With its Mediterranean-style climate and rich natural reserves, Southern California is one of the most exciting regions to camp in. The wonders of Southern California are not just limited to its rich biodiversity.
SoCal has myriad landscapes - sun-kissed beaches, untamed mountains, expansive deserts, and vibrant forests. From surfing the Pacific waves and trekking through beautiful winding trails to stargazing in the desert sky, there are a ton of options to choose from. Joshua Tree National Park has hundreds of campgrounds you can choose from. The site is surrounded by scenic boulders and rock formations, besides the namesake Joshua trees.
The park also offers stunning stargazing opportunities. Please note that the park has no cell service or internet. Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, but no water or electrical hookups campers need to bring their own water. Wildlife Viewing: Desert wildlife like coyotes, jackrabbits, and various birds can be spotted. This site is a popular choice for campers as it is dotted with canyon trails, hiking trails, and pristine beaches. Perched on a bluff with breathtaking ocean views, this campground has 71 sites.
However, because of its location at a higher altitude, it tends to get quite windy. Activities: Hiking, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, geocaching, biking and wildlife viewing. Pets Allowed: Yes, but they must be on a leash and are not allowed on the beach. It offers a whopping sites located on top of coastal bluffs, accommodating both tents and RV camping. Bonus points, the hotel across the highway is pretty great, the Cape Rey. Good restaurant and bar in there if you want a short break from roughing it.
Activities: Surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, geocaching, swimming, fishing and hiking. The park has dense forests nestled on rolling terrains, and is quite family-friendly with accessible hiking trails.
