Put this on your list! It’s untouched California perfection. It’s technically back country camping but there are pit toilets. We saw a blue whale on the way out and there were plenty of foxes to keep us on our toes! We got stuck out here two extra days because of a storm (we were warned and decided to ride it out!) with most people having left on the last boat before the storm it meant we had the island to ourselves for two days!! So worth a night of terrifying winds and rain!

There are tons of gorgeous hikes with views worth a million bucks. And you can swim/snorkel/dive but it’s chilly, I’d recommend a wetsuit even in summer. But I’m also a wimp.

Fantastic forest spot a little over an hour from LA. It’s a staple for us being so close. We’ve probably camped here 20 times over the last decade so that speaks for itself. Has pit toilets and fire ring. (Although in the recent years it can be hit or miss with fire regulations) if you’re looking for a good woodsy feel, crisp piney air, and quiet this is the spot! We’ve never had an issue finding a spot in the mountain. Either at this campground or the other ones further down or up the mountain. I highly recommend snow camping here too! Not for everyone but I find it really fun! And make sure to stop at Mike’s pizza to grab a za before heading up Mt. Pinos. It’s become our tradition to have hot pizza while setting up for camp!

Beautiful spot that books months in advance. If you’re lucky you’ll have the whole place to yourself as there are only 2 spaces. They let us slide with five people but typically it allows for 4 people per site. The other campers didn’t show so we had the space to ourselves and it was awesome! I recommend grabbing both if you can.

Ocean (not accessible) sounds, dolphins, giant trees, and complete privacy from the Big Sur foot traffic. There’s no water, and it is hike in/out.. but not far at all..,and you can pull your car up at the top of the short walk for unloading and loading so it really still feels like car camping with a little extra hauling required. Definetly in my top 10, a must do!

We’ve been here several times. This is a fantastic escape from LA. 2hrs away. You can bring the clothes on your back or go all out. Cabins, yurts, canvas tents. We’ve done it all. Each has a unique charm. The tents are fun for a couple nights just hanging out and having fun. I’ve used the cabins to really unwind, soak in the giant tub, and self care the hell out of yourself! We even escaped here after putting our beloved cat down to cry for two days straight. This place is like a warm hug. A fantastic place for kids but also perfect for a single or couple. Everything is so spread out that you all kinda find your spot. Lots of wildlife and farm animals a short hike away. Deer, raccoons, skunk ;) have all visited us.

If the goal is getting up and out to explore Death Valley NP this campground is well worth it. A bit stacked on top of one another but still super central and near a store... which you’ll find useful being that you’ll drive for hours without passing one. Just get out and explore. If you’re just planning to stay at the campsite then it might not be the one for you.

Magic. This is FernGully. I highly recommend staying a night here to break up a Big Sur destination if you’re headed from SoCal. The tucked away lush hikes are fun and playful. Little waterfalls and fun tree bridges crossing small streams make it feel like a fairy tale. We stayed closest to the ocean which lulled me to sleep both nights we stayed. This ground offers some of the best nature has to offer. The ocean side is a little more “parking lot” although 1-3 sites are great. But the ocean steps away is worth it. The sites further inland are really beautiful. It’s like Lord of the Rings back there. Shoot for site 29.