- Where can you go camping in Southern California?
- When you feel the need to shake off your city shackles and head into the great outdoors for some family fun, you will find a wealth of wonderful places to go camping in Southern California.
- What campgrounds are available in the San Bernardino State Forest?
- The San Bernardino State Forest boasts several popular campgrounds offering access to lakes, forests, and hiking trails.
- Where can you camp along the Pacific coastline?
- Dotted along the Pacific coastline, you will find some brilliant spots to park your RV or pitch a tent and enjoy all the activities of a beach resort.
- What should you check before booking a campsite?
- It is always wise to check amenities before you book, particularly if you prefer not to sacrifice your home comforts – many of the listed campsites do not offer RV hook-ups or showers.
Best Time to Camp in Southern California
- March to May – Mild temps, wildflower blooms, and fewer crowds in coastal and desert areas.
- June to August – Ideal beach camping weather, but inland and desert areas can be very hot.
- September to November – Great conditions with cooler temps and clear skies, perfect for hiking and stargazing.
- December to February – Off-season with chilly nights; mountain areas may offer snowy, peaceful retreats.
- Late April – A sweet spot for spring camping before summer heat and crowds hit.
Unique Camping Ideas
Buckhorn Campground, Arcadia
Camp under towering pines, enjoy scenic trails in a peaceful setting.
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Where is Buckhorn Campground located and what makes it a good spot for campers?
- Nestled in the heart of the Angeles National Forest in Arcadia, Buckhorn Campground is a great place for nature lovers to pitch their tents (or park their RV) during the summer months.
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What is the elevation and how many campsites are there?
- The campground lies at an elevation of 6,300 feet and has a total of 38 campsites, three of which are accessible.
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What activities can campers enjoy nearby?
- The campsite is an ideal choice for hikers who would like to take on the popular Burkhart Trail, which links up to a network of National Recreational Trails in the scenic forest.
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How are the campsites assigned and what amenities are provided?
- The campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis and are supplied with drinking water and toilets.
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Are pets allowed at Buckhorn Campground?
- You may bring your dog to this campground provided they are kept on a lead at all times.
Buckhorn Campground, Angeles National Forest, 701 N. Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006, Phone: 626-574-1613
Buttercup Group Campground, San Bernardino
Enjoy group camping, explore nature trails with family or friends.
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Where is Buttercup Group Campground located?
- Buttercup Group Campground is located at an altitude of 7,000 feet in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest.
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What makes the location ideal for visitors?
- The location is ideal for nature lovers who want to visit Big Bear Lake (2 miles from the campground) or enjoy a variety of other forest activities, including extensive hiking, mountain biking, and climbing.
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What amenities are available at Buttercup Group Campground?
- Buttercup Campground enjoys a beautiful shady location and you can get back to nature without sacrificing all your home comforts – tables, grills, toilets, and drinking water are provided and there is space for all your friends to join you.
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When is the campground open and how can reservations be made?
- The campground is open for the summer season from late April, and you can book your site up to one year in advance.
Buttercup Group Campground, San Bernardino National Forest, San Bernardino, CA 92408-2607, Phone: 909-382-2600, Buttercup Group Campground Video
Camp Williams Resort, Azusa
Relax riverside, enjoy fishing and outdoor adventures along the San Gabriel River.
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Where is Camp Williams Resort located?
- Camp Williams Resort is located right along the banks of the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, making it a particularly attractive getaway option for Los Angeles residents.
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What kind of camping experience can guests expect?
- You can get back to nature amidst beautiful mountain and river scenery by pitching your tent directly alongside the river or by parking your RV under the shade of the towering oak trees.
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What amenities are available for campers?
- The campground offers full hook-up for your RV in addition to private hot showers and every site has a picnic table.
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What activities can visitors enjoy?
- You can spend your days exploring the beautiful surroundings on foot along a network of hiking trails or do some birdwatching, fishing, or swimming. Children will love panning for gold in the river.
Camp Williams Resort, 24210 East Fork Rd, Azusa, CA 91702, Phone: 626-910-1126
Family-Friendly
Moro Campground, Crystal Cove State Park
Camp by the beach, admire ocean views and explore nearby trails.
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Where is Crystal Cove State Park located?
- Crystal Cove State Park is located off the Pacific Coast Highway between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar, giving visitors access to a brilliant 3-mile beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness.
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What camping options are available at the park?
- Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy a primitive camping experience in the backcountry, while those who prefer a more relaxing holiday can pitch their tent or park their RV (max. 35ft) in one of 58 scenic campsites.
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What recreational activities can visitors enjoy?
- Guests can spend their days surfing, swimming, diving, and tide-pooling, as well as joining guided hikes and tide-pool walks led by the park staff.
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What amenities are provided at Moro Campground?
- Moro Campground has showers and restrooms, and gas barbecues are allowed.
Moro Campground, Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, Phone: 949-494-3539
Dogwood Campground, San Bernardino National Forest
Camp among pines, enjoy hiking and nature-filled sights.
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Where is Dogwood Campground located and what types of camping are available?
- Dogwood Campground, San Bernardino National Forest is located just 20 miles from San Bernardino, offering 87 campsites suitable for tents, camping trailers, and RVs.
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What activities are available nearby?
- Visitors will have access to extensive hiking trails and boating, fishing, and a water slide can be found 15 minutes away at Lake Gregory.
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What amenities are provided at the campground?
- All the campsites are accessible and include a picnic table and fire ring – some have electrical hook-up. The campground offers restrooms and hot showers.
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Are there any special weekend programs or nearby attractions?
- If you visit on the weekend, you can enjoy interpretive programs on Friday and Saturday nights. Lake Arrowhead Village (5 minutes from the campground) has interesting shops to explore as well as fine dining restaurants.
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Do I need a reservation to camp at Dogwood?
- You need to book your site in advance – no first-come first-served allowed.
Dogwood Campground, San Bernardino National Forest, 26898 Rim of the World Highway, Rimforest, CA 92378, Phone: 909-382-2790
Dripping Springs Campground, Cleveland National Forest
Explore scenic trails, camp near lush vineyards and rolling hills.
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What kind of camping experience does Dripping Springs Campground offer?
- Dripping Springs Campground, Cleveland National Forest is a rustic camping area for hikers, backpackers, and equestrians wanting to explore the scenic Cleveland National Forest.
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What natural features and hiking options are nearby?
- Dripping Springs is located adjacent to the Agua Tibia wilderness, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife and includes a 20-mile hiking loop.
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Are equestrian facilities available?
- Equestrians can bring their horses – there is a horse corral and horse staging area as well as designated horse-riding trails.
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What amenities are provided at the campsite?
- Your campsite includes access to toilets, drinking water, and fire rings, but there are no showers or electrical hook-ups.
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Are there other attractions nearby?
- For a break from hiking and wildlife watching, you can visit the nearby Temecula Wine Country for a wine tasting.
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Can RVs be accommodated?
- RVs up to 20 feet can be accommodated.
Dripping Springs Campground, Cleveland National Forest, 39755 Highway 79, Aguanga, CA 92536, Phone: 760-788-0250
Emma Wood State Beach, Sacramento
Camp by the coast, enjoy swimming and relaxing beach views.
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Where is Emma Wood State Beach campground located?
- Located right alongside the ocean, the Emma Wood State Beach campground is a great place to park your RV or camping trailer and enjoy a relaxing beach break.
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What types of vehicles are allowed and what amenities are available?
- The campground is only suitable for fully self-contained motor homes and trailers (up to 45 feet long) as there are no toilets, showers, electricity, or dumpsite on the premises.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at the beach?
- You can spend your days relaxing on the beach or go cycling, swimming, surfing, fishing, and windsurfing.
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How does campsite booking work?
- You can book your campsite in advance during the summer (May to October), but during the off-season the campground operates a first-come first-served policy.
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Are there group camping options?
- The Ventura River Group Camp offers four developed group campsites for tents.
Emma Wood State Beach, 1416 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, Phone: 916-653-6995
Romantic Camping
Fern Basin Campground
Camp in a peaceful forest, hike nearby trails and enjoy mountain views.
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Where is Fern Basin Campground located?
- Conveniently located within the San Bernardino National Forest, less than 6 miles north of Idyllwild, the attractive Fern Basin Campground is a great spot to spend some time getting back to nature.
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How many campsites are available and what are they equipped with?
- Fern Basin has just 15 campsites for your tent or RV, so you will never feel too crowded. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring (check in advance to find out the current fire rules), and there are toilets and an RV sanitation site.
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What activities are available in and around the campground?
- The surrounding forested area offers hiking and mountain biking trails and rock climbing, while swimming, fishing, and boating are available nearby.
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Are any services or stores nearby?
- In case you have left something vital at home, there is a convenience shop just a few miles away.
Fern Basin Campground, Forest Rte 4502, Banning, CA 92220, Phone: 909-382-2922
Frandy Park Campground, Kernville
Camp by the river, enjoy fishing and water activities with family.
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Where is Frandy Park Campground located?
- Frandy Park Campground is located in the California High Desert region, occupying a very scenic position along the banks of the Kern River, surrounded by old oak forests and steep hillsides.
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Is the campground suitable for both tents and RVs?
- The campground is ideal for families and groups and there are suitable sites to pitch a tent or park your RV, including pull-through sites for trailers or campers.
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What activities are available at or near Frandy Park?
- You can spend your time relaxing or enjoy a host of activities, which include hiking, cycling, kayaking, whitewater rafting, boating, or trout fishing.
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What can visitors do in the nearby town of Kernville?
- The nearby town of Kernville is worth exploring and boasts several golf courses, antique shops, and quaint restaurants.
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Can visitors rent accommodations on-site?
- If you don’t have your own RV, you can rent one on-site or have some fun renting the pioneer-style covered wagon.
Frandy Park Campground, 11252 Kernville Rd, Kernville, CA 93238, Phone: 760-531-4151
Horse Flats Campground, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
Camp near scenic trails, explore horseback riding routes through serene forests.
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Where is Horse Flats Campground located?
- Horse Flats Campground is located in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument near Los Angeles.
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Are there water and shower facilities?
- Since this campground does not offer any piped water, you will need to bring all your own water and also do without a shower (unless your RV is self-contained).
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How are campsites assigned?
- You can pick your site on a first-come first-served basis (no reservations) and enjoy sleeping under the stars in the shade of the enormous old pine trees.
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What facilities are available at the campsite?
- You are allowed to make fires in the provided fire pits and there are pit toilets available.
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Are there facilities for equestrians?
- Equestrians have the use of a horse corral and a hitching post, but also need to bring all their own water and other supplies.
Horse Flats Campground, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Horse Flats Rd/Angeles Crest Hwy, Flintridge, CA 91011, Phone: 818-899-1900
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Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Buckhorn Campground, Arcadia
- 2. Buttercup Group Campground, San Bernardino
- 3. Camp Williams Resort, Azusa
- 4. Moro Campground, Crystal Cove State Park
- 5. Dogwood Campground, San Bernardino National Forest
- 6. Dripping Springs Campground, Cleveland National Forest
- 7. Emma Wood State Beach, Sacramento
- 8. Fern Basin Campground
- 9. Frandy Park Campground, Kernville
- 10. Horse Flats Campground, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument