Are you looking to break in your new Mercedes-Benz Van by taking it out camping but don’t know about any good locations near Irvine? If so, then you’re in luck! Fletcher Jones Van Center has spotted some of the best van camping spots in Southern California that would be ideal for your Mercedes-Benz Van. Take a look at some of our favorite camping spots to see which location will be the spot you’ll want to take your van!
Joshua Tree National Park
If hiking or exploring are on your road trip agenda, then you need to check out Joshua Tree National Park. This area’s name comes from the unique Joshua trees that surround it, and it’s located between the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert. The Joshua trees surrounding the area truly make it unrecognizable from any place you’ll find near Costa Mesa. You won’t find beaches nearby, but you’ll discover plenty of things to do here, which include:
- Elevated hiking trails
- Twisted rock formations
- Tons of diverse wildlife
- Available paved roads for driving tours
Crystal Cove State Park
If you want more of a beach scene, then Fletcher Jones Van Center recommends Crystal Cove State Park. The park stretches over three miles along the southern coast of California, and if you go far enough, you’ll even see some beach houses not far from the water. Some of the things that make Crystal Cove State Park one of the best van camping spots in Southern California include:
- Multiple beaches to explore, including Moro Beach, Reef Point, and Historic District
- Plenty of hiking trails with gorgeous scenery
- Camping spots available that provide excellent views of the ocean
Los Padres National Forest
If you want to trade the Huntington Beach scenery for some mountain views, then take your Mercedes-Benz van out to Los Padres National Forest! This forest takes up almost two million acres of land and is the perfect combination of mountainous forest scenery and stunning beach views.
What else makes us recommend Los Padres National Forest as one of the best van camping spots in Southern California? Here are some additional highlights of the forest:
- Plenty of walking and hiking trails
- Off-road riding trail (for day use)
- Plenty of campgrounds available by reservation or on a first-come first-serve basis
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park isn’t just one of the best van camping spots in Southern California, but it’s also a famous site where scenes from a classic movie and a number-one-rated comedy series were filmed! Laguna Beach movie and series fans may recognize some of the green background of Malibu Creek State Park from parts of the film Planet of the Apes or from the comedy show M*A*S*H*.
Even if you aren’t a big movie fan, you’ll more than likely be a fan of all the fun things that you can do while you set up camp at Malibu Creek State Park:
- Trails for walking, biking, and horseback riding
- Family and group campsites with restrooms and other facilities
- Plenty of swimming locations
- Guided tours
If you’re ready to get outside of Orange County for a weekend, or longer, with your Mercedes-Benz Van, then Fletcher Jones Van Center recommends any of these camping spots! For more locations or Mercedes-Benz Van questions, reach out to the experts at Fletcher Jones Van Center.
Visit Some of the Best Van Camping Spots in Southern California!
Learn about even more locations to visit in California with Fletcher Jones Van Center. Contact us online or visit us right here in Costa Mesa to talk with a team member about camping locations, local hotspots, Mercedes-Benz Van topics, or anything else you want to discuss!
