Experience the Best of Nature and Adventure: RV Camping (in) Southern California

California skyline. Source: David Mark from Pixabay

RV Camping (in) Southern California: Things to Look Out For Before Departure

If you are planning a road trip to SoCal (abbreviation for Southern California), but are tired of the boring hotels, then why not rent a campervan for your next adventure? It's a fun way to explore the area and requires just a teensy bit of preparation.

First and foremost, sort out your ride. Choose a suitable campervan based on your needs. Factors at play usually include: the number of passengers, the length of your trip, and the terrain you're expecting.

Second, sort out your route. As RV Camping in Southern California has many fantastic attractions to offer, from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to San Diego's ebullient surf culture, scheduling a well-thought route gives you the confidence to handle everything that comes your way.

Lastly, remember to pack light and carry essentials such as bedding, cooking equipment, sunscreen, and toiletries.

Hollywood, California. Source: Patrick Blaise from Pixabay

Sites to See While RV Camping (in) Southern California

Southern California is a haven for adventure seekers.

From the sandy beaches of Santa Monica to the rugged cliffs of La Jolla, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. One can enjoy other activities like hiking in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, mountain riding in Big Bear, or rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park. So, strap yourself in and prepare to hit the road for an unforgettable RV Camping in Southern California.

Flights to Take While RV Camping (in) Southern California

Should you fly directly to Southern California and rent an RV while you're there, then you're in luck, as flights to Southern California are readily available from anywhere across the country and the world. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest airport in the region and serves as a major gateway for international travelers. Other major airports in the area include San Diego International Airport (SAN), John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, and Ontario International Airport (ONT).

Brief Introduction of RV Camping (in) Southern California

Situated between the azure Pacific Ocean and a rugged mountainous area, Southern California is a vacation location like no other. It boasts splendid weather, amazing natural beauty, and vibrant culture, and it's easy to see why SoCal is among the top-tier destinations for travelers from all over the world.

Southern California is home to one of the world's most lively and interesting cities. Los Angeles, also commonly known as the "City of Angels," is the second most populous urban agglomeration in the United States. Many are drawn by the diverse culture and delectable cuisine in the area, rendering it all the more inviting to tourists.

If you enjoy nature and the great outdoors, RV camping could be the answer. Southern California has some of the most scenic RV parks in the country, drawing numerous campers there each and every year.

In this article, we'll look at some of the greatest spots for RV camping in Southern California, talk about the amenities and services offered at each spot, and offer advice on how to plan your next RV camping vacation. So stick around for more!

Discover the Top 10 RV Parks for Your Next Camping Adventure in Southern California

RV van camping in a forest. Source: Siggy Nowak from Pixabay

Looking for a memorable RV camping in Southern California? Then look no further, as we'll compile the top 10 RV parks that promise to turn your next camping trip impeccable. So, pack your bags, grab your keys, and hit the road.

But before that, let's get started by sorting out some of the top RV camping in Southern California.

#1 Anaheim Harbor RV Park

Disneyland, California. Source: James Hill from Pixabay

Anaheim Harbor RV Park is the top runner on this list.

The main draw for Anaheim Harbor RV Park is its prime location. This RV Park is located just off the Pacific Coast Highway and provides quick access to some of Southern California's most popular attractions, such as Disneyland, the Anaheim Convention Center, the Honda Center, and the Angel Stadium.

Anaheim Harbor RV Park offers a variety of lodging options. Whether traveling alone or with others, it has full hookups with a drive-thru dump station for registered guests only.

The park is open seven days a week from 9AM to 5PM.

The rates vary largely based on the duration of your stay and the size/facility of your choice. The current rates come in either daily or weekly for full hookups and two-person occupancy. It was subdivided into 6 smaller groups of size settings. The cheapest option for daily standard small comes at US$55+tax. If there is a third person, then you might need to pay extra.

Below is the detailed price info for the stay.

Price detail of Anaheim Harbor RV Park. Source: Anaheim Harbor RV Park

The park provides a variety of amenities to make your stay enjoyable. For your comfort, there is a heated pool and hot tub, a leisure area with a pool table and TV, and a coin-operated laundry room. If you need anything else during your stay, there's a well-stocked store on-site. And if you want to learn more about the place, click here to check out their FAQ page.

#2 Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort and Campground

Caravan camping. Source: Siggy Nowak from Pixabay

Look no further than Bonelli Bluffs if you're looking for a beautiful lakeside RV camping in Southern California. This park is tucked away in the rolling hills of San Dimas. Much to a nature lover's delight, it also offers idyllic views and a variety of outdoor activities for people of all ages.

Set on the shores of Puddingstone Lake, this park is surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty and provides a wonderful backdrop for a relaxing getaway. The park is also conveniently located just 45 minutes east of Los Angeles, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's many attractions.

Bonelli Bluffs offers an excellent deal in terms of price. Rates vary depending on your stay. Comes in RV camping and tent camping.

In addition, the park provides discounts for seniors and veterans, so call-in first [(909) 599-8355] for detailed info.

Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort also offers guided tours of the resort without an appointment from Monday through Friday. The park's opening hours are from 8AM to 6PM, seven days a week. Check-in at 1:00PM and Check-out at 11:00 AM. The laundry room is open 24/7. On-site amenities include swimming pools and a resort market to purchase propane or other necessities.

You will therefore have plenty of time to check in, set up your RV, and begin taking advantage of everything the park has to offer.

#3 Pio Pico RV Resort & Campground

An RV motorhome. Source: Lindsy Williams from Pixabay

Pio Pico is an RV Resort in San Diego. It is the ideal location if you're looking for a quiet, natural getaway in Southern California. This RV Park is a hidden gem situated in the charming town of Jamul and offers tranquil and lovely relaxation from the bustle of daily life.

Pio Pico is located just a stone's throw away from some of the most amazing attractions in town. From the exciting zoo to the jaw-dropping Sea World and fascinating museums, you'll never run out of things to do. If you're feeling a little adventurous, you can take a day trip south of the border to Mexico. It's only a quick 20-minute drive away, which is also a fantastic opportunity to explore a whole new world of culture, food, and fun.

Pio Pico RV Resort is open all year, so you may go whenever you want. There is also an annual pass for only $536.

The opening hours of the place are 9AM-5PM on weekdays. Weekends are closed.

Check-in/Check-out & Hours:

Campsite check-in: 9AM - 9PM

Campsite check-out: 12 noon

Rental check-in: 4PM – 9PM

Rental check-out: 11AM

Pio Pico also has a wide array of amenities. From swimming pools to laundry facilities, the place got you covered. Pet are allowed inside. Water and electricity are available. Sewer sites are served on a first-come, first-served rule, so do try to come in earlier.

#4 South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

Beautiful sunset at a beach in California. Source: David Mark from Pixabay

As a fellow travel aficionado, traveling has always been part of my life. South Carlsbad State Beach in Southern California, on the other hand, holds a special place in my heart. This beautiful beach is not only popular for surfing and swimming, but it also has RV camping facilities that will make your stay unforgettable.

This beachside campground, located only a few miles north of San Diego, provides convenient access to some of the most popular tourist spots in Southern California, such as Legoland, SeaWorld, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Book an all-inclusive tour that can get you to over 40 popular attractions in L.A.

South Carlsbad State Beach is run by California State Parks. Prices range from $35 to $50 per night for No hookups, and $60-$100 with hookups. Check-in time is 2PM, and Check-out time is noon. Click here to make a reservation, or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8AM and 6PM.

You'll also have access to a variety of amenities, such as a Picnic table, fire ring, some sites with full hookups for the campsites; Restrooms with flush toilets, piped water, and convenience store within the campground; hot showers and dump stations both available for your convenience. Due to the proximity to the beach, they've also supplied some attractions nearby for you to find out.

#5 Soledad Canyon RV & Camping Resort

A recreational vehicle at an RV park. Source: Paul Brennan from Pixabay

The Soledad Canyon RV & Camping Resort is located in the middle of the Angeles National Forest and offers the ideal combo of natural beauty and modern facilities, making it a popular destination for RV and camping enthusiasts alike. This RV Park is surrounded by miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking views. It also has easy access to popular tourist destinations like Hollywood, Disneyland, and Universal Studios.

This RV Park offers more than the run-of-the-mill campsite options. In here, you can book a cabin based on the number of your company since the cabin allows 4-6 people to sleep for the night.

Apart from that, tent sites and RV sites are available as well.

Since RVs comes in different shapes and sizes, please remember to put in the dimension of the camper on their website.

Like #3 Pio Pico RV Resort mentioned earlier, they are all part of the Thousand Trails chains, which costs $536 a year for you to choose 1 out of the 5 regions (northwest, southwest, Midwest, northeast, and southeast zone). California is in the southwest zone with 19 campgrounds, so you might as well get one for the long haul.

If you're driving to Soledad Canyon RV & Camping Resort, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find out that there are plenty of car parks available. This site is open all year round. Check-in time is 12 noon for Campsite, 4PM for Rental check-in; 11AM is the check-out time.

No check-ins are permitted after hours, so dial + (661) 269-1740 to get accurate info about this site's business hours.

#6 Silver Strand State Beach Campground

Visitors kayaking at the ocean. Source: Nevena Djidara from Pixabay

Silver Strand State Beach Campground is a hidden gem in San Diego, Southern California, where you can fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves crashing upon the shore as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. The sounds of seagulls and the salty aroma of the ocean breeze are the two things that greet you in the morning.

This Campground is also operated by California State Parks. Swimming, surfing, fishing, and beachcombing are just a few of the many activities available at the beach.

Silver Strand State Beach RV campground is lodged between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, which created the perfect venue for kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing. Across San Diego Bay, you'll find the Aquatic Center and popular Crown Cove.

This campground does not allow tent camping. Closing time at night is determined by the season, and the ballpark number is between 7-9PM. Reservations of up to 6 months before arrival are available as well. Click here to make online reservations or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8AM and 6PM.

The Silver Strand State Beach RV campground has RV and trailer-friendly campsites with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and access to clean restrooms and showers. Furthermore, the campground has a convenience store that sells essential necessities such as firewood. The cost of RV camping at Silver Strand State Beach per night varies: $65 for the premium site, and $50 for the standard site.

#7 Malibu Beach RV Park

Malibu Beach, California. Source: David Mark from Pixabay

RV camping in Southern California, Malibu Beach RV Park, for example, puts more emphasis on serving visitors to Malibu. Home to 142 RV sites and up to 35 tent sites, all sites are sure to have either a full hookup ocean or mountain view.

Malibu Beach RV Park is situated along the Pacific Coast Highway, just a short drive from Los Angeles and Santa Monica. The park is located on a cliff overlooking the ocean and offers stunning views of the coastline and adjacent mountains. Due to its great position, visitors can easily explore the surrounding area, including the iconic Malibu Pier, The Getty Villa, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Malibu Beach RV Park has a number of features to ensure that your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The park offers RV hookups as well as tent camping areas. Guests can also enjoy picnic spots, fire pits, and BBQ grills. For those who wish to stay connected, there is free Wi-Fi throughout the park. Laundry facilities, hot showers, and a convenience store are also available.

On the booking page of the website, you can set the number of the arriving party, the power supply (amps), the max length of the RV, RV type, and site type to search for the campsite for you. The cheapest rate per night starts at $122.50. Dial 310-456-6052 for further details.

#8 Big Bear Shores RV Resort

Big Bear Lake, California. Source: BigBearCabin from Pixabay

Hey there, RV camping lovers! If you're on the hunt for truly enjoyable RV camping in Southern California, then look no further than Big Bear Shores RV Resort. Situated in the breathtaking San Bernardino Mountains, this 5-star RV Resort boasts some of the most awe-inspiring mountain views you'll ever lay your eyes on in Southern California.

Big Bear Shores RV Resort has all the amenities you require to have a comfortable and happy stay. The resort has a clubhouse with a TV lounge area and fireplace, a fitness facility, as well as a game room. A heated pool and spa are also available, which are great for unwinding after a day of skiing or hiking.

One night at Big Bear Shores RV Resort range from $110-160 during the shoulder season, and the holiday season fee starts from $195. This makes it one of the more expensive alternatives in the area. The lavish amenities and breathtaking mountain views make this resort well worth the price. The opening hours for this RV Park are from 8AM to 5PM. Click here to read the detailed Terms and Conditions of the place.

E-mail: BigBearShoresRv@yahoo.com

#9 Noble Creek RV Park

A road winding through a forest. Source: David Mark from Pixabay

Noble Creek RV Park is centrally located in Southern California. This hidden treasure is tucked in the San Jacinto Mountains, where you'll enjoy the freshest air in the area. This iconic RV Park is the perfect escape for those seeking serenity and tranquility.

You can relax knowing that you have all you need for a nice stay at Noble Creek RV Park. Among the amenities provided to guests are full hookups, clean restrooms and showers, a laundry facility, and free Wi-Fi.

Noble Creek RV Park's rates vary based on the size of your RV and the season. The rates range from $45 to $75 per night and are surprisingly reasonable, given its lovely location. The hours of operation of this RV park are from 8AM to 8PM. Don't dillydally. Just contact the business owner (+tel: 951-845-9555) for a speedy reservation and discover Southern California's beauty like never before!

#10 Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort

Imagine waking up to the tranquil sound of waves gently crashing at the shore and experiencing the cooling sea breeze on your face. If you're looking to catch some waves or enjoy some sunshine, then Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort has it all.

Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort boasts a ton of amenities. This resort includes everything you require to make your stay as comfortable and pleasurable as possible, such as a heated swimming pool and spa, as well as a clubhouse with a fireplace and kitchen amenities.

Prices each night range from $75 to over $100, depending on the size of your RV and the season, with each season having different rates. All reservations are required to make a deposit with a 10-day notice before arrival.

Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort has plenty of parking available. The resort offers plenty of on-site parking for RVs of all sizes, and it has easy access to major highways like I-5 and Highway 76. Therefore, getting to this RV Park and exploring the surrounding areas is a breeze.

Click here to get the contact info for this RV resort.

On the Road Again: Your Ultimate RV Camping Guide in Southern California

A road leading to the mountains. Source: David Mark from Pixabay

If you're anything like us, there's nothing quite like hitting the open road in an RV and exploring this beautiful country. There's no denying that the sense of adventure and freedom that comes with RV camping is tremendous, regardless of your experience level. But how can you even start when there are so many incredible places to visit? Fret not, dear travelers! This RV Camping Travel Guide is here to assist you in organizing the best road trip ever. It's time to rev up the engines, dust off those maps, and set out on an adventure of a lifetime.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Time for RV Camping (in) Southern California

A view of an RV camper at night. Source: Jim Wellington from Pixabay

The weather is one of the most crucial elements to take into account. The weather might vary significantly from one to another, depending on your destination.

For instance, if you intend to camp in a region that has scorching summer, then you might want to steer clear of that period and choose lively spring or crisp fall days when the temperature is more agreeable. Similarly, if you intend to camp in an area that has chilly winters, you might want to postpone your schedule to a period when the weather is mild.

Another factor is the accessibility of campgrounds and campsites. Certain campgrounds might be closed off during inhospitable seasons, while others might require reservations made a few months before arrival. So, do your homework and confirm with its business owner/staff that the campgrounds you intend to visit are available and have empty slots at the expected time of your arrival.

A serene RV campground. Source: Paul Brennan from Pixabay

The attractions and activities of your prospect during your RV camping are also important. You might want to pick a time when the trails are not too busy or when the weather is pleasant enough for outdoor sports like hiking or mountain biking. Similarly, if you intend to visit renowned tourist attractions, you might want to reschedule your plans and avoid crowds.

Schedule and personal preferences are important too. For instance, if you have limited/fixed vacation time, you might need to pick a time that fits your schedule the best, regardless of the weather or crowds. But if you have more flexibility on it, then you can pick a time that fits your preferences.

Finally, when deciding when to go RV camping, it's important to carefully examine a number of variables, such as the weather, estimated crowds, campsite availability, activities, and your preferences and schedule.

Essential Safety Tips for a Secure and Enjoyable RV Camping (in) Southern California

An old recreational van. Source: Ray Loong from Pixabay

Although RV camping can be exciting, safety should always come first. It's important to be ready for every circumstance that might come your way when on the road. Before heading out on the open road, here's a checklist for your own safety.

Before setting off:

1. Check if your RV is in excellent working condition.

2. Make sure all of your car's lights, brakes, and tires are in good condition by giving it a full examination.

3. Verify that there are no leaks in the propane system and that all safety features are operating as intended.

4. Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector, smoke detector, and fire extinguisher on your vehicle.

Upon arrival:

1. Doublecheck for any potential dangers, i.e., look out for anything that can fall or damage your RV, such as tree branches, pebbles, or uneven terrain. If you intend to start a barbecue or fire pit, place it far away from anything that could catch fire.

2. To prevent theft or break-ins, keep your RV locked at all times, even when you're inside. To safeguard your RV, use window locks and deadbolts, and hide valuables. Installing motion sensors or a security system can keep an eye out for any unusual activities while sleeping.

Essential RV Camping Packing Tips for a Hassle-free Adventure

A serene RV camping site. Source: Koun G from Pixabay

Efficiency and planning are key components of packing for an RV camping vacation. Make a list of all the necessities, such as clothing, toiletries, and food, to begin with. RVs tend to have limited space, so only bring the essentials. Since all campsites are well-equipped nowadays, you can always restock on-site or drive to the nearest grocery store.

To maximize your storage, bring lightweight, adaptable clothing that can be layered for warmth. Compression bags or packing cubes can come in handy too.

Always be prepared if you want to have stress-free RV camping in southern California. Make a packing list and the finalized itinerary for the whole trip.

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