I have two boys ages 6 and 3 who LOVE to go camping. My family has been going to Hume Lake every year since I was a kid and we love it, but it is far away and we usually only get to go once each summer. I would like to go on a few smaller trips within 2 hours of the LA area. Where do you like to go camping with young ones and why? My only requirements are running water and flush toilets.
Edit: Thanks for the great suggestions so far. We will be tent camping. The kids have bikes, but they still have training wheels. We like mild hiking and playing in the water (lake, river, ocean). I usually prefer somewhere that has lots of trees, but the campfire and s'mores are most important to the kids. The desert is not an option, my son and I get horrible migranes in the heat.
We go to Serrano Campground in Big Bear. Really nice campground. The bathrooms are very clean.
Serrano Campground, Big Bear. Awesome, clean campground.
Carlsbad State Beach - the beach. Say no more.
San Jacinto State Park (Idyllwild). Cute little campground walking distance to darling little town.
Morro Bay State Park - a little longer of a drive (3 hours) but really beautiful area with tons of outdoor stuff to do. It's right next door to the golf course so we often sneak on after it closes.
MK
Do you have a motor home or are you tent camping?
Do you have bikes or what?
Within 2 hours of you - there is Mt. Baldy - they have a great (well, it used to be!! I haven't been there in years) campground.
http://www.summitpost.org/mount-san-antonio-mount-baldy/1...
Big Bear has some camp grounds by Big Bear Lake.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32074-d###-###-#...
Then there's Doheny Beach...south of you...
Then there's Joshua Tree National Monument (it's a tad further than 2 hours but it's GREAT!!)
http://www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/joshua-tree-na...
Then there's Palm Springs - which is closer than Joshua Tree
If you want to take a tad longer - 3 hours - there's Pismo Beach - LOVE that! area!! Monterrey....Santa Barbara....
I found this website...http://www.destinationthere.com/Camping_Grounds_in_Southe...
Have fun!!!
