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Best Campgrounds in California

10,000
Reviews

California's campgrounds span from coastal beachfront sites like South Carlsbad State Beach to high desert landscapes in Joshua Tree National Park. The range of accommodations includes tent camping in forested settings like Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, RV hookups at Pinnacles Campground, and free dispersed camping at Alabama Hills Recreation Area. Mixed-use campgrounds allow various accommodation types, with many offering both primitive tent sites and full-hookup RV spaces.

Permits and reservations are essential for many popular California camping destinations, particularly during peak summer months when demand is highest. "Nowhere else in Sierra Nevada can you get access like this," noted one visitor about dispersed camping options. Most developed campgrounds near national parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree require advance planning, while remote dispersed camping areas along Hardin Flat Road provide more flexibility but fewer amenities. Road conditions vary significantly across the state, with some dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles to access. Climate considerations also influence camping experiences, from coastal fog along beaches to triple-digit temperatures in desert regions during summer months.

Several campgrounds feature distinctive natural attractions, enhancing the camping experience. According to reviews from The Dyrt, waterfront sites consistently receive higher ratings, with one camper describing their experience at a creek-side location as "beautiful, downhill for the trek to the campsite but it is SO worth it." Wildlife sightings add to the experience, with visitors reporting encounters ranging from elk at Prairie Creek Redwoods to bald eagles at creek-side dispersed sites. Proximity to recreational activities emerges as another priority, with highly-rated campgrounds typically offering access to trails, swimming holes, or scenic viewpoints. For those seeking solitude, dispersed camping options on public lands provide alternatives to developed campgrounds, though these primitive sites require self-sufficiency and adherence to leave-no-trace principles.

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Best Camping Sites in California (3,709)

    1. Mackerricher State Park Campground

    1463 Reviews
    Fort Bragg, CA

    $45 - $260 / night

    "There are many sites next to the ocean."

    "PROS Campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground.

    → Campsites have bear lockers."

    2. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    119 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "They're situated between HUGE boulders so they're nicely tucked away from high winds that can sometimes pick up."

    "The campsites are tucked between massive granite boulders, offering natural windbreaks and a sense of privacy that’s hard to find elsewhere."

    3. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    87 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "You can see Mount Whitney in the distance. 4 wheel drive isn’t required but definitely recommend. No bathrooms or water around. A lot of old movies were filmed in the hills."

    "Alabama Hills California presents a varied landscape. From the picture above you can plainly see the desert floor to MT. Whitney, snow capped in March of 2018."

    4. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    91 Reviews
    Pinnacles, CA
    Website
    +1 (831) 200-1722

    $44 - $164 / night

    "Per my rating system, this is very close to being 5 stars, meaning it's worth planning a trip from out of state just to visit this park and surrounding national/state forest for 3 days or more  The only"

    "It’s a beautiful park and has the largest population of California Condors in the world. The campground is situated about 2.3 miles from the main trailheads. There's tent and RV campsites."

    5. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    78 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."

    "One of best beach campgrounds in California. Beach is right there next to camping. Restroom and shower are clean even though too many people there"

    6. Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

    71 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    Website
    +1 (707) 464-6101

    $35 - $80 / night

    "This was my favorite campground in our northern california tour. Campimg among the redwoods, so quiet and shady we slept in late each morning."

    "There are also INCREDIBLE day trips into California’s interior, Indian history, little known parks and trails everywhere."

    7. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $50 - $75 / night

    "No other sites behind us. It felt secluded and private. Close to the bathrooms. And the bathrooms were clean. We didn’t have a river site but the river was right across from us."

    "I think it's a California State Park and Covid thing right now. There is some construction going on but it didn't effect our stay at all. We had a river site."

    8. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    65 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $36 / night

    "FYI, they are not joking about wildlife here, bear lockers are there for a reason and the animals are so comfortable and used to people they get close to camp."

    "Close to Happy Isles and Mirror Lake/Meadow, this campground is convenient for day hikers. it's one of the better spots in Yosemite Valley, somewhat off the beaten path, so to speak."

    9. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    63 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $55 / night

    "Cons: no park entrance from here. You have to drive 20/30 minutes out to the main road and back in to get to the main area of the park. The campsite next to us had some nasty anthills."

    "Indian Cove is on the Northern side of the park, and you will use a different entrance than the main park entrance."

    10. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-2560

    $35 - $165 / night

    "Unlike many state campgrounds you find near the highway or railroad tracks, this one is located a nice distance from the road.  Still, it is within walking distance to a small marina and restaurant."

    "It is only 2 miles away from Morro Rock and the adorable tourist town full of shops and eateries."

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10000 Reviews of 3709 California Campgrounds

  • Jake S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2025

    Usal Beach Campground

    Awesome beach, hard to access. Worth it

    6 miles of potholes, rough dirt road and some deep puddles and you'll find a beautiful sandy beach with camping spots above the tide and some in the trees for privacy. Fire pits built all over. The sand is soft and the trail is tough so only attempt with some clearance and good tires.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    Pioneertown Corrals

    Overall great place to stay

    It’s a very cool and unique place. They have two bars/restaurants with live bands and even a bingo night, a few gift shops and plenty of open camp sites during the week. I stayed on a Monday and there was only one other camper. Not sure how it would look on a weekend. This place is worth a weekend or one night get away. Very fun. The only negative they had was no water hookups and they only have porta potties for toilets.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    Busy beach camping

    This is a busy area for atv's and dirt bikes. No official camping areas, just find a spot in the sand. There was loud music around but it ended at a respectful time and staff was friendly. Very windy.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Campsite with playground

    Pretty average campsites with playground and clean bathrooms. Very windy roads in and out.

  • April H.
    Nov. 3, 2025

    South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    Quintessential SoCal Beach

    My upfront disclaimer is I knew what to expect.  It's easy to reserve these sites online at reservecalifornia.com but they go very quickly.  After waiting in line on the northbound PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) it was slow going driving in as any RV in front of you typically has some maneuvering to do to get settled in its site.  There is almost no privacy as the campground is situated on a bluff over looking the ocean and so any growth is scrub.  They have all the standard amenities including showers which cost extra.  You must buy tokens at a machine so be sure to buy enough as each token is only worth a very few minutes. (I still have a couple leftover from this trip)  The camp sites are dirt.  There is a camp store along with a restaurant with a limited menu.  They have tables with umbrellas at the edge of the bluff with an unbeatable view of the ocean.  They also have live entertainment-you'll need to check to see what & when.  The fire rings are tall, about 3' tall, which I didn't care for.  Hard to sit around that kind of fire.  There was also a sign posted warning campers of the hot items for theft.  The campground is arranged in 2 rows-one at the edge of the bluff and one inland.  The inland row is very close to the PCH so there's noise.   As far as camping experiences go, this is not the best.  But I didn't go there for a great "camping" experience; I went there to be in walking distance of a beautiful beach.  That did not disappoint!  Be advised-the walk to the beach is down a cliff and involves a lot of steps.

  • Vin W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Still a wonderful spot close to Orange County

    I have gone to long term RV and took a chance here. I came at night, and was frustrated with the traffic to just enter the park. It wasn't until the next morning that I began to appreciate the surroundings. The freeway noise became soothing. The showers clean, the grass maintained. Easy to access dump stations, fairly modern electrical hookups. Lots of families, people in golf carts, bicycles on trails. Wildlife including Blue Herons eating gophers, squirrels and coyotes. I would return here.

  • s
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Stone Creek Campground — Mount San Jacinto State Park

    Great Trails & Views

    The site was nice and spacious, tall pines, great shade and star gazing, the falling egg corns were fun but the fire ban was a deal breaker... I reserved 1 1/2 months out so when I arrived the ban was in effect, stayed one night out of two. The trails were nice with plenty of great views, quiet walks and natural woodland creatures: woodpeckers, squirrels and birds. I'll stay again only if there's no fire ban.... Whats camping without a fire?

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Alamo Creek

    This isn’t dispersed camping

    Most of the spots are reservation only. There are a few that look like you could just pull up and camp. But they all tend to lead to hike and biking trails. I wouldn’t risk camping here. You’ll probably get kicked out. Head up the canyon towards Morrow disperse camping.

  • James C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    North Lava Tube Camp

    Very quiet and peaceful

    Very quiet here. I like it so much I stayed 3 nights, allowing me to decompress before continuing my adventures. While a paved road thru the preserve is relatively close I can hardly hear the occasional vehicle and due to the terrain only catch glimpses of the vehicles if I bother to look. The turn off to 2 dispersed camping sights is 8 mile from the Mojave Preseve sign in Baker, California. There are two free dispersed sights in the first 1/10 of a mile on a sandy dirt road. Don’t bother going further o the dirt road as there are no other approved spots, at least the first 5 miles I looked. I had no other people even go down the road I was on in the 3 days.

Guide to California

Camping in California offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and diverse experiences. From the towering trees of Yosemite to the serene lakes of Inyo National Forest, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore Yosemite National Park: Hike the trails, take in breathtaking views, and enjoy the natural beauty. One camper mentioned, “We camped here late February to capture the firefall. Mission accomplished!”
  • Visit June Lake: Perfect for water activities, one reviewer said, “The lake was beautiful and the campground was nice with very close water spigots.”
  • Check out Kings Canyon: A camper shared, “A place where you are surrounded by beautiful nature. Deer pass by your camper in the morning.”

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views. One said, “We stayed in spot 91 with our 32’ Imagine travel trailer. Beautiful views and we could see Half Dome directly from our picnic tables.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness. A reviewer noted, “It was very quiet and peaceful. You wouldn’t really notice other people were there unless you looked around.”
  • Convenient Locations: Campgrounds like Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes are close to the park, making it easy to explore. One camper mentioned, “Huge but peaceful camping 15 mins from the entrance.”

What you should know

  • Booking Challenges: Reservations can be tough. One camper said, “Great place, amazing position with astonishing views, but almost impossible to book.”
  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds lack showers and hookups. A reviewer pointed out, “There are zero hookups and you can use a generator 3 times per day.”
  • Wildlife Safety: Be cautious about food storage. A camper warned, “The rangers are very serious about bear/wildlife safety in Yosemite. All scented items must be placed inside the bear lockers.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Upper Pines Campground that allow pets and have amenities. One family shared, “We camped here late February to capture the firefall. I was very happy to be able to book spots within 2 weeks of the date.”
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A camper mentioned, “With my family, I may come here and play games.”
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. One reviewer noted, “The river water felt extremely clean to take a dip in since there are no showers.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. One camper said, “Our Ram 2500 did not fit in the site with us, so a few of us booked an extra spot to park our vehicles.”
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t have electric hookups. A reviewer pointed out, “There are zero hookups and you can use a generator 3 times per day.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Campgrounds like Wawona Campground offer access to hiking trails and scenic drives. One camper noted, “The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities.”

Camping in California can be an unforgettable experience if you plan ahead and know what to expect. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the ideal season to camp in Northern California?

The ideal season for Northern California camping is late spring through early fall (May-October), when weather conditions are most predictable. Fall offers fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park Campground provides a shaded retreat amongst towering redwoods with hiking trails and basic amenities, making it perfect for summer visits when the shade is welcome. Winter camping can be challenging in higher elevations due to snow and cold temperatures. For year-round options, consider Laguna Mountain Campground, a BLM gem, though be cautious of muddy conditions after rain. Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, as Northern California's diverse microclimates can vary significantly.

What are the best campgrounds in California for first-time visitors?

For first-time visitors to California, Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park offers an iconic experience with GIGANTIC trees, numerous trails, and both cabin and tent camping options. It's an excellent year-round destination that showcases California's natural beauty. Another great option is Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, which provides beachfront camping with gorgeous coastal views. First-timers should also consider Upper Pines in Yosemite for its accessibility and amenities, or Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds for a desert experience. Many of these popular destinations require reservations weeks or months in advance, especially during peak seasons.

How much do popular California campgrounds typically cost?

California campground costs vary widely based on location, amenities, and season. Laguna Seca Recreation Area charges $40-50 for dry camping (no hookups), while Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground offers beachfront sites with water and electric hookups at premium prices. State park campgrounds typically range from $25-45 per night for basic sites, with additional fees for hookups or premium locations. National park campgrounds generally charge $20-35 per night. For budget options, BLM dispersed camping sites like Trona Pinnacles or Alabama Hills Recreation Area are often free or have minimal fees ($5-15). Reserve America handles bookings for many California state parks with a reservation fee of $7.99 in addition to the camping fee.

What amenities are available at top-rated California RV campgrounds?

Top-rated California RV campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities to accommodate different camping styles. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park provides water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites with electrical hookups, though no sewer connections. For beachfront luxury, South Carlsbad State Beach Campground offers water and electric hookups, restrooms with showers, and direct beach access. Many premium RV parks include full hookups (water, electric, sewer), WiFi, cable TV, swimming pools, laundry facilities, and camp stores. State park campgrounds typically provide more basic amenities like potable water, flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Dump stations are common at larger facilities, though not always included in the camping fee. Most popular RV destinations require reservations, especially during peak seasons.

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