One of the things that makes the Tune M1 and Tune M1L so special is their modular design. With hundreds of feet of t-track on the inside and outside of the camper, these pop-up campers are built to be customized, whether you’re dialing in your setup or switching things up between trips.
Our goal is to make that process exciting, not overwhelming. With so many options available, we always recommend starting simple. A clean, functional setup that supports how you adventure right now is often the best place to begin. As your needs change, your camper can evolve right along with you. There’s always room to add more gear down the road.
When planning your build, it helps to think about a few key factors: climate, intended use, and how often you’re getting out are all important considerations. For outdoor enthusiasts focused on quick weekend getaways, simplicity is key. A lightweight, efficient setup makes it easier to pack up on Friday, hit the road, and be back home by Sunday night without the hassle.
And in Southern California, those weekend opportunities are endless.
Weekend Trips in Southern California
With coastal beaches, rugged mountains, and arid deserts, there is no shortage of adventures in Southern California. The lightweight design of the Tune M1 pop-up truck bed camper makes it the perfect basecamp for exploring all that this beautiful area has to offer. Customize your Tune adventure truck camper with the insulation pack and Maxxair fan to brave the Southern California heat and make your trips as enjoyable as possible. Here are a few of our favorite spots in Southern California!
Joshua Tree National Park
As a premier destination in Southern California, Joshua Tree is well known for its twisted trees, massive monzonite boulders, and some of the best stargazing in the US. With the convergence of two different ecosystems, there is no shortage of activities for the weekend adventurer. The granite formations offer thousands of rock climbing routes for all skill levels. There are over 190 miles of hiking trails, and the scenic views make it a popular spot for photographers.
Camping: With eight main National Park campgrounds, like Jumbo Rocks and Black Rock, as well as a handful of first-come, first-served campsites, there are plenty of developed options for people looking to camp. Truck campers with everything they need in their rig may also opt for dispersed camping nearby.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park, spanning over 600,000 acres. This park is well known for colorful wildflower blooms in the spring, slot canyons, and vast desert landscapes. With 500 miles of dirt roads, this park is also an ideal destination for off-roading. With such a wide variety of landscapes, it has something for everyone.
Camping: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers a mix of developed campgrounds, such as Borrego Palm Canyon, and primitive sites, such as Blair Valley, perfect for tents, RVs, or truck campers. For more privacy, nearby BLM-dispersed camping offers scenic, off-the-grid options surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes.
San Bernardino National Forest
For campers looking to escape the heat of Southern California, the alpine terrain in San Bernardino National Forest provides a refreshing mountain retreat. Known for its high-altitude hiking and scenic drives, such as the Rim of the World, the forest offers a beautiful escape into the mountains. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy, including mountain biking, fishing in alpine lakes, and equestrian trails.
Camping: There are numerous highly rated options for both developed and dispersed camping near San Bernardino National Forest, offering mountain views near Big Bear Lake and plenty of forested areas. Some popular campsites include Barton Flats for forest views and Dogwood Campground for family-friendly, reservable sites.
Our tips for Dispersed Camping
- Look for existing impact: Avoid creating new spots and looking for signs that people have camped there before, such as worn-in fire rings or flat, cleared areas for vehicles.
- Signs: Avoid private, state, or wilderness-restricted land. Instead, look for National Forest or BLM Boundary signs.
- Amenities: There are none. Do not expect toilets, track pick-up, or toilets.
- Ranger stations: Local ranger stations can provide you with plenty of information, including which camping spots are permitted and the current fire restrictions.
- Leave No Trace: Read our guide and follow LNT policies.
FAQs
Are there toilets at dispersed campgrounds?
There are no toilets at dispersed campgrounds. As they are located in public lands, campers need to be self-sufficient and follow “leave no trace principles”. If you are interested in learning about toilet solutions for dispersed camping, check out our blog about it!
What’s the best startup setup for a new Tune owner?
Every camper has unique needs based on factors such as intended use, age, and climate. For campers just starting out, we recommend starting with the basics: a comfortable place to sleep, basic power for essentials, a smart storage solution for gear, and a fan to keep your camper at a comfortable temperature are a great starting point!
Can I change my setup between trips?
Absolutely! Tune’s integrated t-track system makes it easy to adjust your setup between trips. With hundreds of feet of t-track inside and out, accessories can be mounted, moved, or removed quickly without drilling or making permanent changes. This modular design lets you tailor your camper to each adventure, whether you’re keeping things simple for a quick weekend getaway or adding gear for a longer trip. As your needs change, your setup can evolve just as easily.
Is there free camping in Southern California?
Yes! There are tons of options for dispersed camping in Southern California. Look for National Forest and BLM Boundary signs, as these indicate that you are allowed to camp in those areas. To verify that you are allowed to camp somewhere, we recommend visiting the local ranger station or checking the official U.S Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management maps, which use black dots along roads to indicate where camping is permitted.
Can I get my Tune camper installed in California?
Yes! We have four dealers in California, including two in SoCal. Rhino Adventure Gear is located in Fremont, CA, and AV Overland is located in Lancaster, CA. You can purchase your Tune camper through us, and we will ship it to your preferred location for installation. View the full dealer map here.
