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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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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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Top Beach Camping San Diego Spots
Summer is six months out and you know what that means? It’s officially reservation season for beach camping. If summer camping in on the beach in San Diego is ever something you want to do, you need to be ready to book six months in advance. Which means, it’s tiiiiiiiimmme. These are some of the best beach camping spots in California, offering stunning coastal views and family-friendly amenities. If you’re reading this less than 6 months from summer, that’s ok. You can set up campsite cancellation scans with this camping app to help you secure a spot. In case you’re new to the beach camping scene, you should know that…
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Newport Dunes Waterfront: Camping, Fun, and Relaxation in Newport Beach
We just returned from our first stay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach, California, and I have a lot to unpack from our trip. Both literally and figuratively speaking. The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort has been on my radar for years, but I could never pull the trigger on booking it. Mostly because it’s not cheap. Not by a long shot. Here’s my takeaway from the resort, along with my honest thoughts about whether it’s worth the cost or not. Tucked along the scenic Back Bay of Newport Beach, this unique destination is part waterfront campground, part family resort, and part outdoor playground—which means there’s truly something for…
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Ultimate Guide to Beach Camping in SoCal
SoCal beach camping is such a novelty. There’s really nothing like it. That’s why there’s a ton of competition to get beach campsites, especially during the summer months. It’s definitely one of the best places for a family camping trip. And if you’ve been wanting to try beach camping, but have no idea where to begin, you’ve stumbled across the right place. How to Book Beach Campgrounds Most California beach campgrounds can be reserved online six months in advance. The sites are released on a rolling basis, meaning if you want to camp on July 4, you need to make the reservation on Jan. 4. If you want July 5,…
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Explore Oceanside: RV Park Tips and Amenities
We have had so many soccer tournaments up at the SoCal Sports Complex in Oceanside, CA. The drive from our house to Oceanside is about 45 minutes when there’s no traffic. But sometimes we have early games and need to be there by 7am. It’s nice when we can book a hotel and make a little weekend getaway out of it. However, during the summer months, hotel prices can be crazy high in that beach town. So staying at an Oceanside RV park is a nice option to have. For this past weekend’s tournament, I decided to look into bringing the RV up and staying at the Oceanside RV Resort.…
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Best Beach Games for Families
Every year, for my entire life, we have done a week of beach camping in July with a large group of family and friends. Each year, we set up camp, and pretty much park ourselves in the sand for long beach days filled with the best beach games for families. We’ve gone through the progression of activities with the kids–from simply digging holes and building sand castles, to boogie boarding and surfing. One thing doesn’t change though–they love a good competition. When they see the adults get the beach games out, they come out of the water, they stop digging their holes, and they are right there ready to get…
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Camping Near Lake Vs Beach
I had someone ask me yesterday if I prefer camping near lake or beach more. That’s a super tough one–I love them both! And I grew up beach camping every year, so for most of my life, that was all I knew. There are pros and cons to both, but mostly pros in my opinion. If I had to choose only one to do for the rest of my existence, I think I would have to choose camping near lakes. However I know my husband would choose beach camping without hesitation. Here’s what I feel are the biggest pros and cons to both. Beach Camping Pros Relaxing – I’ll start…
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Tips For Beach Camping On a Budget
Beach camping is probably one of the least expensive ways to have an overnight stay right on the coast, however, when compared to other campgrounds and types of camping, it comes in with a bit heftier of a price tag. Then when you add in the cost of extra vehicles on your site, it adds up even more. That’s why I’ve compiled these money-saving tips for beach camping. There are some ways that you can cut the price down a bit and even avoid paying some of the extra fees. While spending the past week beach camping at San Elijo State Beach Campground, I compiled a list of some of…
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San Elijo State Beach Campground, San Diego
Having grown up in San Diego, I don’t think I’ve ever missed a summer of beach camping in my life. And it’s a tradition I have continued with my kids. Every summer we go camping at the San Elijo State Beach campground. It’s one of our most favorite summer traditions. And I know I’m not alone because beach camping in Southern California is extremely popular and downright difficult to get campsites. But I do have tips on how to improve your chances at booking a beach campsite. If you haven’t ever gone beach camping, I highly suggest you give it a try. There’s not much better than relaxing at the…
