Imagine your children growing up and remembering all the fun adventures they had when they went camping as a family.
They will speak fondly of all the beautiful scenery they were immersed in, the sounds of nature they heard, the wonderful wildlife they saw, and the delicious camp fire meals they tried.
If you want to plan a camping trip that your family will remember as magical, it’s important to choose a space dedicated to family activities and intentional bonding.
Read on to learn about some of the best places to camp with kids in California, each of which will provide you with perfect family adventures that you’ll treasure for the rest of your lives.
READ MORE: 20+ Camping Tips and Tricks for Responsible Travelers
Why Your Camping Destination Matters
You may find it a little difficult to find the perfect place to spend your family camping vacation, because not all camps are designed with children in mind.
As a parent, you need to think about how clean the facilities are so that your children can come home from vacation without getting sick.
You should also consider their entertainment, looking for places that offer a variety of activities to prevent them from getting bored outdoors.
However, it is also necessary to ensure that there are ways to balance adults’ free time with quality, structured family time and exceptionally stimulating activities for children.
Fortunately, there are a variety of family camping options in the state of California that meet all of these criteria and many more.
Campgrounds of America (KOA) offers over 500 locations, all of which are staffed by trained camping professionals, making it easy to find a quality place.
READ MORE: Camping and Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park
Family Campsites in California
KOA campgrounds offer a variety of amenities for families. Most have many ways to help parents keep their children occupied, providing a safe and structured, yet whimsical and joyful atmosphere for everyone.
Here are some of the best California campgrounds to visit, depending on your intended destination and your family’s particular interests:
1. San Diego KOA Subway (Chula Vista CA)
Chula Vista is home to the San Diego Metro KOA Campground, which has a dedicated activities director to ensure everyone has the most fun during their family camping trip.
You can visit for a themed weekend, watch movies under the stars, play horseshoes, tie-dye t-shirts. and experience live music at this critically acclaimed California camping destination.
Whether you’re going on a winter weekend getaway or an extended stay in the beautiful summer sun, there’s never a dull moment… especially when you can have your child launch a little rocket!
Its location is also close to downtown San Diego, making it even easier to plan a memorable, action-packed camping trip.
Key Features
● Bicycle rental
● Climbing walls
● Bingo
● A cafe with sand castles
● Ping-pong
● Treasure hunts
● Pools and jacuzzis
READ MORE: Hiking the John Muir Trail in California
2. Moss Landing KOA Express (Moss Landing CA)
One of the best ways to ensure that the campground you choose to visit is the right choice for your family is to choose a location located near a notable family attraction.
Of course, what is available on site is always important. But the Moss Landing KOA Express is just a short drive from the beach and very close to Monterey Bay, which offers many fun adventures nearby.
This would be a perfect afternoon outing, with plenty of opportunities to tire out the kids before relaxing as a family in the evening in front of the campfire.
There are also nature trails and boat tours nearby, so nature-loving families will have plenty of options to see whales, otters, and other marine life.
Please note that this campground is open to RVs only and tent camping is not permitted.
Key Features
● No smoking policies
● Pet-friendly area
● High speed Wi-Fi
● Cable television
● 24 hour laundry
● Playground
● Corn hole
READ MORE: 30 cool and strange sea animals from around the world
3. Benbow KOA Vacations (Garberville CA)
Benbow KOA Vacation Campground is located near California’s Lost Coast, a remote and undeveloped stretch of nearly 100 miles that features dynamic 4,000-foot peaks.
Surrounding this area are the world-famous California redwoods, making it one of the most scenic spots for a family getaway. Children of all ages will feel the amazing power of nature wherever they look.
They can also enjoy swimming and fishing in the Eel River (which runs along the KOA property), balancing moments of peace and quiet with feelings of excitement every time they bite into their fishing line.
Benbow KOA also has many other fun activities for families, including golf, playgrounds, and swimming pools, plus other great amenities.
Key Features
● The Benbow Barrel Train
● Shuffleboard
● Pet play area
● Sports court
READ MORE: Avenue of the Giants: A Scenic Tour of the California Redwoods
4. KOA Vacation at Ventura Ranch (Santa Paula CA)
Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday can provide a rustic or luxury “glamping” experience for your family, offering everything from exciting safari tents for the kids to quiet cabins that adults will love.
Located in Santa Paula CA (which bills itself as the “Citrus Capital of the World”), this camp is truly geared toward families who love activities and action.
For kids, there are arts and crafts, playgrounds, gem mining activities, a pool, and jumping pillows. The property also features climbing towers and a zip line.
If your family is exhausted from all the action, you can relax and enjoy the World Maze, a serene place to meditate and enjoy the outdoors. It is a great way to teach children to enjoy immersion in their natural environment.
Key Features
● Dog park
● Clubhouse
● Nature trails
● General store
● Picnic pavilions
READ MORE: What is Glamping? A guide to luxury camping
Frequently asked questions about camping with children
Q. What is a good age to take children camping?
TO. You can use your intuition, but you may want to base it on your children’s sleep schedule, such as whether or not they can sleep through the night. Please note that many campsites have quiet hours. As children get older, they become more mobile and curious, which can make it easier to entertain them.
Q. What makes KOA a good place to camp with kids?
TO. KOA locations offer a good balance between natural wonders and structured activities. Some kids may get bored of appreciating the forests and rivers, but the novelty of resort-style amenities makes it more fun.
Q. What are some fun camp activities for kids?
TO. Popular camping activities for families with children include watching birds and other wildlife, fishing, skipping rocks, making cupcakes, telling campfire stories, and playing cards and board games. –Alex S. Morrison
This story was produced in partnership with KOA Campgrounds. But our opinions remain our own, and we will never sacrifice the integrity of our obligation to our readers.
