Camping in Southern California

Camping is a great leisure time activity, but not to be taken lightly. Preparedness and knowledge are you best friends. If you have not been camping before, it is better to go with someone who has. Southern  California is blessed with one of the best climates on the planet, but you can endanger yourself if you are ill-prepared for the weather you might encounter. Before you go on an adventure into the wilderness, familiarize yourself with the possible weather conditions, wildlife, terrain, local services, and your own needs and tolerances  as well as the needs of others in your group.

In general:

Carry plenty of water and sufficient food.

Be able to handle medical emergencies and know the medical history (special conditions) of those in your party and make sure they know yours.

Know where you are going and make sure others know where you are going and when you can be expected back.

Make a checklist of what you will need. I like to think about what I plan to do in order to develope my list. For example:

First day, I will wake up - oh yeah, bring a sleeping bag. Then, I will eat breakfast - let's see - milk cereal, bowl, spoon - you get the idea. Just keep going along through your days and activities, as well as the unplanned things - First aid kit, air in the spare tire etc.

You can get more info by purchasing a book on camping or asking advice at a good sporting goods store.

Camping can be done in many ways

From backpacking for the hardy to R.V. Camping for the comfy, it can all be fun. Just know what you are getting into, and you should have a good time. The weather is one of the main things to watch. Climate in general is hotter in the Summer (duh!) and colder in the winter, although 90 degree winter days are not unheard of in So. Calif. Generally, the closer you are to the coast, the milder the temperature extremes, between night and day or season to season. Higher altitudes will mean cooler temperatures at all times of the year. Check locally.

Read a good book

Your local library will have books on camping, which will go into greater detail. If you plan to camp regularly, and at various places, a good book is California Camping by Tom Stienstra

Camping at or near:        The Ocean        The Desert       The Mountains     Other

Deserts

For many people the desert is an empty, hot, dry, forbidding place. Visions of cacti, Rattlesnakes, and bones bleached from the sun pop into their heads. For those without such prejudices, the desert is a place or serene beauty, often quiet stillness, clean air, diverse wildlife, and a great place to do many interesting things. Whichever type of person you are, the desert offers unique oportunities.

Arroyo Salada

Culp Valley