Best Fishing and Camping in Southern California – 8 Amazing Spots to Explore

Do you want to have an amazing adventure? Are you looking for great fishing and camping experience and don’t know where to go? Well, no worries as Southern California is just waiting there for you to explore. Generally, there are lots of camping and fishing hotspots that reside in this perfect location. So, if you want to know the best fishing and camping in Southern California just stay with us here.

As we go along, we will share with you the best spots to go to Southern California to enjoy fishing and have a relaxing camping trip. Moreover, we will also give you some of the safety tips during camping. So, if you are interested and want to have a great camping activity you landed on the right track. Check them all out below!   

Safety Tips for a Campout on the Best Fishing and Camping in Southern California

Here are some of the tips that you must pack along with you during your campout. It is ideal to have it for safety purposes.

Have enough essentials on your pack

Once you decide to have fishing and camping in Southern California, it is really important to pack extra food and water with you. This is very crucial in times of emergency cases or in case you want to make a trip extension. 

best fishing and camping in southern california

Basically, it is important to bring more water during your hiking or doing an outdoor activity far from the campsite. Moreover, it is also crucial to keep in mind that you should not expose yourself too much under the sun. This is especially true when you consume alcohol because it may lead to dehydration. 

Swim on a safe mode

Since you are going to the best fishing and camping in Southern California, you’ll also be around the waters. Knowing this, better to bring a life vest or a water flotation device with you. Be extra cautious when you swim in waters along currents or rip tides.

Additionally, also avoid drinking alcohol as it may affect drowning and water injury. Furthermore, ensure that you will have a shower in order not to acquire swimmer’s itch, a type of animal parasites present in water. This may generally cause hypersensitivity on the skin.

Be ready for the external elements

If you are going on fishing and camping in Southern California, you are exposing yourself to too much sun. Eventually, it will lead to sunburned skin. The best way to get rid of this is to typically apply sunblock early of your schedule.

Additionally, it is essential to have this kind of skincare product inside your bag or boat. Another best option is to wear clothes with sun-blocking feature especially if you can be on the outside throughout the day. Also, bring a rain jacket inside your backpack so that you’ll be prepared for storms.

Get rid of bugs

In order to keep away from bugs or other insects like tick and mosquito, it is generally safe to always carry a bug spray with you. However, make sure to strictly follow the product’s recommendations of the manufacturers. A smart and safe tip, in case you are in an infested area, a bug mask and bug-repellant clothing are basically essential.

Don’t use gas when starting a campfire

Fuels and other similar fluids actually result in combustible vapours. Typically, severe burns came from having bonfires using gasoline based on the analysis of emergency departments. This will afterwards cause a serious and more damaging forest fire. That’s why it is much better to use a tinder or fire starter instead if there is no dry wood available.

Stay connected

Since you are going on fishing and camping in Southern California, this may be generally far from your home. Because of this, it is advisable to charge a cellphone prior to your scheduled camping date. Once it is already full, store it inside the lorry. Moreover, don’t forget to bring with you a power cable suitable for your device and vehicle.

Additionally, don’t conclude that your phone has too much protection. Because of this, it is a good idea to buy a location map and have it with you most of the time. This is the best rescuer once you get lost. Likewise, also bring a handy battery charger in case electrical energy is not accessible.

Places to go for the best camping and fishing in Southern California

Southern California cradles the rich camping sites great for family outdoor activities. In its heart, you can find famous campsites within the San Bernardino State Forest. You can actually find an accessible gateway to forests, lakes, and hiking trails. If you are looking for an amazing place to put up tents and enjoy the outdoor, here is a list of the best fishing and camping in Southern California. 

You may also read 7 Best Ocean Fishing Spots in Southern California

Camp Williams Resort

You can locate this best fishing and camping in Southern California within the banks of East Fork of San Gabriel River. Moreover, it is an amazing camping option for the residents of Los Angeles. 

Getting into the middle of the magical oak trees, you can get in touch once again with nature through Camp Williams Resort. An astounding view of the mountain and the breathtaking scenery of the river is an excellent view to set up your tent. Primarily, this campsite provides private hots showers and a picnic table.

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN CAMP WILLIAMS RESORT: hiking trails, fishing, swimming, birdwatching

LOCATION: 24210 East Fork Rd, Azusa, CA 91702

Dogwood Campground

20 miles from San Bernadino, you can find the Dogwood Campground as the best fishing and camping in Southern California. Dogwood Campground has 87 campsites where you can build tents and experience camp trailings. Moreover, you can also go to Lake Gregory within 15 minutes. 

The entire campsites have individual picnic tables and fire rings. Meanwhile, some of the campsites also have hook-ups with electricity. Dogwood Campground generally does have restrooms and hot showers. 

Additionally, the Lake Arrowhead Village is also 5 minutes away from the campground. This village basically caters amazing souvenir shops and fine dining restos. Another great feature that this campground offers is their weekend interpretative programs which are usually performed each night of Friday and Saturday. However, you must have to book your reservation first.  

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN DOGWOOD CAMPGROUND: hiking trails, fishing, boating, water slide

LOCATION: 26898 Rim of the World Highway, Rimforest, CA 92378

Emma Wood State Beach

Another interesting and best fishing and camping in Southern California where you can park your RV is the Emma Wood State Beach. You can basically find it at the right along the ocean of Sacramento. Here, a relaxing beach break can be usually enjoyed.

Since there is no available electricity, showers, and toilets, the Emma Wood State Beach is pretty much applicable for those who bring trailers and motor homes. There is also the Ventura River Group Camp which typically offers four campsites which are all fully developed and are all intended for tents. 

Book also ahead of time if you want to have a relaxing experience on this campsite, especially during the summer from May to October. However, keep in mind that during the off-season, Emma Wood State Beach follows a first-come-first-served basis.

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN EMMA WOOD STATE BEACH: cycling, windsurfing, swimming, fishing

LOCATION: 1416 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 

Fern Basin Campground

Also located in the vicinity of San Bernadino National Forest, the Fern Basin Campground is generally an attractive and excellent place to get hand-in-hand with nature. To be there, you can usually travel about less than 6 miles at the northern side of Idyllwild. 

Basically, the Fern Basin Campground contains 15 campsites that can accommodate tent and RV. Moreover, in every campsite, picnic tables and fire rings are available along with toilets and RV sanitation area. There is also an available convenient store nearby which usually offers some essential once you forget something at home.

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN FERN BASIN CAMPGROUND: hiking, mountain biking trails, rock climbing

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE NEARBY: swimming, boating, fishing

LOCATION: Forest Rte 4502, Banning, CA 92220

best fishing and camping in southern california

Frandy Park Campground

Generally, the location of this best fishing and camping in Southern California is within the California High Desert region. Along the Kern River banks, Frandy Park Campground brings an astounding scenic point. In addition to its excellent view, Frandy Park Campground also has old oaks forest and steep hillsides which circled on its surrounding.

In case you and your whole family or your circle of friends is looking for an applicable campsite to stand up your tent or park the RV, Frandy Park Campground suits your preference. It also offers pull-through sites for those who have trailers.

However, going there without an RV is not a problem because they have an available RV that you can rent over the site. There is also some pioneer-design covered wagon that is available for rent. 

Moreover, you can also find Kernville town nearby. Basically, the town of Kernville is also really worth to explore. It cradles golf courses, antique stores, and restaurants.

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN FRANDY PARK CAMPGROUND: hiking, cycling, kayaking, boating, whitewater rafting, trout fishing

LOCATION: 11252 Kernville Rd, Kernville, CA 93238 

Mesa Campground

Within the vicinity of the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, you can also find another of the best fishing and camping in Southern California. The campsites available within the Mesa Campground accommodate tents and RVs. 

Moreover, they also come along with a picnic table, fire pit, and grill. Additionally, there are also available restrooms nearby which offer a hot shower. 

An exciting feature that this campground offers is its program within the months of January to March. It is a Bald Eagle Barge Tour that is generally a popular activity here in which you can enjoy a wildlife watching.

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN MESA CAMPGROUND: water-skiing, boating, swimming, fishing, cycling, hiking

LOCATION: 14651 Cedar Circle, Hesperia, CA 92345 

Oak Knoll Campground

In case you want to have an overlooking panorama of the New Hogan Lake, this Oak Knoll Campground is the great spot to go. It is the best fishing and camping in Southern California which sits in the Sierra Nevada Mountains foothills.

Oak Knoll Campground boasts its 49 large primitive campsites where you can park your RV or trailer. Basically, as you go along the eastern part of the campsite, you can enjoy there the picnic table, fire ring plus grill, and also a lantern post.

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN OAK KNOLL CAMPGROUND: boating, skiing, fishing, hiking, horse riding, biking

LOCATION: 2321 S Petersburg Rd, Valley Springs, CA 95252

Palomar Mountain State Park

Next on the list of the best fishing and camping in Southern California is the Palomar Mountain State Park. Basically, you can see this at a location which is generally 5,000 feet above the sea level. In addition to that, there are amazing forests and meadows that surround the Palomar Mountain State Park.  

Within San Diego County, this state park cradles a great spot where campers can set-up their camp and enjoy nature at the same time. Generally, this park contains 31 campsites suitable for families at the Doane Valley Campground. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and running water available at each campsite. Additionally, the flush toilets and hot showers are also accessible in this area.

best fishing and camping in southern california activity

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN PALOMAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK DURING DAYTIME: hiking, wildlife watching, swimming, fishing

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN PALOMAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK DURING THE NIGHT: bonfire, stargazing

LOCATION: 19952 State Park Drive, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060 

Wrapping Up

In terms of beautiful sceneries, relaxing spots, and great outdoor activity places, Southern California has it all. You can generally find most of the best fishing and camping sites in Southern California. Most of these sites are large enough to accommodate your RVs and camp trailers. 

Moreover, there are plenty of activities that you can do to enjoy your camping. However, you must always be prepared as there are some sites which do not have water or electrical supplies. Yet, they are all worth trying and worth exploring. So, better to pack your things up and enjoy a great fishing and camping experience.