Now is the time for Outdoor Afros to plan a summer camping trip! While some popular sites may have been booked up since last winter, it’s never too late to secure a spot at a scenic developed site. One local favorite of my family is the Samuel Taylor Park, which fills up quickly during the peak season!

You can drive right up to your camping area in the developed sites, which are either privately owned or a part of a regional parks system. In either case, you’ll find showers, some electricity or lit areas, occasionally platform tents, easy hikes nearby, and common space for campfire shows or outdoor movies.

Developed sites are ideal for families, occasional campers, or those new to camping because they not only provide some of the basic amenities, but also are a ready-made social environment. Hundreds of families pour into these camps in peak months, so there is always a playmate, or someone to lend a hand to pitch a tent. State Park Rangers or campground managers often provide an evening program that provides both entertainment and outdoor education.

To browse the many developed campsites in California, check out their website here

Next: Your List of Tent Camping Essentials

Photo: Samuel Taylor Park campsite, Courtesy of h3h.com