How to Plan a Multi-Family or Group Camping Trip

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We just got back from our second-annual group camping trip at Yucaipa Regional Park. This has quickly become one of our favorite traditions, and it has a lot to do with the families who join us on this trip. While there is no large group camping site at this particular campground, it’s easy enough to get lots of individual campsites near each other, making for a fun group camping trip.

There’s a lot that goes into planning a group camping trip. If you’re the brave soul volunteering to plan a multi-family or group camping trip, you deserve a high five—and a little help. Here’s a guide to making it fun, organized, and (mostly) stress-free.

1. Start with the Big Questions

Before you go all-in on Pinterest packing lists, get clear on the basics:

• How many families/people are coming?
• How many nights?
• What’s the vibe? (Rustic tent camping, glamping cabins, or something in between?)
• Distance willingness? (Some people are fine driving 5+ hours; others want something under two.)

There are two ways to get started with this part of the planning. The first option is to send out a group message or email early on—think 3 to 6 months in advance if you’re planning for a busy summer weekend or a national park. That’s where you can put feelers out to see what people’s preferences are. This strategy is best when trying to accommodate others, like if you’re pushing for a family reunion and really want the majority of families to be able to make it.

The other option, and one I have found to be very successful, is choosing a place and date and then spreading the word. For instance, one of the moms on our baseball team organized a group camping trip by choosing a location that isn’t too far away and isn’t too tough to book spots. She then emailed the whole team and shared the dates and site that she booked. Within a few hours, nearly everyone on the team had logged in and booked their own sites for that same weekend.

2. Pick the Right Campground for Your Group Camping Trip

This really makes a difference when planning for group camping. Look for:

• Group sites that allow multiple tents and communal campfires.
• Amenities like bathrooms, showers, picnic shelters, and a lake or hiking trails nearby.
• Proximity to activities (kid-friendly hikes, paddle rentals, swimming, etc.).
• Reservation policy. Some campgrounds book up months in advance, while others are first-come, first-served (a riskier bet with a group).

Here’s where things get a little difficult. As much as we love camping in Yosemite, for example, we can’t plan a group camping trip there. Campsites are basically impossible to get as it is, so trying to get 5+ sites will be impossible. You’ll need to choose a campground where there is a group site that you only need one person to successfully book, or book somewhere that is less competitive and won’t book up 6 months out.

Tip: If people join in late, and all the campsites are booked, you can use this awesome campsite scanner app to find cancellations.

3. Plan Meals Like a Pro

We’ve been on several large group camping trips and have done meals in several different ways. One way is for everyone to just do their own thing, but that’s not nearly as much fun. And it means a lot of work for everybody.

Here are some fun ideas that are great for groups and help keep things simple.

• Assign meals by family. Each group takes a breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Do potluck-style dinners. Everyone brings a dish to share. This can be done by theme like “Italian night” or “soup night.”
• A twist on potlucks. Have people split a main course (like hamburgers and hotdogs) and then everyone else brings side items that pair well with that. The same can be done with nachos or tacos. A few people bring the main dish items and then everyone else brings the toppings and sides.
• Have a camp kitchen plan. Who’s bringing the camp stove? Tables? Plates and utensils?

Pro tip: Big-batch meals like chili, tacos, pasta, or pancakes are lifesavers during group camping. Here are some other ideas for quick and easy camping meals plus these amazing camping desserts that are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

4. Gear Up and Share Smart

You’ll need to come prepared with a camping kitchen. But not everyone needs their own everything. Group gear to share includes:

• Camp stove or grill
• Large coolers
• Water jugs
• Canopy or shade shelter
• Camping games (cornhole, cards, frisbee, etc.)

Encourage families to bring their own essentials (tents, sleeping gear, chairs), but don’t be shy about borrowing or pooling where it makes sense.

5. Keep Kids Entertained and Safe

If kids are part of the crew, a little planning goes a long way.

• Pack simple outdoor toys (balls, bug catchers, bikes).
• Bring glow sticks or flashlights for nighttime fun.
• Set camp rules—like where kids can wander, buddy systems, or quiet time.
• Plan a few group activities like a nature hike, scavenger hunt, or s’mores night.
• Consider having an outdoor movie night. Someone in your group likely has a projector ready to be used.
• Play some fun group campfire games.

6. Assign Roles Early On

If you’re one who likes to take charge and assign tasks, don’t be afraid to do so. You don’t have to do everything. (Seriously, don’t.)

Here are a few group-friendly roles you can divvy up:

• Trip Coordinator (probably you!) – picks the site and manages logistics.
• Meal Planner – helps organize group meals and food sharing.
• Gear Checker – makes sure essentials like lanterns, stoves, and coolers are covered.
• Activity Planner – brings games, scavenger hunts, or crafts for kids.

Shared Google Docs or group chats work wonders for keeping everyone in the loop. I love creating google docs that people can use to sign up for bringing certain items. You can make a list of everything you need (camping gear, food items, etc.) and then people just type their name next to the items they will be responsible for. It’s great!

7. Expect Hiccups Throughout the Group Camping Trip—and Roll With It

Camping with large groups and multiple families means more personalities, more schedules, and yes, more chances for things to go sideways. Embrace the imperfection.

Rain happens. Kids melt down. Coolers leak. The goal is not perfection—it’s togetherness.

8. Leave No Trace (and Leave it Better)

Make cleanup a group effort:

• Bring extra trash bags and recycling bins.
• Encourage kids to do a “micro-trash hunt” before leaving.
• Follow campground rules and Leave No Trace principles.

🏕️ Campgrounds with Group Campsites in Southern California

I live in San Diego, so I have some tried and true group camping destinations here in Southern California. These campgrounds either have group camping sites and/or they aren’t impossible to book.

🌊 Coastal Campgrounds for Group Camping

Some of our favorite summer campgrounds are great spots for a group camping trip thanks to their group sites.

1. Leo Carrillo State Park (Malibu)

• Group Size: Up to 50
• Highlights: Tide pools, beach, hiking trails

2. San Elijo State Beach (Encinitas)

• Group Size: Up to 50
• Highlights: Oceanfront, surfing, walkable to cafes

3. Doheny State Beach (Dana Point)

• Group Size: Up to 40
• Highlights: Sandy beach, volleyball, picnic shelters

4. San Clemente State Beach

• Group Size: Up to 50
• Highlights: Bluffs, beach access, scenic ocean views
• Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables

🌲 Mountain Campgrounds for Group Camping

5. Table Mountain Campground (Wrightwood)

• Group Sites: Several
• Highlights: Pine trees, cool weather, near ski resort

6. Manker Flats Campground (Mt. Baldy)

• Group Size: Medium
• Highlights: Close to Mt. Baldy trailheads and waterfalls

7. Paso Picacho Campground (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)

• Group Sites: Yes
• Highlights: Nearby peak hikes, tall pines, cooler temps

🌵 Desert Campgrounds

8. Joshua Tree National Park

• Group Sites: Indian Cove, Sheep Pass, Cottonwood, Black Rock
• Group Size: Up to 60
• Highlights: Epic stargazing, rock formations, hiking

9. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

• Group Sites: Borrego Palm Canyon & Horse Camp
• Highlights: Spring wildflowers, slot canyons

10. Agua Caliente County Park

• Group Site: Up to 24 people
• Highlights: Hot spring pools, desert hiking
• Seasonal: Closed in summer (too hot)

💦 Lake & River Campgrounds for Group Camping

11. Lake Perris State Recreation Area

• Group Sites: Yes (up to 100)
• Highlights: Lake activities, large grassy spaces

12. Silverwood Lake (San Bernardino Mountains)

• Group Sites: Available
• Highlights: Swimming, boating, fishing

13. Lake Jennings (Lakeside)

• Group Site: “Santee Side” up to 30
• Highlights: Stocked fishing lake, night kayaking, lake views

🌳 County Park Campgrounds

14. Potrero County Park (San Diego County)

• Group Sites: Up to 100
• Highlights: Quiet setting, large oaks, sports fields

Final Thoughts on Group Camping

A successful group camping trip is all about teamwork, flexibility, and a good sense of humor. With a little planning, your trip can be filled with campfire stories, muddy adventures, and memories that will keep everyone talking until next summer.

Got any go-to group camping hacks or favorite destinations? I’d love to hear them—drop them in the comments!

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