By Maria del Cisne Vital

 

Camping is a great way to teach your kids the importance of the outdoors and to spend some quality time together. Ditch the technology, take in your surroundings, and become one with nature at these kid-friendly SoCal camping spots:

 

Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park

One of two camping sites that can be reserved at Joshua Tree, Black Rock is a great place for family camping because of its beauty and accessibility. It is located on the edge of the park, and it lies within one of the thickest Joshua tree forests. It is ideal for RV camping, but also has amenities (showers and laundry) within five miles. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive desert tortoise and other desert creatures! Waking up for an early morning hike will be a truly breath-taking experience for the whole family as you watch the sun rise over the desert.

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/black-rock-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70953

 

Crystal Cove State Park’s Moro Campground

Who needs a white noise app when you can get the real thing at Moro Campground? Fall asleep and wake up to the beautiful sounds of the Pacific at this campground. You can enjoy the beauty of an Orange County beach while camping. The campground has 58 tent and RV campsites with picnic tables, and it is dog friendly— even your pup is included in the family fun! Restaurants and shops aren’t far, just in case you forgot any essentials. Sandy toes and great memories made here will always have a place in yours kids’ hearts.

http://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/moro-campground-information/

 

Stone Creek in Idyllwild 

Get your fitness on at Stone Creek. With an abundance of hikes ranging 1.5-3 miles, there is no excuse to not get in a good day hike. Hiking is a great way to take in nature’s beauty and get your kids talking. Bonding is bound to happen. The campground is right off of highway 243, so there won’t be any difficulty finding it. Choose from 50 sites within the Mt. San Jacinto State Park campground, and don’t forget water, a hat, and some sunscreen!

http://www.idyllwild.com/stone.html

 

Malibu Creek State Park

Just 25 miles from downtown L.A., Malibu Creek State Park is the perfect getaway for the family because it’s just far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city. You and your kids can get a new insight on the former center for Chumash Native American Tribe, and experience the history and culture that is still entrenched in the park today. Hiking trails– some accessible for the visually impaired– will take you on a journey through volcanic rock gorges, scenic pools, and views of the Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon. Fishing and swimming are also available!

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=614

 

La Jolla Indian Campground

This campground offers a stunning glimpse of nature with its lush forests and the coursing San Luis Rey river. Sure, you can take in the beauty by taking a nice stroll. But here at the La Jolla Indian campground, there’s a twist— you and your family can take the adventure one step further by tubing down the river. Tent camping is available on a first-come-first-serve basis while RV camping can be reserved online. Be prepared to picnic and roast some marshmallows by the campfire with your family!

http://lajollaindians.com/?page_id=4