Best Campgrounds in California

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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.

Campground Showdown in California

Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!

Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

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Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in California (3,897)

1. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
125 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."

"It’s very close to fascinating hiking trails."
2. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
100 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."

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. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
79 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"

5. Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
76 Reviews
Orick, CA
Website
+1 (707) 464-6101
$35 - $100 / 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."
6. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
72 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."

7. Morro Bay State Park Campground
67 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."

"This is a busy campground and your neighbors' sites are fairly close by, limiting privacy."
8. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
66 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
65 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. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
67 Reviews
Grover Beach, CA
Website
+1 (805) 473-7220
$35 - $50 / night
"Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks."

"Tucked behind the dunes (and you definitely want a site next to the dunes!)"

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Recent Camping Photos in California

5899 Photos of 3897 California Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in California

10000 Reviews of 3897 California Campgrounds

Megan C.
Traveler
Jul. 17, 2026
Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground
Great location, but not peaceful
The pros: the location is stunning. The beach is great, plus being situated right between Mendocino and Fort Bragg means lots of options for other sights to see and great restaurants too. The store is a nice bonus, the WiFi worked well near the entrance and the front part of camp, and every person I encountered who worked there was pleasant and helpful.

The cons: it is crowded as hell (at least during peak season in July) and no one cares at all about the posted quiet hours (and they don’t seem to be enforced). The tent sites do seem more spacious than the RV sites, but you’re still right on top of each other. I have terrible hearing and could still hear word for word what the family next to me was saying as they loudly chattered and laughed away at 11pm (kid, referring to my site: “Is someone in that tent?” adult: “Yeah, no one we know.” 😭)

I think the best way to visit again would be with friends who are in sites right next to you, so you have a better sense of what you’re getting into!
A
Albert M.
Scout
Jul. 16, 2026
Poleta OHV Upper Staging Area
Quick stop
Great location in Bishop California. Very secluded area and beautiful sunset… Port-o-Johns were very clean. We were passing through Bishop California and needed a spot that was fairly close to the main road, and there wasn’t very busy.
C
Chuck
Traveler
Jul. 16, 2026
Jalama Beach County Park
Hidden Gem
We've had great experiences at this campground. Great place to get disconnected, relax, enjoy the views & beach.
Patricia N.
Legend
Jul. 16, 2026
Rock Creek Campground (Ca) — Plumas National Forest
Another great OHV site
The campsites are on both sides of the forest service road. We were never able to locate site 1 so it must have been eliminated.

If you enjoy camping and OHV riding then this should be on your list of campgrounds to visit.
V
Vanessa H.
Guide
Jul. 16, 2026
Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground
A nice quiet campground, often with lake views.
Boca is a comfortable little USFS campground with nice lake views.

Some of the sites and their trees are oriented a little uncomfortably for me, but I was able to back my trailer in a way that probably wasn't originally intended and open up enough room for my tow vehicle.

They have picnic tables at every site that I've seen and food storage, trash storage, bear lockers at every site.

There's gunfire across the reservoir, but I scarcely even noticed it and I'm very sensitive to it.

The camp hosts seem pretty unobtrusive.

The sites aren't particularly level, but with a few blocks I was able to get mine close enough.

I was in site number four, which is just a stone's throw from the bathrooms and dumpster. I'm self-contained, so I didn't bother looking at the bathrooms.

It's a very quiet campground. In fact, I was feeling guilty about running my generator half the time.

It was completely booked, so I was only able to get a couple of nights here, but I would certainly stay here again. Moderate levels of shade midday in July, but 83F sure beats 108F in the valley! From Site 4 I had a very clear view to the north, so I had great coverage with Starlink, at least 120 megabits; doing work was certainly a reality for me.

Checkout time is noon, and that's coming up quickly. So, thus ends my review for the moment.

[Edit] One more detail worth mentioning: as I was hitching up to leave, a doe and two fawns wandered through the trees right near the site, completely nonchalant. They weren’t begging, approaching, or acting habituated in a bad way, just quietly moving through the forest like I happened to be parked in their campground. It was a lovely little sendoff and exactly the kind of moment that makes a site memorable.
Patricia N.
Legend
Jul. 16, 2026
Deanes Valley Family Campground — Plumas National Forest
Wonderful campground for OHV riding
Deanes campground was empty when we visited. There are sites that provide ample space and our 26’ toy hauler would fit in with no trouble.

Vault toilet was clean and most of the camp sites were well maintained.

Of the three campgrounds in this area, Deanes was my favorite.
Patricia N.
Legend
Jul. 16, 2026
Meadow Camp Campground — Plumas National Forest
Equestrian and ATV allowed use
This campground is situated between the creek and meadow. At 6100 feet it offers some relief from the valley heat.

When we visited there were three sites, 4-6, which were the nicest of all the sites.

Site 6 is close to the meadow and when we visited this campground there were two deer enjoying the tall grass in the meadow.

Site 5 is closest to the creek and the creek sounds are enjoyable and relaxing.

Site 4 is the largest of all the sites and site 3 is not only small but the road to access the site is in poor condition which makes access difficult.
Patrick W.
Scout
Jul. 16, 2026
Glen Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
In the middle of nowhere
It’s kinda more like a last choice in the area. I’m happy I had the opportunity to stay there (to compare the other campsites) and it is nicely set up with running water, picnic table, and pit toilets. Campsite 10 though is the worst of ‘em. Set directly in the middle with no privacy and no shade.

Whenever someone opened the pit toilet doors, the smell wafted gracefully like a hammer out of nowhere to abuse my olfactory senses! Just trying to be real and give the scoops.

The NPS does a great job with maintaining the campsite BUT I would definitely pick any of the other locations first. Eg Sky, Coast, or Wildcat. That being said, if there was nothing else available, I’d stay there again. Get in late and leave early.
L
Landon R.
Traveler
Jul. 16, 2026
Blue Oak Campground
Very cool views, but a lot of trash
Found a spot on the hill that had a sweet view, but was covered in trash and shotgun shells. A lot of dirt bikers so you hear that most of the day.

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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Best Campgrounds in California

Campground Showdown in California

Best Camping Sites in California (3,897)

1. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

2. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

3. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

4. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

5. Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

6. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

7. Morro Bay State Park Campground

8. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

9. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

10. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Recent Camping Photos in California

5899 Photos of 3897 California Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in California

10000 Reviews of 3897 California Campgrounds

Great location, but not peaceful

Quick stop

Hidden Gem

Another great OHV site

A nice quiet campground, often with lake views.

Wonderful campground for OHV riding

Equestrian and ATV allowed use

In the middle of nowhere

Very cool views, but a lot of trash