The 23 Best Campgrounds In Southern California: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems
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Jackie Ann
Author
There are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Southern California. We really do have it all – sandy beaches, rugged bluffs, lakes and rivers, mountains, valleys, forests, arid deserts with giant rock formations, caves, waterfalls, wine country… You name it. One way that a lot of us like to get out and explore it all is by camping – immersing ourselves in all of the striking and diverse natural beauty that this state has to offer. From the most popular to the best-kept secrets, from private sites to state and national parks, from the epitome of *roughing it* to the most luxurious glamping, and everything in between – let’s explore some of the absolute best campgrounds in Southern California. You just might find your new favorite getaway below!
Are you ready to discover some of the best campgrounds in Southern California so you can start living your best outdoor life?
Best State Park Campgrounds in Southern California
Some of the best campgrounds in Southern California can be found in our state and national parks, which are havens of natural beauty, hiking trails, stunning views, and fantastic stargazing opportunities. Here are some of the best places to pitch a tent in one of our state parks.
Observatory Campground, Observatory Campground Co Hwy S6, State Park Rd #21485, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060, USA
- Location: Palomar Mountain, CA
- Popularity: Not generally crowded
- Park Info: Open all year. 42 total campsites; 32 sites require reservations, with 10 available on a walk-in basis. Double sites can be reserved to accommodate long RVs or trailers. Located 2 miles from Palomar Observatory.
- Price: $15-30 per night
Located in Palomar Mountain State Park, this campground is not only an accessible space that feels remote, but is particularly ideal for stargazing enthusiasts due to its forest location and dark skies. The campground offers a great balance of wilderness and amenities, with hot showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and wonderful hiking trails. It is also just a short drive to the Palomar Observatory itself for even more night sky adventures.
Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic Lake Dr, Castaic, CA 91384, USA
- Location: Castaic, CA
- Popularity: Very popular, especially on weekends and during summer months
- Park Info: Open year round. Castaic is one of the largest reservoirs in California, with two sections; campground is located on lower lagoon. Best campsites are considered to be C7 through C17. Pet-friendly. Campers enjoy good cell service.
- Price: $30 per night
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area is a popular park with a huge range of outdoor and water activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking and canoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and more. The highlight of the park and the campground is the crystal blue lake with its 29 miles of shoreline. Castaic Lake Campground, one of the best campgrounds in Southern California, sits on a hillside overlooking the lake itself, with at least half of the 65 campsites having a view of the water. There are tent sites and RV sites with hookups as well as a full range of amenities including fire rings, potable water, flush toilets, pay showers, a dump station and a marina with boat rentals.
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Palomar Mountain, California 92060, USA
- Location: Palomar Mountain, CA
- Popularity: Popular especially during summer
- Park Info: 31 sites for tents, RVs, and trailers, but no hookups. Reservations highly recommended during summer months. Sites can be reserved from April through November and can be made up to 7 months in advance. Evenings are cool even in mid-summer. Site numbers 4 and 7 are ADA accessible. Pets okay.
- Price: $40 per night
Doane Valley Campground is located within Palomar Mountain State Park and is close to the Observatory. This gorgeous, forested campground is known for cedar, fir, and pine trees, as well as hiking trails and Doane Pond, where campers can enjoy fishing. A hike to Boucher Hill offers visitors incredible views of the desert in one direction and the ocean in another. Sites have tables, fire rings, grills, and food storage cabinets, as well as access to drinking water, showers, flush toilets, and a campfire center. Larger groups can reserve a site at the nearby Cedar Grove Group Campground.
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Jumbo Rocks Campground, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA
- Location: Twentynine Palms, CA
- Popularity: Very popular, especially during winter months
- Park Info: Reservations are required and can be made from 1 day up to 6 months in advance year-round. Best times to camp are from October through May. The off-season is June through September due to high desert temperatures. A maximum of 6 guests permitted on each site. Vault toilets only and no water in the campground.
- Price: $20 per night
Jumbo Rocks is one of several campgrounds located in Joshua Tree National Park. It is unique for many reasons, not the least of which is that it is ideal for winter camping when other campgrounds are cold and rainy. There are 124 sites with no hookups. Most sites are relatively small and ideal for tent camping, but sites 81-94 offer parallel parking to accommodate larger rigs. The desert of Joshua Tree provides a marvelous and unique camping experience with incredible rock formations, unique plants and wildlife, hiking and rock-climbing opportunities, historic sites, and of course, unmatched stargazing. Despite being full, this campground is spacious and rarely feels crowded.
9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
- Location: Malibu, CA
- Popularity: Very popular, usually full on holidays, weekends, and during summer months.
- Park Info: 58 total sites, no hookups. Trailers and RVs up to 31 feet allowed. Dog-friendly. Campers say the best campsites are 14, 15, 26, 29, 30, and 35 due to size and shade. Reservations are accepted year-round and can be made up to 6 months in advance, but are not site-specific.
- Price: $45 per night
Sycamore Canyon is located within the 13,000-acre Point Mugu State Park and is nestled at the foot of the Santa Ana Mountains. The campground is characterized by rugged hills and old-growth sycamore and oak trees. It is about one-half mile inland from the beach with the same name, with easy access under the highway at the campground entrance. Hikers love the parks miles of hiking routes in the adjacent Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area. Sites have a fire ring and picnic table, and are shaded by giant trees. The campground is equipped with toilet facilities, pay showers, and safe drinking water.
Best Beach Camping in Southern California
There is something particularly amazing about watching the sun set over the ocean before drifting off to sleep and waking up to the sounds of the waves on the shore, taking long walks on the sand before breakfast, and exploring tide pools in the afternoon. If that sounds perfect to you, here are some of the best campgrounds in Southern California for beach camping.
San Elijo State Beach - North Beach Day Use, 2050 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92007, USA
- Location: Del Mar, CA
- Popularity: Popular year-round, reservations highly recommended.
- Park Info: 156 total sites, open all year. Dog friendly campground. Oceanfront and full hook-up sites available, as well as 6 ADA accessible sites.
- Price: $50-75 per night
San Diego County offers some of the best beach camping and San Elijo State Beach is a prime example, spread along the stunning bluffs overlooking the shore. Sites include standard, premium oceanfront, standard hook-up, and premium oceanfront with hook-ups. This campground is popular for surfing, fishing, beach volleyball, snorkeling, diving, and beach combing. Stairs lead from the campground to the sand and campers enjoy hot showers, flush toilets, potable water, a camp convenience store, and a fast-food restaurant.
9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
- Location: Malibu, CA
- Popularity: Moderately popular on weekends and during summer months.
- Park Info: 69 primitive campsites, most of which accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Sites 48-64 are seasonal, tent-only, and only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Open year-round, pet-friendly. No hook-ups or dump station.
- Price: $35 per night
There are only a few places in Los Angeles where you can find camping spots directly on the beach, and Thornhill Broome in Point Mugu State Park is one of them. Ocean views don’t get any better than opening the door of your tent or RV and stepping out onto the sand, just steps from the crashing waves. This describes every one of the sites that stretch along two miles in this narrow campground, each of which is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. There are vault toilets and a few spots with drinking water spigots. The accessibility and location of Thornhill Broome makes this an excellent choice for anyone taking an RV road trip along the SoCal coast.
9999 Jalama Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436, USA
- Location: Lompoc, CA
- Popularity: Hidden gem, but may fill up during summer months
- Park Info: Open year-round. 107 beachfront and ocean view campsites, including 31 sites with electrical hook-ups, and seven cabins for rent. Pets allowed on campsites, but not cabins. Reservations can be made for some campsites up to 6 months in advance, while some sites are reserved for walk-ins only.
- Price: $35-50 per night for campsites; $200-250 per night for cabins; $275-300 for group sites
Located off the beaten path in Lompoc, CA, Jalama Beach is a pristine stretch of coastline in Santa Barbara County that few seem to have discovered. That being said, those in the know frequent the campground, which features hot showers, restrooms, water, and dump stations, as well as an on-site store and restaurant. The sites are terraced, providing everyone with ocean views. With the ocean on one side, and flanked by wild bluffs, nature trails, and rolling hills, this remote little piece of paradise is an ideal getaway any time of year.
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2211 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Popularity: Very popular year-round
- Park Info: Open year-round. 46-acre resort campground with resort amenities, family activities, and 562 campsites, including RV and tent sites.
- Price: Summer rates start from $65; winter rates start from $60
It's not hard to see why this one landed on our best campgrounds in Southern California list. Located right on San Diego’s Mission Bay, a stay at Campland On The Bay is anything but your average camping trip - it is a massive resort destination with everything needed for an epic family vacation. Sites themselves range from primitive to partial and full hook-ups to beachfront, and at the highest end the Supersite - an enclosed enclave with an outdoor kitchen, laundry, bathroom and shower, hot tub, dining areas, and full hook-ups. Resort amenities include beach access, swimming pools and spas, hiking trails, bicycle rentals, showers and restrooms, on-site laundry, gym, sports courts, marina and boat launch, live entertainment, a playground, a bar and cantina, and even an on-site ice cream parlor. This is one campground you may never want to leave.
Two Harbors, CA 90704, USA
- Location: Catalina Island, CA
- Popularity: Hidden gem
- Park Info: Open year-round. 47 primitive tent sites, 2 group sites, and 13 tent cabins for rent. Tents and camping gear can be rented on the island. Weekends from May through October require a 2-night minimum, and holidays require a 3-night minimum. Visitors can take the Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro directly to Two Harbors or from Long Beach to Avalon, then the Cyclone powerboat from Avalon to Two Harbors. The Cyclone is available only from June through October.
- Price: Rates are per person per night, starting at $29 for adults and $20 for children ages 2 to 11. Tent cabin fees start at $66 (in addition to per person fees)
Two Harbors Campground on Catalina Island is perhaps the most unique - and remote - ocean-view camping experience in Southern California. Tent cabins offer ocean views and are outfitted with six cots, a two-burner propane stove, a rechargeable lantern, a shade structure, picnic table, and fire pit with grill. Tent sites can accommodate anywhere from two to 12 guests. Campers have the option to pack in their own tents and/or sleeping pads or to rent them from the visitor center, making this spot one of the best campgrounds in Southern California for folks who want to camp, but haven't purchased any gear yet. Visitor services also include propane stove rentals, sleeping bags sales, firewood, hiking and biking permits, boat tickets, etc. Rugged natural beauty and spectacular views of the Pacific make this an unforgettable camping experience.
Top Glamping in Southern California
Camping means different things to different people and every family has their own camping style. For some, the call of the great outdoors is strong, but not greater than the need for a few creature comforts. Fear not, for those of you who want a slightly elevated camping experience, we have got you covered with some of the best campgrounds in Southern California with glamping opportunities.
7400 Pine Grove Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060, USA
Nestled in the beautiful California hills, Ventura Ranch KOA proves that glamping is not just for adults and that you don’t have to rough it for an outdoor adventure. It offers a huge range of camping options along with tons of fun amenities for the ultimate family getaway. Aside from the spacious tent and RV sites, this campground has Safari tents (with electricity), Teepee tents (no electricity), cabins, and Conestoga wagons. There is a huge tropical pool, a giant jumping pillow, a playground, zip lining, a ropes and obstacle course, rock climbing tower, and activities like arts and crafts, gem mining, and more.
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2825 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA
On the other end of the scale is the ultra-exclusive Trailer Pond at Alta Colina Winery and Vineyard. Camp out on a 130-acre private, organically-fared vineyard. Five adorable restored vintage trailers sit at the edge of a pond with a vine-covered hill as a backdrop. Each trailer sleeps up to two adults. Hike and explore the property and take in the scenic vistas, sit and relax on the pond’s floating platform, and enjoy al fresco dining. Trailers can be booked individually or as a group, and the property offers a number of add-ons and custom packages to create the perfect wine country glamping experience.
11560 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
Santa Barbara County’s El Capitan Canyon brings glampers the ultimate in luxury camping amidst stunning natural surroundings. Safari Tents and Adventure Yurts sleep up to four with comfy beds, luxury linens, space heaters, and shared shower/restroom facilities. Yurts include a mini-fridge and microwave. The canyon’s exceptional cedar cabins which range from modest one-room structures to a two-bedroom cabin with King Master and upstairs suite. The on-site market carries far more than sunscreen and s’mores supplies. You can purchase organic provisions, local wines, fresh coffee, and much more. Stay in next-level comfort among 350 acres of historic oak and sycamore groves, not far from the incredible coastline.
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18101 Paradise Dr, Valyermo, CA 93563, USA
Huttopia has locations all over the world and Paradise Springs is the first of its kind on the West Coast. Located nestled high in the San Gabriel Mountains within the Angeles National Forest, this natural oasis has long been a treasured spot for enjoying the outdoors. This French-style glamping resort is a true oasis, characterized by unspoiled natural beauty, crisp mountain air and a natural artesian spring. Wood-frame canvas tent cabins sit in a wide canyon and provide all the comforts of home (including some with private bathrooms), while you have access to resort amenities like a sparkling pool with stunning valley views, a camp store, a coffee cart and bistro, kids’ camp, and entertainment.
317 Bryant St, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
A truly unique little glampground, Caravan Outpost is an intimate property with 10 beautifully appointed, ready-to-camp Airstream Caravan trailers, each of which sleeps anywhere from two to five guests. Each Caravan has a fully functioning kitchen, professionally cleaned and sanitized bathroom, heat and air conditioning, bed and bath linens, toiletries, and a private outdoor garden area with a bistro set and umbrella. Guests must bring their own cookware and utensils if they plan to cook, but disposable plates, cups, and eating utensils can be requested. The trailers are situated in gardens around a central “living room” area and guests can shop for supplies and merch at the on-site General Store. This glampground is also close to the wonderful little town of Ojai, which is fun to explore.
Best RV Camping Sites in Southern California
Like glamping tents, RV camping elevates the typical camping experience and lets you enjoy outdoor adventures while enjoying the comforts of home. Whether you already own an RV or choose to rent one from an entity like RV Share, the following are some of the best campgrounds in Southern California for RV life.
70875 Dillon Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241, USA
This dreamy RV campground is part of a resort, a 40-acre tropical oasis-like paradise in Desert Hot Springs, with the gorgeous San Jacinto mountains as a backdrop. The RV camping area features spacious sites, full hookups, cable TV, free WiFiand access to all of the resort’s amenities - amenities that include four therapeutic spa pools fed by deep mineral hot springs on the property. Guests can cool off in the huge wading and swimming pools, play arcade and table games in the recreation room, enjoy a variety of massage treatments and the sauna, and stop by the camp store for coffee, popcorn, soft-serve ice cream, and other goodies. Families also appreciate the sandy kids’ playground and grassy dog park.
36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92311, USA
What makes this campground special is the ghost town it is attached to. The sites are basic and have access to pay showers and flush toilets. Guests who stay overnight are generally here to explore the most popular ghost town in Southern California. Calico Ghost Town, an 1880s silver mining town, is full of fascinating things to do and places to explore, fun tours, museums, outdoor adventures, gold panning, shops, restaurants, and a 20-Mule Team Off-‘Road Adventure! Spend the day going back in time before retiring to the modern comforts (and AC during warmer months) of your RV. This is also a great location for visiting nearby Victorville or a drive to Big Bear Lake.
33900 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399, USA
This gorgeous park is a fantastic place to park an RV for a getaway any time of year. The RV sites have full hookups and access to other campground amenities such as group picnic areas, hot showers, ADA accessible restrooms, grills and fire rings, and a dump station. Yucaipa Regional Park offers numerous water activities on three lakes, including fishing, pedal boats, and a stunning swimming lagoon with waterslides and a sandy beach. Paths and trails throughout the park are great for hiking and biking, and families can enjoy a disc golf course and a playground. The park is also popular for nature photography due to amazing wildflowers and prolific wildlife.
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56570 CA-74, Mountain Center, CA 92561, USA
Mountains, forest, or lake? Camping or waterpark? At this fantastic family campground near the charming mountain town of Idyllwild, you can have it all. Campers enjoy fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, forest hikes, an epic “swim zone” waterpark, and the Soaring Pines Cafe. Rent, pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, ore event camping gear on-site. Purchase snacks, sandwiches, fruit and veggies, and campfire s’mores kits from the Lake Hemet Market.
Best Primitive Tent Camping in Southern California
I grew up tent camping. While I appreciate the comforts of RVs, trailers, and glamping tents, there is nothing quite like a night in a tent – no television or electricity, only campfires and sleeping bags for warmth, waking to the sounds of birds in the trees. If you hear “roughing it” and think “I’m in!”, here are some of the best campsites in Southern California where you can pitch your tent.
Henninger Flats, 2260 Pinecrest Dr, Altadena, CA 91001, USA
Henninger Flats is a small hanging basin up in the San Gabriel Mountains, reachable via the scenic Henninger Flats Trail, beginning at the trailhead in Pasadena, CA. The trail is beautiful and moderately challenging with hillside switchbacks and spectacular views as you climb to the flats. The landscape changes completely toward the top where there is a dense canopy of tall pines and lush green grass, not to mention the amazing vistas as it overlooks the Los Angeles basin. The small public campground here, but be prepared to pack in and pack out whatever you need for your overnight stay. This is one of the best campgrounds in Southern California for folks looking for a secluded camping experience.
Whitney Portal Road, Whitney Portal Rd, Lone Pine, CA, USA
Towering pine trees, giant boulders, a bubbling stream, hiking trails, picnic areas, a pristine rock pond, and crisp mountain air make Whitney Portal Campground a camper’s paradise, with many agreeing it's one of the best campgrounds in Southern California. It is located 14 miles outside of the town of Lone Pine, in the Inyo National Forest, and truly feels a world away from everything. Fire grates, piped drinking water, vault toilets, and bear lockers are available for camper use.
Holcomb Valley Road, Holcomb Valley Rd, California, USA
Located just a few miles from Big Bear Lake, this unique campground is surrounded by thousands of acres of San Bernardino National Forest. Perfect for exploring the beautiful area, it is a quiet escape with light filtering through pine trees by day and dark skies full of stars at night. Each of the 19 sites include a picnic table, fire ring, a bear box and access to vault toilets. Definitely one of the best campgrounds in Southern California for stargazers and astrophotographers!
20555 Keller Peak Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA
If you are looking for a quiet campground where you can enjoy a nature getaway with a group of friends and family, head to one of the group sites at Shady Cove Campground. As one of the best campgrounds in Southern California, you will find plenty of space to pitch your tents beneath the trees and basic amenities such as fire rings, grills, potable water, vault toilets, and picnic tables. The stunning surrounding area is a hiker’s dream and the campground's proximity to the area’s lakes - notably, Big Bear Lake - make this an ideal home base for hiking, rock climbing, boating, fishing, off-roading, horseback riding, and more.
There you have it – 23 of the best campgrounds in Southern California, and something for every outdoor adventurer! All you need to do now is decide which of these suits you best and pack your bags. What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits!
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More to Explore
The 23 Best Campgrounds in Southern California: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems
What are the most popular state parks in Southern California?
Depending on where you draw the line between Northern and Southern California, we have around 25 state parks here in SoCal, each with its own special features. That being said, some of the most popular state parks in Southern California are:
- Malibu Creek State Park
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Crystal Cove State Park
- San Onofre State Beach
- Saddleback Butte State Park
Looking for the best parks to explore? Check out a few of our favorite state parks.
What time of year is best for camping in Southern California?
The answer really depends on what kind of camping experience you are looking for and where you want to camp, but generally speaking, the time of year considered best for camping in Southern California is from mid-April through mid-October due to warmer temperatures and less rainfall. That being said, Southern California has huge and fascinating desert regions that are wonderful for camping in the winter months, as well as early spring and late fall, when the moderate temperatures make it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors.
Where can I find secluded campgrounds in Southern California?
Many of the most secluded campgrounds in Southern California can be found in our national parks and forests, as well as the channel islands off of the SoCal coast. The following are some of our most secluded campgrounds:
- Wheeler Gorge Campground, Los Padres National Forest
- Gaviota State Park Beach and Campground
- Del Norte Campground, Santa Cruz Island
- Sycamore Canyon Campground, Point Mugu State Park
Check out one of our previous articles on a few more secluded SoCal campgrounds.