There’s nothing like a camping trip to bring the family together. In Southern California there are many great family campgrounds that can be combined with the fun of whale sightings San Diego. Take a look at the following list of top-notch campgrounds and get ready for some special family bonding time.
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San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Nature programs, geocaching, and beach access. What’s not to love? This campground is beautiful and right next to the ocean. You’ll hear the waves crash in your sleep. It’s a little quieter and more secluded than some of the other ocean-side campgrounds. Trestles, a world-class surfing site, is just down the beach.
San Elijo State Beach
This is the most popular campground in San Diego, and for good reason. It offers spaces for bike riding and playing with friends, and is just a short staircase from the beach. Families can fish, swim, and surf to their heart’s delight. This is also a great place to stay if you’re interested in San Diego whale watching season in San Diego. San Elijo is convenient to many whale watching boat tours.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
The great advantage of this campground is its accessibility. It’s right off the highway, only 30 miles from San Diego. If you don’t want to drive down dirt roads for miles to reach your campsite, this is the place for you. It has a few nice amenities, too, such as:
- Bathrooms with showers
- A camp store with provisions
- Picnic tables and fire pits
- Paved campground road for biking
- Short walk to the beach
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
If your family has had enough of the sun, sand, and surf, give Cuyamaca a try. This campground sits 5,000 feet above sea level in a beautiful oak forest with streams and meadows. If you don’t have a tent, you can rent a cabin with bunk beds and a wood stove. At Paso Picacho Campground you’ll find fire rings, flush toilets, and pay showers. Hiking trails leave right from the campground and you can boat and fish at Lake Cuyamaca. This state park is a lovely bit of pristine paradise.
The Ranch at Bandy Canyon
For families that prefer camping on a more elegant scale, try the Ranch at Bandy Canyon. You’ll find individually decorated cabins with a lot of rustic charm and personality. Fun things to do include:
- Swimming pool
- Lodge
- Petting zoo
- Horseback riding lessons and trail rides
- Hot tubs
Cabins come equipped with kitchenettes and toiletries. Most have generous porches or balconies where you can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful location.
Silver Strand State Beach
Silver Strand is the perfect spot for families who love to RV. This campground is for trailers, motorhomes, and RVs only. No tents allowed. The Bayshore Bikeway goes right past the campground. It’s a flat smooth trail that accommodates bikers, walkers, joggers, or strollers. You can take the trail to Coronado Beach or the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Book your campsite today and start making family memories that last a lifetime. San Diego is calling.
About Carson Derrow
