Top Beach Camping Spots in San Diego
Summer is six months out and you know what that means? It’s officially reservation season for beach camping. If summer camping in San Diego on the beach is ever something you want to do, you need to be ready to book six months in advance. Which means, it’s tiiiiiiiimmme. If you’re new to the beach camping scene, know that getting summer campsites is extremely competitive. But as many people in San Diego know, beach camping is something that you can do almost year-round in San Diego. It’s a great fall camping destination (I mean, it’s still super hot here in October). Next year I’ll even be spending MLK weekend at…
Explore Mammoth Lakes: Year-Round Adventures
A Peak at the Best Things to do in Mammoth Lakes, California Nestled in the Eastern Sierra of California, Mammoth Lakes is one of those rare destinations that truly shines in every season. With soaring mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, thriving arts and food scenes, and outdoor adventures for all ages and fitness levels, it’s a fantastic choice whether you’re seeking adrenaline or relaxation. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite season in Mammoth because they’re each so magical in their own way. People from all over flock to the Mammoth ski resorts during the winter. But the beautiful lakes and miles and miles of hiking trails are a…
Free Overnight Parking Options for RVs
I’m not a full-time RV’er, so I’m still learning the ins and outs of camping in an RV. Up until two years ago, we were avid tent campers. If we needed to break up a long commute, we could book a hotel and not stress much about it. Now booking a hotel when traveling in an RV feels a bit redundant. And RV parks can be pricey or at capacity. But I have learned that there are numerous options for free overnight parking when commuting between campgrounds. Walmart was the most common place recommended to use when we were looking for free overnight parking options on our long drive to…
Top Mammoth Lakes Campgrounds for Summer Camping
One of our favorite summer traditions is camping on a lake. And California has some great lakes to choose from. Some of our favorites are camping at Pinecrest Lake, June Lake and Lake Tahoe. But this year we decided to venture into the beautiful options of Mammoth Lakes California Camping. There are many great Mammoth Lakes campgrounds, and here is what to know about each one. Mammoth is home to some of the state’s best skiing and snowboarding. But even in the summer months, the town has a lot of offer. In fact, it’s one of the top 10 U.S. mountain towns for a family vacation. Check out my list…
The Best Glamping Resorts for Families Across the U.S.
I have shared so many resources for camping, along with tons of information about my favorite campgrounds. And I constantly get feedback like “this looks amazing. I wish I liked camping,” or “I wish my spouse would go camping.” If this sounds at all like you, you might be happy to know that there are many glamping resorts that may be more along the lines of what you’re looking for. Glamping (glamorous camping) is the perfect middle ground between “pack the tents” camping and “book a hotel.” For families, it means fresh air, big skies, and easy access to nature — without sleeping on the ground or lugging a giant…
Campgrounds in Big Bear, CA
Big Bear is a great year-round destination for families, and the campgrounds in Big Bear offer a nice break from the city life. In the summer months, you can hang out at the lake all day, soaking up the sunshine. In the winter months, you can grab a sled or hit the slopes. And in the spring and fall seasons, you can enjoy some great hiking weather or take your mountain bike to the local trails. If you’re looking to camp in Big Bear, these are the top campgrounds you’ll want to choose from. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Big Bear, you have lots of Airbnb…
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…
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…
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…
Jumbo Rocks Campground: A Joshua Tree Gem
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…
