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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.

Campground Showdown in California

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

Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National ParkJumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National ParkJumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National ParkJumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National ParkJumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National ParkJumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National ParkJumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National ParkJumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Click to VoteCampground A
OR
Alabama Hills Recreation AreaAlabama Hills Recreation AreaAlabama Hills Recreation AreaAlabama Hills Recreation AreaAlabama Hills Recreation AreaAlabama Hills Recreation AreaAlabama Hills Recreation AreaAlabama Hills Recreation Area
Click to VoteCampground B

Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in California (3,889)

    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

    88 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

    80 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

    75 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. 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."

    8. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    66 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."

    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. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    $35 - $100 / night

    "We felt like we were a million miles away from everyone, even our camp neighbors!"

    "California doesn’t offer any decent senior discounts. The campground is awesome."

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  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2026

    Chilao Campground

    Gorgeous Site but Noisy Neighbors

    I stayed at Little Pines. This spot has some beautiful sites. Some are semi-secluded with stunning views. Some have a lot of shade, some have little. Silver Moccasin Trail is on-site and a great hike. Notorious for bears but I didn’t see any.

    I camped with a bear canister and bear country precaution anyway. A few sets of vault toilets and dumpsters so no site is too far from one. But no sinks. There is running water here but it’s non-potable.

    It’s a beautiful spot but I had a group of about 10-15 people in diesel trucks roll in at 10pm on a Friday and blare Banda music for 3 days. From about 8am-10:30pm-ish. Unrelenting. Even with earplugs I could feel the bass of the tubas. Ruined the entire trip. So be aware that like any campground, loud jerks can spoil it for everyone.

    I noticed a lot of people coming in until about 10pm on Friday and there were still spots. This wasn’t a holiday weekend but it was a pretty weekend in June. I got there at 6pm and got a great spot.

    The Manzanita area is very pretty but sites are smaller and it’s more of an Oak Woodland with Manzanita and lots of boulders. Far fewer pines and cedars so not a lot of shade. In the fall this might be a nice option but in summer it may be a little hot.

    Little Pines is pretty accessible for wheelchairs. The road has some pot holes but it’s paved and the grade isn’t terrible. Several spots would be very accessible to anyone with mobility devices or wheelchairs as you can park and get right to the campsite beside the car, on level ground. Restrooms are ADA-accessible.

    WARNING: Watch out for the purple plant everywhere! Behaves like poison oak. Keep pets (and yourself) away. Included pics.

  • cindy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2026

    Giant Rock Dispersed Area

    Wilderness

    Nice spot. A little rough getting there due to road a little rough. A few cars passed by but nothing bothersome.anyone who likes off roading will love this place

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2026

    Ripstein Campground

    Beautiful and remote

    Way out of the way and worth it. There’s also tons of dispersed camping off the dirt roads. There is NO CELLPHONE RECEPTION, I used Starlink to add this so I don’t want anyone mislead.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2026

    William Kent Campground

    Nice clean campground

    Very nice & clean campground next to the lake! There’s also a market across the street from the campground in case you want something to eat, ice cream or just forgot to pack something. Very nice hosts who were very friendly and nice.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2026

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Amazing lake, zero escape from city noise

    The lake was amazing. The bar & grill stocks some great craft beers (didn't try the food so can't speak to its quality). The store was well stocked, the staff were friendly and helpful. The sites were reasonably well spread out (at least where we were).

    That's the good. Here's the bad.

    Ants. So many ants. But that's just camping - come prepared with ant spray, ant baits, and diatomaceous earth.

    But the worst part was the group campsite near us. Nice enough people, looked like they were having a great time and making good memories for their kids. But someone brought a jobsite style generator - one of the extremely noisy ones - and had it running from 7am to 10pm every day, so that constant rattle was completely inescapable. You can't hang out in your site in peace. You can't wake up and enjoy the birds. You can't sing by a campfire. All you have is rattling generators.

    We told the park staff about this, but it didn't seem to matter. And we never once saw park staff anywhere near our site - I haven't been to a single other campground, whether county, state, federal, or private, where that's been the case.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2026

    Redwood Meadows RV Resort

    Nice spot to go explore

    Redwood or tidepools soo much to do in the area. Nice little campground . Kinda spacious and was a safe place to rest didnt check out much at the campground

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2026

    middle fork smith river

    Easy for all size ...Warning

    Great spot. But be aware there were 2times trucks came into campground and did donuts by the campers and truck. 1time was friday night around 1230 am. And the second time was monday evening around 9pm And there was a family with child setting up tent besides us when this happensd. I tried to get video but with rock the size of baseballs and a dust cloud for 5 min. The truck had sand in the wiper and top of truck was coated in sand . Would not stay again. Didnt feel safe. I did end up contacting the gasquest ranger station about this .
    There was an amazing swimming hole beside this campground. Just go over the hill . Kinda a little scramble down. But crystal clear water and a rock to jump off of. Would have loved to stay

  • jo J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2026

    Chilkoot Campground

    Chilkoot Campground

    This site doesn’t have water, electricity or internet it is remote but located next to roadway. Beautiful campground but can be noisy. I have STARLINK so was able to stay connected

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.

Keep Exploring

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