: Always check current fire restrictions before lighting a campfire. Bring layered clothing – temperatures drop at night.
How to Get There: From Idyllwild, take Highway 243 north for about 5.5 miles, then follow signage to Fern Basin Campground. A forest adventure pass may be required for parking in the area.
Address: Fern Basin Campground, Phone: 909-382-2922
9. Frandy Park Campground, Kernville
Location: 11252 Kernville Rd, Kernville, CA 93238 – set along the scenic Kern River in the California High Desert
Recommended For: Families, groups, RV travelers, and water sports enthusiasts seeking a riverfront mountain retreat
What I Love: ♥ “Riverfront sites, oak forest shade, and easy access to rafting, hiking, and Kernville charm.”
- Frandy Park Campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, including pull-throughs for larger trailers and campers. Guests can also enjoy unique accommodations like on-site RV rentals or a pioneer-style covered wagon.
- Activities: Campers have access to a wide variety of recreational options, including kayaking, whitewater rafting, boating, hiking, cycling, and trout fishing right on the Kern River.
- Nearby Attractions: The town of Kernville offers antique shopping, golf courses, and quaint restaurants, just minutes from the campground.
- Nature & Views: Surrounded by oak forests and steep hillsides, this peaceful retreat is perfect for those looking to unwind in a beautiful natural setting.
Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall for warm weather, river access, and festival season in Kernville
Local Tips: Book early during peak rafting season (late spring/early summer). Ask about group discounts and unique lodging options when reserving.
How to Get There: Located just north of Bakersfield, take Highway 178 east to Kernville and follow signs to the campground on Kernville Road.
Address: Frandy Park Campground, Phone: 760-531-4151
10. Horse Flats Campground, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
Location: Horse Flats Rd/Angeles Crest Hwy, Flintridge, CA 91011 – set in the serene woodlands of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
Recommended For: Equestrians, tent campers, and nature lovers seeking a primitive camping experience near Los Angeles
What I Love: ♥ “Tall pines, peaceful seclusion, and horseback access to stunning mountain trails.”
- Horse Flats Campground offers a rustic, no-reservations experience with first-come first-served sites shaded by towering pine trees. There are no piped water or shower facilities, so visitors must bring their own water.
- Facilities: Campsites feature fire pits and pit toilets. The campground accommodates equestrians with a corral and hitching post, though riders must supply their own feed and water.
- Activities: Guests can enjoy horseback riding and hiking along nearby trails, with scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
- Experience: With no electricity or running water, the campground offers a true off-grid adventure perfect for those wanting to sleep under the stars in a tranquil forest setting.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall when the weather is clear and trail access is optimal
Local Tips: Arrive early to secure a site, especially on weekends. Bring plenty of water and prepare for cool mountain evenings.
How to Get There: From Los Angeles, take the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) northeast toward Flintridge. Follow signs for Horse Flats Road.
Address: Horse Flats Campground, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Phone: 818-899-1900
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