California Camping

Robert asks…

Where can I take my dog and my wife camping in southern california?

I want to take my wife and dog camping in southern California. We will be using a tent to stay in and I have a Jeep Wrangler. What are some nice places we could go camping for the weekend?

Sonny answers:

Any of the national forests allow dogs at their campgrounds the choices are endless. I would pick one with access to water like a stream or something, My dogs love it I can't keep them out of it. 4wd will increase your choices over some other folks I like the back country roads too. Some spots to consider are along highway 33 in Ojai mountains it winds thru Los Padres National Forest northbound to the California Central Valley. This area is called Rose Valley & totally worth a stop. Campgrounds located along Sespe Creek (MIDDLE LION) and at Rose Valley Falls (ROSE VALLEY)

Sandra asks…

I am looking for a good Northern California Camping Lake?

I would like to be able to camp near the water- swim in clear water and is it asking too much not be around too many people? We are going in the middle of Sept mid week. Thanks!

Sonny answers:

Trinity Alps on the Oregon / California border have many mountain lakes of pure, clear water and few people. No drought this year, they had snow on the ground until May.

The down side is you must hike in to the lakes, but you will be alone except when another hiker passes.

Pick up trail maps at the Ranger Station.

George asks…

Where's a good place to go camping with your family in California?

My aunt and her family (husband and 4 kids) and myself are planning to go camping in October. My aunt and her family went to Lake Lopez near San Luis Obispo, California and had asked me if I knew any other places to go camping. So does anyone know of good camp sites in California? Her kids are 13 and under so consider a family friendly place with showers and such. Thanks!

Sonny answers:

The Redwoods, The KOA in the big Redwoods is a great place for family camping. We camped there and really enjoyed our stay. We went hiking , walked the trails, their was activities for the children, a swimming pool, an arcade room, a convenience store on site, a Beautiful tent site campground, great rv sites, clean shower house,KOA cabins, rv on site to rent,etc etc,

Jenny asks…

Camping what is the best place to go camping in souther california?

i want to go camping before the summer ends where is a good safe place to go camping where everything could be outdoor (tents, portable stoves, etc) and it includes lake/beach swimming areas? anywhere in southern california towards Arizona/California-california/baja califonia etc

Sonny answers:

Joshua tree, wait till it cools down a bit

Ruth asks…

Looking for a great camping area in California where you can swim and fish?

I am a resident of Las Vegas Nevada and am looking to go camping (away form the HEAT) in California with my family and two dogs. We are looking for areas where you can camp and bring camping trailers that are too not crowded, you can fish, and go swimming in the river or lake. Does anyone have any good places in mind?

Sonny answers:

Lake Tahoe is nice, but it's crowded in the summer. In Nevada, there's Walker Lake and Topaz Lake. Both of them are closer to Las Vegas, than Tahoe. The California-Nevada border runs through Topaz, so you fish with either a California or Nevada license.

Inside California, there's Lake Crowley, in the Owens Valley, north of Bishop. There are plenty of places off Hwy 395 to fish and camp. Mammoth Lakes in the eastern Sierras is a popular area.

John asks…

Where is the best tent camping in Southern California?

My wife and little girl have never been camping, but are excited to try it. Where in Southern California can I go set up a tent for a weekend, that is safe for a family and can have fun, preferably a beach site?

Sonny answers:

El Capitan, Refugio, Doheny state beach campgrounds
all very nice and they reserve quickly.

Good luck!

Richard asks…

Where are the nicest camping places in california?

I am looking especially for southern california. I have previously only been to camping places that have been pretty dry and didn't have a lot of trees there. So I was hoping for spots that make you feel a lot more in nature and preferrably also have a lake there. Thanks for any responses!
Among all these that you name, what is your personal favorite? Is there also great camping close to sequoia or yosemeti park?

Sonny answers:

Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead (limited camping) Sycamore Creek Sate Park, Idyllwild, San Jacinto, Aliso Creek Sate Park, Malibu Creek State Park. We are in the midst of our worst drought in 100 years, so water is going to be very scarce. Stay near the coast like Sycamore Creek and Aliso Creek

Charles asks…

Where is a fun and affordable place near So. California go camping?

Im looking for a cheap place to go camping that isn't crowded or anal about people being loud. It would also be nice if it was around the water since I am planning on going in the summer.
Any links or suggestions?

Sonny answers:

The colorado river has ample sites along it's banks for camping and free at that. You can make as much noise as you want and have a blast. I recommend just north or south of Blythe where the Interstate 10 crosses the river.

Camping And Hiking Gear