Tent camping near El Toro, California offers access to both inland and coastal campsites, with elevations ranging from sea level to over 8,000 feet in the nearby mountains. Many sites feature access to hiking trails, with the Mt. Baldy area providing routes to elevations above 10,000 feet. Summer temperatures at higher elevations typically range from 60-80°F during the day and 40-50°F at night.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: From Millard Trail Campground, take the half-mile trail to Millard Falls. According to one camper, "Me and my girlfriend decided to go on this trail with our two doggos on a hot 95 degree day and we had such a good time the waterfall trail is nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage and the creek kept our dogs cool as they would jump in and out of the small pools."
Mountain biking: China Camp State Park Campground offers extensive mountain biking trails. A visitor notes, "Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin."
Beach activities: Two Harbors Campground on Catalina Island provides access to clear waters for swimming and kayaking. A camper reports, "The water in the harbor is super clear. We kayaked around the area and loved it. At night we had deer walking directly through our site as we were eating dinner."
What campers like
Island privacy: Little Harbor Campground on Catalina Island offers seclusion and ocean access. One camper states, "Such a beautiful campground, and if you're lucky enough (like we were) you may get the whole place to yourself. The beach is beautiful, and there's nothing like the sunsets here."
Wildlife encounters: Campers at Hermit Gulch mention frequent wildlife sightings. A reviewer notes, "There is an added bonus that I felt that made this campground unique to others that I've been to, which is there is sooooo much wildlife the frequently visits the campground. In one day we saw deer, quail, woodpeckers and the famous Catalina fox."
Views from elevation: Mount Lowe Trail Campground provides panoramic vistas for those willing to hike in. A visitor shares, "This is a hike in only campground that is secluded and a little spare. It has no running water but it does have facilities and tables. Fantastic views on a clear day and quite a few hikers pass through here on the weekend."
What you should know
Security concerns: At some campgrounds, vehicle break-ins can be an issue. A Millard Trail camper advises, "WARNING: Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen."
Water hazards: Some beaches have hidden dangers despite clear water. A review of China Camp warns, "BEWARE-- WEAR WATER SHOES and be careful if you swim here. The water is clean but there are tons of sharp rocks and oyster shells bits & pieces. Some shell pieces are attached to the rocks and some just scattered along on the bottom."
Transportation logistics: When camping on Catalina at Black Jack Campground, prepare for hiking with gear. A camper explains, "Located approximately 11.5 miles from Avalon on the Trans Catalina Trail. The campground is inland and well shaded with larger trees. Very remote and quiet feeling."
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: Yucaipa Regional Park offers multiple water activities for children. A visitor shares, "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff."
Wildlife education: Use campgrounds with frequent animal sightings as teaching opportunities. At China Camp, one family noted, "I am camping with my husband and 3 kids and our puppy. The hosts are friendly, cheap firewood, china beach village is just down the road and perfect to explore and swim."
Gear transport challenges: Many tent camping sites require carrying equipment from parking areas. At Hermit Gulch, a family advises, "I highly recommend using the bus for the first and last trip when arriving as trying to walk there with all your gear can be quite challenging."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping destinations near El Toro have size restrictions or no vehicle access. At Manker Campground, a reviewer noted, "Small tent and motorhome campground with firepits, water spickets, bathrooms (they get very dirty on the busy weekends, beware!). Lots of hiking nearby, close to Baldy Lodge and just a few minutes away from everything."
Yucaipa hookups: For RV camping with tent options, Yucaipa Regional Park provides full hookups. A camper reports, "Excellent campground. Well maintained. Large concrete pads that can handle any rig. So much to do all around a park. Does get very cold, was in the teens overnight when I was there in Feb. Fires allowed which is nice."
Alternative schoolie options: Some parks that normally restrict RVs make exceptions for certain vehicles. A visitor to Yucaipa notes, "We're usually full-time boondockers, and this was the first time we've paid for an RV park, so we don't have a lot to compare it to. Most private RV spots discriminate against Skoolies, but this place didn't seem to care."
