If you’re searching for the best camping in Southern California, you’re stepping into a region that offers a wide spectrum of beauty — from sun-soaked beaches and desert canyons to alpine lakes and pine forests. Few places in the world let you camp year-round in such diverse environments, whether you’re a surf-loving minimalist or a fully-equipped RV traveler.
This handpicked list features ten of the top camping spots across SoCal, each tailored to a different kind of camper. Whether you crave ocean views, mountain solitude, or resort-style amenities, you’ll find your perfect escape right here.
Top 10 Camping Spots in Southern California
Southern California is a camper’s paradise — a land where coastal breezes meet desert skies, and towering forests give way to rugged canyons. No matter your camping style, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. From family-friendly RV resorts to secluded backcountry escapes, these ten destinations highlight the very best this region has to offer.
1. Campland on the Bay – San Diego
Best For: Families, RV travelers, and waterfront campers
Campland on the Bay isn’t just a campground — it’s a full-blown experience. Nestled along the scenic shores of Mission Bay in San Diego, this iconic RV resort blends the freedom of outdoor living with resort-style convenience. Whether you’re traveling with kids, pets, or a group of friends, Campland has everything you need for a fun and frictionless stay.
What Makes It Special:
- Direct waterfront access to Mission Bay
- Family-friendly with playground, skate park, and planned activities
- Onsite dining including the Campland Cantina and Ice Cream Parlor
- Two pools, hot tubs, a marina, and water sport rentals
- Pet-friendly with a dedicated off-leash dog park
This is the kind of place where weekend trips turn into lifelong traditions — a standout among SoCal’s camping gems.
2. Joshua Tree National Park – Jumbo Rocks Campground
Best For: Stargazers, rock climbers, and desert lovers
Jumbo Rocks sits at the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, a surreal landscape of giant boulders, twisted Joshua trees, and crystal-clear skies. The campground is surrounded by towering rock formations perfect for climbing, scrambling, or simply watching the golden desert light dance across them at sunset.
What Makes It Special:
- Iconic rock formations right outside your tent
- World-class stargazing with minimal light pollution
- A peaceful, otherworldly atmosphere that feels far from it all
Bring your camera, your hiking shoes, and your sense of wonder — this is desert camping at its finest.
3. Big Bear Lake – Serrano Campground
Best For: Families, anglers, and lakeside loungers
Sitting at 6,800 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear’s Serrano Campground offers a refreshing alpine alternative to Southern California’s coastal campsites. With shady pine trees, crisp mountain air, and direct access to the lake, it’s an ideal spot for summer retreats or cozy fall escapes.
What Makes It Special:
- Lakeside access for kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding
- Nearby hiking and biking trails through the forest
- Full hookups available for RV campers
- Walking distance to Big Bear Discovery Center and local shops
This is camping with comfort — close to nature, but never far from a hot cup of coffee or a cool mountain breeze.
4. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina – Newport Beach
Best For: Families, RV travelers, and coastal comfort-seekers
Tucked along the tranquil shores of Newport Beach’s Back Bay, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort blends natural beauty with resort-level convenience. It’s the kind of place where you can launch a kayak from your site in the morning, sip a cocktail by the beach at lunch, and watch the sunset from a private cabana by dinner. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned road tripper, Newport Dunes offers a summer-ready escape without sacrificing comfort.
What Makes It Special:
- Calm bay waters perfect for paddleboarding, swimming, or lounging
- Full resort amenities including pools, hot tubs, and waterfront dining at Moe B’s Munchies
- Seasonal Inflatable Water Park for kids and live music on summer weekends
- Marina access, private beach, and easy proximity to Newport’s dining and shopping
This is where beach camping meets barefoot luxury — ideal for those who want a taste of the outdoors with all the perks of a polished resort.
5. Crystal Cove State Park – Moro Campground
Best For: Hikers, coastal adventurers, and scenic campers
Perched above the Pacific Ocean between Newport and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove’s Moro Campground delivers panoramic views and access to backcountry trails and pristine coastline. It’s one of the few places where you can hike rugged canyon trails by day and watch the sun dip below the sea by night.
What Makes It Special:
- Sweeping views of the Pacific from almost every campsite
- Miles of hiking through undeveloped coastal hills
- Easy access to Crystal Cove’s historic beach cottages and tidepools
This campground is perfect for those who love nature, but still want to be close to the art, dining, and surf culture of Orange County.
6. Malibu Creek State Park – Calabasas
Best For: Hikers, film buffs, and peace seekers
Set in the rolling hills of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park offers a serene escape with an unexpected twist — it’s also a famous filming location. From MASH* to Planet of the Apes, Hollywood history lives in these canyons. But even if you’re not here for movie magic, the hikes and scenery alone are worth the trip.
What Makes It Special:
- Wide-open meadows, volcanic rock gorges, and oak woodlands
- Access to the iconic MAS*H filming site
- Close proximity to Los Angeles, but feels wonderfully remote
Bring a trail map, good shoes, and a sense of calm — this park has space to roam and plenty of quiet.
7. Mission Bay RV Resort – San Diego
Best For: Quiet RV getaways, pet owners, and waterfront views
Set along De Anza Cove in San Diego, Mission Bay RV Resort is a peaceful basecamp with front-row access to Mission Bay’s water activities and scenic walking trails. With full hookups, secure gated access, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s perfect for travelers who want calm surroundings without being far from city attractions.
What Makes It Special:
- Bayfront location with direct access to paddleboarding, kayaking, and bike paths
- Full 30/50 amp RV hookups, modern restrooms, and laundry facilities
- Named “Best Staycation” by San Diego Union-Tribune readers
- Pet-friendly and just a short stroll from Campland’s activities via the Mike Gotch Bridge
Mission Bay RV Resort offers all the ease of RV camping with none of the stress — just salty breezes, open skies, and everything you need within reach.
8. Point Mugu State Park – Sycamore Canyon Campground
Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, and coastal campers
Located along the scenic stretch of Pacific Coast Highway between Malibu and Oxnard, Point Mugu blends ocean and canyon in one breathtaking package. Sycamore Canyon Campground is tucked just a short walk from the beach and surrounded by over 70 miles of hiking trails.
What Makes It Special:
- Access to both rugged coastline and dramatic canyon trails
- Beachcombing, wildlife spotting, and tidepool exploration
- Scenic hikes that lead to coastal overlooks and hidden waterfalls
With its dual environments, it’s a favorite for campers who want variety without packing up and moving sites.
9. Idyllwild Park – Idyllwild
Best For: First-timers, families, and forest retreaters
Tucked into the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild Park is the definition of cozy mountain camping. Just a mile from the artsy mountain town of Idyllwild, this campground is surrounded by pine trees, granite boulders, and the sweet scent of cedar.
What Makes It Special:
- Cooler temps and fresh mountain air — perfect in summer
- Easy walking trails and scenic picnic areas
- Close to town for supplies, coffee shops, and galleries
It’s a peaceful place that’s both beginner-friendly and deeply rejuvenating — ideal for campers looking to unwind in the woods.
10. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
Best For: Wildflower watchers, stargazers, and desert wanderers
Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park — a sprawling desert wonderland filled with slot canyons, palm oases, and springtime blooms that stop you in your tracks. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground offers a front-row seat to this dramatic, otherworldly landscape.
What Makes It Special:
- Jaw-dropping wildflowers in spring
- Night skies filled with stars, planets, and meteor showers
- Proximity to the scenic Palm Canyon trail and native palm oasis
It’s the kind of place where the silence is a soundtrack, and every sunrise feels like it’s just for you.
Tips for Choosing the Right Campground
Southern California offers every kind of camping experience, but finding the right spot depends on knowing what matters most to you. Here’s how to choose the best campground for your style:
1. Know Your Setup
Are you pitching a tent, pulling up in an RV, or looking for a site with full hookups? Some campgrounds cater specifically to RVs with electric and sewer, while others offer primitive tent-only sites with minimal amenities.
2. Match the Vibe
Want to surf by day and sleep by the ocean? Pick a beachside campground like San Onofre or Leo Carrillo. Prefer mountain air and starry skies? Head to Idyllwild or Big Bear. For a social, amenity-rich experience, Campland on the Bay is unmatched.
3. Prioritize Amenities
Check if you need restrooms, showers, picnic tables, or water access. Some sites are more rugged, while others (like Campland or Serrano) feel like mini-resorts.
4. Consider Activities
Choose a location that aligns with your interests — hiking, fishing, paddling, wildlife spotting, or just relaxing by the fire.
5. Don’t Forget the Details
Look into pet policies, elevation, seasonal weather, and accessibility. A great trip starts with the right fit.
Your Perfect SoCal Escape Awaits
The beauty of camping in Southern California is that there’s something for everyone — and every season. From sun-drenched beaches and pine-scented forests to desert stillness and lakeside serenity, these ten camping spots offer more than just a place to sleep. They give you a front-row seat to the wild, unforgettable landscapes of this incredible region.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to a favorite spot, the right campground can transform your entire experience. Choose what fits your vibe, pack light, and let the rest unfold naturally.
And if you’re looking for a place that blends convenience, fun, and full-service comfort, Campland on the Bay sets the standard for family-friendly RV camping in Southern California.
The best camping trips don’t just reconnect you with nature — they reconnect you with yourself. So pick your destination, hit the road, and make it count.
