Hi, I'm going camping this summer with a bunch of friends and our kids range in age from 2 to 15 years old. We mostly have kids in the 5 to 7 year old range and we want to camp but not really rough it. I know that is terrible but I'm looking for spots that take tents, trailers, have hookups, and are fun for kids. I like clean bathrooms, is that possible at a campsite? I also don't like to feel like a sardine. So if you know of any fun campsites for families please let me know. If its a little rough, such as no hookups, most of us can deal with it. I love to hike and go to the beach or the mountains.
Thank you so much for all the advice about so many fun campsites in Southern California. It is amazing how many of us moms like going camping.Thank you for taking the time to respond to this message and if you are interested in some fun campsites you should check the responses because there are so many.
There are a ton of great places but you have to book 7 months in advance. San Clemente, San Onfre, Huntington Beach State Park, Crystal Cove in Laguna are all great family places with all the amendities needed. I having been camping every year with my 2 1/2 yr old in a motor home and it's always fun with other families.
Hola Amiga, I'm just like you, I love camping, but need the clean bathrooms, showers and toilets. My family and I have made wonderful memories at "El Refugio", near Santa Barbara. One does need to book way in advance. Happy camping!
Alee
S. - try Lake Isabella in the Kern Valley, it is about a 3 hour drive from the South Bay, freshwater lake for everyone to play in, campsites with amenities, etc.
L.
We go to 3 Rivers and it is so much fun and very family friendly. You can even rent a cabin if you don't want to tent camp. They have hookups for RV's/trailers. There's also a pool, volleyball, horseshoes, laundry, clean bathrooms and a beach area. And the kids can go rafting down the river or explore on the rocks. If you like to hike, the Sequoia National forest is about 10 minutes away and there's tons of trails there too. It gets really hot in the summertime so just keep that in mind. We took my son when he was only 4 months old and are going again in August. The website is www.kaweahparkresort.com
Check out Lake Casitas in Ojai. Lake Buena Vista. Or in San Diego Campland by the Sea-has a lot of activities for kids and a pool. Lake Nacimiento or Pismo Beach.
We do annual camping trips to Big Sur and Rancho Cuyamaca (Green River site). They're both wonderful places and kid-friendly. I love camping, but I've got to have a bathroom and shower. You might also checkout the website ReserveAmerica.com It has most of the California campgrounds on it. You can see pictures, campground maps, and get specifics about the types of facilities and activities. You can reserve specific campsites using the maps. It's a great resource. I love camping. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
El Capitan just past Santa Barbara is perfect for kids. Clean bathrooms/showers, pools, a little store, but at the same time a good hiking trail, tidepools, and of course, the beach. Reservations are kinda necessary, Good Luck!
Hello S.;
Just a quick sugestion, try Yosemite National Park, or Shaver Lake, very nice places with bathrooms, even a pool.
Good luck!
www.shaverlake.com
www.yosemite.com
I.
Calico Ghost town is great...you get to go into the ghost town for free when you camp. There is running water and the bathrooms are not too bad.
Lake Casitas is also a nice place..huge lake where you can rent boats. They also have a place to rent bicycles. There is a water park in the campground as well. Running water and nice bathrooms. I have to say this is my favorite So Cal campground with the kids.
Lake Cachuma is nice. Lots of grass, nice big spots and running water and bathrooms!
I am jealous....I do not see too much camping in my future this summer,, and I LOVE to camp!
Leo Carillo is a great family friendly site. They don't have hookups, but the sites are laid out well and they have clean bathrooms (about as clean as you can get for camping). They have showers too, just takes quarters for hot water. It's located just north of Malibu on PCH. You can walk down to the beach and there's great tidepools. We go with a group of 4 or 5 families every year. There's also great hiking spots.
I like Lake Skinner for kids. Its not too far away, you can keep an eye on them easily and yet they have room to roam. It's flat and they can ride bikes, skateboard whatever. You can easily drive into town and get whatever you need.
Malibu Creek is good. hiking. close to beach. clean bathrooms. Also, if you are local to so cal you can go check it out with a day hike or bike ride. San Mateo is another good site. I prefer to stay at San Mateo ( instead of San Onofre). There is more campground space for the kids. The drive to San O is super quick. have fun.
San Mateo campground just south of San Clemente is GREAT! Hook-ups showers etc. But the best part is that as a camper you get into San Onofre for free! Bring surf boards, body boards, sunscreen and dinner to BBQ at the end of the day. We go every year. Lots of fun and sun to be had.
We just came back from Joshua Tree National Park and had a great time. It was my first time camping. There were toilets (no flush) and the camp sites were beautiful. The kids climbed rocks all day, we went hiking and they participated in the Junior Ranger program (ask at the main info. center). It was a great vacation and close enough to Palm Springs, that if you get tired of the camping - hotels are not too far away.
