10 Best Kid-Friendly Campsites in California for 2025

Think about this for a moment - your children laughing because they roast marshmallows, the stars shine overhead, and everyone is fully present, in a world where there is no screen or disturbance. Camping with your family is not just about getting away; It is about slowing down, spending real time together, and creating memories that actually stick. Whether it is a slight increase, spotting deer in trees, or just sharing stories by fire, being out gives children the opportunity to find, learn, and have fun.

In addition, the camp is one of the cheapest ways to travel as a family, and California has some of the best places for it. From the redwood to the beaches, there is something for everyone. To help you start, here are the best kid-friendly camps in California for 2025.

Top 10 Kid-Friendly Campsites in California

1. Malibu Creek State Park – Calabasas, CA

Located just 25 miles from Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park at Kailabas offers 63 camps for trailers and RVs (up to 30 feet). Each site includes a table, fire ring with grate, and several with a parking spur -shade. Facilities include restrooms, hot showers, drinking water, laundry facilities, an RV dump station, overflow parking, and fair cell phone service. Set within 4,000 acres of sightseeing woodlands and chaparral, there are 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horse riding, and wildlife viewing in the park. Highlights include the Rock Pool and historic MASH* filming site. Ideal for a Calabasas summer camp–style adventure, campsites are booked via a monthly reservation lottery.

2. Malibu Beach RV Park – Malibu, CA

Malibu Beach RV Park is the ground of a beautiful Oceanfront Camp, 7 miles south of Agoura Hills, which provides stunning views and easy access to the top attractions of Southern California. With 142 RV and trailer sites and up to 35 tent sites - with ocean or mountain scenes - it is perfect for both relaxation and adventure. The park features hot springs, pet-friendly areas, hiking trails, and a short walk to the beach. Opened throughout the year, it is ideal for a longer getaway with a three-night minimum stay. For additional comfort, the Camping Adventures trailer fare is a great option at this location.

3. Manzanita Lake – Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA

Manzanita Lake Campground is near the northwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park and has 179 campsites, cabins, and bunkhouses. It is perfect for families, with swimming, kayaking, and cool water for fishing. There is an easy 1.6-mile trail around the lake that children will enjoy, as well as the program led by the ranger to have fun and learning. The campground features a store with washrooms, laundry facilities, and a soft-serve ice cream stand, as well as kayak rentals. With beautiful lake scenes and safe places to play, it is an ideal place for families in Northern California.

4. Manresa State Beach – Near Santa Cruz, CA

The Manresa State Beach near Santa Cruz, with more than 60 bluff-top tent sites shaded by Cypress Trees, is open from mid-May to October. This tent offers easy access to the campground beach and stunning ocean views. Family can absorb the scene with a comfortable picnic on the bluffs, as children wander to feel the sand between their fingers along the edges. Fishing is popular here, with local species such as halibut and surf perch (required fishing license). Each camp offers parking for vehicles, with additional parking available for a fee. Pets are welcome on the leash, and reservations can be made through Reserve California.

5. Ventura Ranch KOA – Santa Paula, CA

Santa Paula has a Venchura Ranch KOA, a kid-friendly camp resort offering cabins, tent sites, and amenities for families. Children can enjoy zip lining, a giant jumping pillow, climbing walls, gem mining, tie-dye craft, and a swimming pool. Large, beautiful base families are often seen walking with friendly peacocks. Deluxe cabins provide kitchens, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi, while tent sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Seasonal events, such as movie nights and hikes, make it a top destination for families near LA.

6. Sycamore Canyon Campground – Point Mugu State Park, Malibu, CA

Sycamore Canyon Campground, located just off Highway 1 in Malibu, offers 58 shady campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 31 feet. Surrounded by large sycamore and oak trees, it is a great place for families and looks like a real summer camp in Malibu. Children can follow easy trails, check the tide pool, and play along the edge in the nearby Sycamore Cove. The campground has everything that you need to live a comfortable, place to spread, and it is easy, back-to-characteristic spirit. With the beach on one side and the mountains on the other, it is the kind of peaceful place where families can unplug, share food under the trees, and simultaneously enjoy simple moments in the great outdoors.

7. Leo Carrillo State Park – Malibu, CA

Away from the coast in Malibu, Leo Carrillo State Park is a favorite for families that love both the beach and the outdoors. To detect Tidepool, to crawl the sea caves, and shady campgrounds will be tucked under the huge sycamore trees. Children can participate in junior ranger programs, and summer camps can be comfortable on fire nights. With hiking trails, clean showers, and easy beach access, it’s a place where families can unplug and enjoy quality time together by the sea. It is low-seeded, beautiful, and full of small adventures for all ages.

8. San Elijo State Beach – Encinitas, CA

San Elijo State Beach is a very popular campsite for families who want to live close to the sea. Children play in their days, splashing in waves, and search for tide pools when the tide is low. The campground sits on a bluff, giving you a beautiful view and an easy way down to the beach. Clean bathroom, hot showers, and a small store where you can buy snacks or anything you forgot to pack. And if you are in the mood for a coffee or a cure, Starbucks and 7-Eleven are crossing the road for a beach day.

9. Lake Hemet Campground – San Jacinto Mountains, CA

Tucked in the San Jacinto Mountains, Lake Hemet Campground is a comfortable retreat where families can organize the right campsite with water. Children enjoy swimming in the summer area, fishing from the pier, or going on a boat ride with their parents. There's a lot of space to run around, play games, or enjoy fun and games under trees. Mountain scenes and fresh air feel like a true break from everyday life. This is a favorite place for families - book your sites many years in advance!

10. Sierra Skies RV Park – Sierra City, CA

Sierra Skies RV Park sits by the Yuba River in Sierra City and is one of the best natural swimming holes for children on hot days. Families can enjoy easy walks in the city for local fun, such as ice cream, snacks, live music, and a gold mining museum. River, trees, and nearby trails provide a lot of space for outdoor playing and searching. It is also close to the Lake Basin for more fishing and nature adventures. A peaceful, beautiful place for a family-friendly camp.

Conclusion

Camping as a family is a great way to have fun and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're new to this or an educated sightseer, a kid-friendly campground in California provides the correct mixture of adventure and comfort. From timber trails to sand views, there's something for everyone. Further planning makes the experience smooth, and with these spots being so popular, they frequently fill up. Book snappily, pack well, and produce indelible recollections with your small explorers.