RV Parks in Southern California: The Ultimate Guide

There are so many RV parks in Southern California worthy of a night’s stay (or more) on your next trip. This area is an excellent place to RV camp, thanks to the warm weather, sunshine, and beautiful scenery. Check out our top picks.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is becoming one of the most popular National Parks in the U.S. It offers beautiful desert views in the daytime and incredible starlit skies at night. There are 8 different campgrounds to choose from, including Hidden Valley, Indian Cove, Cottonwood, Black Rock, Belle, Jumbo Rocks, and White Tank. There are no water, sewer, or electric hookups at any of the campgrounds, so come prepared, but this minor inconvenience for some is worth visiting one of the best RV parks in Southern California. 

Silver Strand State Beach – San Diego

Silver Strand is one of the best RV parks in Southern California because it is right on the beach. There are plenty of large RV parking spots, fire pits, outdoor showers, and restrooms. If your RV is less than 40 feet long, you can call this beach home for a while and enjoy the surf, sand, and sun, along with volleyball, picnics, and unforgettable sunsets. 

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground – Mojave Desert National Preserve

Make the climb up to 4,400 feet in elevation to enjoy the beauty of the Hole-in-the-Wall Campground. You will find yourself surrounded by sculptured volcanic rock and incredible hiking opportunities. There are 35 sites total and you will find toilets, drinking water access, and a dump station. 

South Carlsbad State Beach – Carlsbad

This RV spot is located directly on the beach near Carlsbad. You get the best of both worlds here with oceanside camping that isn’t too far from the attractions and amenities in town. South Carlsbad State Beach offers fire rings, shoes, a dump station, and a store that is open seasonally for your basic necessities. Enjoy a bike ride on the boardwalk, water activities, or a sunset stroll along the beach. 

Channel Islands National Park – Santa Barbara

This national park can be accessed from several different towns spanning from Santa Barbara to Ventura, as the area is just under 250,000 acres. There is a rich Indigenous history to the islands and unique flora and fauna that you won’t find anywhere else. The stretch of islands that make up this national park offers a plethora of outdoor activities like canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and more. 

San Clemente State Beach – San Clemente

You’ll find this oasis tucked away between Los Angeles and San Diego. Many nature lovers flock here for the nature trails and cliffs that give you access to snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Visitors also enjoy fishing for bass, corbina, and perch. Fun fact: many movies have been filmed at the park’s sandstone bluffs, so don’t skip the opportunity for a neat photo. 

Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort – Oceanside

As one of the highest-rated RV parks along the coast, you won’t be disappointed when you stay at Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Park in Oceanside. This family-owned and operated facility is just steps away from the beach and offers pull-through sites, equipment rentals, along with restrooms, showers, and a laundry facility. Spend your day in the warm sun and then gather around the poolside firepit when those cool ocean breezes roll in in the evening. 

Crystal Cove State Park – Laguna Beach

There are 3.2 miles of beaches, canyons, bluffs, and more to adventure into at Crystal Cove State Park. Nestled between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, there are over 1,000 acres to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. Then there is an additional 1,000 acres of underwater park where visitors can go scuba diving or skin diving. 

Orangeland RV Park – Orange

With activities shuffleboard, mini-golf, cornhole, swimming, and billiards, Orangeland RV Park is great for the whole family! This park is also dog friendly, with a few breed restrictions, so you can bring your furry friends along, too. Guests are welcome to pick fresh oranges from trees on the property while enjoying the California sunshine. It is only 3 miles from Disneyland, so families can add a little Disney magic to their RV trip. 

Pio Pico RV Resort & Campground – Jamul 

Another wonderfully family-friendly RV park to make the list of RV parks in Southern California, Pio Pico gets just about as southern as you can go. Only 20 minutes from the U.S- Mexico border you will find a lovely escape from the buzz of the city. This RV park is great for all ages with activities like basketball, playgrounds, bike trails, volleyball, mini-golf, and access to a game room. There is also a spa, hot tub, and whirlpool for the adults to relax and unwind. Pio Pico is dog friendly and has a dog park for your four-legged friends to run around. 

San Elijo State Beach – Cardiff

Located in the narrow park packed with bluffs, you get to have beautiful views while being close enough to walk to town for food or shopping. Being close to town means you may experience some road noise, but if you’re looking for something less remote, this is an excellent option. Visitors can swim, surf, or set up a picnic. 

Ocean Mesa RV Park – Santa Barbara

Another of the excellent RV parks in Southern California is the Ocean Mesa RV Park. There are tons of fun activities to do, like taking a hike to the llama and goat farm, gathering for the seasonal outdoor movie nights, taking a dip in the outdoor pool, or joining one of the events at El Capitan Canyon. The Pacific Ocean and Ynez Mountains create an incredible backdrop for whatever adventures you and your family choose. 

Emma Wood Beach State Park – Ventura

Bask in 112 acres of nature at Emma Wood Beach State Park. This Southern California RV park feels a little more rugged with limited facilities, so if you crave a more bare-bones camping experience without all of the modern frills, this one is for you. Bring your own water and power sources and enjoy being off the grid and reconnecting with nature. Many visitors have great luck fishing and enjoy kite surfing, surfing, and splashing in the ocean. 

Hit The Road With The Right Equipment

When you’re gearing up for your next RV adventure, be sure that you have the right equipment to help you get to your destination safely. Visit blueox.com to browse the selection of tow bars, baseplates, weight distribution hitches, tow brakes, and more.