Camping Adventures
-
Top 8 Family Camping Essentials You Can’t Forget
Essential Gear for Family Camping There’s something special about family camping trips. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows under the stars, waking up to mountain views, or spending the day exploring trails and lakes, camping creates the kind of memories kids remember for years. But I know so many people who are afraid to try it out. They say they don’t even know where to begin. So I went ahead and created a list of the family camping essentials that are most important for a successful camping trip. I know firsthand that packing for a family camping trip can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re bringing kids along. It feels like there’s so…
-
Camping at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground: What to Know Before You Go
Throughout my entire childhood, we always spent at least one week of the summer going beach camping. We switched it up from time to time–some years camping at South Carlsbad State Beach campground, and other years camping at San Elijo, San Clemente or Doheny. But South Carlsbad was always my personal favorite for a variety of reasons. Of all the Southern California beach campgrounds, it had one of the nicest sandy beaches. It didn’t have the steep hike down to the sand like San Clemente. It didn’t have the train noise that San Elijo used to have (it’s so much better now). And it had better waves than Doheny. If…
-
Camping at San Clemente State Beach: Your Guide to Booking a Site
If you’re looking for a Southern California camping spot that checks all the boxes—ocean views, easy beach access, and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe—San Clemente State Beach deserves a spot at the top of your list. This campground blends classic SoCal surf culture with well-maintained amenities, making it a favorite for both first-time campers and seasoned pros. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your stay at this popular summer family campground. Why Camp at San Clemente State Beach? There’s something special about waking up to ocean air and the sound of waves—and this campground delivers exactly that. Perched on coastal bluffs in San Clemente, the campground offers sweeping views…
-
Camping at Doheny: Tips for a Perfect Beach Getaway
If you’re looking for that perfect mix of easy beach access, laid-back SoCal vibes, and family-friendly camping, Doheny State Beach campground should absolutely be on your radar. It’s one of the most sought-after beach camping spots in Southern California. And for good reason. You’re literally camping right by the ocean, with sunsets, surf, and sand just steps from your site. Let’s get into everything you need to know before booking your stay at Doheny State Beach campground. Why Doheny State Beach Campground is So Popular There’s a reason this campground books up fast (and I mean FAST). The most obvious one is just that beach camping is one of the…
-
The Best Summer Camping Destinations in California That Families Love
I don’t think I’ve gone one summer of my life without a camping trip. And I hope I never do. There’s just something about summer camping in California that hits differently. Maybe it’s the way you can wake up under towering redwoods one day, spend the next kayaking on an alpine lake, and then wrap up your trip with sandy toes at the beach. Or maybe it’s just the slower pace—sticky s’mores fingers, late sunsets, and kids who somehow forget about screens for a few days. If you’re trying to plan the ultimate summer camping trip, California is packed with bucket-list destinations. The tricky part? Narrowing it down. And getting…
-
Campgrounds with a Water Park: The Best RV Resorts in the U.S. with On-Site Water Fun
I love water parks, and I love camping. So anytime I have the opportunity to have a campsite with a water park just steps away, I jump at it. If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the freedom of camping with the excitement of a full-blown waterpark, you’re clearly not alone. Campgrounds with a water park are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for families to vacation in the U.S. Instead of just a basic pool or lake access, these destinations go all-in with waterslides, lazy rivers, splash pads, wave pools, and massive aquatic play zones—all right on site at your RV resort or campground. For families, it’s a…
-
Camping in Malibu: A Guide to Coastal Adventures
Because we have a big summer vacation planned for this year, we wanted a bit more low-key of a spring break trip. We decided to visit some of the popular campgrounds along California’s coast and we were blown away by some of the campgrounds in Malibu, California. I knew Malibu was home to some of the best beaches in Los Angeles, but I didn’t realize how much wide-open space there is there. Just up the coast from Los Angeles, this stretch of shoreline offers a surprisingly diverse mix of campgrounds—from rugged, oceanfront sites to shaded canyon escapes that feel worlds away from the city. We were able to do a…
-
Fun Summer Vacation Ideas for Families
I’m a teacher, so I pretty much live for summer break if I’m being honest. Eight weeks of an almost wide-open calendar (I mean, we still have sports to work around) for me to plan travel adventures. We’ve made good use of our summer vacations so far. I know not everyone has the luxury of having the summer off. So whether you have three days to spare or ten, this guide will help you find the right summer vacation ideas for families of every size and style. Here are some of our favorite tried-and-true summer vacation ideas for families looking to make some magical summer memories in 2026. What makes…
-
Camping at Leo Carrillo State Park: Beach Meets Mountains
We honestly couldn’t decide what to do for spring break this year. I booked a big summer trip for us, so we didn’t want to do a huge trip. But we wanted to do something. So, we decided to hit up a few different spots along the California coast, and our first stop at Leo Carrillo campground set the bar high for the rest of the trip. If you’re looking for that perfect Southern California camping experience—where you can fall asleep under shady trees and wake up to the sound of crashing waves—Leo Carrillo State Park Campground absolutely delivers. Tucked just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, this spot…
-
Your Guide to Three Rivers, California
When I first saw pictures of Three Rivers California I knew I needed to plan a visit. The picturesque setting with mountains in the distance and the river going right through town, plus the fact that it’s right at the gateway to the Sequoia National Park, really sold me. The amazing scenery and landscapes of Three Rivers make it a truly memorable destination. Three Rivers is a charming little town and can make for a great stopping point on a longer road trip in California. Its location northeast of Sequoia National Park puts you close to key outdoor attractions. But it’s also a beautiful destination offering a perfect balance of…
