Take a look at any list of the best states to camp in, and you’re sure to find California somewhere near the top of it. More specifically, you’ll likely see Southern California mentioned as one of the ideal camping locations for those interested in getting in touch with the great outdoors. If you’re someone who loves to camp, you should try to make your way to Southern California at least once. Here is a guide that will help you make the most of your first Southern California camping adventure.
Decide Which Type of Camping You Want to Do in Southern California
Camping in Southern California has become popular in large part because of all the different types of camping you can do in the area. You’ll have the opportunity to camp in the desert or mountains, and you’ll even get the chance to camp on the beach if you want.
Think about which type of camping appeals to you most when you’re first beginning to plan your trip. It’ll make it so much easier for you to hone in on the kind of campground that you would like to stay at.
Search for Your Preferred Campground in Southern California
Once you know which type of camping you want to do in Southern California, kickstart your search for a campground in the area. There are dozens of incredible campgrounds scattered throughout the lower portion of the state, so you should set aside time to research as many of them as you can.
If you would like to camp in the desert, one of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park might be perfect for you. If you would prefer to camp in the mountains, Idyllwild Campground might be a better option. And if you’re intrigued by the idea of camping on the beach, Point Mugu State Park might be the best option of the bunch.
List the Activities You’ll Take Part In During a Southern California Camping Trip
After you select a Southern California campground, sneak a peek at the different activities it will offer to you. Some campgrounds will put you near amazing hiking trails, while others will set you up with rivers, lakes, and oceans you can swim in. Generate a list of the activities you would like to participate in while you’re camping in Southern California so that you can pack accordingly.
If you’ll be at a campground that will allow you to go fishing, it’ll let you know you’ll need to bring along the right fishing gear. From a fishing pole to a fishing bucket, you’ll want to have everything necessary to fish at your disposal. You may also want to take things a step further and investigate which type of fish you’ll be able to fish for. If a body of water near a campground in Southern California offers the opportunity to fish for, say, carp, it’ll indicate that you’ll need to pack your carp fishing gear.
Check the Weather for Your Southern California Camping Adventure
If you aren’t someone who spends a lot of time in Southern California, you may be under the impression that it’s always warm and sunny. But in reality, the weather in Southern California isn’t as perfect as it has traditionally been portrayed. Even in the summer, you might find there will be times when the sun won’t come out much, and the temperatures will be chillier than you anticipated.
For this reason, make it a point to check the weather in the weeks and days leading up to your Southern California camping trip. You might be surprised to see how cold a place like Joshua Tree National Park can get at night. It isn’t uncommon for the temperatures to drop down into the 30s and 40s once the sun goes down, in which case you’ll want to have at least some cold-weather gear in your camping bag.
Packing for Your Camping Excursion
When you reach this point in making preparations for a Southern California trip, you’ll be ready to start packing for it. You’ll have a much better idea of which types of things you’ll need to bring along to get the complete Southern California camping experience. You can start by packing the basics, like a tactical tent that will hold up in any condition, along with a sleeping bag that will perform well in any weather.
From there, you should take the advice of the California Department of Parks and Recreation and pack many of the other essentials that you’ll need for your camping trip. This will include items like a backpack, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, flashlights, food and water, a compass, and more. It’ll also include sun protection like suntan lotion and even a durable pair of sunglasses.
Additionally, you should always prepare for the worst by packing items that might come in handy if an emergency should arise. For example, you should bring a first-aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, burn creams, and more. You might also want to go as far as to pack a satellite phone to keep connected with the rest of the world.
Let Others Know Where You’re Heading on a Camping Trip
One of the final things you’ll want to do before heading off on a Southern California camping trip is tell other people when and where you’re going. Be as specific as you can possibly be so that at least one or two people will know where you are, just in case something happens while you camp. You might also want to touch base with these people throughout your trip to let them know how things are going.
By following each of these steps, you’ll set yourself up for a successful Southern California camping adventure. It won’t be long before you’re realizing why so many people prefer camping in Southern California over their other choices.
