Campgrounds

Henninger Campground is a sprawling trail camp in a scenic and special pine forest on Henninger Flats in the San Gabriel Mountains. From Altadena, it is a 3-mile one-way hike up Mount Wilson Toll Road to Henninger Flats, where the charming campground is accompanied by a visitor information center and tree nursery operated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. ...Read more.

Sometimes it can seem ambitious just to go for a hike in the rugged San Gabriel Mountains, but Thaddeus Lowe was way more determined than that, devising an incline tram and railway to bring guests to a resort, tavern, and mountain overlooks that he created in the San Gabriel Mountains about a century ago. His railway and resorts have long been destroyed, but hikers can still visit the remnants. ...Read more.

Montaña de Oro State Park preserves a stunning stretch of the California's Central Coast where the Irish hills meet the Pacific Ocean. Picturesque bluffs and sandy coves dominate the coastline. The inland side of the park has charming peaks and canyons. Within the park's largest canyon, Islay Creek Canyon, you'll find Islay Creek Campground. The conveniently-located campground is just a short walk from the beach at Spooner's Cove and can serve as a base camp for hikes on nearby trails like the Bluff Trail, Valencia Peak Trail, Hazard Peak Trail, Islay Creek Trail, and Oats Peak Trail. ...Read more.

Santa Barbara County is famous for its beautiful beaches, and El Capitán State Beach is one worth noting, allowing visitors to camp on a low bluff just above the ocean. El Capitán State Beach is a fun place to camp with family and friends, relaxing by the ocean and falling asleep to the sound of the waves each night. The campground is located on a point 17 miles west of Santa Barbara, between Highway 101 and the Pacific Ocean. ...Read more.

El Cariso Campground is a 24-site campground in the Santa Ana Mountains near the intersection of Ortega Highway (Route 74) and Main Divide Road on the border between Orange County and Riverside County. At 2,600 feet above sea level, the campground straddles a scenic mountain pass and can be reached easily from Lake Elsinore to the east or San Juan Capistrano to the west. ...Read more.

Hume Lake Ranger District is the northernmost section of Sequoia National Forest and is separated from the rest of the national forest by Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Much of the Hume Lake Ranger District is also protected as part of the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Kings Canyon National Park is divided into pieces. To drive between these two sections of the park (and to drive between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks) on Generals Highway, you must pass through the Hume Lake Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest. ...Read more.

Located along the Pacific Ocean, twenty miles west of Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach has 66 standard sites and one group site that can be reserved in advance for an ocean view camping experience. Palm trees line the beachfront campground, which is split down the middle by the leisurely flowing Refugio Creek. The meeting of the Refugio Creek and the Pacific Ocean makes the campground a haven for birds. ...Read more.

Tamarisk Grove Campground is one of four developed campgrounds in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, with 27 sites, plenty of shade, amenities, and nearby hiking trails. Tamarisk Grove has interesting history too, originally serving as a San Diego County prison camp. Thanks to numerous park improvements, it won't feel like you are doing hard time to spend a little time at Tamarisk Grove Campground. ...Read more.

Culp Valley is a primitive campground in the San Ysidro Mountains west of Borrego Springs. At 3,375 feet above sea level, the campground a cradled by peaks. Here's what Culp Valley Primitive Campground doesn't have: water, picnics tables, fire rings, and charcoal grills. Here is what the campground does have: vault toilets and ground to put a tent on. ...Read more.

Observatory Campground is a 42-site campground in the Palomar Mountains near San Diego County's famed Palomar Observatory. The astronomically accommodating Cleveland National Forest campground is the start of Observatory Trail, which ascends to Palomar Observatory. Observatory Campground is open from April through October and is suitable for tents or RVs. ...Read more.