If you're an outdoor enthusiast, chances are that you also like to go camping. Who doesn't like to wake up being completely surrounded by nature with an opportunity to explore, hike, and maybe even fish. If this sounds like you, then think about camping in a whole new environment other than the mountains and national forests. Southern California has a number of campgrounds right along the edge of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Try one of these campsites to get a whole new camping experience.
Choosing Your Camp Grounds
The entire Southern California coast is filled with beach camping, so there are plenty of options to get scenic views of the Pacific or even catch some waves. There are a few things you will have to figure out to ensure the camping facilities meet your needs though. First, make sure the camping site hosts the type of camping you want to do--either tent camping or RV camping. Second, find out if the beach provides the type of activities that you want to participate in. For example, if you're an avid hiker, find out if there are any trails nearby. If you like to fish, see if there are any popular fishing sites or if fishing is allowed at all at the camp site. Bonfires are a good example of a popular beach activity in Southern California that is not offered at every beach or campsite. Doing the proper research ahead of time will allow you to pack all the equipment you need.
RV Camping
RV camping is the easiest form of camping you can do at a beach. You'll be able to enjoy the beach from the comfort of your comfortable RV. Since RVs will protect you against most of the elements and has running electricity, there are less things for you to worry about than tent camping. Just remember to bring most of the same items you usually bring along when you camp out your RV. Bring food that can be easily cooked or pre-made food, bring plenty of drinking water, and check to see if the RV camping grounds has any running electricity, running water, or communal centers for your family to use. You will want to avoid parking your RV near wetlands are any spot with stagnant water. These stagnant bodies of water attract mosquitoes that will not hesitate to bite you.
Tent Camping
Tent camping is the more rustic of the camping options. Nothing except a thin piece of tent canvas separates you from the elements. While this provides a more authentic and exciting camping experience, you will need to do a lot more preparation. First, you must make sure to bring basic camping equipment such as sleeping bags, lanterns, and cooking equipment, such as a camp stove. Other important equipment include extra blankets, folding chairs, and utensils to eat with. Finally, you should not set your tent up near sand dunes. Sand dunes can blow a vast amount of sand at you during a sand storm.
Picking the Right Time
The weather at Southern California beaches remain relatively moderate throughout the year. Rarely will you have extremely cold temperatures during the winters or extreme heat during the summer. This is not to say that you shouldn't check the weather report before you take off. You absolutely should. It just means as a general rule of thumb, you will have weather conditions that are easy enough for you to camp in. One of the most important factors that relates to time you need to look at is water temperature and tide levels. These two ever-changing ocean characteristics can change what type of activities are available to you. For example, cold waters will make it harder for you to go into the water--unless you have a wet suit--and changes the fish that will be in the water if you intend on fishing. The best thing for you to do is to think about the activities you want to do and make sure the camping sites you will visit will be able to accommodate your needs.
Activities
The beach offers a wide range of activities for you to participate in. Volleyball and football on the sand, Frisbee, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and surfing are just some of the fun things you can do at Southern California's beaches. Outside of the essential equipment, you need to bring sleeping bags, a camp stove and other essentials. Pack your fishing rods, boogie boards, or whatever else you'll need for a fun day camping at the beach.
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