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Best Joshua Tree Hotels for Your Desert Getaway
I’ve been dreaming about a trip to Joshua Tree now that the weather is cooling off. Summer in the desert can be brutal, but once fall rolls around, it’s the perfect time to pack a bag and head for wide-open skies, funky desert towns, and some of the most surreal landscapes you’ll ever see. I’ll cover the best Joshua Tree hotels in this post, but there are also some amazing Joshua Tree campgrounds if you prefer to sleep under the stars. If you’re planning a trip to Joshua Tree, it helps to know when to go. Peak season in Joshua Tree runs from October through May, when daytime temperatures are…
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How to Have an Outdoor Movie Night While Camping
One of our favorite camping traditions is having an outdoor movie night on at least one of the nights we are camping. I know, I know. Camping is supposed to be a time to unplug and take a break from screen time, but there is something about gathering the kids together, breaking out the glowsticks and sugary treats, and enjoying a movie under the stars. In fact, often times, kids in other campsites will bring a chair over and partake in the fun. Our outdoor movie nights have evolved quite a bit. We used to use a white sheet and projector, but over the years, we’ve upgraded our set up…
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Jumbo Rocks Campground Joshua Tree: What to Know Before You Go
It wasn’t until AFTER we bought a motorhome, that I realized between all three kids’ various sports, we would likely never be able to use it. Bound and determined to prove myself wrong, I picked a weekend in March and start scouring various campgrounds to get in a quick weekend getaway. When I scored a cancellation at Jumbo Rocks campground, I was stoked! We had never been to Joshua Tree before, and this campground was listed as one of the best campgrounds in Joshua Tree. With all the boulders, this particular campground stood out to me as one the kids would have a blast at. I was right. As soon…
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Camping for Newbies: Camping Basics
If you are new to camping, it might feel super overwhelming (and expensive!) to start thinking about everything you need for a successful camping trip. You might have no idea where to start. Fret not. I’ve compiled a list of must-haves and a few nice-to-haves for newbies to camping so that you can get started. Please note, technically you don’t NEED anything to camp–just pull up, sleep in the vehicle and rough it. But these items will make for a more family-friendly camping experience. And, if you need ideas for some easy camping meals, I have you covered. Check out these easy dishes for camping and these fun camping desserts…
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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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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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Big Pine Lakes: A Must-Do Hike in California
I first stumbled upon pictures of the Big Pine Lakes hike right after returning from hiking in Glacier National Park last summer. I have lived in California for my entire life and still had no idea that beautiful glacier lakes like this existed here. I knew I needed to hike this trail, and 11 months later, I made it happen. If you’re looking for a hike that will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a screensaver, the Big Pine Lakes Trail in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas is one for the bucket list. This is not your average forest loop or hillside stroll — this trail takes you through…
