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Local campgrounds in Southern CA
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Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner, which marks the official camping and hiking season for families across the country. Here is a brief list of local campgrounds that will allow you and your family to enjoy a weekend getaway without investing too much money or time.
1. Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu CA
35000 W. Pacific Coast Highway. Malibu, CA
This site offers 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing and fishing. The beach contains tide pools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring. Campgrounds are shaded by giant sycamore trees. Nature walks available.
Good for: First-timers
General Information(818) 880-0363; $25 entry
2.Boulder Basin Camp, San Bernardino National Forest
A national forest that is located 7,3000 feet in elevation. Sites at the top of campsites loop feature expansive vistas of the national forest.
Good for: Intimate, RV-free escapes
General information (909) 382-2921; $10 entry.
Be sure to read recreational report for current conditions
3. Doane Valley Campground, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Diego
19952 State Park Drive. Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
Campsite that resembles a slice of Sierra Nevada with dense conifer forest and grassy meadows at 4,700 feet. Kids can fish in Doane Pond, and the 200-inch Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory is a scenic drive up the road.
Good for: Families
General information (760)742-3462; $20 entry.
4. North Beach Campground, Pismo State Beach.
555 Pier Avenue Oceano, CA 93445
Sites sit among pine-covered dunes bordering the beach, with privacy and wind protection. Beach walking, birding, swimming and hiking are prime activities. Four restaurants are available within 2 blocks of the campground. Now offers AT&T & Wi-fi service so you can bring your laptops!
Good for: beating the heat
General information (800) 444-7275. Reservation available from Memorial day to Labor day. From $20
5. Serrano Campground, San Bernardino National Forest
A camp at Big Bear Lake that's within walking distance of the water, this pine-shaded spot is a favorite of families who wish to swim or fish. Hike the moderate 2-mile Cougar Crest Trail to Bertha Peak, or pedal the 3.5-mile paved path along the north shore. Pick up trail info at the nearby Big Bear Discovery Center.
Good for: First-timers.
General information (909)866-3437. From $28.
Helpful tips
- Use reserveamerica.com, which now serves as the biggest campground reservation system with both public and private campground listings. For reservations in California, call 1-800-444-7275.
- Good campgrounds book up early, so be prepared to make reservations months in advance. Reserveamerica.com allows you to make reservations up to 6-months in advance for California state parks on the first of the month. Guidelines vary from state to state so refer to the website for more info.
- Lastly, be sure to stay updated on current weather/fire conditions to avoid missing last-minute notices or changes for your campground.
Helpful Sources
May 2009 issue of Sunset magazine
California State Parks Website
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