Top 3 Best Places to Camp in Southern California: Your Ultimate Guide to Scenic Getaways

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If you are exhausted with your day-to-day life or your 9 to 5 jobs and looking for an escape and want to spend a beautiful vacation with your family or friends then I can suggest the 3 best places to visit in south California. From my long traveling experience, I can assure you that these palaces in southern California will not disappoint you. 

List of 3 Best Places to Camp in Southern California:

  1. Serrano Campground
  2. Camp Edison at Shaver Lake
  3. Anza-Borrego State Park
Serrano Campground

Serrano Campground:

Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains by the serene Big Bear Lake, Serrano Campground offers a perfect escape into nature. My recent visit was a peaceful blend of modern comforts and the great outdoors. With nearby trails calling for exploration and the lake inviting for fishing and relaxation, Serrano is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Watching the sunset over the lake, I knew I had found a hidden gem.

Address:

40650 N Shore Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92333, United States

Key point about its location:

  •  It’s about 10 miles from the town of Big Bear Lake, making it easy to access local shops, restaurants, and amenities.
  • It is also approximately 30 miles from the city of San Bernardino.
  • And it’s roughly a 2-hour drive from the bustling city of Los Angeles.

Hiking Trails Near Serrano Campground:

  • Castle Rock Trail
  • Pine Knot Trail
  • Woodland Trail
  • Gray’s Peak Trail
  • Cougar Crest Trail

Activities:

  • Stargazing
  • Picnicking
  • Boating
  • Fishing

Reservation Rules Changes and Cancellation:

Bookings are only available in cycles as they are declared as peak season. 

March 08, 2024- November 30, 2024

March 08, 2025- November 30, 2025

Charges vary on Site Type:

Standard Nonelectric – $40 per night

RV Electric – $51 per night

You will be charged $10 for changing stay dates for each reserved site. And there is no charge for

-Adding or removing nights to your stay

-Changing to a different campsite

And you will be charged $10 and some additional charges for canceling your stay.

Undoubtedly this is one of the best places in southern California.

For more information about reservation and all please click here.

Camp Edison

Camp Edison at Shaver Lake

Camp Edison at Shaver Lake is a peaceful retreat in the Sierra National Forest, ideal for campers seeking both comfort and adventure. The campground is well-equipped with amenities like RV hookups and clean facilities, all within a stone’s throw of the scenic Shaver Lake. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the serene surroundings, Camp Edison offers a perfect blend of nature and convenience for a relaxing outdoor getaway.

Address:

42696 Tollhouse Rd

Shaver Lake, CA 93664

Nearby Places: 

  • The town of Shaver Lake is just minutes away
  • It’s about a 60-mile drive from Fresno
  • The campground is close to several recreational spots, including Dinkey Creek and Huntington Lake

Camping Facilities: 

You have several options for camping in Camp Edison Shaver Lake like Premium Campsites, Group Campsites, Tent Campsites, RV Campsites, and Lakefront Sites.

Activities:

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing

Best Time to Visit:

The Peak season to stay there is June to August because this time the weather is warm weather. Most people visit at this time because this is perfect for activities.

***You are allowed to bring your pets to Camp Edison***

For more information about reservation and all please click here.

Anza BGO State Park

Anza_Borrego State Park

Exploring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park was an adventure filled with incredible landscapes and hidden treasures. From the striking metal sculptures in Borrego Springs to the breathtaking views at Font’s Point, every corner of the park offered something special. Hiking to the Wind Caves and driving through Fish Creek Wash were definite highlights. The desert’s tranquility, especially under the star-filled night sky, made the experience even more magical. Anza-Borrego is truly a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic expression that you won’t find anywhere else​.

Address:

200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA

Nearby Places:

  •  The park is just a 5-minute drive from the small town of Borrego Springs
  • It’s also around a two-hour drive from San Diego
  • Palm Springs is also about two hours away by car

Here are five popular hiking trails in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park:

  • Borrego Palm Canyon Trail
  • Slot Canyon Trail
  • Palm Canyon Trail
  • Hellhole Canyon Trail
  • Fonts Point Trail

Activities: 

  • Stargazing 
  • Hiking 
  • Wild Life Viewing
  • Off-Roading
  • Photography

Best time to visit: 

October 31st to April 30th

For more information about reservation and all please click here.

In this article, I have tried to mention 3 best places in Southern California. Surely there are many more places with unique locations and more appealing environments but I felt these 3 places should be your main priority. But again choose your destination according to your preference.

Happy Traveling.

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