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There’s no better state to camp in, than the Golden State! With beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery, California is the perfect place for your camping excursions. Make sure to keep in mind these 7 tips for camping in California, the next time you venture into the wilderness.
1. Get Sporty
Camping is not just about pitching tents and roasting marshmallows. Check out all the outdoor activities California has to offer on your camping trip. Camp at San Onofre Beach and hang ten! Enjoy surfing and swimming at this beachfront campsite. Rent a paddleboard or surfboard, or play a little beach volleyball, to get your blood pumping!
2. Go Fishing
Camp at Bolsa Chica State Beach and enjoy bare-handed fishing (with a state permit). Catch some California grunion, sit around the campfire (with a provided fire ring, limited numbers available), and enjoy camping in this fishing-friendly site in Huntington Beach, California. (We love Huntington Beach!)
3. Eat Healthy and Fresh
Pack a cooler and find a site with grill access. They’re all over campsites in California. Grill meat and veggies on a charcoal grill or cook over an open flame. Camp food isn’t all dehydrated or processed snacks. You can have some great grub if you prepare for your camping trip! If camping with other families, take turns cooking the meals; that’s what we do.
4. Try a Yurt
A yurt is a collapsible tent-like structure, with a wooden frame. The structures, which originated with native nomadic tribes of Central Asia, are popular camping dwellings in California. Visit Treebones Resort in Big Sur, to see what this yurt craze is all about!
5. Dress in Layers
California days are typically warmer, but if you’re near the coast or the forests, the temperature can drop, especially at night. Make sure you have clothes that fit the season and some additional layers for the chillier nights. Better safe than sorry . . . and cold! Plus, layers help with mosquitoes.
6. Watch out for Bears
Yogi isn’t just in Jellystone. Although grizzly bears are commonly associated with California, you won’t see any in the state. You’re more likely to spot a black bear, like the Yosemite black bear. (And yes, we’ve seen bears, not at Yosemite, but in Lake Tahoe.) Make sure to store your food properly, and follow traffic signs to protect the bears (and yourself!)
7. Try a Winter Trip
With mild temperatures in the winter months (unless you’re in the mountains), camping from December-February may be a perfect plan for your family. Sites may be less crowded than during the summer months, when many families have vacation time from work and school. Try a trip to Point Reyes National Seashore in December and January, to see the whales pass the storied lighthouse. (We visited Yosemite in March & loved it!)
Your California camping trip is sure to delight your family. Whether you’re planning a summer trip, or gearing up for winter, these 7 tips for camping in California will help your family enjoy an excursion to remember!
Here’s some great camping items to help your trip go off without a hitch. You don’t wanna look like a rookie, do you? You need some real camping gear, trust me! Enjoy your next camping trip.
XL Plush Fleece Outdoor Stadium Waterproof and Windproof Blanket (Blue)Stansport Canteen, 4-Quart
Diamond Candy Sportswear Women’s Waterproof Jacket Outdoor raincoat Hooded Softshell 2GXL
Coleman Trinidad Warm-Weather Sleeping Bag
TETON Sports Camp Pillow Perfect for Camping and Travel; Ultralight Pillow; Grey
