10 Best Camping Sites in Southern California for Nature Lovers

Southern California is a top spot for outdoor lovers with some of the best camping sites in the United States. Nature enthusiasts can find everything from pristine beaches to rugged deserts and soaring mountain peaks. The region’s remarkable biodiversity and natural beauty make it perfect for adventurers of all types.

Joshua Tree National Park amazes visitors with its unique rock formations. Crystal Cove State Park and San Onofre Beach offer peaceful coastal settings that campers love. Each spot has something special to offer. The night sky puts on an incredible show for desert campers. The Pacific Coast Highway leads to fascinating tidepools, while ancient sequoia groves await hikers. These ten handpicked campgrounds showcase the best places to stay in Southern California’s diverse landscape.

Joshua Tree National Park – Jumbo Rocks Campground

Nestled among massive boulder formations, Jumbo Rocks Campground provides a genuine desert camping experience in Joshua Tree National Park’s heart. The campground’s 124 sites spread naturally through a valley filled with distinctive rock formations.

Location and Landscape

A prime central location connects visitors to major park attractions. Paved roads make the facility available to vehicles of all types. Natural shade from majestic rock formations blankets the camping area during morning and evening hours and creates distinct microclimates throughout the grounds.

Camping Facilities

This campground provides simple amenities that create a true wilderness experience:

• Sites accommodate 1-2 tents and vehicles
• Picnic tables and fire rings at each site
• Vault toilets throughout the facility
• Cost: $20 per night ($10 for Senior Pass holders)

The campground has no cell service, running water, or electricity. Campers need reservations during peak season from October to May, and sites can be booked up to six months in advance.

Nearby Attractions

Skull Rock Trail welcomes hikers with a scenic 1.7-mile loop that starts right at the campground entrance. Adventure seekers can tackle any of the park’s over 8,000 climbing routes scattered across numerous boulder problems. Nature enthusiasts will spot diverse wildlife along the way, from quick-footed cottontail rabbits and clever coyotes to speedy roadrunners and the iconic Mojave desert tortoise.

San Onofre State Beach

Renowned as one of California’s premier coastal destinations, San Onofre State Beach draws visitors with its vast shoreline and world-famous surfing spots. This beautiful state park covers three main areas: the Bluffs, San Mateo Campground, and the legendary Surf Beach.

Beachfront Camping Experience

Spectacular ocean views await you at campsites 1-23 and 105-112. Campers have amazing choices between scenic bluff-top spots and the San Mateo Campground that sits just inland. A beautiful 1.5-mile nature trail links the campground to the renowned Trestles Beach and makes beach access easy.

Surfing and Water Activities

San Onofre, nicknamed the “Waikiki of California,” stands out with its gentle, user-friendly waves. The beach offers several distinct surf breaks:

• The Point and Four Doors
• Old Man’s
• Dogpatch – ideal for beginners

Summer months bring south/southwest swells that reshape the scene into a vibrant community. Surfers of all skill levels gather here to enjoy the perfect conditions.

Campground Amenities

Each campsite has all the basic amenities you need at $35 per night. You’ll find:

• Fire pit and picnic table at every site
• RV hookups with electricity and water (at San Mateo)
• Hot indoor showers and flush toilets
• RV dump station available

Your camping experience will be better if you arrive early, particularly on busy summer weekends. The campground stays open throughout the year, so you can enjoy Southern California’s beautiful coastal views anytime.

Crystal Cove State Park – Moro Campground

Moro Campground sits beautifully between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach along the Pacific Coast Highway in Crystal Cove State Park. The campground combines the best of coastal and wilderness camping experiences and represents one of Orange County’s largest preserved areas of open space and natural seashore.

Scenic Bluff-top Location

This campground sits perfectly on a bluff that provides breathtaking ocean views. 27 hookup sites and 30 non-hookup tent sites welcome campers with different priorities while the natural beauty remains untouched. The park’s Mediterranean climate makes camping a delight. Mornings start with a gentle fog that melts away into warm, sunny afternoons.

Beach Access and Hiking Trails

The park offers excellent trails that match every hiker’s ability. Visitors can choose from several well-maintained paths:

• Moro Canyon Trail – This beginner-friendly path stretches 3 miles round trip. The trail’s elevation ranges from 35′ to 178′.
• Moderate Loop Trail – A scenic 2.85-mile adventure awaits hikers on this path. The trail winds through varied terrain and rewards visitors with stunning ocean views.
• Strenuous Park Perimeter – Adventure seekers can challenge themselves on this demanding 9-mile loop. The trail climbs to impressive heights of 1,000′ elevation.

Campsite Features

The campground has strict size limits – non-hookup sites can accommodate up to 25 feet while hookup RV sites allow 38 feet. Campers can access token-operated hot showers, well-maintained restrooms, and dedicated picnic spots. Nature enthusiasts will love the 32 primitive hike-in sites located in three backcountry zones. These remote spots provide a peaceful camping experience but require a three-mile hike to access. Campers must carry in and pack out all their supplies.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park stands as California’s largest state park and features a remarkable desert camping experience at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. Nature enthusiasts seeking desert solitude will find their perfect spot west of Borrego Springs. The campground accommodates visitors with 120 campsites, including 51 full hookup RV sites and 5 group campsites.

Desert Landscape and Stargazing

This remarkable park stands as an International Dark Sky Park, ranking among Southern California’s finest stargazing spots. Clear skies and strict community light pollution controls allow visitors to see the Milky Way without telescopes. Nature paints an even more stunning picture in spring when wildflower blooms spread their vibrant colors across the desert terrain.

Hiking and Wildlife Viewing

The campground has several available trails that provide a variety of hiking experiences. The signature 3-mile Borrego Palm Canyon Trailguides adventurers through scenic desert terrain. Nature enthusiasts can spot roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer, and bighorn sheep roaming their natural habitat.

Campground Facilities

This desert oasis combines modern comforts with authentic wilderness charm. Guests can access:

• Token-operated hot showers and flush toilets
• Picnic tables and shade ramadas at each site
• Full hookups are available at sites 1-51
• Water spigots and drinking fountains throughout

Visitors need reservations between October 1 and April 30, with check-in at 2 PM and checkout at noon. Borrego Springs’ nearby location lets you grab supplies easily while you retain control over your peaceful desert experience.

Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park sits along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and fascinates visitors with its dramatic coastline. The park features remarkable sea caves and abundant marine life. Its beauty extends across 1.5 miles of pristine beach that combines perfect recreational activities with natural wonders.

Coastal Camping

Majestic sycamore trees shelter 130 well-shaded sites that welcome both RV and tent campers. The campground offers more privacy than other coastal spots because its sites are strategically placed. Campers can easily walk from their forested sanctuary to the beach using a convenient connecting trail.

Beach Activities and Tide Pools

Marine life thrives along the park’s rocky shoreline. Rich ecosystems flourish in the tide pools that showcase an amazing variety of sea creatures. Visitors can spot sea anemones, sea stars, sea urchins, mussels, barnacles, and crabs in these natural aquariums. Adventure seekers and nature photographers will love the beach’s unique features that include mysterious coastal caves and dramatic rocky outcroppings.

Campsite Amenities

The camping experience gets a boost from these modern facilities:

• Sites with electrical hookups (20, 30, and 50 AMP)
• Token-operated hot showers and flush toilets
• Camp store for supplies and necessities
• Fire rings and picnic tables at each site

Standard sites cost $45 while sites with hookups are $60. Campers can stay up to 30 days. The campground preserves its natural character with a strict vehicle length limit of 31 feet.

Mount San Jacinto State Park – Idyllwild Campground

Mount San Jacinto State Park stands 10,834 feet above sea level and provides a unique alpine camping experience in Southern California. The pristine wilderness area welcomes outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Tall pines surround the Idyllwild Campground that leads visitors into this remarkable mountain destination.

Mountain Setting

A magnificent forest welcomes campers with 33 developed campsites nestled under fragrant pine trees. This mountain sanctuary stands in sharp contrast to its desert surroundings. Nature’s air conditioning keeps this spot about 20 degrees cooler than the valley below.

Hiking and Rock Climbing

Adventure seekers will find 54 miles of hiking trails throughout the park. These trails range from easy nature walks perfect for families to steep mountain climbs that test your endurance. Rock climbing enthusiasts flock to two popular destinations throughout the year:

• Suicide Rock – offers sustained routes up to 400 feet
• Lily Rock – features challenging climbs up to 1,000 feet

Campground Features

Each site has everything you need for a comfortable mountain stay:

• Flush toilets and hot showers
• Picnic tables and fire rings
• Food storage lockers
• Water faucets at 10 sites

Your vehicle should be 24 feet or shorter to fit in the campground. A few RV hookups are available too. The area becomes a snow sports hub in winter months. Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures.

Channel Islands National Park – Santa Cruz Island

You can reach Santa Cruz Island only by boat, and it’s a remarkable getaway into one of Southern California’s most untouched natural settings. The Scorpion Canyon Campground has 25 individual sites and 6 group sites that serve as a perfect starting point to learn about this unique marine wilderness.

Island Camping Experience

Your campsite sits a half-mile to one-mile hike from the pier. You’ll need to carry all your gear to your site. The island’s pack-in, pack-out policy means careful preparation is important. This primitive camping spot has basic amenities that help you enjoy the island’s wild character naturally.

Water Activities and Wildlife

Crystal-clear waters and sheltered coves make this island a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can experience:

• Swimming and snorkeling in pristine waters teeming with marine life
• Exciting kayak adventures that wind through mysterious sea caves
• Close encounters with local wildlife, including the rare island scrub-jay
• Breathtaking coastal hikes with panoramic ocean views

Camping Facilities

Each campsite has simple amenities that ensure a comfortable stay:

• Picnic table and food storage box
• Access to pit toilets
• Drinking water stations
• Shade availability at select sites

The campground maintains strict rules. quiet hours at 10:00 PM must be observed, and campers need reservations in advance. No campfires or charcoal fires are permitted. Campers can only use enclosed gas camp stoves to cook their meals.

Angeles National Forest – Chilao Campground

The Chilao Campground is a beautiful mountain retreat that’s available in Angeles National Forest, just 90 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The campground sits at 5,300 feet and showcases breathtaking views of Big Tujunga Canyon and Vetter Lookout.

Forest Environment

Natural shade and cool mountain temperatures welcome visitors to this peaceful campground that features 83 single-family campsites nestled in two distinct loops—Little Pines and Manzanita. The Little Pines section stays accessible throughout the year when weather conditions allow, while Manzanita provides additional camping space during winter months. This serene forest setting offers a perfect retreat from city life.

Hiking and Nature Trails

The historic Silver Moccasin Trail starts right at the campground. Nature lovers will find countless adventures in the surrounding area that include:

• Wildlife and bird spotting in their natural habitat
• Mountain biking adventures through forest paths
• Crystal-clear night skies are perfect for stargazing

Campsite Amenities

Each site has these basic facilities:

• Picnic table and fire ring with grill
• Access to vault toilets
• Trash collection services
• Sites fit vehicles up to 40 feet long

The campground operates without potable water. Sites work on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day maximum stay. Campers need an Adventure Pass to stay overnight. The check-out deadline is 11:00 AM.

Sequoia National Park – Lodgepole Campground

Lodgepole Campground stands 6,700 feet high and acts as a gateway to the majestic sequoia forests of Sequoia National Park. The campground offers 214 sites that rest along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Visitors can use this perfect location as their base while learning about the park’s natural wonders.

Giant Sequoia Groves

Visitors can easily reach some of the world’s largest trees from the campground near Giant Forest. A free shuttle runs seasonally between the campground and Giant Forest, which protects over 8,000 sequoias. The magnificent General Sherman Tree stands here as the world’s largest living tree by volume, while scenic interpretive trails wind through untouched sequoia groves.

Hiking and Sightseeing

Many trails start from the campground. The popular Tokopah Falls Trail leads to spectacular views of the glacially-carved granite canyon. Hikers can explore four alpine lakes along the Lakes Trail, and the Alta Peak trail showcases breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Sierra Nevada range.

Campground Facilities

This campground has everything you need to enjoy your stay comfortably:

• 76 tent-only sites and multiple RV spaces
• Each site comes with picnic tables and fire rings
• Bear-proof food storage lockers
• Showers, laundry, and a market are available during peak season

The campground welcomes RVs up to 40 feet long and allows generator use at specific times. Weather conditions determine the operating season, which usually starts before Memorial Day and runs through late September.

Palomar Mountain State Park

Palomar Mountain State Park blends natural beauty with perfect stargazing conditions at 4,730 feet. The park’s location makes it a perfect camping spot in Southern California’s natural setting. Campers can find 31 pristine sites at Doane Valley Campground, surrounded by beautiful woodland.

Mountain Retreat

This campground splits into two separate loops. Sites 1–8 provide the flattest spots to pitch your tent. Nature surrounds you at higher elevations, which feels completely different from the Mediterranean weather below. Campers can grab spots on a first-come, first-served basis through the winter season.

Hiking and Stargazing

Palomar Observatory’s famous location makes this park a perfect spot for astronomy lovers. The mountain offers pristine dark skies that astronomers dream about, thanks to its small population of 400 full-time residents. Nature enthusiasts can explore several scenic paths that include:

• Baptist Trail
• Adams Trail
• Scott’s Cabin Trail

Campsite Features

Our campsites offer everything you need for a comfortable stay:

• Picnic table and fire ring
• Food storage lockers at most sites
• Two bathroom facilities with flush toilets
• Hot shower facility

The campground welcomes RVs and trailers up to 27 feet long, though space limits apply to larger vehicles at certain sites. Campers can run generators only between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.The camp’s environmental policy prohibits wood collection from the grounds. The camp host sells firewood for your convenience.

Conclusion

Southern California’s camping spots showcase nature at its finest, from Joshua Tree’s iconic desert landscape to Sequoia’s towering ancient groves. These ten destinations show the region knows how to provide coastal, mountain, desert, and forest camping experiences just a few hours away from major cities. Each spot brings its own mix of natural wonders, outdoor activities, and camping facilities that work great for both first-time campers and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

The campgrounds stay available most of the year because of Southern California’s great weather and facilities they’ve managed to keep in top shape. Many sites blend modern comforts with untouched wilderness areas. Visitors can pick how rustic or comfortable they want their experience to be while learning about the region’s natural beauty. Nature lovers can stargaze at the Milky Way in Anza-Borrego, catch world-class waves at San Onofre, or find peace in the mountains at Mount San Jacinto.

FAQs

Does Southern California offer the type of camping I’m looking for?
Yes, Southern California boasts a variety of camping sites that cater to nature lovers. From beachfront campsites to desert landscapes and mountain retreats, there’s a diverse range of options to suit different preferences.