There’s something magical about summer nights spent around a campfire. The crackling flames, the smell of roasted marshmallows, and the warm glow lighting up familiar faces—it’s a kind of joy that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. As a dad, I’ve always felt it’s my job (maybe my privilege, really) to create these moments for my family. And let me tell you, there’s no better place for a summer campfire adventure than Leo Carrillo State Park in Southern California.
If you haven’t been, Leo Carrillo is this incredible spot tucked right along the coastline, where mountains meet the beach. It’s got everything: sandy shores, coastal trails, and campgrounds shaded by sycamores. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle but still have everything you need to make the whole family comfortable. For us, it’s become a cherished summer tradition—because nothing beats the combination of nature and a roaring campfire.
Setting the Scene: Why Leo Carrillo Is Perfect
Let’s start with the setting. When you pull into Leo Carrillo, the first thing you notice is how diverse the landscape is. You’ve got the Pacific Ocean on one side, perfect for a quick dip or exploring tide pools, and the Santa Monica Mountains towering on the other. The campground itself is nestled under a canopy of trees, offering shade during the day and a cozy ambiance at night.
One of the things I love most about this park is how family-friendly it is. The campsites are well-maintained, and there’s enough space to pitch a tent, set up chairs, and still have room for the kids to run around. And since we’re talking about kids, let me just say that they absolutely love it here. Between the beach, the hiking trails, and the promise of s’mores by the fire, there’s never a dull moment.
Building the Perfect Campfire
Now, let’s talk about the main event: the campfire. As a dad, I take my campfire duties seriously. There’s an art to building the perfect fire—getting that balance of flame and heat just right so it lasts through the evening. At Leo Carrillo, fire rings are provided at each campsite, which makes the process a whole lot easier. If you’re like me and love the authenticity of gathering wood, you can bring your own firewood (just make sure it’s from a local source to protect the park’s ecosystem).
Once the flames are dancing, that’s when the magic begins. There’s something about a campfire that draws everyone together. My kids love to poke at the fire with sticks (under supervision, of course), and my wife and I usually end up sharing stories or laughing about the day’s adventures. It’s these little moments that make it all worth it.
S’mores and Campfire Treats
No campfire is complete without s’mores. I mean, is it even summer camping if you’re not balancing a marshmallow on the end of a stick? Over the years, I’ve perfected our s’mores game. The trick is to toast the marshmallow until it’s golden brown—none of that catching-it-on-fire chaos. And while the classic combo of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow is hard to beat, we like to experiment. Peanut butter cups instead of chocolate bars? Game changer. Adding sliced strawberries? Highly underrated.
But it doesn’t stop at s’mores. One summer, we started making “campfire cones”—waffle cones filled with marshmallows, chocolate, and other goodies, wrapped in foil, and roasted over the fire. The kids went nuts for it. And since then, it’s become a staple in our campfire repertoire.
Evening Adventures Under the Stars
Once the marshmallow sticks have been put away, the night isn’t over yet. One of my favorite parts of camping at Leo Carrillo is the stargazing. Living in the city, we rarely get to see the stars in all their glory. But out here, away from the light pollution, the sky comes alive.
We’ll lay out a blanket or just sit back in our camp chairs and look up. The kids always try to spot constellations—or make up their own, which is honestly just as fun. On clear nights, you might even catch a shooting star. And let me tell you, there’s nothing more heartwarming than hearing your kids gasp with wonder at the night sky.
Morning After: Waking Up at Leo Carrillo
Waking up at Leo Carrillo is its own kind of magic. There’s something about unzipping the tent in the morning, stepping out into the crisp air, and hearing the sounds of nature all around you. Birds chirping, the faint sound of waves—it’s the perfect way to start the day. For us, mornings usually mean a hearty campfire breakfast. Pancakes cooked over a portable griddle, bacon sizzling away, and fresh coffee brewed in a camping percolator—it’s simple, but it tastes better here than anywhere else.
After breakfast, we like to take advantage of everything the park has to offer. Sometimes it’s a hike along the trails that wind through the canyons and up to breathtaking ocean views. Other times, it’s a lazy morning at the beach, watching the kids chase waves and build sandcastles. And honestly, there’s no rush. That’s the beauty of camping—you can take your time and just enjoy being together.
Creating Memories That Last
As a dad, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you’ve given your family a memory they’ll treasure forever. And for me, those campfire nights at Leo Carrillo are exactly that. It’s not just about the fire or the marshmallows or the stars—it’s about the connections we build in those moments. It’s about laughing until our sides hurt, sharing stories, and just enjoying each other’s company without the distractions of everyday life.
Every summer, as we pack up the car and head home from Leo Carrillo, I find myself already looking forward to the next trip. Because for all the planning and packing and occasional hiccups that come with camping, it’s always worth it. Those nights around the campfire are special. They’re unforgettable. And I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.
So if you’re looking for a place to create your own campfire memories, give Leo Carrillo a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
