Camping in Southern California

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

90% (4072 reviews)
90% (4072 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Southern California

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Available this weekend

12 top campgrounds in Southern California

97%
(675)

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
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
85%
(33)

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
94%
(9)

Native Falls Campground

61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Temecula, CA
The reimagined Native Falls Campground is conveniently located only minutes from Temecula Valley wine country, yet offers a totally unique and serene lodging experience unlike anything in the area! Our hours are from 9am to 6pm everyday. Check in time starts at noon. Accommodations include fully furnished cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. The campground includes a lake with a waterfall, a sandy beach, lake toys, and catch & release fishing. Additional amenities include a Pickleball Court, shuffleboard, Pool Table, fire pits, picnic tables, hiking trails, and more!
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$25
 / 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%
(32)

Pepperwoods Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Lake Mathews, CA
Experience the tranquility on 3 acres of rural beauty with stunning views of Lake Mathews. Surrounded by nature, an ecological preserve, amazing sunsets, stars, and a beautiful view of the lake. We are quiet and serene but close to the cities of Corona, Norco, and Riverside. Lake Perris is 20 minutes away and a great place to go swimming, fishing or boating. Lake Mathews is a private reservoir, so you cannot access the lake, but Lake Perris is a public lake about 20 minutes away for swimming, fishing and boating. There are tons of hiking trails nearby and we are surrounded by ecological preserves. The area is very peaceful and serene. We are approximately 1-hour drive to: * Temecula * Idyllwild * Palm Springs * Hollywood * San Diego * Laguna/Newport/Huntington Beaches * Joshua Tree National Park * Indio/Coachella * Big Bear Ski Resort
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$57
 / night
99%
(1780)

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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$20
 / night
100%
(2)

Harmony Pines Camp & Retreat Center

13 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Wrightwood, CA
Nestled over 6,000 feet up in the giant pines of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Harmony Pines Camp is very shady and cool in the summer, and often covered beautifully with snow in the winter. We are a non-profit youth camp and happy to open up our home to share with you at affordable rates for youth group camping, seminars, group offsites, leadership trainings, specialty workshops, or intimate spiritual retreats for 100 people comfortably. All rental fees are ways of our fundraising to fund our camp operation, maintenance, and youth development programs.Harmony Pines may also be turned in a beautiful place for a nature inspired wedding, family adventure, and reunion event with many exciting winter and summer activities. Located nearby are the Jackson Lake, Mountain High Ski Resort, and Wrightwood town with many antique stores, fine restaurants, art galleries, and craft shops.This beautiful camp is just 40 minutes from San Bernadino area; and 1.5 hours from the Los Angeles basin and Orange County. Please come and check out our fully-equipped facility for your future events. We will do our best to assist you to have a memorable event and wonderful time at Harmony Pines!BYA Harmony Pines Camp facility includes:• A fully equiped commercial grade kitchen;• A dining hall and patio with a 138 capacity which can be divided into two seperate meeting rooms;• A large 1,900-sqft multi-purpose round yurt for meetings, mediation, yoga, lecture, etc.;• 7 large sleeping dormitories with 82 beds and adjacent restrooms and showers• 4 small and cozy cabins for camp staff, guest speakers or spiritual leaders;• A meditation room with a 20 capacity; a rusted tea room for reading and conversational space• A recreational area with foosball tables and tennis tables, a volleyball court;• An archery range and kayak boats at Jackson Lake may be arranged for additional fees;• An outdoor amphitheather; a large flat area for outdoor gathering; and several restrooms with hot and cold showers.
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$90
 / night
99%
(336)

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
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
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
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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
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Under $50

Star Hosts in Southern California

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Exploring the beautiful vast landscapes with friends, family, or a solo adventure will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Camping in Southern California guide

Overview

The Pacific shoreline, vast deserts, snow-capped mountains—Southern California has it all. Whether you're looking to hike or surf, the state parks, and beaches are a great starting point for your SoCal adventure.

If you want to hear the waves from your tent, stake your claim at a beach campground with epic ocean views. There are tons of state beaches in Santa Barbara and San Diego Counties. One local favorite is Carpinteria State Beach. Windsurfing, fishing, and surfing are a few ways to enjoy this sandy stretch of the ocean shore.

If you're looking for adventure, Joshua Tree National Park may be calling your name. The rocky desert landscape is a hot spot for hiking and rock climbing. For those who want to escape the crowds, there are plenty of remote places to pitch a tent across the Mojave Desert.

For spectacular mountain views, venture into San Bernardino National Forest, just outside of Los Angeles. In this sprawling wilderness, you find tons of cabins and camping spots, especially near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake.

If you're looking for something just outside Malibu, you can't beat Malibu Creek State Park. The 8,000-acre rocky wilderness hosts 15 miles of hiking trails and a volcanic swimming hole.

While the rugged landscape lends itself to tent camping, Glamping is also a big deal in SoCal. Keep an eye out for decked-out yurts, cabins, and cottages with spectacular views.

Southern California is known for its fair weather year round. That said, it can get chilly in the winter. Remember to bring a jacket (and a wet suit if you plan on surfing). To beat the summer rush, try to plan your camping trip for late spring or early fall.

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