Road Trips Starting from Camp Pendleton South, CA
Best National Parks Near Camp Pendleton South, CA
Located in the heart of Southern California, Camp Pendleton South is an ideal starting point for exploring some of the state's most breathtaking national parks. Here are three must-visit destinations for RV travelers: Death Valley National Park, established in 1994, is about 300 miles northeast of Camp Pendleton South. Despite its name, Death Valley is a land of incredible diversity and beauty, with towering peaks, colorful canyons, and expansive salt flats. Popular attractions include Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The park has nine campgrounds, but only two offer RV hookups - Furnace Creek Campground and Sunset Campground - so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. Channel Islands National Park is much closer to Camp Pendleton South - just a short drive up the coast. This unique park consists of five rugged islands off the coast of Santa Barbara home to a stunning array of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, whales, and seabirds. Visitors can hike along scenic trails or take a boat tour to explore the pristine coastline. The park has no campgrounds on the islands but offers nearby campsites at Ventura Harbor Village RV Park. Joshua Tree National Park is located about 150 miles east of Camp Pendleton South and is named after the iconic Joshua tree that dots its landscape. The park boasts stunning desert vistas as well as unique rock formations like Skull Rock and Cholla Cactus Garden. Keys View offers panoramic views across the Coachella Valley. There are nine campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park; however, only Black Rock and Cottonwood have RV hookups available on-site.
Popular State Parks Near Camp Pendleton South, CA
San Clemente State Beach is a beautiful park located just 15 miles south of Camp Pendleton South, California. RVers can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean while camping on the bluff or in the inland campsites. The park offers 72 campsites with electrical and sewer hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables. Additionally, hot showers, restrooms, and a dump station are available for RVers. Visitors can spend their time surfing, swimming, or exploring the tide pools. San Elijo State Beach is another fantastic option for those looking to camp near the beach. California State Parks manage this park and offer over 170 campsites with electric and water hookups available for RVs. There are also hot showers, restrooms, and a dump station for visitors, plus picnic areas with tables and fire pits. San Elijo State Beach is perfect for surfing and swimming enthusiasts and hikers who want to explore its scenic trails. San Onofre State Beach sits just four miles from Camp Pendleton South's northern border, offering some of Southern California's best surf spots! Managed by California State Parks, this park has three distinct areas: Bluffs Campground (RVs up to 34 feet), San Mateo Campground (RVs up to 38 feet), and Trails Campground (tents only). All campgrounds have easy access to the beach plus amenities like hot showers, restrooms, and picnic tables. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that take them through pristine nature reserves or watch the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
National Forests Near Camp Pendleton South, CA
San Bernardino National Forest:The San Bernardino National Forest, established in 1907, covers an area of 823,816 acres and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Snow Summit Ski Resort, Bear Mountain Ski Resort, hiking trails, camping sites, stargazing spots, biking paths, and fishing opportunities. Visitors to the San Bernardino National Forest can enjoy scenic drives through the mountains to Big Bear Lake or explore the numerous trails that lead to stunning waterfalls and panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Angeles National Forest:Another great option for outdoor lovers is the Angeles National Forest which covers 655,387 acres. Established in July 1908, it offers recreational activities such as hiking at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, Botanical Gardens, or Descanso Gardens. There's also skiing at Mountain High Resort. With its diverse landscape and breathtaking vistas of rugged canyons and towering peaks make it an ideal location for a day trip or overnight camping experience. Cleveland National Forest:The Cleveland National Forest is located in southwestern California's Cuyamaca Mountains, with easy access from Camp Pendleton South. Here you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park or trying your luck at the Pechanga Resort Casino or Pala Casino Spa Resort. The forest provides an excellent opportunity to discover some of California's unique wildlife and take advantage of nearby attractions while getting away from city life.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Camp Pendleton South, CA
The John Muir National Historic Site is a significant landmark to visit near Camp Pendleton South. Located in Contra Costa County, Martinez, CA, this site covers the area where John Muir, the famous naturalist, and writer, lived from 1890 until he died in 1914. The site includes his home, which was built in 1883 and is managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can also explore nearby Mount Wanda and Briones Regional Park for hiking and biking opportunities. For those who love water fun, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord is just a short drive away from the historic site. There are plenty of picnic spots available at these locations for a well-deserved break during your day trip. Guided tours of the John Muir National Historic Site are available as well.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Oceanside RV Park is one of the best options for RV campgrounds near Camp Pendleton South, California. With 139 full hookup sites available, this RV park offers strong cell reception, a pool and hot tub, showers, and access to the beach.
RV Dump Stations Near Camp Pendleton South, CA
There are several RV dump stations available near Camp Pendleton South, California. You can find dump stations at Military Park - Del Mar Beach Cottages and Campsites, Oceanside Harbor, Elks Lodge, and Oceanside RV Park. All dump stations offer facilities for dumping black and gray water, fresh water refill, a hose for flushing tanks, trash bins, and waste disposal services. While some locations require a fee for the use of the dump station, others are complementary.
