-
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…
-
Best Family Campgrounds in Riverside County, California
I’m not sure what time of year you’re reading this, but at the time I am writing this, it’s January–just starting the new year. And while some people might think I’m crazy, this is the time of year that I start planning all of our summer camping trips. That’s because the best campgrounds in California tend to book up months in advance. I’ve done previous posts about my favorite beach campgrounds and lake campgrounds, but now I want to share all of my favorite Riverside campgrounds because these are truly hidden gems–and yet, they are somehow much easier to book than many of the state parks. Riverside County has some…
-
Camping at Lake Hemet, CA
Nestled between Idyllwild and Anza is where you will find the Lake Hemet Campground in Mountain Center, CA. We decided to go camping at Lake Hemet for a quick weekend getaway with a few other families. The booking process was straightforward and it was easy to get campsites next to each other. If you’re just starting to get into camping, this is a great campground to try due to the many amenities there and the ease of getting spots. Definitely check out my list of camping essentials if you’re new to camping. Because we were just going for the weekend, and because we were going in April when it was…
-
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,…
-
Spring Cove Campground, Bass Lake
Doing a mountain/ lake camping trip is one of our favorite traditions, and this summer we discovered a hidden gem of a campground: Spring Cove Campground at Bass Lake. If you’re looking for a California lake to camp at, this might be just the spot for you. We love camping in Yosemite, but those campsites are so hard to get, especially when coordinating with a group. So for the past several years, we’ve been trying out other campgrounds on lakes. Choosing Where to Camp We spent a week camping at Pinecrest Lake (and we loved it!) over the last two summers, but this year we decided to venture out again…
-
Best Campgrounds in Northern California
The Best Campgrounds in Northern California: Where to Pitch Your Tent or Park Your RV I was born and raised in Southern California, so I will always have my SoCal pride. However, when it comes to camping–Northern California is truly where it’s at. And I can admit that. I will gladly make the long drive from San Diego to just about anywhere in NorCal in order to experience some of the most beautiful campgrounds in America. When it comes to camping in Northern California, you’ll find a little bit of everything. Think towering redwoods, dramatic coastlines, serene lakes, and alpine meadows — all within a few hours’ drive of each…
-
June Lake Oh Ridge Campground
We didn’t plan to camp at June Lake. We had booked Meeks Bay campsites 14 months earlier, but after covid, Meeks Bay cancelled all camp reservations until July 2020, and we were booked the last week of June. At this time, there wasn’t a lot guaranteed to be open, but we were itching to get some normalcy and outdoor adventures back in our life, so we booked sites at the June Lake Oh Ridge Campground. I am here to tell you—it did not disappoint! June Lake is one of the most popular lakes in California to camp at, and for good reason. It’s a beautiful lake that allows both boating…
-
California Camping Lakes
Hands down one of my favorite things to do is go lake camping each summer. A beautiful mountain setting and a lake that you can swim in makes it even better. I know that California is known for its beautiful beaches, but there are also lots of California camping lakes that make for perfect family camping destinations. These are some of my faves. The Best California Camping Lakes Lake Tahoe The most popular (and quite possibly the most beautiful) camping lake in California is Lake Tahoe. There are several campgrounds in Lake Tahoe, giving you lots of camping options. We’ve camped at Meeks Bay Resort a handful of times, which…
-
Best Lake Tahoe Campgrounds
Lake Tahoe isn’t just one of the most popular California lakes to camp at, it’s one of the most popular cities in California. This lake has beautiful, clear blue water. Plus, miles and miles of shoreline, tons of nearby hiking trails and charming towns nearby. But there are some things you’ll want to consider when deciding the best Lake Tahoe campgrounds for your next family vacation. One thing to note is that not a lot of Lake Tahoe campgrounds allow dogs. And I’m not just talking about at the lake–they don’t allow them anywhere in the campground. Another thing to note is that a lot of the campgrounds are better…
