It’s not always easy to find that perfectly secluded spot far-removed from the rest of society, where you can let loose without the fear of being a disturbance to that family with twin toddlers and a seven-month infant camping the next site over. Here are six awesome spots in SoCal that should save you from a potentially vibe-crushing, awkward interaction:
Tucked in the canyons above Malibu, the site boasts gorgeous mountain vistas and sunlit sandy beaches. The group campground is the only site available here, so you’ll have plenty of privacy.
Where: Circle X Ranch Campground – Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area
Site Capacity: 75 people
Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic table, grill, drinking water, parking
Why You Should Camp Here: Batman-esque caverns and great creekside picnicking spots, plus, it’s in the Santa Monica Mountains!
Located in a densely forested canyon of trees and wildflowers, this site is cloaked in seclusion by the abyss that is the Los Padres National Forest.
Where: Holiday Group Campground - Los Padres National Forest
Site Capacity: 50 people
Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic area, grill
Why You Should Camp Here: Hidden creeks and fishing holes make for a quiet cove of relaxation (or wild chaotic party!) away from the congestion of the city.
3. Bluff Mesa Group Campground
Among mixed conifer forest and grassy meadows, this site is situated at almost 7,000 feet. Accessed by dirt road, the grounds have lots of large open space and a large camp circle area.
Where: Bluff Mesa Group Campground - San Bernardino National Forest
Site Capacity: 40 people
Amenities: Vault toilet, grill, picnic table, parking
Why You Should Camp Here: Time for a grillout! Then move the party to the sunny shores of the nearby Big Bear Lake where the fun can really get started.
4. Wooded Hill Group Campground
Enveloped in an underbrush of oak and pine, this site is situated in the Laguna Mountains at 6,000 feet. Gravel roads will guide you to this sheltered refuge of concealment
Where: Wooded Hill Group Campground – Cleveland National Forest
Site Capacity: 110 people
Amenities: Vault toilet, grill, picnic table, drinking water, parking
Why You Should Camp Here: With an extensive network of trails surrounding the area, this is a great place to hike and explore with a group (or sweat out the toxins from a hangover). If the sky is clear enough, there is also phenomenal stargazing here!
5. Kirch Flat Group Campground
Located along the sandy banks of the Kings River, this site is in a world of its own. It overlooks the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is shaded by rolling foot-hills covered in oak and pine.
Where: Kirch Flat Group Campground – Sierra National Forest
Site Capacity: 50 people
Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic table, parking
Why You Should Camp Here: An escape for adventurers, glide down the Kings River in kayaks or group rafts before settling in with some warm food and cold beverages by a cozy campfire
In a forest of oaks, firs and Jeffrey pines this site sits all by itself at 5,300 feet. High desert plateaus look out into the vast expanse of the San Gabriel Wilderness.
Where: Coulter Group Campground - Angeles National Forest
Site Capacity:
50 people
Amenities:
Vault toilet, drinking water, grill, picnic table, parking
Why You Should Camp Here:
Breathtaking sunsets transform into crystal clear night skies – perfect for sharing sights and stories with a group of old friends
