Imagine your children growing up and remembering all the fun adventures they had when you went camping as a family.
They’ll speak fondly of all the gorgeous landscapes they were immersed in, the nature sounds they heard, the wondrous wildlife they saw, and the delicious campfire meals they tasted.
If you want to plan a camping trip your family remembers as magical, it’s important to pick a space dedicated to family-friendly activities and intentional bonding.
Read on for a look at some of the best places to go camping with kids in California, each of which will provide perfect family adventures 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 somewhat challenging to find the perfect place to take your family camping vacation, because not all campgrounds are designed with children in mind.
As a parent, you need to think about how clean the facilities are, so your kids can come home from vacation without getting sick.
You should also consider their entertainment, finding places that offer an array of activities to keep them from getting bored in the great outdoors.
However, you also need to ensure that there are ways to balance adults’ leisure time alongside structured quality family time and uniquely stimulating child-friendly activities.
Fortunately, there are an array of family camping options in the state of California that meet all of these criteria, and many more to boot.
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) offers over 500 locations, all of which feature trained campground professionals, making it easy to find a quality spot.
READ MORE: Camping & Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park
Family-Friendly Campgrounds in California
KOA Campgrounds offer a variety of family-friendly amenities. Most have plenty of ways to help parents keep their kids occupied, providing a safe and structured, yet whimsical and joyous atmosphere for everyone.
These are some of the best California campgrounds to check out, depending on your intended destination and your family’s particular interests:
1. San Diego Metro KOA (Chula Vista CA)
Chula Vista is home to the San Diego Metro KOA campsite, which has a dedicated Activities Director to ensure that everyone has the most fun imaginable during their family camping trip.
You can visit during a themed weekend, see movies under the stars, play horseshoes, tie-dye shirts. and experience live music at this critically acclaimed California camping destination.
Whether you go for a weekend getaway in Winter or a long-term stay in the beautiful Summer sun, there’s never a dull moment… especially when you can have your child launch a small rocket!
Its location is also close to downtown San Diego, making it even easier to plan a memorable, action-packed camping trip.
Key Features
● Bike rentals
● Rock-climbing walls
● Bingo
● A sandcastle cafe
● Ping-pong
● Scavenger hunts
● Swimming pools and hot tubs
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 pick a spot located close to a noteworthy family-friendly attraction.
Of course, what is available on-site is always important. But the Moss Landing KOA Express is walking distance from the beach and very close to Monterey Bay, which offers lots of fun adventures nearby.
This would make a perfect afternoon outing, with plenty of opportunities to tire out the kids before relaxing family time at night in front of the campfire.
There are also nature trails and boat tours nearby, so nature-loving families will have plenty of options to whales, otters, and other marine life.
Note that this campground is open to RVs only, and no tent camping is allowed.
Key Features
● No smoking policies
● Pet-friendly area
● High-speed Wi-Fi
● Cable TV
● 24-hour laundry
● Playground
● Cornhole
READ MORE: 30 Cool & Weird Ocean Animals Around the World
3. Benbow KOA Holiday (Garberville CA)
The Benbow KOA Holiday Campground is located near the Lost Coast of California, 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 places for a family getaway. Children of all ages will feel the awesome power of nature everywhere they look.
They can also savor swimming and fishing in the Eel River (which runs along the KOA property), balancing moments of peace and tranquility with feelings of excitement every time they get a nibble on their fishing line.
Benbow KOA also has tons of other fun activities for families, including golf, playgrounds, and swimming pools, along with other awesome amenities.
Key Features
● The Benbow Barrel Train
● Shuffleboard
● Pet Playground
● Sports Court
READ MORE: Avenue of the Giants: A Scenic Drive Through California’s Redwoods
4. Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday (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 calming cabins adults will love.
Located in Santa Paula CA (which is promoted as the “Citrus Capital of the World”), this campground is truly meant for families who love activities and action.
For children, there are arts and crafts, playgrounds, gem mining activities, a swimming pool, and jumping pillows. The property also features rock-climbing towers and a zip line.
If your family is exhausted from all the action, you can relax and enjoy the World Labyrinth, a serene place to meditate and bask in the outdoors. It’s a great way to teach children to enjoy immersion in their natural surroundings.
Key Features
● Dog Park
● Clubhouse
● Nature Trails
● General Store
● Picnic Pavilions
READ MORE: What is Glamping? A Guide to Luxury Camping
FAQ About Camping With Kids
Q. What is a good age to take kids camping?
A. 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. Note that many campsites have quiet hours. As kids get older, they have greater mobility and curiosity, which can make them easier to entertain.
Q. What makes KOA a good place to camp with kids?
A. KOA locations offer a good balance of natural wonder and structured activities. Some children may grow bored with appreciating forests and rivers, but the novelty of resort-style amenities makes it more fun.
Q. What are some fun camping activities for kids?
A. The most popular camping activities for families with kids include watching birds and other wildlife, fishing, skipping stones, making s’mores, 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.
