We enjoyed our weekend camping trip here with our Cub Scout group. As the Cubmaster, my primary…read moreinterest is the safety of our kids, with their recreation and opportunities for growth and leadership all tied for second. Overall, these needs were met by the Cabrillo Youth Center.
Upon arrival, we set up our tents in designated field areas very close to the waterfront. While the "beach" is inside LA Harbor, I was generally pleased with the cleanliness of the water. No, it's not Catalina-clear, but the camp is adjacent to a wetlands preserve and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, so the water activities (which include kayaking, rowboats, and canoeing) are enjoyed in a designated area over a beautiful eel grass bed. Wish I could have dragged a lure through here for some bay bass, but didn't manage to do so.
Swimming is enjoyed in the pool on site, and all visitors must take a BSA swim test to determine which activities they can enjoy. Four laps of the pool-- three on your stomach and one on your back... then float on your back for about a minute. If you pass, you're given a blue wristband: clear for all activities; if you're a beginner or non-swimmer, (red and white wristbands, respectively) you must be accompanied by a blue-band to go out on any watercraft.
The camp also features a craft center, a mess hall, a Scout store, and flush toilets/restrooms. Showers are outdoor beach-style to get the sand off your body, but really, you're probably only here for a day or two.
The amphitheater area is used for orientation meetings, and the camp fire. Being a "working camp," the visitors are responsible for a lot-- keeping the restrooms clean, hauling out trash to the dumpsters, and running the campfire. ... all good stuff for kids working on being more responsible.
A lot of lifeguards here to support the boating activities, keep an eye on the pool, and running f swim tests.
At night the gates to parking lot are locked, and the entire perimeter is fenced right down to the water, so pretty safe, despite its harbor location. The buddy system is utilized for kids at all times.
A red trolley offers free rides to the aquarium, the USS IOWA, and several museums nearby. A quick walk to the aquarium is neat to break up the day, and a slightly longer walk takes you down to the tide pools just outside the breakwater. Afternoon sundowner breezes make kite flying a genuine option.
Overall, we had a great time camping here. No open flames means charcoal and propane cooking is OK, and the mess hall offers a meal plan if you'd rather not endure the hassle of bringing your own stuff.
This is not oceanfront cabanas and towel service, kids... but for the price and the experience, this is a nice little camp nestled in the midst of an active marina. A gem indeed.