Mountains
- Southern California's mountains offer campgrounds amid pine trees and under starry skies. Most with family-friendly conveniences, such as restroom and showers, sit in the San Bernardino Forest, including Serrano Campground on Big Bear Lake at about 7,000 feet elevation. Big Bear Valley has more activities than you can shake a hiking stick at. Marinas rent motorboats, kayaks and canoes. The lake is stocked with trout, and there's a swim beach with floating docks. Rock-climbing, bouldering, mountain biking and hiking opportunities abound. A horse stable caters to beginning buckaroos. Big Bear Discovery Center displays flora and fauna and hosts family and kids' activities, from gold panning and animal tracking to weaving and kayaking. Serrano has campfire rings, restrooms, hot showers and a host. On the opposite shore, supermarkets and sporting good stores are handy, and Big Bear Village entices with specialty shops and eateries.
Desert
- According to PBS, only 20 percent of the world's population have seen the Milky Way, and in the 1990s when a power outage darkened Los Angeles, 911 received calls from residents concerned about a "strange cloud" in the sky. The edge of our galaxy, along with a thick blanket of stars, is seen almost every night in desert areas far enough away from the cities to be free of light pollution. If your family is interested in stargazing, as well as exploring rock formations, head to Joshua Tree National Park in the Mojave Desert. Many of its campgrounds are surrounded by rock formations, and the large Skull Rock is sure to impress. Cottonwood and Black Rock campgrounds offer flush toilets, running water and RV dump stations. Bring a solar shower bag and layers of clothing for cool nights around the campfire. Due to high daytime temperatures, the best time to camp in the desert is fall or spring.
Coast
- About a dozen campgrounds dot Southern California's coast. In Malibu, camp under shade trees in an RV or tent at Leo Carillo State Park where rangers provide children's summer programs. Conveniences include showers, restrooms and a small store. Walk down the path to Malibu Lagoon Beach, a classic surf spot with swimming, sea caves, tide pools and a pier. There's also a dog beach for the canine friends welcomed to the campground. Canyon trails lead to view points and shaded glens. At Doheny State Beach Park in Dana Point, RVs and tent campsites include oceanfront sites with campfire rings on the sand. Restrooms, hot showers, a marine education center, volleyball and picnic areas, bicycle paths, a pier and the sandy beach -- a favorite of surfers -- make Doheny a good pick for families. Catch a whale-watching cruise at nearby Dana Point Harbor.
Hills, Lakes and Canyons
- Family campgrounds can be found at many of Southern California's hills and canyons and along lakes. At Yucaipa Regional Park in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, families experience all three. Hillside and canyon multiuse trails invite hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. At the lake, rent pedal boats, zoom down water slides, play at the sandy swim beach or fish. The campground's conveniences include restrooms, hot showers, tent and full hookup sites. At Frank B. Bonelli Regional Park, a 250-acre reservoir provides a lifeguarded swim area away from the boats and anglers. Raging Waters, California's largest water park, has a park adjacent to the lake. Trail rides in the hills above the lake are offered. East Shore RV Park overlooks the lake and has a wilderness tent camping area in addition to 500 RV sites. In addition to restrooms and hot showers, the park has a pool, sports facilities, laundry and store. Puddingstone Hot Tub Resort sits above the campground and lake.
Considerations
- Fishing, unless otherwise stated, requires a California Fishing License. When camping in the mountains or desert, prepare for cool nights, with as much as a 40 degree difference from daytime temperatures. Coastal areas are more temperate. Wherever you camp in Southern California, store food and other scented items in wildlife-proof containers away from the tent. Keep an extra close eye on children near the water and in areas visited by wildlife.
