TRAVEL PICKS: CAMPING IN CALIFORNIA

ALL TIME best trips in California: Big Sur
top 10 must sees in Big Sur
Absolutely one of my favorites places. In general, Big Sur has it all. Some of the resorts and establishments have been around for over a hundred years. Not only can you camp out, you can glamp, you can stay at an inn on the river, you can stay at a high-end resort or a low-key haunted BNB (Deetjens), you can get away with the family and rough it, or take a luxury vacay with just you and your love. No matter your cup of tea, this place is the perfect getaway for any type of family. Some of my favorite places to visit are Big Sur River Inn (it has a pool, river wading, food, shops, and a place to lay your heads at night), While you're there, one of the cutest artist collectives I've seen in a while just opened there called Mercado Sagrado named after the annual canyon festival. Nepenthe Restaurant, Limekiln State Park, Ventana Inn Big Sur for Glamping, Pfeiffer Beach with the purple sand, Deetjens for dinner, Andrew Molera State Park, Lucia Lodge, Julia Pfeiffer Waterfall Overlook, and the not to pass up, especially if you are on your own and need some time away, the Zen retreat and hot springs right on the cliffs, Esalen Hot Springs.
top 5 places to camp in California
Hike in Camping

Some of our lovely products featured above. I almost always take these mini Jamnation jams with me and my Vestige Home Cutting board from our Host Your Heart Out set.
Big Basin

Jackass Lakes
Car Camping
Joshua Tree: Jumbo Rocks
Joshua Tree is a must-see if you are traveling too or live in California. Honestly, I'm absolutely in love. We go here every other year. You need to be prepared for extreme weather changes, but if you come prepared it isn't hard to stay on top of the cold nights and the random thunderstorms. The spot we've chosen is just perfect for kids. The campground is called Jumbo Rocks. The sites have so many rocks (hence the name) around them, that you could climb for hours. Fires are permitted, and you can always drive into town or to various trails close by. The early morning sunrises and dinnertime sunsets are the best in the dessert too.
A little glamping tent at Ventana Inn, just the perfect place to bring our nighttime essentials dopp kit from our Freshen Up kit.
Elk Prarie
This has to be one of the more magical spots we have been too. Partly due to marrying some of our best friends here, but also for the elk watching and beauty of Northern California. Prairie Creek Campground is where you can stay. It's the perfect spot to hit on the way up to Oregon as well. The huge redwoods lining the trails of the Big Tree Loop trails are well worth the visit.
Lakes Basin
I found this spot a couple of years ago in Sunset Magazine. It pooled together my California family camping dreams complete with a lodge at a resort, bar and restaurant and lakes where you can rent boats or swim at your leisure. You can even rent cabins here by the lodge. Its true heart is easygoing, low-key, and thrifty. There are more than 10 public campgrounds, including Sardine Campground, where every site has a view of the jagged Sierra Buttes.
best CAMPING GIFT FOR CAMPERS
Out here in California, camping is a huge deal. We love the inexpensive-ness, the connection to nature, and the overwhelming relaxation it provides.
Do you have any suggestions for awesome camping gifts that we absolutely must have? Shoot us an email!