Do you recommend any SoCal spots for camping and stargazing?

Ok, "Rainbow basin in the mojave desert' that's actually a good spot, bring your own everything since that is "dispersed camping" and no bathrooms etc.

http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=35.03091,-117.03452&z=1...

My other favorite is Joshua tree Indian Cove campground since there is also a lot to do during the day,

http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/indiancove.h...

My next favorite is Agua Caliente campground and hot springs, soak in the hot springs and watch the stars,

http://www.totalescape.com/active/leisure/hotspr/a...

If you don't mind being inland, Joshua Tree National Park has some great camping sites. You can sleep out in the desert beside the giant boulders under a full moon (summer is too hot, tho -- wait until fall!). Same goes for Anza-Borrego State Park, where you can camp either at the developed campground (for a fee) or off dirt roads throughout the park (for free!). On forest service land near Santa Barbara, check out the US Forest Service sites off Hwy 154 (San Marcos Pass Rd), where you'll be in the forest, near lots of trailheads, swimming holes and even some hot springs not too far away.

Get as far as possible from the coastal areas, swamped with light pollution. Deep in any of the National Forest areas the skylight should be able to shine fairly well. You need to travel a few hours and find your own special place. Otherwise, you will be among "a lot of other people." Dispersed camping will get you as far from people as you are willing to backpack.

Rim of the World Scenic Byway.

Giant Sequoia National Monument.