Joshua Tree National Park
Sunset Magazine names Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree National Park as one of the best in all of California. One of nine campgrounds within the park, Ryan campground has 31 sites available for tents, and the nightly fee is just $10, as of early 2010. The sites can fit up to three tents and accommodate up to six people and two cars. All of the sites have picnic tables and fire grates, but there are no showers or bathrooms with running water within the campground, and campers are expected to bring their own wood. You can't reserve a space at Ryan Campground, as all of them are first-come, first-served, so make sure to arrive early to claim your spot. Then, explore the many trails around you, including the one that leads to the peak of Ryan Mountain.
Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Dr.
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
760-367-5500
nps.gov/jotr/index.htm
Leo Carrillo State Park
Leo Carillo State Park is named as one of the best campgrounds in California by the LA Times. Located 28 miles north of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway, it offers 135 tent-camping sites and a mile and a half of shoreline for swimming, sunning and surfing. All of the sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and most of them are shaded by the park's large sycamore trees. Nature walks, children's programs, and campfire activities are all offered at the visitor center. This campground fills up quickly, so make sure to call early to reserve space for your group of campers.
Leo Carrillo State Park
35000 W. Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
818-880-0350
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616
Carpinteria State Beach
Named by the camping and hiking website TripleBlaze.com as one of the best campgrounds in California, Carpinteria State Beach is located 12 miles south of Santa Barbara just off Highway 101. There are 216 family campsites at this beachfront park, and all of them include picnic tables and fire rings. There are also seven group campgrounds if you're coming with a large number of campers. Some of the sites have full hookups for RVs including water, sewer and electric service, and recreational vehicles of up to 30 feet can be accommodated. The state beach features a mile of shoreline that is perfect for swimming, fishing, exploring or simply relaxing.
Carpinteria State Beach
5361 Sixth St.
Carpinteria, California 93013
805-684-2811
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599
