Camping in Southern California with swimming

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

91% (1358 reviews)
91% (1358 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Southern California

Under $50

Star Hosts in Southern California

12 top campgrounds in Southern California with swimming

97%
(56)

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
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
100%
(5)

Beach Whimsical Cottage

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · El Segundo, CA
This is a sweet beach cottage with one or two bedrooms that is close to town and super close to the beach. I offer bikes, Jaccuzzi and parking for a small car. This is the place to rest after camping and waiting to take a flight from LAX or just relax at the beach. This is not a camp spot but a lush garden area with trees, vines and flowers. Also, this is a non smoking property for all types of smoke and no vaping.
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$138
 / night
91%
(41)

Bowens Ranch Hot Spring Retreat

35 sites · RVs161 acres · Apple Valley, CA
This off the grid 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 nature and wildlife encompasses you on this rural property surrounded by 1,000s of acres of undeveloped BLM and US Forestry land. Come escape from the city and relax at a place where you can enjoy yourself amongst others or be by yourself in your own private campsite. With 160 acres, there is lots of room for your large group to spread out or find a more private site to seclude yourself! Set up your campsite and park your vehicle at any of our developed sites that have a patch of turf, picnic tables and fire pits (grills available). Flushing toilets, pits toilets, potable water, and showers on site. 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. The creek water in the Deep Creek canyon flows all year around, as does the hot spring source water that feeds the 6 creek-side hot pools, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. Weather can be extreme at times, with Winter temps ranging from 20*F to 40* F, and Summer temps reaching 112F+. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather, so everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to hike to the hot springs with pets, children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group. Although children are permitted 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 for the hike. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make the hike to the hot springs 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! The Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp is part of the historic Bowen Ranch property that was homesteaded in 1924. This property has been the camping and parking area for the Deep Creek Hot Springs for nearly a century. The Bowen Ranch property is under new ownership as of 2020 and we welcome everyone to come visit! Generally, we always have sites available and reservations are not necessary, but reserved sites are located in a more private area set aside for Hipcamp reservations with separate facilities from the general camping area. See our webpage deepcreekhotspringscampground.com for detailed driving directions to our property with the official trailhead located right on site.
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$54.99
 / night
99%
(1773)

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%
(334)

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
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

The Shire

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Lytle Creek, CA
Welcome to The Shire ! Come and relax in Lytle Creek -Private 5 acre ranch -3 RV sites full hookups and Wi-fi -Tent sites with water, electricity and Wi-fi Hiking, waterfalls, creek swimming, shooting ranges, and OHV trails Walking distance to a Melody’s Market, restaurant and bar We are looking forward to seeing you !
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$200
 / night
93%
(141)

Get Lost Inn - Cabin Rentals

36 sites · Lodging1 acre · Running Springs, CA
Escape to the San Bernardino mountains and experience the ultimate mountain retreat! Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin for a romantic getaway, or a spacious lodge for a family vacation, we've got you covered. With a dozen stunning cabins to choose from, we offer the perfect accommodation for all seasons and activities. Embrace the winter wonderland with skiing and snowboarding, or explore the great outdoors with hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. Or simply unwind and relax in the serene mountain surroundings. Our cabins are conveniently located in Green Valley Lake, Big Bear, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead, each offering its own unique charm and adventure. Let us be your host and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay with us today and discover the magic of the San Bernardino mountains!
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$168
 / night
100%
(1)

Casa Brandon

1 site · RV1 acre · Buena Park, CA
RV parking only on the street and driveway. We have water and electricity hook ups outside of our house near the driveway. We are less than 5 minutes from Knotts Berry Farm, Soak City, Medieval Times, Porto’s, and restaurants. We are 20 minutes away from Disneyland, California Adventure, the beach, and 30 minutes from Los Angeles.
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$70
 / night
50%
(3)

Nalas Lake Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA
Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!
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$25.99
 / night

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Camping in Southern California with swimming guide

Overview

Looking for the perfect camping experience in Southern California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1153 options in Southern California, you'll find the ideal spot to satisfy your swimming cravings. Whether you prefer a scenic lake, a tranquil river, or a refreshing ocean, there's a campsite waiting just for you. And with an average price per night of $46 and options as low as $20, there's something to fit every budget. Check out the top-rated campsites like The Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), Private Beach Farm (382 reviews), and Ballard Walnut Grove (291 reviews) to see why they're so popular. Plus, you'll have access to amenities like pets, trash disposal, and potable water, and you can enjoy activities such as wildlife watching, exploring historic sites, and even catching some waves while surfing. So pack up your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in Southern California with Hipcamp!

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