Best RV Campgrounds in Southern California for Families

Southern California has beaches, mountains, and deserts, and you can reach all three in a few hours' drive. An RV lets you enjoy them with your family and still have your own beds, kitchen, and bathroom.

Beach Campgrounds

1. Crystal Cove State Park, Moro Campground (Newport Coast)

This is one of the most sought-after campgrounds in Orange County. The sites sit on a bluff with ocean views, and a short walk takes you down to the beach and tide pools. Sites book up fast, so plan ahead.

2. Doheny State Beach (Dana Point)

Doheny puts you right on the sand, and some sites are steps from the water. It's close to Dana Point Harbor, and the gentle waves make it a good beach for kids and beginner surfers.

3. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort (Newport Beach)

Newport Dunes is on the water in Newport's Back Bay. The calm lagoon is a favorite with families who have younger kids, and it has more resort-style amenities than the state park campgrounds.

4. Campland on the Bay (San Diego)

Campland sits on Mission Bay and has a lively, active feel. It's a good base for water activities and for San Diego attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum.

5. Carpinteria State Beach (Santa Barbara County)

If you're willing to drive a bit farther north, Carpinteria is worth it. The beach is known for calm water, which makes it a longtime favorite for families with small children. The town is easy to walk and full of places to eat.

Mountain Campgrounds

6. Serrano Campground (Big Bear Lake)

Serrano is one of the most popular campgrounds at Big Bear. It's right by the lake, with a paved path nearby for walking and biking. Summer brings cool mountain air, and fall brings changing leaves and fewer crowds.

Desert Campgrounds

7. Black Rock Campground (Joshua Tree National Park)

Black Rock sits on the quieter northwest side of Joshua Tree, with hiking trails right from the campground. It's a good pick for families who want to see the park without roughing it.

8. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park)

This campground sits at the base of the mountains in California's largest state park. The Borrego Palm Canyon trail leads to a palm oasis, and spring wildflower season draws visitors from all over.

Tip: Desert camping is best from fall through spring. Summer temperatures can get dangerously high.

Tips for Booking a Popular Campground

1. Book early. California state park campgrounds open reservations months in advance on ReserveCalifornia, and beach sites for summer weekends often go fast. National park and forest campgrounds book through Recreation.gov.

2. Check the site length. Make sure the site fits your RV. Both of our motorhomes are Class C models under 27 feet, which fit most campground sites and are easier to drive and park than larger rigs.

3. Ask about hookups. Many state park sites have limited or no hookups. Your RV's generator, water tank, and holding tanks make that easy, but plan for dumping and water refills.

4. Look for cancellations. If a campground is full, check back often. Sites open up when other campers cancel.

5. Confirm the rules. Pet policies, quiet hours, generator hours, and check-in times vary by campground.

   
   

Making the Most of Your Trip

• Cook at your site. Having a kitchen means fewer expensive restaurant meals, and kids love eating outside.

• Plan one outing a day. Leave time to relax at camp, too.

• Pack for the setting. Beach gear for the coast, layers for the mountains, and plenty of water for the desert.

• Unplug for a while. Campfire nights and s'mores are often what kids remember most.

  
  

Rent a Family-Friendly RV in Orange County

If you don't own an RV, renting is the easiest way to try it. At RV Rentals "R" Us, we're a family-owned business in Yorba Linda with two clean, fully equipped Class C motorhomes. Our 2023 Thor Chateau 22E sleeps up to five and is a great fit for couples and small families. Our 2025 Thor Four Winds 25V sleeps up to six and has a slide-out for extra room.

Every rental includes commercial insurance, and we walk you through how everything works before you leave. That way you can focus on the trip, not the details. Dogs are welcome with approval.

See our RVs and send a rental request

Submitting a rental request does not guarantee availability or confirm a reservation. We'll review your dates and send the official quote, rental agreement, and payment instructions.