Family Camping in Southern California
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 my favorite spots to plan a family camping trip. From beach camping to mountain camping to desert camping, I really do love it all. These family campgrounds provide endless entertainment options to keep everyone entertained. And they have amenities that don’t require you to completely rough it–ideal for…
Top Campgrounds at Bass Lake for Summer Fun
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…
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…
Things to See in Joshua Tree: The Ultimate Guide to Iconic Sights & Can’t-Miss Experiences
A look at the best things to see and do in Joshua Tree National Park I don’t know what it is about a desert getaway, but I just love everything about it. The peace and quiet, the sunsets… heck, even the smell–I love it all. And Joshua Tree National Park sure has a way of stopping you in your tracks. Maybe it’s the otherworldly rock formations, the spiky silhouettes of the Joshua trees themselves, or the way the desert light seems to glow at sunrise and sunset. Whatever it is, this park feels different—in the best possible way. If you’re planning a visit and wondering about the best things to…
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…
Kids Hiking Boots & Gear: What You Really Need
Hiking is one of our favorite things to do, especially when we’re traveling. Not only is it a great way to get the kids outdoors and moving, it’s a great way to really explore new areas and see more than just what’s visible in a car. But I know firsthand that hiking with kids is not always the easiest or most enjoyable experience. Having the right kids hiking gear, such as boots and Camelbaks, can make a huge difference. I want to point out that one thing I love about hiking is that you don’t really need a ton of stuff. Snacks and water are probably the most basic and…
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…
Agua Caliente County Park Campground
We just got back from a fun weekend of camping at Agua Caliente County Park. For the past two years, I have heard great things about this campground. I was so excited to try it out for myself. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I can definitely say–we weren’t disappointed in the least. There is so much to do there–we all had a great time exploring and playing in the hot spring pools. Because this campground is located in the desert, it’s great to visit in the cooler months. In fact, it is only open from Labor Day through Memorial Day, and it definitely makes my list of best…
Outdoor Movie Theater in Pinecrest: Fun For All Ages
Watching a movie under the stars is always a novel experience, and it should be on every family’s summer bucket list. When you add in a lake-front setting and some concessions, it’s even harder to top. That’s what the Pinecrest Outdoor Movie Theater has to offer in Stanislaus County, California. Pinecrest Movie Theater in a Campground We discovered the Pinecrest movie theater when we were camping at Pinecrest Lake. This outdoor movie theater plays the latest box office hits several nights a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on select weekends through September. Although the outdoor theater is in the campground, it is open to the public. In…
Why San Diego Is a Perfect Winter Travel Destination
I had an appointment with my esthetician today and she told me that I better be writing a blog post about how San Diego in the winter is such a great vacation destination. Even though she is from San Diego, just as I am, she said that she falls in love with our city all over again every winter. And honestly, I can see why. I may be biased, but San Diego really is a great year-round destination. If you’re craving a winter getaway that doesn’t involve snow boots, icy roads, or packing five layers per person, San Diego might just be your dream destination. Winter in San Diego feels…
