Orange County
Black Star Canyon
Black Star Canyon is located in the Santa Ana Mountains by Irvine Reservoir and has a rich, violent history. It is a popular destination for mountain bikers, bird watchers, and hikers who want to get out of busy Orange County and explore the countryside. Black Star offers van and RV nomads a nice retreat from the city where they can experience the mountains and great views of Irvine Lakes.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is a great place for any van or RV nomad looking to explore the Southern California coast while in the middle of Orange County California. The park has camping, hiking, surfing, and a federally listed Historic District, an enclave of vintage rustic coastal cottages originally built as a seaside colony.
O’Neil Regional Park
O’Neill Regional Park is 4,500 acres and is situated in beautiful Trabuco and Live Oak Canyons. The park serves both as overnight camping and a day-use/picnic facility. The park is heavily wooded with coastal live oak and sycamore trees. The hillsides surrounding the park are filled with cactus, wild buckwheat, sagebrush, and chaparral of scrub oak, buckthorn, and mountain mahogany.
San Juan Hot Springs
San Juan Hot Springs adjacent to Highway 74 has seen better days. There is not too much left except for a couple of pools of hot steamy water. Back in the 60s and early 70s, San Juan Hot Springs was a hippie hangout. Before that, there were San Juan Capistrano Hot springs.
San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre State Beach is a wonderful place for any van lifer to spend time camping and surfing on the California coast. The park is a 3,000-acre and 3 miles south of San Clemente on Interstate 5 at Basilone Road. The state park is leased to California by the United States Marine Corps.
Whiting Ranch
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is a great day trip for any van lifer looking to go hiking or mountain biking. The park is highlighted by scenic rock formations, including the beautiful Red Rock Canyon. There are three intermittent streams: Borrego, Serrano, and Aliso Creek meandering through the park, each hosting an abundance of wildlife.