Between taking courses, studying, working and the endless amount of responsibilities a college student has, it is a no-brainer that a little getaway is needed every now and then. However, the limited time and budget we have can oftentimes prevent us from booking the trip of our dreams. A cost and time effective solution to this problem can be solved by ditching the pricey hotel or Airbnb and trading it in for a tent, a sleeping bag and all the necessary ingredients for s’mores. Below are just a few of the best local camping destinations for your much-needed getaway.
Jumbo Rocks at Joshua Tree National Park
Photo via Yelp.com
Just under a two-hour trek from Cal Poly Pomona (CPP), Joshua Tree National Park is the ideal getaway for those who are looking for adventure. Known for its variety of unique plants, trees and wondrous starry skies, the national park is home to nine different campgrounds that guarantee different experiences with each stay. Our pick is Jumbo Rocks, a campground surrounded by, you guessed it, jumbo rocks. With 124 sites that you can camp at for just $15 a night, sites are given out on a first come, first served basis. Come prepared with your own firewood and water before your trip, since neither is available on the grounds.
Photo via Yelp.com
If camping steps away from the beach is more your speed, consider Leo Carrillo State Park for your next camping vacay. Nestled in between the city and the beach in Malibu, this is a perfect getaway for those who may not want to be too far away from civilization but still want an authentic camping experience. At this campground, there is no shortage of things to do to keep you busy during your stay. You can hike near the beach, explore nearby coastal caves, discover sea life in the tide pools or simply relax by the beach.
Photo via Yelp.com
If you are looking for the closest camping destination possible, Manker Flats may be the campground for you. Just up Mt. Baldy Rd in Claremont is the 21-campsite grounds, which are just $14 a night per site. Manker Flats’ large campsites can fit multiple tents, perfect for those who want to take a larger group of people up to the mountains for this quaint camping getaway. These limited sites are not available to reserve, so be sure to head up there early on the day you want to stay!
Photo via hipcamp.com
Buckhorn Campground, 6,300 feet in elevation in the Angeles National Forest, has been dubbed by Angelenos as the best-kept secret for transporting you from the busy streets of LA to the calming escape of the forest. Hikes leading to bountiful waterfalls and trees that tower over your tent are the highlights of this camping spot. A site here only costs $12 a night, and with just 38 sites, it is best to arrive early for your chance at scoring a spot.
Photo via hikespeak.com
Avid hikers will thrive at this campground, located in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains. In order to get to the Altadena grounds, a three-mile hike is required of guests. Yes, it is a journey to get to, but the hike will all be worth it once you reach your campsite and look down on the astounding city views of Pasadena and Azusa. The exclusivity of this campground will make you forget that you’re just a few miles away from reality.
Which campground will you be pitching your tent at? Let us know your camping plans by using the hashtag #CampusCropChat on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to follow us on Snapchat @asicpp!
