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This Year-Round Campground In Southern California Is One Of America’s Most Incredible Mountain Getaways

Lake Hemet Campground in Southern California offers year-round outdoor activities and stunning scenery.

Published Dec 8, 2021

Written by 

Emerson

When you feel like escaping to the mountains, there's no shortage of places in Southern California that you can explore. However, there's one year-round campground that you'll definitely want on your bucket list. Located on the shores of Lake Hemet, this campground offers outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery all year long. Summer or winter, fall or spring, it's never a bad time to seek out an overnight adventure at this lakefront campground.

Welcome to Lake Hemet - a little slice of paradise in the San Jacinto Mountains! You can get away from it all when you plan an overnight adventure at this incredible lakefront campground and resort.

A couple sits by a campfire near a tent, with a scenic lake and mountains in the background at sunset.
Lake Hemet Campground/Tripadvisor

Tucked away near the mountain town of Idyllwild, Lake Hemet is a year-round campground that's just steps away from the lake. Lake Hemet, created in 1895 with the construction of Lake Hemet Dam, is a popular destination for its exquisite natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities.

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A serene lakeside scene with tall pine trees and a grassy area, under a clear blue sky.
Lake Hemet Campground/Tripadvisor

The beautiful Lake Hemet Campground is waiting for you no matter the season. Boasting tent and RV sites plus rental cabins and glamping tents, there's something for everybody's camping style here.

A serene lakeside scene at sunset, featuring a picnic table, fire pit, and trees against a colorful sky.
Lake Hemet Campground/Tripadvisor

Lake Hemet's breathtaking surroundings - groves of towering pine, sage, and oak trees - will make you feel a million miles away from it all. And if you forget something, don't worry. The campground's market is stocked with all of the snacks, beverages, and camping supplies you could need.

Entrance of a store with a welcome mat reading "Lake Hemet," showcasing snacks and drinks inside.
Lake Hemet Campground/Tripadvisor

The campground's tent and RV sites are pristine, but the glamping units are ideal for those who like some extra comfort! You'll feel right at home when you stay in one of these beautiful and luxurious glamping canvas tents.

A tan tent set up in a grassy area with two wooden chairs, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
Lake Hemet Campground/Tripadvisor

There's truly no bad time of year to plan a visit to Lake Hemet. Summer is certainly popular for having fun on the water with kayaks, boats, fishing, and swimming. However, the quiet beauty of autumn or winter at the lake can't be beat!

A snowy landscape with a wooden fence, tall trees, and a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.
Lake Hemet Campground/Tripadvisor

Natural splendor and adventure await at Lake Hemet. Plan your visit soon to this paradise in the mountains. Visit the campground's website to reserve your site and learn more.

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Four people stand by a yellow kayak on a beach, smiling and enjoying a sunny day by the water with mountains in the background.
Lake Hemet Campground/Tripadvisor

Have you had the chance to stay at this lakefront campground in the mountains? This place looks like heaven on earth. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Stays|Camping

The Most Remote Beach In Southern California Is A Must-Visit This Summer

Jalama Beach in Lompoc, California, is a secluded and pristine beach accessible via a scenic drive, offering RV camping, ocean-view cabins, and stunning natural beauty.

Updated Jul 19, 2024

Written by 

Natasha Kayes

Believe it or not, there are still a few remote spots along the Southern California coast that few people seem to know about. One of these well-kept secrets is Jalama Beach County Park in Lompoc, California. While most of our beaches are located close to a highway - the Pacific Coast Highway, in fact - this secluded beach is accessible only by driving through a canyon and exiting the highway on a long, windy, scenic road. And it is every bit worth the drive. Come along as we take you to

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Welcome to Jalama Beach County Park!

Sign for Jalama Beach Park in Santa Barbara County, featuring palm trees and a coastal scene.
Paula Brooks / Google Reviews

It was once a Chumash Indian settlement known as “Halama” and today it is a pristine sandy beach with a quiet oasis-like RV campground, surrounded by picturesque bluffs and rolling hills.

Easily one of SoCal’s prettiest and most pristine beaches...

... you will find few people, soft sand, and gorgeous water at Jalama Beach.

A scenic view of a sandy beach with gentle waves, surrounded by hills and a few coastal buildings in the distance.
Mike Brown / Google Reviews

... you will find few people, soft sand, and gorgeous water at Jalama Beach, one of the best beaches in Southern California.

The RV campground is terraced so every site has an incredible view of the beachfront or ocean.

A picnic table with a red checkered tablecloth overlooks a sunny beach and ocean, with palm trees in the background.
Gil Jaramillo / Google Reviews

Visitors fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, only after gazing at the stars in the dark sky. There are also seven fully-equipped ocean-view cabins, so you can enjoy this hidden paradise even if you don’t own an RV.

At the base of the bluffs beyond the sandy beach.

A scenic coastal view with rocky shorelines, gentle waves, and clear blue skies.
June Yamamoto / Google Reviews

And the rocky coastline offers an opportunity to explore mussel-covered, critter-filled tide pools.

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The unspoiled bluffs that form the backdrop of this stretch of coast are lovely to explore.

A scenic beach view with sandy dunes, green vegetation, and a clear blue sky, framed by a tree on the right.
Ashley Lizsa / Google Reviews

There are also benches to rest and enjoy the vistas, and tons of California wildflowers to enjoy in the spring.

Beyond the bluffs are Lompoc’s picture-perfect rolling green hills.

Lush green hills under a clear blue sky, with scattered shrubs and grass in the foreground.
Ben Benedetti / Google Reviews

It feels like you are a billion miles from civilization.

Whether you come for a few hours of relaxing beach time or stay for an unforgettable camping weekend, visit the Jalama Beach Store and Grill for groceries, wine, snacks, fishing supplies, etc.

A beach store with a sign reading "Jalama Beach Store," featuring a surfboard and colorful signage.
Emma Lovett / Google Reviews

You may also want to try a “World Famous Jalama Burger,” a bowl of house-made clam chowder, or a mouthwatering piece of “Aunt Ruth’s Raw Apple Cake.”

I have said it before (many times) and I will say it again… there is simply nothing like a classic Southern California sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

A vibrant sunset over the ocean, with colorful clouds and silhouettes of palm trees along the shoreline.
Rio Harvey / Google Reviews

And a clean, quiet, little-known beach - shielded from city lights and noise - just takes it to a whole other level.

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This remote beach is an amazing place to include in your summer plans. So, if someone were to ask you, “Where is Jalama Beach,” you’d know what to tell them!

For more information, be sure to check out the Visit Santa Barbara website.

Have you been to Jalama Beach? We would love to know what you think of this secluded destination. What are some of your favorite quiet beaches in SoCal? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

Did you know that you can rent an RV (even one that will allow your fur baby to join you!) and have it delivered to your campsite, so all you have to do is settle in and start relaxing? What are you waiting for? Time to hit the beach!

Make the most of your summer - Check out even more of our favorite outdoor activities and nature adventures.

If you’re still in the mood for more California adventures, take a look at this video about Yosemite National Park's Legendary Firefall.

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Stays|Camping

The River Campground In Northern California Where You’ll Have An Unforgettable Tubing Adventure

Coloma Resort in Northern California offers exceptional river tubing and camping experiences along the American River.

Updated Jul 12, 2024

Written by 

Emerson

Is there anything better than getting to two combine two incredible summertime outdoor activities when you visit one of the best campgrounds with river tubing in Northern California? It makes for a just-about-perfect family adventure. In Northern California, there is one epic, family-friendly campground *and* tubing outfitter that you'll definitely want to keep your eye on. Situated right along California's commanding American River, the campground is home to all sorts of stellar attractions. Most notably, the tubing and rafting opportunities are out of this world! Staying here is bound to create some unforgettable family memories, so be sure to check it out.

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If you've been on the hunt for the perfect family-friendly vacation destination, look no further than Coloma Resort located along the South Fork of the American River. Not only is this riverfront campground absolutely gorgeous, but it also boasts a plethora of recreational opportunities you'll want to take advantage of, including some of the best tubing in Northern California!

A scenic river with people swimming and relaxing on the shore, surrounded by lush greenery and hills in the background.
Coloma Resort/Facebook

This is far from your typical camping experience. Coloma Resort is dedicated to connecting campers with the natural beauty that surrounds them while providing endless opportunities for adventure and fun.

A scenic riverside view with RVs parked along the bank, surrounded by trees and people enjoying the water.
Coloma Resort/Facebook

Think of Coloma Resort as a giant playground for both kids and adults. The resort offers all sorts of on-site activities, such as a children's playground, panning for gold in the river, and a ropes challenge course, just to name a few.

A playground with a green slide and swing set, surrounded by trees, near a pool with people enjoying the sunny day.
Coloma Resort/Facebook

However, the river is where you'll find all sorts of fun to be had. Take advantage of the campground's riverside location and embark on an epic whitewater rafting adventure or a relaxing day of fishing with friends and family.

A group rafting on a river beneath a metal bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky riverbed.
Coloma Resort/Facebook

Additionally, this stretch of the river is perfect for a fun-filled tubing adventure. You'll launch from right below the Trouble Maker Rapid and ride to current to Henningson Park in Lotus. Tubing season is open from May through September and you can purchase tubes, life jackets, and river maps from the resort's General Store.

A person relaxes in a river while kayakers paddle in the background, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky terrain.
Coloma Resort/Facebook

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. There's nothing like the feeling of floating down the American River while soaking up the awe-inspiring scenery. It's pure bliss!

Two people relax on inflatable rafts in a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky riverbank.
Coloma Resort/Facebook

When it comes to accommodations, there's something for everyone — no matter what your preferred style of camping is. Their tent and RV campsites are simply gorgeous and great for a traditional camping experience.

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A boy sits in a chair by a river, reading, next to a colorful tent surrounded by trees and greenery.
Coloma Resort/Facebook

However, if you'd like to camp in a little bit of luxury, you can always rent one of their cozy cabins. This way, you can indulge in the comforts of home while still experiencing the beauty and adventure of California's Gold Country.

A row of wooden cabins surrounded by trees and greenery, with a gravel path in front.
Coloma Resort/Facebook

Coloma Resort is the outdoor excursion you've always dreamed of. Fun awaits, so check out the official Coloma Resort website for more details and information.

A rustic outdoor setting with a pizza, salad, a drink, and flowers on a wooden table surrounded by greenery.
Coloma Resort/Facebook

What do you think of this campground with river tubing in NorCal? Are you ready to spend a few nights camping and tubing at this spectacular resort in Northern California? Let us know in the comments below. For more destinations like this one, check out our superb list of 15 Amazing Camping Sites In Northern California.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/northern-california/camping-spots-nor-cal/

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