r/CaliforniaCamping

🌲 We found the holy grail of lakeside camping in Mammoth Lakes... 🎣 🏕️

🌲 We found the holy grail of lakeside camping in Mammoth Lakes... 🎣 🏕️

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up, stepping right out of your tent, and casting a line into crystal-clear lake waters within seconds—you HAVE to check this out.

In our trip to the Eastern Sierra, we set up camp at two of the absolute best waterfront campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes: Twin Lakes Campground and Lake Mary Campground.

Campsite #12 at Lake Mary: Is this officially the single best waterfront campsite in the entire Basin? (The views from our morning coffee spot speak for themselves ☕ View total perfection!). 🎣 Cast a Pole in the water right from your campsite!

Paddleboard Deep water Lakes to paddleboard

🥪 Gourmet Camp Eats: Why settle for basic camp food when you can make toasted ciabatta grinder sandwiches and crockpot lettuce wraps right at the lake?

Which campsite would you pick for a summer getaway?

🎥 Watch the full video now to check out the campsites, fishing spots, and lake views: 👇👇👇https://youtu.be/_JacvdqveOg?si=wF4G706ZFCdLKLXu

u/Naturetravelers1000 — 12 hours ago
▲ 28 r/CaliforniaCamping+1 crossposts

Has anyone ever experienced anything paranormal at June lake /oh ridge campsite ?

So my friends and I went camping this weekend. One of my friends decided to stay in the tent when all of us walked to the RR . She said she saw zippr move to try to open and it looked like whoever was struggling so she got up to help open and when she did there was nothings. That same night my friend and I were cleaning up the campsite and I walked to the trash as I was walking I heard a noise like when someone tried to catch your attention like a shhh or chhh chh and I turned around and I asked my friend if she was calling me and she said no after tha I felt like I was being watched all of this occurred between the times of 11-12pm

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u/Purple-Range-1030 — 2 days ago
▲ 34 r/CaliforniaCamping+1 crossposts

Anyone else wonder who designed Loves Campgrounds...

They are not destinations to me, but a place to spend a night on the way To The Destination. Why would they design them all as Back-In's? A pull thru would have made way more sense if they had any intelligent person creating them. Quick in and out...

i know they are probably the noisiest places on earth but for an simple overnight they would make a lot of sense when you are just trying to get somewhere else.. Of course we are in a motorhome with Toad (4 wheels down). For us to detach and back in for a single night the place has to be spectacular! I am pretty sure they do no Qualify..

Rant [OFF]

-Bill

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u/BigBillSD — 3 days ago

Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park: In-Depth Camping Review

Perched on the coastal bluffs between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park is widely considered one of the finest coastal camping spots in Southern California. Whether you're taking advantage of the ocean views, exploring tide pools, or simply enjoying a sunset dinner, camping here feels like playing tourist in your own backyard.

⛺ Campground Overview & Location

Moro Campground sits elevated above Pacific Coast Highway, offering panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean toward Emerald Bay and Catalina Island.

Attribute Campground Details
Location Laguna Beach / Crystal Cove State Park, Orange County, CA
Check-In Policy Strict 3:00 PM check-in time (California State Parks policy)
Early Arrival Tip Reef Point Day Use area is the perfect spot to make a fresh coffee and watch for dolphins while waiting for check-in
Best Campsite Loops Dolphin Circle (Campsite 56) offers premier blufftop elevation and expansive ocean views
Reservation Lead Time Highly popular—booking 4 to 6 months in advance via ReserveCalifornia is essential

🌅 The Camping Experience & Daily Highlights

1. Pre-Check-In & Scenic Outlooks

Arriving early before the strict 3:00 PM check-in allows you to settle in along the coast early. Pulling into the nearby Reef Point day-use area provides front-row seats for coffee with a view—frequently rewarded with pods of dolphins swimming along the breakwater.

2. Campsite Setup & Views (Dolphin Circle / Site 56)

Camping in Dolphin Circle places you right along the upper ridge of the coastal terrace. Site 56 in particular stands out as arguably one of the top spots in the entire park, featuring unobstructed looks down toward Emerald Bay, blue waters, and surrounding coastal bluffs.

3. Direct Beach Access & Cove Exploration

Accessing the beach is remarkably convenient:

  • A paved road leads from the campground terrace down toward Pacific Coast Highway.
  • A pedestrian underpass tunnels safely beneath PCH, leading directly out onto the sandy cove.
  • The secluded cove is ideal for surf fishing, tidepooling, or simply relaxing on the sand away from standard beach crowds.

🍝 Campsite Amenities & Sunset Dinners

  • Facilities: The campground features clean restrooms, hot showers, and paved parking spurs suitable for both camper vans/rigs and traditional tent setups.
  • Campsite Meals: Setting up camp cooking gear to prepare a warm hearty meal—such as bronze-cut Italian spaghetti with meat sauce, fresh peppers, and Rao's sauce—while watching the golden-hour sun dip into the ocean is the ultimate way to wrap up the day.

💡 Quick Tips for Camping at Moro Campground

  1. Be Mindful of Check-In Times: Plan to arrive near 3:00 PM or utilize Reef Point day use to relax nearby if you arrive early.
  2. Pack Wind Protection: Being perched up on a bluff means evening coastal breezes are common—bring a windbreak or secure canopy stakes.
  3. Explore the Historic District: Take time to wander down to the nearby Crystal Cove Historic District to see the restored 1930s coastal cottages and vintage beach vibe.
youtu.be
u/Naturetravelers1000 — 4 days ago
▲ 3 r/CaliforniaCamping+3 crossposts

📍|Joshua Tree Desert Accommodation Recommendations

Here is a recommended place to stay in the Joshua Tree desert.
If you are road-tripping along the West Coast like we did, it is definitely worth setting aside a day for this.
Our itinerary went from Antelope Canyon to Las Vegas, then included a stopover in Joshua Tree before heading back to LA.

Joshua Tree is absolutely stunning—it’s well worth the visit! 🤩
The accommodation features a four-person layout (two bedrooms) with an additional sofa bed available.
It comes equipped with essentials like a swimming pool, kitchen, and washing machine.
We bought groceries at Walmart and cooked our own meals there. 🥘
❗️❗️ You really must bring your own food, as the area is quite remote—basically the middle of nowhere.
At night, you can see a sky full of stars; with no light pollution in the desert, the vast, starry expanse is truly breathtaking! 🏜️🌠
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On the drive back to LA from Joshua Tree, you’ll also pass by
Desert Hills Premium Outlets.
I highly recommend stopping there; it’s a huge outlet mall. It’s best to plan a full day for it after checking out, as it’s only about a 45-minute drive from Joshua Tree.

u/BrandMartin — 5 days ago

Favorite NorCal campsites close by lake and family friendly.

Looking for a family friendly campsite that isn’t too crowded but either lakefront or within (reasonable) driving distance for paddle boarding.

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u/moonlit_siren2377 — 9 days ago

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Sept camp site swap

Hey all, as titled, I have a Premium Site booked at Pfeiffer Big Sur campground - Main Camp.

  • Site Number: Premium Campsite #P185 ( by the creek )
  • Date: Fri, Sep 18, 2026 - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 (2 nights)

Looking to swap to the weekends after

  • Sept 25-27
  • Oct 2-4

DM me if any interest!

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u/Gullible_Pollution22 — 12 days ago