There are few places that offer such varied camping terrain as Southern California. Beaches, mountains, deserts and lakes can all be found in the Golden State, and there's no better way to experience the outdoors than by RV camping. Regardless of where you're coming from, a Southern California RV campground is the perfect destination.
Beach Camping
When you think of California, images of sandy beaches and breezy palm trees obviously come to mind. And a few days of sunshine, surfing, ocean breeze and beach towels is what you had in mind, you'll find a wealth of RV campsites throughout the Southern California region.
For those looking to stay near Los Angeles, Carpinteria campground provides a beach-camp feel while keeping close to city life. Located in Southern Santa Barbara, the campground has running showers, volleyball nets, and nearby access to Highway 101.
Orange county provides many RV campsites from Huntington Beach to San Clemente. Huntington by the Sea RV Park allows campers to experience Huntington Beach's vintage California vibe with surf shacks, bike rentals, and even frozen banana stands available along the boardwalk.
San Diego's temperate weather draws RV campers south. San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea provides a large RV park on the beach and just across the street from several restaurants, surf shops and even a grocery store. Additionally, San Onofre, San Diego County's most northerly state beach, makes for a more secluded campground well off the highway.
Mountain/Lake Camping
Southern California isn't just about the beach. Other locations can lend a more secluded feel, being further away from the beach crowd.
Take advantage of California's freshwater at Lake Arrowhead in San Bernadino county. Hiking and roasting marshmallows are the perfect activities at Dogwood Campground. For those interested in water sports, the nearby Silverwood Lake allows boating, wake boarding and skiing.
Big Bear isn't just Southern California's favorite place to snow ski, but also a favorite place to RV camp. Serrano campground provides access to Big Bear Lake, not to mention the highest altitudes you'll find in Southern California.
Desert Camping
If the beach or the mountains aren't rugged enough, California can also provide RV camping in a desert scene.
Joshua Tree National Park, near Palm Springs, offers a wilderness terrain with more than a few RV campgrounds. Cottonwood Campground is a great choice for many campers because of its vicinity to the 10 freeway. Jumbo Rocks Campground is appropriately named and especially attracted to climbers, who will find a wealth of activity there.
For those who need a little water in their desert, Lake Havasu, which borders Nevada, provides desert RV camping complete with water recreation.
Other Attractions
The great thing about an RV is its mobility. That's why Southern California is such a great destination. Aside from the campsites mentioned above, your RV can take you to some of Southern California's most popular attractions: Disneyland, Magic Mountain, and Sea World are popular choices for themed parks, while the Getty in Los Angeles and San Diego's world-famous zoo make for great cultural excursions.
Planning the Trip
Lucky for RV campers, the web is full of resources for planning and booking your camp trip. Most state campgrounds provide for online reservations and even provide camp site photos and descriptions.
The key is to plan early. All of the things that make California the perfect place for RV camping also make it one of the most popular.
