Camping in Southern California with hiking

"Heaven on Earth" really exists in Southern California camping.

90% (3925 reviews)
90% (3925 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds in Southern California with hiking

85%
(34)

High Desert Hot Spring Hideout

13 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA
This property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, we invite you to come stay in a peaceful serene setting, where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. The 40 minute hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is well worth the effort, and there's so much more natural beauty to see as you explore miles of hiking and OHV trails nearby and right on the property. Weather can be extreme at times, with Winter temps ranging from 20*F to 40* F, and Summer temps peaking at 112F. The cold creek water in the Deep Creek canyon flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area and our webpage for the Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground for detailed driving directions to the official trailhead located right on our property. You won't get lost if you park on our property and hike from the trailhead, so make sure you go to the right address. Know before you go! Generally, reservations are not necessary to set up a tent site, but we have a more private area set aside for hipcamp reservations that has separate facilities from the general camping area. We do not recommend bringing children due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take pets, or have children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group.
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$22.99
 / night
97%
(680)

Splitrock Farm and Retreat

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CA
About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home For more information... Visit our website www.splitrock.camp Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock Farm Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock Retreat Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
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$32
 / night
80%
(10)

Off the Grid Hot Springs Camping

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents180 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA
Located on a rural off the grid property near the Deep Creek Hot Springs, this 160 acre property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, come camp and enjoy yourself in a peaceful setting where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. The natural high desert landscape of junipers, joshua trees, chaparral and sages, combined with the nearby San Bernardino mountains in the background, create an amazing 360* view from just about anywhere on our land. This private homestead property is located 6 miles off the pavement, just far enough to escape the sounds and lights of the city, and is surrounded by 1,000's of acres of undeveloped government managed lands. The natural rural setting creates a serene atmosphere on the property that allows one to easily relax and recharge. You can set up your own tent and campsite or rent one of our furnished glamping tents to stay in when you come to visit. Have a special event coming up or just want to celebrate? Check out our private hot spring pool sites and private cold spring pool sites we have available for up to 300 guests. There is plenty of activities nearby to keep yourself occupied, such as nature watching right on the property, or exploring numerous hiking and ohv trails just off the property. With the trailhead starting on the property, the Deep Creek Hot Springs is just a short hike away, and well worth the effort, with nearby fishing and gold panning along the creek as well. Deep Creek flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is steep in places and can be fairly difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go! *Although children are permitted to be on the property, we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty of the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take children, elderly people, or over-weight people.
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$27.99
 / night
97%
(57)

Lakeshore Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA
Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴
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$80
 / night
99%
(1782)

Down-to-Earth Ecoshire

248 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · CA
Private 35 acre Private Land Restoration Project surrounded by rolling hills, mountain views and open sky. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular year round. Stars and open skies that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in southern California. Just 15 minutes from Temecula wineries, 40 minutes from the alpine, artsy town of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains, and just 15 minutes from the 215 in Menifee toward Hemet. Best to visit from early autumn to lush springtime where we have great wildflower blooms. Cooperative managers Jim and Dawn host visitors who want to enjoy nature, participate in regenerative gardening all while off-setting their travel footprint. Fees go to our not for profit land restoration which includes planting trees, improving aquifers and enriching the soil. The property is a owned by a restorative co-op (turning a former illegal dump into an oasis of hope) where we invite you to participate in creative local solutions to our larger global problems. * If your group is larger than six adults, pease visit our group listings page. If your group needs special privacy and sound requirements and you'd like to reserve the entirer property, you will need to contact us directly. * Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. * Our visitor support pricing is $20 for the first person and $15 for all additional adults. Kids 6 - 12 are $5 per night. We don't want to charge for kids 6 and under, so do not include them in your booking. Thanks! * Campfire rings are only in common clearing, designated and permitted areas. Please check for seasonal fire restrictions.
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$10
 / night
99%
(337)

Bailes Farm

5 sites · Lodging80 acres · Fallbrook, CA
One of the last remaining undeveloped parts of Southern California, De Luz Heights is located adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest, and the Santa Margarita River (just a few miles from the campsite). This 12-month flowing river is the only one in Southern California that has never been altered or dammed by humans, and features a state-managed hiking trail with many water holes along the way with clear, clean water to dip into. On my 80 acres, there are no major roads going through or next to the property. My land is 13 miles from the Pacific ocean and enjoys a relatively mild yearly climate. Giant boulders provide topographical relief and offer platforms from which to enjoy the view of the nearby Santa Margarita Mountains. The valley views are filled with olive and avocado groves, vineyards, and horse ranches. The Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base is nearby, so you might hear some artillery in the distance on some occasions. The campsite embraces all the comforts of "glamping": a hot shower, composting toilet, beds with sheets provided, gas grill with a stovetop, pots and pans, kitchenware, a sink, picnic table, shaded deck, sofa, lounge chairs, and propane fire pit. The basics are provided: toilet paper, paper towels, purified drinking water, towels, sheets, cooking oil, etc. Campers need to bring their own blankets. I've created a network of hiking trails for especially fit hikers looking for a more rigorous hike than the nearby Santa Margarita River Trail. My trails lead through creek beds, over boulders, through rocky crags, with views of the Pacific ocean on a clear day. Hikers on my trails need to wear proper hiking boots with good traction. Sections of my trails will require bouldering with hands and feet. Expect to have fatigued quadriceps, some scrapes, and a sweaty hat brim. The campsite is accessible with a two-wheel drive vehicle; I drive a Kia Forte out there regularly. However, some tips when driving a two-wheel drive car: when going uphill on a dirt road, try to keep some momentum of about 12-15 MPH. If you stop and try to start again, your tires will spin out. If that happens, just reverse down the hill, and try it again with more momentum.
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$129
 / night
98%
(66)

AntFarm LA

6 sites · TentsLos Angeles, CA
NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV.My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels. 
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$40
 / night
Booked 7 times

New Yurt City

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Lake Los Angeles, CA
New Yurt City is one of those hidden gems. The daily views are breathtaking. You can see every star down to the horizon, sunsets are amazing with snow capped mountains. There are lots to do nearby: 30min to ski resort, 1hour to the beach. Near lots of national parks and centrally located. It’s got a small town feel with amazing food trucks with handmade taco 5 mins away. We atvs for rent and a beautiful garden with lots of fresh rosemary and lavender to share.
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$25
 / night
97%
(200)

Jeffs Secret Park Entrance

5 sites · Tents2 acres · Colton, CA
This Property once owned by 1 family was divided and sold , so there is some neighbor shared utilities so we try and be very respectful to those utilities which includes shared roadway , garbage , and water usage , I currently live on the upper section of the property ,and enjoy regular use of the park via hiking , mountain biking , etc the camping spots are separated but campsite 2 would need to walk to the side of campsite 1 to have access to the mountain biking , hiking park / preserve . The preserve offers several different terrains from Rocky areas to rolling hills to straight down vertical cliffs , some times of year the rain was so heavy the grass and weeds have grown 4 ft tall and other times there is barely a plant insight . The hiking trails are generally wide with some of the mountain biking paths becoming a foot or 2 wide . The wildlife generally stays at our end of the preserve which includes occasionally deer have been seen , but on a regular basis you will encounter Donkeys , Coyotes , Bobcats , Fox , Rabbits , Squirrels , Hawk's , Eagles , Crow , Owl's , and not very often a mountain lion has been either seen in person , tracks spotted or a local resident has caught them on there security cameras . If your up for the day long hike you can make it all the way to the top of Blue Mountain near Grand Terrace another great spot for overlooking the nearby cities especially as it gets closer to sunset
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$80
 / night
94%
(17)

Dead End Campgrounds RV Sites

5 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Wrightwood, CA
Sitting one mile high exactly on the side of the mountain, with views of the desert, mountains, and city lights below! . I have 2 other short-term rentals on the same 5 acres and the reviews have been so amazing I decided to expand to camping, RVs, etc. A large flat lot (50' x100') could host up to about 3 RVs (depending on the size) and tents. There is water, good WiFi, septic hook-up, and electricity in a limited capacity (solar and wind-powered). There are generators available. The property sits up against The Transitionary Habitat nature preserve and there are 350 acres of hiking in the Puma Canyon. You are literally surrounded by nature, a true escape but with the city lights in the backdrop! There are tables, chairs, tiki torches, bean bag toss, horseshoes, and a gas fire pit. The road to the property is narrow and steep, so please consider this when booking. We've had hundreds of groups navigate the roads with no problem, including 48 foot RVs. If you have concerns about whether or not your vehicle can make it, please don't hesitate to message me.
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$44
 / night
Booked 1 time

RV Camping at Silverado Canyon!

1 site · RV5 acres · Silverado, CA
Learn more about this land:Silverado Canyon Lovely view and hiking nearbyUp to 30 feet Recreational Vehicle Motor coaches Cafe and Country Store nearbyPeaceful and quiet Nature
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$39
 / night
100%
(12)

Quail ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Phelan, CA
5 acres of mountain desert property with great unobstructed views of the mountains and surrounding cities of the high desert, with beautiful views property may be subject to high wind at times. So please check weather and dress accordingly. property is very peaceful and on its own hill. ovh and hiking trails all around. RV, Van, truck, trailer and tent camping welcomed. An outside mutual restroom for campers on site with hot and cold water shower. Property also has lodging on site. small cowboy bunker available for rent which has full kitchenette and is ran off of generator for power. Gas not included but a fuel can is provided. Second lodging rental is not listed here, but available on hip camp at (heavenly hideout Quail Ranch).
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$53
 / night

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Camping in Southern California with hiking guide

Overview

Looking to explore Southern California's stunning landscapes while getting your hike on? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 4709 camping options in Southern California, Hipcamp has the perfect campsite for you. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, our top campsites, like Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch (549 reviews), and The Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. And with popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfires, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, with an average price per night of $55 and options as low as $5, you'll find a campsite that fits your budget. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore Southern California's historic sites, enjoy snow sports, or go boating. Start planning your camping adventure with Hipcamp today!

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