1. Refugio State Beach:
Situated along the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County, Refugio State Beach offers beachfront camping with excellent swimming, surfing, and kayaking opportunities. The campground features family campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, as well as easy access to the beach.
2. Crystal Cove State Park:
Located in Orange County, Crystal Cove State Park offers beachfront camping with stunning ocean views. The Moro Campground has family-friendly amenities, including fire rings, picnic tables, and easy access to the beach for swimming, tidepooling, and beachcombing.
3. Lassen Volcanic National Park:
Lassen Volcanic National Park boasts hydrothermal areas, volcanic peaks, and pristine lakes, making it an excellent destination for family camping. The Manzanita Lake Campground is a popular choice for families, offering scenic views and proximity to family-friendly hiking trails.
4. Big Basin Redwoods State Park:
As California’s oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers family-friendly camping among ancient redwood trees. The park features easy nature trails, waterfalls, and ranger-led programs suitable for kids of all ages. The Sequoia Group Campground is ideal for families and groups.
5. Leo Carrillo State Park:
Situated along the Malibu coast, Leo Carrillo State Park features tide pools, coastal caves, and excellent beach camping opportunities. The campground offers family campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, and kids will love exploring the tide pools.
6. Pismo State Beach – North Beach Campground:
Located along California’s central coast, Pismo State Beach offers beachfront camping with activities like swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The North Beach Campground is family-friendly and provides easy access to the beach.
7. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks:
These parks offer majestic giant sequoia trees, stunning mountain scenery, and family-friendly campgrounds like Lodgepole Campground and Dorst Creek Campground. Don’t miss the General Sherman Tree and the Crystal Cave tour.
8. Yosemite National Park:
Yosemite is a top destination for camping with kids, offering breathtaking scenery, numerous hiking trails suitable for families, and ranger-led programs. Campgrounds like Upper Pines and Lower Pines are popular choices and can be reserved in advance.