• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Buckhorn Campground, Arcadia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Ewa - Fotolia.com

2. Buttercup Group Campground, San Bernardino ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of nielskliim - Fotolia.com

3. Camp Williams Resort, Azusa

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of brizmaker - Fotolia.com

4. Moro Campground, Crystal Cove State Park

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Tomasz Zajda - Fotolia.com

5. Dogwood Campground, San Bernardino National Forest

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Nicole - Fotolia.com

6. Dripping Springs Campground, Cleveland National Forest

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Freedomz - Fotolia.com

7. Emma Wood State Beach, Sacramento

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Cesar - Fotolia.com

8. Fern Basin Campground

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Kristina - Fotolia.com

9. Frandy Park Campground, Kernville

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Voyagerix - Fotolia.com

10. Horse Flats Campground, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Halfpoint - Fotolia.com

11. Mesa Campground, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of ruslan1117 - Fotolia.com

12. North Shores Campground, San Bernardino National Forest

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of brizmaker - Fotolia.com

13. Oak Knoll Campground, New Hogan Lake

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of luckybusiness - Fotolia.com

14. Palomar Mountain State Park, San Diego County

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Andrey Armyagov - Fotolia.com

15. Palomar Observatory Campground, Palomar Mountain

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Petro Teslenko - Fotolia.com

16. Point Mugu State Park, Malibu

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Focqus, LLC - Fotolia.com

17. Los Alamos Campground, Pyramid Lake

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Andrii Klemenchenko - Fotolia.com

18. Round Valley Campground, Mount San Jacinto State Park

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Tyler Olson - Fotolia.com

19. San Elijo State Beach, Encinitas

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of woods - Fotolia.com

20. San Mateo Campground, San Onofre State Beach

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Tyler Olson - Fotolia.com

21. Serrano Campground, San Bernardino National Forest

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of Mohammed - Fotolia.com

22. Shady Cove Group Campground, San Bernardino National Forest

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of WavebreakMediaMicro - Fotolia.com

23. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Courtesy of sherryvsmith - Fotolia.com

24. South Fork Family Campground, San Bernardino State Forest

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of iofoto - Fotolia.com

25. Carpinteria State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© DavidMSchrader/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • 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.
  • The San Bernardino State Forest boasts several popular campgrounds offering access to lakes, forests, and hiking trails.
  • 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.
  • 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-up or showers.

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