We absolutely love camping getaways that bring out the kid in all of us, especially when you head to kid-friendly campgrounds in Southern California that were designed for fun. Fortunately, the Golden State offers an incredible variety of experiences, from luxury glamping and secluded lakeside retreats to action-packed resorts with daily activity schedules. Whether your crew wants to sleep in a canvas teepee, race down a zip line, or splash in a resort-style pool, these spots have you covered. Keep reading to find out more about our seven picks for the best destinations for family camping in Southern California.
What Makes a Campground Family-Friendly?
The best family campgrounds in Southern California offer built-in entertainment that keeps kids off the screens and engaged in activities from sunrise to sunset. Things like safe swimming areas, dedicated playgrounds, and unique lodging options, like Conestoga wagons or safari tents, can elevate a family camping experience. And “family-friendly” is more than just about the kids. Parents want amenities, too, like clean shower facilities, camp stores, and enforced quiet hours so everyone gets a good night’s sleep.
1. Lake Hemet Recreation Area – Mountain Center, California
More than just a campground, Lake Hemet Recreation Area in Mountain Center is a gem tucked into the San Jacinto Mountains. It’s home to an epic seasonal swimming zone, making it a great spot for some of the best family camping in Southern California. It offers the perfect combination of features to get the kids outside for a fun weekend of campsite activities, splashing in the water, and exploring nature. If you want to spend the afternoon on the water, you can even rent a pontoon boat from the marina. For families who prefer a more elevated experience, Lake Hemet also offers gorgeous glamping tents that rival some of the most stunning waterfront rentals in California.
2. Lake Jennings Campground – Lakeside, California
Camping steps away from a scenic reservoir is an absolute treat if you love more natural settings. As if the views weren’t enough to get the kids excited, Lake Jennings Campground also offers the option to spend the night in a teepee. When it comes to children, sleeping in a teepee that holds up to six people will definitely make camping sound even cooler. The park keeps kids busy all day with campground scavenger hunts, life-size Jenga, tetherball, and paddleboat rentals to explore the various coves around the lake.
3. Campland on the Bay – San Diego, California
If you want a more resort-style camping trip, San Diego’s Campland on the Bay may be just what you’re looking for. Situated right on the calm waters of Mission Bay, making it almost feel like one of California’s hidden beaches, this urban campground is loaded with fun amenities for the whole family. You’ll find bike rentals, two swimming pools, hot tubs, a cantina, an ice cream shop, and a full video arcade. Kids can spend hours shredding the skateboard park or joining in planned activities like dodgeball and bubble soccer.
4. San Diego Metro KOA Campground – Chula Vista, California
There are so many fun things to do at the San Diego Metro KOA Resort that the kids might never want to leave. They will love the option to rent four-wheeled pedal carts, tackle the rock-climbing wall, or jump into the year-round resort pool for a swim. One highlight for younger campers is bouncing out their energy on 3,500 square feet of jumping pillows. After dark, sitting by the campfire is always a big hit, especially after an afternoon tie-dye shirt-making session. It’s also an ideal base camp for visiting the nearby San Diego Zoo.
5. Ventura Ranch KOA – Santa Paula, California
Ventura Ranch KOA, in picturesque Santa Paula, is another favorite for family camping trips. Older kids will go crazy for the “Soar Over Ventura” Adventure Course, which features a zip line and a challenging ropes course that weaves through the tree canopy. Accommodations range from standard RV sites to teepees, safari tents, and even Conestoga wagons. Roast marshmallows over the campfire at night, and take a quiet morning stroll through the property’s beautiful World Labyrinth.
6. Calico Ghost Town Campground – Barstow, California
Who doesn’t love a good ghost town? Just a short stroll from the restored 1880s silver-mining village, the Calico Ghost Town Campground is a camping spot the family will never forget. The fees actually include admission to the ghost town, so you can explore the Maggie Mine, ride the narrow-gauge railway, and watch weekend gunfight demonstrations. The campground offers full hookups and offers access to surrounding OHV trails, making it a favorite for off-roading families.
7. LA RV Resort – Acton, California
Tucked away in Soledad Canyon, near Acton, the LA RV Resort (or Acton Action Camp) is a great campground for a mix of nature and recreation. Here, you can enjoy swimming in the pool, outdoor movies under the stars, arts and crafts, and sports like volleyball and basketball. It’s exactly what you need when you want to get out of the city for a break but still need reliable ways to entertain the kids. Families love hiking sections of the nearby Pacific Crest Trail and exploring one of Southern California’s quirkiest towns.
Which Southern California Family Campground Is Right for You?
Deciding where to camp ultimately comes down to your family’s travel style, likes, and dislikes. If your kids are always on the move and crave amenities like game rooms and skate parks, an urban resort like Campland on the Bay is unbeatable. If, on the other hand, you prefer hiking, stargazing, and diving into history, a spot like Calico Ghost Town offers an unforgettable desert adventure.
If you ask me, all these campgrounds look fantastic, so it’s almost impossible to decide which one to check out first! What are your favorite kid-friendly campgrounds in Southern California? If you’re looking for more ways to make your summer in SoCal memorable? Check out these 15 unforgettable things that belong on your California bucket list…