Explore Best Places To Camp In Southern California from beachside escapes to forest retreats. It is perfect for weekends under the stars and unforgettable getaways. If you love the beach, desert, or mountains, Southern California has amazing places to camp. If you are a beach person, fishing, these camping points give you impressive journeys. Here we’ll discuss the best time, things necessary and camping type. if you’re ready to plan your adventure, you can explore site availability and rules on the California State Parks official website before packing your bags. Get ready to plan your next camping trip and enjoy the beauty of Southern California.
1. Joshua Tree National Park– Camp Beneath the Stars in Southern California
Where silence wraps around boulders and the stars feel close enough to touch this is desert peace at its purest. If you dream of camping beneath SoCal’s open skies, Joshua Tree will speak to your soul.
Best Time to Visit:
October to April (cooler temperatures)
Type of Camping
Tent camping, car camping, and backcountry camping
Essential Equipment:
- Desert Gear: Sunblock, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, plenty of water (at least 1 gallon per person per day)
- Camping Gear: Warm sleeping bag (temperatures drop at night), tent with strong stakes (high winds), camp stove (limited services)
- Notes: No water available at most campgrounds.
2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park– Remote Solitude and Desert Vistas
There’s something healing about this endless desert—raw, real, and humbling. Those looking to set up camp in the heart of Southern California’s wildest terrain will find quiet magic here.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March
Type of Camping:
- Primitive and dispersed camping
Essential Equipment:
- Desert Gear: High-quality water containers, sun shelter, and breathable clothing
- Camping Gear: Lightweight tent, sturdy hiking boots, and lots of firewood (if fires are allowed)
- Notes: Be prepared for extreme desert conditions, especially heat and cold.
3. Big Bear Lake – Forest Camping with Lakeside Charm
Pine-scented air, cool mountain breezes, and fireside evenings—it’s hard not to fall in love with this place. When you’re craving a forest escape, camping in SoCal’s alpine hideaways doesn’t get be
Best Time to Visit:
May to October
Type of Camping:
Tent camping, RV camping, and car camping
Essential Equipment:
- Mountain Gear: Layers for temperature fluctuations, insect repellent
- Camping Gear: Camp chairs, cooking gear, and a waterproof tent (possible summer thunderstorms)
4. Leo Carrillo State Park – Coastal Camping Just North of Malibu
Wake up to waves and fall asleep under twisted sycamores. This Malibu spot lets you experience coastal camping in Southern California where cliffs, tide pools, and sunsets come together effortlessly.
Best Time to Visit:
- Year-round (spring and fall are ideal)
- Type of Camping: Beach camping
Essential Equipment:
- Beach Gear: Sand stakes for your tent, beach towels, and sunshade
- Camping Gear: A good-quality cooler, beach chairs, and camping stove
- Notes: Surf and explore tide pools during the day.
5. Malibu Creek State Park – A Hidden Canyon Retreat
Golden grass, canyon views, and cinematic stillness—this park feels like a page from a dream. Just an hour from LA, it’s perfect for those who want to pitch a tent close to nature in Southern California’s backcountry.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall
- Type of Camping: Tent camping and RV camping
Essential Equipment:
- Mountain Gear: Trail shoes for hiking, sunscreen, and water bottles
- Camping Gear: Lightweight sleeping bag (temperatures are mild), insect repellent, lantern
- Notes: Explore hiking trails and rock climbing spots.
6. Crystal Cove State Park – Beachfront Camping with Cliffside Views
Steep bluffs, coastal trails, and ocean breeze surround you here. For anyone longing to camp steps away from the beach in Southern California, this park offers wild beauty without the crowds.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall
- Type of Camping: Tent camping and RV camping
Essential Equipment:
- Beach Gear: Sun protection, sand stakes, and a good beach blanket
- Camping Gear: Portable grill, cooler, and lightweight tent
- Notes: Beautiful ocean views and hiking along coastal bluffs.
7. San Conifer State Beach – Surf, Sand, and Simple Camping
Barefoot mornings and surfboard evenings it’s a coastal rhythm you won’t forget. If you’re looking to unwind along Southern California shoreline with a tent nearby, San conifer delivers laid-back charm.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to fall (summer is best for surfing)
- Type of Camping: Beach camping
Essential Equipment:
- Beach Gear: Surfboards, sunblock, and beach umbrella
- Camping Gear: Sand stakes for your tent, cooking stove, and waterproof sleeping bag
- Notes: Excellent spot for surfers.
8. Doyen State Beach – Classic Coastal Campground for Families
Sunsets, campfires, and salt-kissed air make this Dana Point spot feel like a classic. Families, surfers, and weekend wanderers all find their place along Southern California’s vibrant coast here.
Best Time to Visit:
- Year-round (summer is very popular)
- Type of Camping: Tent camping and RV camping
Essential Equipment:
- Beach Gear: Swimwear, boogie boards, and sun canopy
- Camping Gear: Picnic supplies, cooler, and grill
- Notes: Family-friendly beach with gentle waves for swimming.
9. Silver wood Lake State Recreation Area
Crystal-clear waters and quiet mountain views make Silverwood Lake a peaceful escape from the city. It’s one of the most underrated places to camp near Southern California’s scenic lakeside trails.
Best Time to Visit:
- May to October
- Type of Camping: Tent camping and RV camping
Essential Equipment:
- Lake Gear: Water shoes, fishing gear, and swimwear
- Camping Gear: Portable stove, shade structure, and insect repellent
- Notes: Ideal for water sports like boating and fishing.
10. Mount San Jacinto State Park
Mist-touched forests, alpine trails, and a sky full of stars—this is where the world slows down. A true escape for anyone hoping to camp high above the bustle in Southern California’s mountains.
Best Time to Visit:
- May to September
- Type of Camping: Tent camping and backcountry camping
Essential Equipment:
- Mountain Gear: Warm layers, hiking poles, and bear canisters for food storage
- Camping Gear: Cold-weather sleeping bag, tent, and a backpacking stove
- Notes: High-altitude, cooler temperatures even in summer.
11. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Crickets at night, quiet trails by day this San Diego escape feels like a hug from nature. For peaceful weekends under trees and stars, it’s one of Southern California best forested campgrounds.
Best Time to Visit:
- April to October
- Type of Camping: Tent camping, RV camping, and cabin rentals
Essential Equipment:
- Forest Gear: Hiking boots, sun protection, and insect repellent
- Camping Gear: A multi-season tent, lantern, and camp stove
- Notes: Great for forest camping with many hiking trails.
12. Point Mugu State Park – Where Mountains Meet the Sea
Hike through canyons by morning and fall asleep to crashing waves. Point Mugu is made for those who want to blend beach and backcountry in their Southern California camping trip.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall
- Type of Camping: Tent camping and RV camping
Essential Equipment:
- Beach/Mountain Gear: Water shoes for beach, hiking boots for trails, sunblock
- Camping Gear: Cooler, lightweight tent, and beach chairs
- Notes: Offers both beach and mountain trails for outdoor activities.
13. Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Lakeside mornings, warm breezes, and campfire chats—it’s a refreshing reset just outside the city. If you’re short on time but big on nature, this is where to camp without going far in Southern California.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and summer
Type of Camping:
Tent camping and RV camping
Essential Equipment:
- Lake Gear: Swimwear, fishing rod, and inflatable kayak
- Camping Gear: Camping stove, shade tarp, and insect repellent
- Notes: Excellent for swimming, boating, and fishing.
14. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Stand in the presence of giants and feel your heart slow down. These parks are sacred spaces where you can camp among towering trees and timeless trails in Southern California northern wilderness.
Best Time to Visit:
June to September
Type of Camping:
Tent camping, RV camping, and backcountry camping
Essential Equipment:
- Forest Gear: Warm clothing (especially for higher elevations), sturdy hiking boots, and bear canisters
- Camping Gear: Cold-weather sleeping bag, portable stove, and bear spray
- Notes: Enjoy the towering sequoia trees and backcountry wilderness.
15. Death Valley National Park – Desert Extremes and Silent Nights
Otherworldly beauty, golden silence, and fierce skies—this desert isn’t for everyone, but it stays with those who visit. If your idea of peace is raw and rugged, camping deep in Southern California’s wild desert starts here.
Best Time to Visit
November to March (cooler temperatures)
Type of Camping:
Tent camping and RV camping
Essential Equipment:
- Desert Gear: High SPF sunscreen, plenty of water, and wide-brimmed hat
- Camping Gear: Lightweight sleeping bag, sunshade, and portable stove
- Notes: Avoid summer due to extreme heat and always carry extra water.
General Camping Gear to
Consider:
- First Aid Kit: Always important for any camping trip.
- Tent: suitable for the weather conditions (waterproof or with good ventilation).
- Cooking Gear: Moveable cooker, appliances, and food supplies.
- Hiking Gear: Sturdy boots, hydration packs, and trekking poles if needed.
- Sleeping Bag: Depending on location make sure it matches the temperature.
- Lighting: Headlamps or candles for brightness at night.
Each camping point in Southern California provides a unique skill. It’s important to style your gear and camping style accordingly for the best skill.
While Southern California offers beachside serenity, those craving misty mountain mornings can check out our list of the Top Camping Spots in Tennessee for a different kind of escape.
