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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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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 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…
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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…
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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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Best Fall Camping Spots in SoCal
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean that camping season needs to come to an end. In fact, fall is great time to go camping because the weather can be cooler, the crowds can be thinner, and the fall foliage is absolutely beautiful. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best fall camping destinations in Southern California. Whether you are taking the RV or looking for fall tent camping destinations, these locations fit the bill. And if you’re worried about being too cold in a tent, check out my post about how to stay warm while tent camping for all my tips and tricks. Best Fall Camping in the…
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Campgrounds in SoCal: Best Family Options
Camping in Southern California is truly the best. We have it all–mountain camping, beach camping, desert camping, and even camping smack in the middle of various cities. So, whether you’re a brand-new camper or a seasoned vet looking for fun, new places for the family, you can find a good option for you and your family at one of these awesome campgrounds in SoCal. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite Southern California family campgrounds below, in no particular order. To be honest, I have a hard time choosing my favorite because they’re all pretty awesome. It really just depends on what you’re looking for and what time…
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Top Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park
An overview of the best campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree is a nature enthusiast’s dream. With beautiful rock formations, stunning desert landscapes and numerous rock-climbing and hiking areas, it’s no wonder why this national park is so popular. It’s also a great spot to camp, and I am often asked what the best campground in Joshua Tree is. Whether you’re looking for a fun family campground, or a spot that’s central to some of the main attractions, there are multiple Joshua Tree campgrounds to choose from and honestly, they are all pretty terrific. While you won’t find RV hook ups at any of the campgrounds inside the…
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Big Bear Camping California
Camping in Big Bear, California: A Nature Lover’s Paradise Big Bear, California, is one of the most cherished destinations for camping enthusiasts, offering a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, breathtaking scenery, and tranquil moments under the stars. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear is a year-round playground for nature lovers and families alike. Whether you’re an experienced camper or planning your first trip, Big Bear provides something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your camping experience. Why Choose Big Bear for Camping? Big Bear is a prime spot for camping thanks to its variety of campgrounds, natural beauty, and plethora of…
