Camping Adventures
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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…
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Summer Vacation Ideas for Families (2026 Guide)
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…
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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…
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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…
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Exploring Hurkey Creek Campground: A Family-Friendly Getaway
We wanted to try camping somewhere new over Memorial Day weekend. We looked at lots of fun options, but we knew we’d want some water near by to let the kids splash around in–especially knowing it could be hot. I came across the Hurkey Creek campground online, and it sounded like it was just what we were looking for. (P.S. Here are some other vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend!) The Hurkey Creek campground is located in Mountain Center, CA–just across from the Lake Hemet campground and about 15 minutes away from Idyllwild. This is one of the best Riverside County Park campgrounds, in my opinion. Amenities at Hurkey Creek…
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Best Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley
Getting campsites in Yosemite Valley is so difficult, most people are happy with anything they can get. And understandably so because camping in Yosemite Valley is amazing no matter where you stay. You’ll find some of the best campgrounds in Northern California here. But if you want to have a shot at securing a campsite, you need to be totally prepared. That means knowing the best campgrounds in Yosemite so you know which campground you want to book your site at. Let me paint you a picture real quick: It’s 6:50 in the morning on February 15. You log into recreation.gov and you wait until 6:59 staring at a list…
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Best Family Camping in Southern California (Beach, Mountain & Desert Sites)
I am constantly planning a family camping trip in Southern California. With everything from beachfront campgrounds to mountain retreats and desert adventures, this region offers some of the best camping experiences for families. And I am so lucky to call it home. My family loves to camp. I grew up camping (although we really only went to the beach or desert), and I knew it was something I would want to continue doing with my kiddos. Luckily here in San Diego, there are so many great family campgrounds and the weather allows us to get trips in all year long. The list below includes some of my favorite spots to…
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Bass Lake Camping Guide (2026): Best Campgrounds + Tips for Families
I know it feels like the winter will never end, but summer will be here before we know it. And now is the time to start thinking about all the fun summer camping destinations that need to be booked months in advance. If Bass Lake camping is on your agenda, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what to know about each of the Bass Lake campgrounds. We were supposed to be camping in a Mammoth Lakes campground last summer, but due to the abundance of snowfall, the campground couldn’t open until late June, and therefore, our reservation was cancelled. We had to scramble for a good backup plan that…
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What To Do When Camping: Fun Camping Activities
The other day, I had someone ask me what I like to do when camping. I didn’t know how to respond at first. There was so much I could say. Part of what I love about camping is there isn’t anything I really have to do. The days tend to be long, and the pace tends to be slow. And I love that. The list of what to do when camping will fluctuate depending on where you go, who you are with and what time of year it is. But I have compiled this list of some of my favorite camping activities. Also, just to note, many family campgrounds have…
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Easy Camping Desserts That Kids Go Crazy For
No camping trip is complete without s’mores. They’re easy, delicious, and not too messy (unless you buy the giant marshmallows–we’ve learned that lesson the hard way). But when you’re camping multiple nights, or you really want to pull out all the stops to wow your camping crew, these are some easy camping desserts to add to the rotation. My goal for this upcoming year of camping is to take better pictures of these amazing camping desserts. While we have tried (and loved) each of these, my pictures don’t do them justice. I have found better images online until I can replace all of them with my own. And, if you’re…
