Spring break is the perfect opportunity to get out in nature. Fortunately, Southern California offers a wide range of choices when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. Highlighted below are three top camping destinations ranging from beach to mountains to desert, all within a two-hour drive.

Desert:

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is only a two-hour drive to the northeast of San Diego. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience the splendor of unspoiled desert scenery, including the numerous wildflowers that reach their peak in March. The park contains two developed campgrounds, Borrego Palm Canyon and Tamarisk Grove. Cost: $10 to $16 per night.

Mountains:

The Laguna Mountain Recreational Area is an hour’s drive east of San Diego. Located among oak and pine trees with elevations over 6,000 feet, this area provides stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. There are two campsites open this time of year: the larger, more developed Laguna site and the smaller Cibbets Flat, located in a sheltered valley. Cost: $10 to $14 per night.

Beach:

The Silver Strand State Beach is only a half-hour drive down the coast on Coronado. It sports beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. It’s a perfect spot for soaking up rays, swimming and surfing by day, and warming up to bonfires by night. Camping is available year-round. Cost: $7 to $13 per night.

If you would rather explore nature on an organized trip, Outback Adventures is offering two trips this spring break, one to Death Valley and the other a tour of National Parks in the Southwest. For more information about these trips, camping and other outdoor activities, contact Outback Adventures at http://www-rec/outb/.