Yosemite. The redwoods. Big Sur. World-famous outdoor destinations abound in California. There are so many that you couldn’t possibly explore all the richness the state offers in one lifetime. The trick when camping in California is managing so many possibilities. Once you've visited the famous sites, try some creative approaches to camping in California.


When you think Napa Valley, you think of wine, not camping. But you can plan a wine vacation from behind the flap of your tent. Set up in one of the valley’s campgrounds then visit the many casual tasting rooms that won't mind dirt under your fingernails.  When you tire of drinking wine, hike Mt. St Helena, a dormant volcano. Or walk through the Petrified Forest, a forest that was turned to stone by the last eruption of the volcano. Or visit California’s Old Faithful, a nearby geyser.


Once you have found camping in California’s Half Dome in Yosemite Valley, center yourself in Tuolumne Meadows, a more remote section of the park with its own collection of charming granite domes. Here's a secret: Instead of joining the crowds of day hikers on the meadow's most popular trails, follow the backpackers north on the famed John Muir Trail. The trail meanders through meadows, along a river below alpine peaks. And best of all, the first 8 miles of this trail out of Tuolumne are flat. Hike until you find a spot to watch the marmots, then return to your campsite. For more, backpack another 23 miles to Reds Meadow where you can catch a shuttle back up to Tuolumne.


With a little effort, you can spend the rest of your life camping in California and have a new adventure every time.

California

The Best Camping in California | 100+ CA Campgrounds

Searching for the best camping near Bear Valley, CA? Bear Valley is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Bear Valley. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Bear Valley

The Best Camping Near Bear Valley, California

We have 155 acres of the beautiful Sierra foothills ready to be explored and enjoyed! We are about 10-15 minutes from downtown Murphys, just north of Fullen Rd. This is a working farm for our business, Blooms and Shrooms. We grow produce, mushrooms and cut flowers.

There are 2 different listings to choose from: The Soup Kitchen and 1 Pine. Please double check you’re picking the right listing because they are different areas and offer different experiences. The 1st area to park/camp is the “Soup Kitchen” near the flower garden where you can enjoy an outdoor shower, kitchen space and established fire pit (see pics of the Soup Kitchen). This area is down the driveway a couple hundred yards from where we usually are area so you can more or less be on your own, depending on if we have work to do down there or if there are other campers. We are happy to chat or leave you be, just let us know what your needs are. We do tend to be social and as an intention I would like to say that I would hope the people coming here are open and friendly and it would be cool if this was a place where campers could meet each other and maybe some new friendships could be made. If you’re looking for a more isolated spot, see the other listing for 1 Pine. “1 Pine” is accessed by our second driveway that is just down the road a hundred yards from the farm. The driveway is kind of rough but definitely manageable with a truck or SUV. The drive goes up a couple hundred yards to the hilltop (we call it “1 Pine” where there is some open space to park and there’s a trail that branches off that takes you along the ridge to another open space (2 Pines) that is only a few minutes walk down the trail. 2 Pine has great views of the sunset and is totally secluded and private and would be a good spot to either bring some friends for a little sunset party or for someone who wants to seriously unplug and chill on the ridge top.



Mighty Farms

Lake Alpine camping at Pine Marten Campground is located in the Calveras Ranger District, at the east end of Lake Alpine Recreation Area in a timbered setting near several trailheads. Recreation Lake Alpine provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities: fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, OHV trails, swimming, and wildlife watching. Interpretive programs are offered by Forest Service rangers during the summer months. Facilities Campsites with room for up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles per campsite. Picnic tables, campfire rings, toilets are available. Hot showers and laundromat available at nearby Lake Alpine Resort. No electricity or hook-ups. Pets are welcome. Firewood, camping and fishing supplies, food, and apparel is available in the general store at Lake Alpine Resort. Natural Features Pine Marten Campground sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet on the east end of Lake Alpine within the Stanislaus National Forest. The forest lies between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite and boasts gorgeous views. Squirrels, chipmunks, deer, marmots, coyotes, bears, eagles, and many different birds make this area their home. The wildflowers are also beautiful! Nearby Attractions A restaurant, bar, general store, and boat rentals can be found at nearby Lake Alpine Lodge. The immediate area is suited for forest and wilderness recreation. A short car ride away there is Grover Hot Springs, Mercer Caverns, Mountain Adventure Seminars, and the wine country of Calaveras County.

Pine Marten Campground

## Overview

Lodgepole Group Campground is located just two miles west of Lake Alpine in northern California. The campground affords breathtaking views of the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest. 

Campground may open earlier and close later on a first come first serve basis as weather (snow level) allows. This information will be posted on this page as soon as it becomes available. 

The current dates for reservations have historically allowed for comfortable camping, but please take into consideration the high alpine location when making a reservation. It is possible to have snow, rain, mud, and overall cold/wet conditions any time of year.

## Recreation

Lake Alpine provides a wide variety of recreation opportunities. Hike, bike, or ride a horse on Bear Valley, an accessible trail that winds along the lakeshore to the community of Bear Valley. It connects with the historic Emigrant Trail, the route pioneers once traveled via covered wagon to settle in California.   
  
Interpretive programs are offered by Forest Service rangers during the summer months.

## Facilities

Campsites with room for up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles per campsite. Picnic tables, campfire rings, toilets are available. Hot showers and laundromat available at nearby Lake Alpine Lodge. No electricity or hook-ups. Pets are welcome. Firewood, camping and fishing supplies, food, and apparel is available in the general store at Lake Alpine Lodge.

## Natural Features

Lodgepole Campground is situated on a large, flat plain, not far from a creek. It sits at an elevation of 7,290 feet, within the Stanislaus National Forest in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. The forest lies between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite and boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped peaks and California's Great Central Valley.   
  
A wide variety of wildlife makes its home in the area, including marmots, squirrels, coyotes, deer and many birds. 

## Nearby Attractions

A restaurant, bar, general store, and boat rentals can be found at nearby Lake Alpine Lodge. The immediate area is suited for forest and wilderness recreation. A short car ride away is Big Trees State Park, Grover Hot Springs, Mercer Caverns, Mountain Adventure Seminars, and the wine country of Calaveras County.

(lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground

## Overview

Big Meadow Campground lies at about 6,400 feet elevation on the Stanislaus National Forest. It is located 21 miles east of Arnold, California. Breathtaking views abound, and wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes and deer. 

## Recreation

Picnicking, birding and hiking are popular pastimes at Big Meadow.   
  
Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir, both just a 15 minute drive away, offer fishing and other water activities. 

## Facilities

Big Meadow has 65 individual camping units and a group site. The group camp, easily accessible from Highway 4, can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests and 20 vehicles. Vault toilets and drinking water are among the conveniences found here. Pets are allowed.

## Natural Features

Situated in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, Stanislaus National Forest is sandwiched between the well-known destinations, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. It boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and California's Great Central Valley.

Big Meadow Campground

Campground closed, no water and no services. Walk-in camping allowed - Pack it in, Pack it out. Silvertip Campground on Highway 4 Silvertip Campground RV Parking Silvertip Campground Silvertip Campground Located in a mature conifer forest at the west end of Lake Alpine.

Silvertip Campground

Sierra Inn on the River, located in Kyburz, CA, lives up to the name with the South Fork of the American in our backyard. Perfect for exploring the incredible lakes, trails, and mountains of the El Dorado Forest and Sierra Lake Tahoe Basin.

Our accommodations are located only 20 minutes from Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort and 30 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. Or head the other direction and visit the historic Gold Rush towns along the western Sierra Nevada. The Sierra Inn is a top choice for hikers as they launch into Desolation Wilderness.

Our rooms have either two beds (queen and full) or a king; all with modern amenities including AC, TV with DirecTV, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Rooms are being updated, so reserve a “fully renovated room” if you prefer a room with all new finishes. All rooms are pet friendly (pet fee applies). Our family and pet-friendly rooms are casually appointed for adventures and road-trippers to rest and relax. Or head out back to enjoy a picnic or firepit by the river.



Sierra Inn at Tahoe

Beautiful peak of canyon 20acre glamping ground in the heart of mokelumne hill. All day look down on red tail hawks soring the skies and all night watch shooting stars from your hot tub. This site is for adults 21 and older each room comes with a complementary bottle of one of our local wines. This canyon site has a hot tub under the stars all stainless steel outdoor kitchen and outdoor hot shower but best of all the view❤️

The space

This glampsite is in the middle of historical mokelumne hill. Here you can look off the canyon peak and see with your own eyes the water ways the miners used during the gold rush. It's a five minute drive to downtown mokelumne hill and 15 minute drive to downtown Jackson witch are both a antique shopper/collectors dream.

Guest access

Guests on rich gulch glamp site have access to approximately two acres of complete privacy on a cleared, rocked plateau with no immediate neighbors. All glamping sites are private unshared spaces with other glampers.

Other things to note

To all my fellow glampers our goal at rich gulch is to create awesome memories with friends,family and fur babies, please remember this campsite is 21 and older we love kids but there are no exceptions. We have a campsite host on site at all times for emergencies and not to worry your cell phone reception will be excellent for all your cute social media posts☺️

Guests can can contact me at anytime via cell I am a on site glamping host every Sunday dinner is included with reservation up to 6 people ( dinner is served Sunday only)



Richgulchglamping 

Campground is closed. Alpine meadow and forest, adjacent to Mokelumne River and near Mosquito Lakes. Good fishing in Pacific Creek and the Mokelumne River, good early season deer hunting. Vault toilets. 19 designated sites. Campground will remain open as long as weather allows.

Pacific Valley Campground

Silver Lake East is located 50 miles east of Jackson, California, just a short distance from the shores of Silver lake, where activities like boating, fishing, swimming and hiking, provide campers with the perfect outdoors retreat. Numerous trails leaving the campground connect with the lake and swimming beaches. Silver Lake West is adjacent to Silver Lake East on the other side of Highway 88, and offers additional trails and access to the Silver Fork of the American River. Recreation Because the campground is already at such a high elevation, hiking is particularly popular, allowing visitors to access high alpine lakes and other destinations through short but spectacular hikes. In addition to the trails which connect this campground to Silver Lake and other swimming areas, the Granite Lake Trail, which gives way to the Hidden Lake Trail, begins on the east shore of Silver Lake at the Minkalo TH. The trail ascends and crosses Squaw Creek on a wooden bridge. Approximately one-half mile beyond the bridge is a junction. The right fork will take you to Plasse's and the left fork will take you to Granite Lake. At the southeast end of the lake you will find the trail to Hidden Lake. Anglers will be happy to know that Silver Lake boasts stocked populations of Rainbow, German Brown and Mackinaw trout. Facilities Vault toilets, drinking water, campfire rings and picnic tables are provided. Some sites have bear-proof food storage containers as well. Single units are limited to a maximum of 2 vehicles and 6 people. A pay phone, restaurant, boat rentals and boat ramp are located at a nearby lodge. Natural Features The campground is situated at the base of Thunder Mountain at an elevation of 7,200 feet, on the north end of beautiful Silver Lake. A small pond in the middle of the campground attracts ducks, but cannot be seen from any of the camp sites. Silver Lake spans 200 acres in a large granite basin surrounded by a forest of mixed conifers. The lake's mirror-like waters are known to reflect the colors of the sky above, attracting both hikers and photographers to its scenic shores. The Silver Lake area blooms with bright wildflowers in the summer months, delighting visitors with their presence around the lakes and high in the mountain meadows. Nearby Attractions Take a scenic drive on Carson Pass Highway, which runs past Silver Lake along the mountains and crosses the picturesque Carson Pass. It is a must-do activity for those who love mountain views and landscape photography. The campground is an easy drive south of Lake Tahoe, the popular lake and ski area. Charges & Cancellations Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity. Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person. Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. ADA Access: N

Silver Lake East- Eldorado

[Lake Alpine on Highway 4](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd477029.jpg "Lake Alpine on Highway 4") [Lake Alpine Trail](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd477026.jpg "Lake Alpine Trail") [Lake Alpine Launching Ramp](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd477024.jpg "Lake Alpine Launching Ramp") [Lake Alpine Entrance](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd477022.jpg "Lake Alpine Entrance") [Lake Alpine Boat Ramp](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd477020.jpg "Lake Alpine Boat Ramp") [Lake Alpine on Highway 4](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd477019.jpg "Lake Alpine on Highway 4") [Lake Alpine](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd477018.jpg "Lake Alpine on Highway 4") Boat launch with parking for 60 cars and trailers. Speed limit on lake is 10 mph. No motorized boats on lake at night. Large boats not recommended. Developed Campgrounds have no trailer hook-ups.

Lake Alpine Campground

Los Angeles is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Los Angeles is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Los Angeles

The Best Camping Near Los Angeles, California

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near San Diego. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near San Diego, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

San Diego

The Best Camping in San Diego | California Campgrounds

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, San Jose, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. San Jose is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near San Jose, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

San Jose

The Best Camping Near San Jose, California

The hub city of California’s Bay Area wins in waterfront beauty and access to Yosemite National Park for camping and hiking. While the city is a major tourist draw, water sports lovers will appreciate the abundance of opportunities.

There aren’t any major campgrounds in San Francisco itself, as you may expect, though Half Moon Bay State Beach is just south of the city, near San Mateo, CA. If you’re traveling north up the coast, you’ll find the Point Reyes National Seashore to your liking. There is only one campground with 14 sites, however. There are no RV or car-accessible spots, and all campsites are tent-only and walk-in. If you’re looking for the best camping near San Francisco, Point Reyes is probably still your most convenient option.

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near San Francisco, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

The Best Camping in San Francisco | CA Camping

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Fresno, CA has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Fresno, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Fresno

The Best Camping Near Fresno, CA | California Campgrounds

Where the American and Sacramento Rivers meet is some of the best camping in California. Near Sacramento, CA, campers can experience life during the 1840s Gold Rush and tour the museums before heading to their campsites for the night. RVers will find plenty of campgrounds where they can pull in and find the amenities they need. Stay close to the city and its attractions or closer to the coast. On the water you can spend the day fishing, boating, and swimming. Your camping adventures in the area can include horseback riding along the trails or a visit to a local farm complete with a family-friendly petting zoo.

Sacramento

The Best Camping Near Sacramento | CA Camping

Long Beach is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Long Beach, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Long Beach camping trip.

Long Beach

The Best Camping Near Long Beach, California

Looking for the best campgrounds near Oakland, CA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Oakland

The Best Camping Near Oakland, California

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Bakersfield, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Bakersfield is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Bakersfield

The Best Bakersfield Camping | California Campgrounds

Looking for the best campgrounds near Anaheim, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Anaheim and user-submitted reviews.

Anaheim

The Best Camping Near Anaheim, California

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Inyo National Forest. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Inyo National Forest campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Inyo National Forest

The Best Camping Near Inyo National Forest, California

Tahoe National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Tahoe National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Tahoe National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Tahoe National Forest

The Best Camping Near Tahoe National Forest, California

Six Rivers National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Six Rivers National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Six Rivers National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Six Rivers National Forest

The Best Camping Near Six Rivers National Forest, California

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Eldorado National Forest, CA has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Eldorado National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Eldorado National Forest

The Best Camping Near Eldorado National Forest, California

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Los Padres National Forest, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Los Padres National Forest camping trip.

Los Padres National Forest

The Best Camping Near Los Padres National Forest, California

Join the fun near Lassen National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Lassen National Forest. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Lassen National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Lassen National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lassen National Forest, California

Join the fun near Stanislaus National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Stanislaus National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Stanislaus National Forest

The Best Camping Near Stanislaus National Forest, California

Are you in need of a campground near Angeles National Forest, CA? Angeles National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Angeles National Forest

The Best Camping Near Angeles National Forest, California

San Bernardino National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. San Bernardino National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near San Bernardino National Forest, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

San Bernardino National Forest

The Best Camping Near San Bernardino National Forest, California

Modoc National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Modoc National Forest, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

The Best Camping in Bear Valley

Top Campgrounds in Bear Valley (369)

1.