que: We want to go camping somewhere nice. A group camping spot where we can light fire and bar-b-que. and near a lake or a beach so we can swim. We want to go this summer in August. We can go to North California but not so far up.|||Try Santa Barbara Lake Cachuma it's Beautiful there and about 10 minutes from the Santa Ynes Chumash Casino ..|||They have a pool, but again try getting reservations, Good luck! Report Abuse |||Southern California is a large place. Check-out this map of camping places: http://www.pickatrail.com/sun/c/america/鈥?/a> One of my favorites is Red Rock Canyon: http://www.pickatrail.com/sun/r/america/鈥?/a>|||Group campsites can get reserved 6 months out you may be to late for this summer. The same with beach camping and the popular lake camp sites. Your best shot is going to a dispersed area, there won't be any services but if your all in RV's it won't matter. There are many first come sites throughout the state and if you arrive mid week your likely able to find enough sites close together to meet your need. A good destination where I think you could find these are along the Kern river above lake Isabella|||Most California State Parks are probably sold out. Cachuma Lake is not bad, maybe a little warm in August. Lopez Lake (near Arroyo Grande) is OK. Jalama Beach County Park (Santa Barbara County) is a cool spot. It gets a bit windy in the afternoon. They do not take reservations, so you can get a spot especially if your first night is mid-week.|||Wilderness Areas.