kid friendly camping california

10 Awesome California Campgrounds

1. CASINI RANCH FAMILY CAMPGROUND

Address: 22855 Moscow Rd, Duncans Mills, CA 95430

Casini Ranch Family Campground is a family-owned and operated RV park and campground, open year-round since 1965. Set among beautiful hills, the campground is just minutes from the scenic Sonoma County coastline. The 110-acre ranch rests on a gentle meander of the Russian River, giving the campground a mile of riverfront property, and offering guests a memorable camping experience.

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Family Tent Camping

Come enjoy some of the most beautiful tent sites around! With our many acres of forested riverfront, we have tent sites to meet all needs. Many of our sites offer either river views, seclusion in the trees, or both.  

If you have a large group – we’ve got you covered. We can accommodate groups of many sizes – so come celebrate your special event, outing, or gathering at Casini Ranch!

• Tent Camping site price includes 2 Adults & 2 Minors
• Standard sites hold 2 vehicles and up to 8 occupants
• Value Sites hold 1 vehicle and up to 6 occupants
• Group site price includes 24 people
• Deluxe Site price includes 12 people
• Group and Deluxe site max occupancy varies depending on size.

RV Vacations

Choose your level of site amenities, and then choose your site.

Come enjoy the convenience of your RV in the beauty of our little piece of paradise in the Russian River Valley. With activities for all ages, we offer a family getaway you will remember for years to come. In fact, many of our guests return year after year including multiple generations of happy campers.  

Able to accommodate RVs of any length and size. 50A, 30A or 20A, we got you covered. 

Come see why a vacation at Casini Ranch is just what the doctor ordered.

2. Del Valle Regional Park

Address: 7000 Del Valle Rd, Livermore, CA 94550

Deep in a valley framed by oak-covered hills, with sailboats and sailboards skimming over its waters, Del Valle is like a lakeside resort only 10 miles south of Livermore.

The centerpiece of the park is a lake five miles long with a variety of water-oriented recreation, from swimming to windsurfing and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. Del Valle also is the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of scenic back-country trail.

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Visitor Center

The visitor center is on the lake’s west side and contains exhibits and information about the natural history of Del Valle and the surrounding wilderness. Campers and park visitors are encouraged to visit and talk with naturalists and student aides about the park and the lake and to take part in the exciting programs happening year-round.

Swimming 

Del Valle offers two swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty during posted periods. For more information regarding hours and swimming conditions, check the Del Valle swimming page.

Picnicking

There is an abundance of landscaped picnic grounds, some with groups of picnic tables that are reservable for large groups. To make a group picnic reservation, call 1-888-EBPARKS or (888) 327-2757, and press option 2.

Camping

Family Campground: The Del Valle Family Campground has 150 sites (two accessible), 21 of them with water and sewage, and electrical hook-ups (120 volt, 50 and 30 amp). The sites are served by centrally located toilets and shower facilities. For reservations up to 12 weeks in advance, telephone 1-888-EBPARKS or (888) 327-2757, and press option 2. Book a Del Valle Regional Park campsite online. All campers with watercraft must go through a boat inspection prior to checking into the campground.

Group camps: There are several group campsites for groups of 11 people or more, available by phone reservation only at least 5 business days in advance at 1-888-EBPARKS or (888) 327-2757, and press option 2. All campers with watercraft must go through a boat inspection prior to checking into the campground.

Equestrian camps: The Little Chaparral horse camp area has 4 small paddocks. The reservation of one paddock includes space for 1-2 horses, 4 people maximum, and parking for one trailer and rig only. Equestrian groups should reserve the Caballo Loco equestrian group camp as Little Chaparral is not designed for group use. Please note that horses are not allowed in developed areas of the park. To reserve, call 1-888-EBPARKS or (888) 327-2757, and press option 2.

Visit our camping page for more information. See the maps page to download Del Valle campground map and rules.

Fishing

Lake Del Valle is known for excellent fishing. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and catfish. There are also large- and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and panfish. Visit the Fishing section for more information.

Watersports Rental, Boat Rental, and Launching

Boat launch fees are $5 per day for a trailered boat, $3 per day for a car-top, and $2 per day per windsurf board and paddle board. For information on mandatory boat inspection for invasive mussels, see our Invasive Mussel Program page.

You can rent motorboats, patio boats, pedal boats, and canoes at the East Beach marina area. Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented at the Kayak Center at the east beach. Any size boat may be launched at the public boat ramp. For more information and a schedule of fees, see our Boating and Sailing page. The boat speed limit is 10 miles per hour on the entire lake.

Lake Tours

Interpretive staff accompany visitors on scheduled natural and cultural history boat tours of the lake. Call the Del Valle Visitor Center at (510) 544-3146 for information. 

3. Dogwood Family Campground

Address: 26898 Rim of the World Hwy, Rimforest, CA 92378

Dogwood Campground is a family-friendly facility located in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest. All sites must be reserved to enjoy the area’s scenic surroundings and plentiful recreational opportunities.

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Facilities

The campground offers dozens of single-family campsites, available mostly for tent camping. Some sites are equipped with electric hookups and can accommodate RV camping. The parking aprons are paved, but quite narrow.
Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Firewood is available for purchase. Accessible flush toilets, accessible showers and drinking water are provided. An amphitheater is available and the host offers evening campfire programs on some weekend nights.

Natural Features

The campground is located about 20 miles northeast of San Bernardino in a dense forest of cedar, oak, pine and fir trees. The lush forest is home to a variety of wildlife and birds.

Recreation

Ample opportunities for short, day hikes exist in the surrounding area. Within the campground, the Dogwood Trail and Enchanted Loop Trail both provide scenic views and are less than a mile in length.

Getting Here

From San Bernardino, travel north on Hwy 18 toward Lake Arrowhead. Just before Rim of the World High School, turn left (north) onto Daley Canyon Access Road (3 miles west of Arrowhead Ranger Station). Turn right into the campground entrance. This road will bring you straight into the campground.

4. San Gorgonio Family Campground

Address: 43064 CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305

The San Gorgonio Campground provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, as well as a beautiful location in which to enjoy nature. Its proximity to scenic trails and nearby mountain lakes and streams make the campground a great place to bring the family to relax and get away from it all.

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Facilities

The campground offers dozens of single, double, and accessible sites, available for tent and RV camping. Utility hookups are not available, however, the parking spurs are paved and provide a level surface. A dump station with potable water is available at a nearby campground.

Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, showers, and drinking water are provided. A campground host is available on-site and firewood is available for purchase at the facility.

Natural Features

The campground is located about 36 miles northeast of San Bernardino, at an elevation of 6,600 feet. It is situated in a mixed forest of oak and mature pine trees. The campground is composed of two loops, one loop has sites that are closer together, providing less privacy than the other. Both loops are relatively shaded by Black oak, Jeffrey, and Ponderosa pine.

Recreation

The campground provides access to the famed Santa Ana River Trail, which when completed will run from the mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean, providing spectacular views along the way. It is currently popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The Rio Monte Trail is also accessed from the campground, taking hikers to the Rio Monte Panorama, which overlooks the deep gorge of the Santa Ana River Valley. Visitors to the area also enjoy fishing in nearby mountain streams, as well as bird and wildlife viewing, as a variety of species make their home in the forest. A nearby amphitheater also provides weekend evening educational programs for the public during the summer months.

5. Hilton Park Family Campground

Address: 11820 River Rd, Forestville, CA 95436

We are a family-friendly RV park & campground located in the heart of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County. We offer RV sites, cabins, and tent camping. Located right on the Russian River, we are the perfect location to explore all that Sonoma County has to offer.

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For those looking to relax and enjoy the property, we have a general store, 3 children’s play structures, an old-fashioned gaming arcade, horseshoe pits, and a lovely private beach on the river exclusively for our guests. Our beach is the perfect spot for stargazing at night!

River Bend is conveniently located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. With towering redwood trees and grapevines lining the valley above, it is a scenic drive to enjoy an unforgettable trip. River Bend Resort is large enough to handle a 40-ft. motorhome or a small tent camping trailer. River Bend Resort has a variety of RV spaces; RV sites that overlook the Russian River are available at premium rates, while sites inside the park with no view are available for less. All of the tent camping areas can fit an RV, however, these do not come with a drain. For your convenience, there is a convenient dump station available only for overnight RV parking – no public dumping is allowed.

We are proud to be the only designated Good Sam Park in the Russian River Valley. That means we meet the highest standards for cleanliness, friendliness, and available services.

We are delighted to offer:

• 30-amp and 50-amp power, water, electricity.
• All Full Hook-Up RV sites have cable TV.
• Wi-fi throughout the park. The first hour daily is free. After that, charges apply.
• Tent camping sites include a fire ring, picnic table and benches, and water spicket. (Limited sites have electricity and can be requested if available).
• Tent campers have access to hot shower facilities (coin-op for water conservation).
• We have a private beach. Our beach is a mix of sand and fine pebbles. Water shoes are recommended for your comfort. No lifeguard on duty – all swimming is at your own risk. Guests are invited to borrow a life jacket from our bin located at the beach trailhead. Various sizes are available.
• 3 Children’s play areas: with climbing structure, slide, and swings.

(Play structure is intended for children age 12 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and the use of play equipment is at your own risk.)

• Old-fashioned gaming arcade. There is an onsite change machine. (All machines take quarters).
• Horseshoe pits. Borrow horseshoes from the bucket outside the General Store.
• Basketball at the Paul Bunyan Sport Court. Borrow a basketball, soccer or football from the wagon outside the General Store.
• Coin laundry with washers and dryers.
• Air pump station – fill up your inflatables quickly for free. Located just across from the General Store.
• Propane station.
• Dog walk area.

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River Access

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We are pleased to offer riverfront sites for RVs and tent campers. These riverfront sites are highly popular so be sure to book early if this is your preference. We have two entries to the river:

– The main entrance is located in the tent camping section, just past the cabin area. It is a short walk on a dirt path that leads to a beautiful, private beach. Our beach is a mix of sand and fine pebbles. Water shoes are recommended for your comfort. No lifeguard on duty – all swimming is at your own risk.

– Our secondary river access is located in the RV section of the resort. It is a sandy boat drag for those that want to bring inflatables or small river canoes. The stair access to the river can be steep at certain times of the year due to the fact that the river rises during winter and recedes in summer. Please note, that while our bank of the Russian River has a gently flowing current, caution should always be used when swimming. No lifeguard on duty. All swimming is at your own risk.

Facilities

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Introducing The Lodge, River Bend’s new multi-purpose event space – the perfect place to hold your next gathering! Whether it be a small group meeting or a large-scale event, we are happy to accommodate groups of all sizes!

6. Heart Bar Family Campground

Address: 46610 CA-38, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305

The Heart Bar Campground provides access to some of southern California’s greatest backcountry hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as a nice play to experience nature. A variety of recreation opportunities are available in the surrounding area as well, leaving little more to be desired from a campsite.

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Facilities

The campground offers multiple single, double, and accessible campsites, available for tent and RV camping. While there are no hookups available at the campground, a dump station with potable water is available nearby. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. Additional parking is available. 

Natural Features

The campground is nestled among pine-covered mountains, at an elevation of 6,880 feet. It is not far from Big Bear Lake, but far enough to retain a remote and secluded atmosphere. The mature trees provide some shade to the area, but the understory is limited, leaving campsites with little privacy in some places.

Recreation

A variety of backcountry hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails can be found near the campground, including the famed Santa Ana River Trail, which provides miles of scenic mountain views and points of exploration. The Wildhorse Creek Trail, which explores 5 miles of rolling terrain in the area, is accessed just north of the campground and leads to a remote camping area south of Wildhorse Meadow. It climbs nearly 1,100 feet in elevation and is moderately difficult. Creek fishing is also available nearby.

7. Giant Gap Family Campground

Address: 35250 Mather Rd, Groveland, CA 95321

Giant Gap Campground is located on the north shore of Sugar Pine Reservoir, in the Tahoe National Forest. It is just 15 miles from Foresthill. Visitors enjoy the surrounding area for its fishing, canoeing,  OHV, and hiking opportunities.

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Facilities

The campground offers several singles- and double-family campsites, a few of which are accessible. Picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water. Firewood is available for purchase from the host.

Natural Features

The campground and the adjacent 160-acre Sugar Pine Reservoir are situated at an elevation of 3,600 feet. The campground is situated in stands of cedar and ponderosa pine trees. Summertime temperatures are hot during the day and cool at night.

Recreation

Fishing, canoeing, swimming, and boating are popular activities on the reservoir. A paved, non-motorized trail circles the campground and connects to the day-use area and Shirttail Creek Campground. The North Fork of the American River is nearby, with additional fishing and swimming. Many miles of hiking and off-road vehicle trails are in the surrounding area.

8. Camp Williams Resort

Address: 24210 E Fork Rd, Azusa, CA 91702

Within easy reach of the greater Los Angeles area, Camp Williams RV Resort in Azusa, CA is a quiet haven tucked away in the spectacular San Gabriel Mountains. Whether you like to camp, swim, fish, hike, bike, pan for gold, or just want to enjoy a delicious meal in our beautiful mountain location, you’ll love Camp Williams.

We offer tenting directly on the banks of the San Gabriel River East Fork, and full-hook-up RV sites shaded by towering oak trees. You can also enjoy our cozy camping cabin — Hobbit House.

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Clean, modern restrooms and showers, and the convenience of our great Café & General Store will make your visit a comfortable one.

It’s so beautiful here, that you might just want to stake out your own little piece of Camp Williams. Our Mobile Home Park has both sites and units available. Having your own site in our Mobile Park includes the use of our beautiful in-ground pool.

Please inquire about becoming a long-term resident of Camp Williams. Once you get here, you may never want to leave.

You’ll Love Our Beautiful Azusa, CA Weather

Enjoy sunny summer days and mild winters in our secluded mountainous RV Resort along the San Gabriel River as you visit our year-round campground and mobile home resort.

Our scenic location provides a welcome respite from city hustle and bustle. Leave your cares behind as you drive up into our peaceful mountain setting to relax along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. Come spend a day, a week, or the whole season.

The first time you visit our hidden paradise, you’ll understand why so many people want to stay long-term. Surprisingly close to Los Angeles, our cozy mobile home park is the perfect spot for peaceful, affordable seasonal or year-round living in a serene mountain environment. While you’re here for a visit, be sure to inquire about available lots and units for sale.

Camp Williams is ideal for Scouting camp-outs and events. Contact us for special rates.

Our Facilities

• Quiet mountain setting
• Beautiful riverfront location
• Café & General Store on-site
• Clean, quiet atmosphere
• Great weather year-round
• Perfect for family camping
• San Gabriel River swimming
• Panning for gold
• Bird watching (great blue herons)!
• Riverfront walking paths
• Clean modern restrooms
• Private hot showers
• Safe, secure environment
• Groups welcome
• Lots of area attractions

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Hobbit House Cabin

• Our newest addition
• Sleeps up to four
• Large front porch
• Natural cedar aroma
• Adirondack chairs on deck
• Coziest camping cabin ever!

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Campground Amenities

Tent Sites

• All tenting is direct riverfront
• Picnic table at every site
• Water faucets nearby

RV Sites

• Full hook-ups – w/s/e
• 50-amp electric service
• Every site overlooks the river
• Picnic tables
• Room for large RVs
• Plenty of space for slide-outs
• Shaded sites
• Dump station available

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Mobile Home Park

• Peaceful mountain setting
• Affordable seasonal or year-round living
• Beautiful in-ground pool (exclusive to Mobile Home Park residents)
• Sites for rent
• Units for sale
• Quiet neighborhood
• Café & General Store on-site
• Laundry facilities available
• Great weather year-round
• Safe, secure environment
• Direct-billed utilities
• Lots of area attractions
• Inquire about available lots & homes

9. Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday

Address: 7400 Pine Grove Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060

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The Ventura Ranch KOA is a 76-acre campground nestled at the foot of Ventura County’s highest mountain, Topa Topa. Enjoy nature, wildlife, gorgeous views, and clear star-lit nights. We are just off the scenic highway, 7 miles between Santa Paula and Ojai.

We offer five types of accommodations, from the very rustic to deluxe!

• Tent sites (no electricity)
• RV sites (Full and partial hookups, no cable for TV)
• Teepee’s (no electricity)
• Conestoga Wagons 
• Safari Tents
• Cabins (No cable or TVs)

Our activities are fun for children and families! You will be busy making fun memories with arts and crafts, our huge jumping pillow, swing set/playground area, rock climbing tower, gem mining, visiting the Bigfoot Watering Hole, or relaxing by our beautiful pool. 

Are you ready for a challenge? Our “Soar Over Ventura Adventure Course” combines a zip line PLUS a ropes/obstacle course.  Our “Eagles Nest ZIP Line” is also open!.  Come into the office on Mondays to sign up for the weekend!  Age, height, and weight requirements. 

Ventura Ranch KOA World Labyrinth The Ventura Ranch KOA World Labyrinth is a place to meditate, reflect, and let the light shine upon us in our great outdoors. So come and take a walk through and enjoy the natural surroundings.

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General Check-in for RVs and Tents is 2:00pm – Check Out is 11:00am
All Cabins, Tee Pee’s, and Safari Tents Check-In is 3:00 pm – Check-Out is 11:00 am

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cabins, Tee Pee’s, and Glamour Tents require at least a 7-day cancellation or reservation change (by 4pm 7 days prior) or the deposit is forfeited. Otherwise, there is only a $10 cancellation fee charged. RVs and Tents require at least a 48-hour cancellation or reservation change (by 4 pm 48 hours prior), or the deposit is forfeited. Otherwise, there is only a $10 cancellation fee charged. NO TENTS ALLOWED ON RV SITES

If you are inviting people to visit your site, please be aware of the following rules:
All visitors must stop at the front office and register their vehicle and everyone coming into the park. There is a $10 charge per person (Max of 6 visitors per campsite). Children under 3 are free. The car pass you are assigned must be clearly displayed at the front of the vehicle at all times. All visitors must leave by 8pm when our campground quiet hours begin. Visitors in the park must abide by the same rules as overnight guests.

10. Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

Address: California Blvd, Lompoc, CA 93437

On the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the peaks of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park tower high above the Big Sur River Gorge, where the Big Sur River enters this popular park. Walk along the banks of the river and among the redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders, and willows

. A large campground accommodates hikers, bikers, car campers, and RVers. Many campsites are located along the Big Sur River. Wildlife includes bobcats, black-tail deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and birds, such as dippers and belted kingfishers.

Hikers can enjoy many scenic trails, including a self-guided nature trail. Big Sur Lodge is located in the park. The lodge has 61 guest rooms, a conference center, a cafe, and a grocery store.

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