South California Family Friendly Campgrounds

Located near the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park, Azalea campground is among evergreen trees and near the famous General Grant Tree.  General Grant tree is the largest giant sequoia in the park and the second largest tree IN THE WORLD.

Campsites are situated somewhat close to one another, but there are plenty of trees to offer privacy.  You can fish and boat in Kings River or hike on any of the nature trails that wind through the park.  In the spring the Azalea shrubs are alive with rainbows of color!

Tent/Trailer/RV Camping:

Furnace Creek Campground is central located in Death Valley National Park.  Peak camping season is November through March, when the temperatures are mild with only occasional storms.  Summer months are very hot (it is DEATH VALLEY).

Everyone in the family will enjoy the many interpretive and educational programs offered at the park’s visitor center.  There is also a 1 mile bike path that connects to an interpretive trail leading to Harmony Borax Works – an abandoned borax refinery from the late 1800s.

Full Hook-up

Tent, Trailer, RV

Tent Only

For families looking for a smaller, private campground should check out Riverside Campground located in Big Sur.  You can tent/RV camp or book one of their cabins to stay in.  Big Sur Road House restaurant is nearby so you don’t even need to do your own cooking!

Swim or wade in Big Sur River or go fishing November-February (catch and release).  During winter you can view the California Gray whales migrate past the coast.  In the summer you may spot a Blue Whale or Humpbacks.  There are plenty of day hikes through the redwood, up mountains, and along ridges.

Tent Camping

RV Camping

Cabins

Situated in Morro Bay State Park, this campground is perfect for families looking for a seaside escape with activities ranging from beach combing to golfing.  One of the popular draws is the Museum of Natural History inside the park which has activities like nature walks, exhibits, lectures, puppet shows, videos, tours, and other special events.

The campsites themselves are rather close together – but there are trees and brush for added privacy.

Tent/Trailers/RVs Camping

Group Camping

Lopez Lake Campground offers year-round camping and tons of outdoor activities for everyone in the family.  22 miles of shoreline on Lopez Lake are perfect for picnicking, swimming (the lake temperature in the summer is a comfortable 70 degrees), boating, fishing, hiking and more.  If you enjoy bird watching, there have been over 150 species of local birds spotted in the park – bring your binoculars!

If your family enjoys adventure courses, check out Vista Lago Adventure Park – it has zip lines as well as easier courses for the younger adventurers.  Mustang Water Park is located on the lake and offers all sorts of fun for the entire family – from 600-ft waterslides to tot pools and cabana picnic areas.

There are campsites for tent campers, RVers, trailers, group campers, equestrian campers, and even a boat-in campsite.  There are bears in the area along with other wildlife, so it is vital to lock up any food over night!

Primitive Camping:

Electric Camping:

Full Hook-Up Camping:

Group Camping:

Boat-In Camping:

Equestrian Camping:

Calico is an old West mining town that was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value.  The buildings were architecturally restored in the 1950s and the town received State Historical Landmark.  The Ghost Town has tours, museums, shops, and restaurants.  You can ride a historic train through the park, pan for gold, and tour an authentic silver mine that has exhibits and displays set up.

Camping reservations includes admission to the Ghost Town for up to 6 people.

Full Hook-Up Camping:

Partial Hook-Up and Primitive Camping:

Cabins:

Mini Bunkhouse:

Main Bunkhouse:

Group Camping:

Camping at Ocean Mesa RV and Campground is especially enjoyable for families in the summer months when there are outdoor movie nights, concerts, and wine tastings scheduled.  Kids enjoy the swimming pool and playground, while parents like the massage and wellness center.

It’s only a 30 minute drive up US 101 to get to Carpinteria State Beach where you can can explore tidal pools, swim, surf, and paddle.  There is 1 mile of beach access and lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.  You can spot seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales from the shore!  You can also fish and clam for your dinner, or head to one of the nearby local restaurants.

Full Hook-Up Camping:

Tent Camping:

Nearly a century ago, the Boy Scouts built Wheeler Gorge campground next to a picturesque stream and rocky mountains.  Families can explore the Los Padres National forest – hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, or enjoying one of the many ranger-led nature programs.  The Manzanilla Creek runs through the campground – with some campsites situated right next to it.  Almost all the campsites are shaded with tall trees which helps with privacy as well as high summer temperatures.

Small children will especially love the kid-friendly hiking trail where they might be able to spot deer, squirrels, lizards, and birds.

Tent/RV/Trailer Camping:

12 miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach has a mile of coastline where families can explore tidal pools, swim, surf, and paddle.  There are 5 campgrounds in the park – for all kinds of camping – from primitive tent camping to full hook-ups for RVers.

From shore you can spot gray whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins – or get out your paddle boat of choice (kayak, canoe, paddle board) and head out onto the waters to get closer.  Catch dinner by fishing or clamming on the beach – or, if that doesn’t appeal, you can walk into town to dine at a local restaurant.

Tent/RV/Trailer Camping – no hook ups:

Tent/RV/Trailer Camping – water/electric hook ups:

Tent/RV/Trailer Camping – full hook ups:

2,500 acre Lake Casitas is the perfect destination for all water-loving camping families.  The lake is stocked with all sorts of fish and they even hold moonlight fishing events during full moons in the summer.  The big hit with kids (of all ages) is the Casitas Water Adventure Park which features a spray park for babies and tots, a multi-level gym with waterfalls for little kids, and a lazy river featuring waterfalls, bridges, and lifeguards for the whole family.

Tent/RV/Trailer Camping – basic sites:

Tent/RV/Trailer Camping – water/electric hook ups:

Tent/RV/Trailer Camping – deluxe hook ups:

Tent/RV/Trailer Camping – executive hook ups:

If you are looking for a campground close to home where you can just get away for a few days, Ventura Ranch KOA has something for everyone.  The facilities are clean and well maintained and there is a definite family-feel about the place.  Kids can ride bikes along the roads and paths and meet other camping kids around the park.

The campground organizes family activities like the Bigfoot Adventure walk, Tie-Dying, and movie nights.  In addition there is a climbing wall, swimming pool, jumping pillow, and a couple of playgrounds.  Kids won’t be bored!

Tent sites:

RV sites (full and partial hook-ups):

Teepees

Safari Tents:

Cabins:

Situated along the Pacific Coast Highway in the Santa Monica Mountains is the Leo Carrillo State Park.  Campers have easy access via a walking path from the campground to the 1.5 miles of beach- where you can explore tide pools, kelp forests, whale watching, surfing, and swimming.  Lifeguards are posted during the summer months for the safety of swimmers.

The more private campsites are along the exterior of the campground loop, while the interior campsites are closer together (making them ideal group camping spots).  There is also a 50 person group campground with its own bathrooms and showers.

Tent/Trailer/RV sites:

Group Camping:

Locate in the San Gabriel Mountains (near Los Angeles) – Camp Williams Resort sits right on the San Gabriel East Fork.  Every camping site is riverside, so you will fall asleep each night listening to the soothing sound of river water.

During the days, kids can try their hand at fly fishing, or just swim and splash in the river.  The campground is quiet and secure and there is a café and general store located on premises.

Tent:

Full Hook-Up RV/Trailer Camping:

Cabin Camping:

Situated on the north shore of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino National Forest, Serrano Family Campground is the perfect destination for families who love spending time in nature and on the water!  Big Bear Lake is only a short walk away from the campground, where you can swim, fish, boat, waterski, and watch the wildlife.

A family favorite is the Big Bear Discovery Center where you can easily spend a half a day or more checking out their exhibits, programs, eco-tours, outdoor concerts, theater productions, and nighttime interpretive programs.

Tent/RV/Trailer:

Full Hook-Up RV/Trailer Camping:

Campsites are located in between towering boulders on a flat, sandy surface in the desert landscape. Rock climbers are drawn to the area because of the steep rock formations and rock climbing routes nearby.  There are plenty of boulders and rocks for amateurs to climb as well. If you aren’t into rock climbing, you’ll still enjoy the incredible landscapes, wild life viewing, and natural tranquility of the desert.

Tent/RV/Trailer:

Group (Tent Only):

Lake Hemet is one of the most popular spots in Southern California for camping and fishing.  With over 600 campsites, glamping tents, and cabins – there is plenty of opportunity to make a reservation.

Families who like waterparks can spend the day at Splashing Eagle Waterpark which features a Giant Action Tower XXL climbing wall, giant water trampoline, inflatable teeter totter, as well as splash zones, swimming areas, and spots to relax

Tent/RV/Trailer:

Glamping Tents:

Lakeview Cabins:

Located in Orange County, Moro Campground is the perfect family destination because it has both extensive beaches as well as hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.  Crystal Cove State Park offers an underwater park popular with snorkelers and scuba divers, miles of beaches and coves perfect for relaxing in the sun or building a sand castle, and ridges and canyons for hikers.

The rangers conduct interpretive programs throughout the year which include guided hikes, tidepool explorations, and geology talks. If you want to step back in time, check out the Crystal Cove Historic District – with 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages originally built as a 1930’s & 40’s seaside colony.

Tent/Pop-Up Trailer:

RV/Trailers:

Backcountry Primitive Camping

Hermit Gulch Campground is the only campground located within the Avalon city limits on Catalina Island.  It’s only a 30 minute walk/5 minute bus ride to downtown – where you’ll find grocery stores, shops, and restaurants.  A must-see while visiting is Wrigley Botanical Gardens which is only a half mile away.

On the island there are endless activities to partake in such as land and ocean expeditions, golfing, zip lines, and more.  If you want a complete list of activities – check out their activities brochure here.

Unlike most campgrounds, Hermit Gulch charges a per camper fee.  If you don’t have all your camping equipment, you can rent sleeping bags, stoves, and tents at the campground store.  To access the campground, take the ferry 22 miles across the pacific to the city of Avalon.  From the ferry launch, it is a 1.5 mile walk to the campground or you can take a taxi or shuttle.

Tent:

Tent Cabins:

If hiking is an activity your family enjoys, check out the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground in Anza Borrego Desert State Park.  The campground is near the access points for several hiking trails including the popular Borrego Palm Canyon Trail (best time to hike this trail is October – May).

Set aside some time to stop by the visitor’s center where you can meet the knowledgeable staff who can suggest hiking routes suitable to your family’s interests and abilities.  You’ll also be able to see the exhibits on Anza Borrego’s natural and cultural history as well as short films on the park.

Tent/Trailer/RV:

Electric hook-up sites:

Group Camping Primitive Sites:

East of San Diego in the Cuyamaca Mountains you’ll find the Oakzanita Springs RV campground.  This is a year-round campground, but you’ll find more activities open during the summer months.  Large rigs up to 36 ft can fit here, but some of the turns are sharp and challenging.  This resort is part of the Thousand Trails group.

20 minute drive away is the Viejas Casino and shopping at an Outlet Center.

Tent/Trailer/RV:

If you are looking for a resort-style camping experience, you can’t go wrong with Campland on the Bay.  Make no mistake – this is not camping in the traditional sense – visitors are here for the plentiful recreation activities and kids’ activities.  There are kids everywhere – they are racing their bikes around, riding scooters, swimming, running, and playing.  Let your kids loose and they’ll be active from sun up to sun down.

Family activities include swimming, boating, arcades, mini golf, biking and more.  There is nightly live entertainment and organized kids’ activities.  Kids are never bored.

Dry/No-Hook-Ups:

Water & Electric Hook-Ups:

Full Hook-Ups:

Glamping at the SuperSite: