Best Campgrounds near Maricopa, CA

Camping near Maricopa, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do

• Boating and Fishing: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is perfect for boating, but since it’s a drinking water reservoir, there is no body contact with this body of water."
• Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Lopez Lake Recreation Area. A visitor shared, "Hilly area, lots of trails, lots of rain," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
• Beach Activities: If you head to Refugio State Beach Campground, you can enjoy beachside fun. One camper noted, "Every campsite is a few steps from the beach, made picturesque by a line of palm trees."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for El Capitán State Beach Campground stated, "The bathrooms were fairly clean and there are showers."
• Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Lake Casitas Recreation Area. One visitor mentioned, "The sites are clean and the pads are very flat. Makes leveling a breeze."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A review for Bakersfield River Run RV Park said, "The staff are great."

What you should know

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Emma Wood State Beach, have very few amenities. A camper noted, "Completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms."
• Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near train tracks. A visitor at Refugio State Beach Campground mentioned, "There is also a railroad track just east of the campground."
• Wildlife Caution: If you're camping at Wheeler Gorge Campground, keep an eye out for bears. One camper shared, "They let us know there was a bear in the area."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like Lake Casitas Recreation Area, which has a water park. A review mentioned, "There's a water park here as well."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to bring bikes for the trails. A family reviewer at Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach said, "The trail that goes to the end of the campground is always a fun bike ride."
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bakersfield River Run RV Park noted, "The pull-through sites alternate direction of entry."
• Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for pets or amenities. A visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area mentioned, "They nickel and dime a lot of things, showers pets."
• Bring Your Own Water: Many campgrounds, like Wheeler Gorge Campground, don’t have water available. A camper advised, "Overall the campsite had a great vibe, but not having water was a bummer."

Camping around Maricopa, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful California outdoors!