Vidalia S.
Legend
LegendAnt Canyon
Nice River access
On the Kern River, dumpsters available. Does not appear to be any specific numbered campsites. Lots of room for tents away from the road, closer to the river. No T-Mobile coverage.
Best Campgrounds in California
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.
Best Camping Sites in California (3,770)
1. Jumbo Rocks Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
123 ReviewsTwentynine Palms, CAWebsite+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."
2. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
99 ReviewsPinnacles, CAWebsite+1 (831) 200-1722$48 - $174 / 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 ReviewsLone Pine, CAWebsite+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 ReviewsCarlsbad, CAWebsite+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
73 ReviewsOrick, CAWebsite+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."
6. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
70 ReviewsBig Sur, CAWebsite+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 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CAWebsite+1 (209) 372-8502$36 / night
"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."
"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."
8. Indian Cove Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
65 ReviewsTwentynine Palms, CAWebsite+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."
9. Morro Bay State Park Campground
63 ReviewsLos Osos, CAWebsite+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 fantastic site that has not only the fun of camping and being outdoors, but it is conveniently located walking or biking distance from the town."
10. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
66 ReviewsGrover Beach, CAWebsite+1 (805) 473-7220$25 - $40 / 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 Reviews in California
10000 Reviews of 3770 California Campgrounds
- Vidalia S.Legend
Fairview Campground
Closed to camping
Unfortunately, the Fairview site was closed to camping when we were there in mid-March. The day use area was still available.
- Vidalia S.Legend
Calkins Flat Dispersed Camping
Nice River access
Large campsite with somewhat precarious access to the river. You have to scramble downhill over some rocks. Vault toilets and trash cans are available. Some fire rings, but there does not seem to be numbered campsites. This site will accommodate larger rigs. No T-Mobile coverage.
- Vidalia S.Legend
Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground
Nice River access
A large area with a lot of well-defined numbered campsites. Odd numbered campsites are on the eastern mountainside. Even numbered campsites are on the western riverside. Vehicle access to your campsite is controlled by large stones, confining you to the roadside, although some people have apparently tried moving those stones with their vehicles. Trash bins and vault toilets available. No T-Mobile coverage available.
- Vidalia S.Legend
Old Gold Ledge
Nicest campsite on Kern River
Finally! A beautiful campsite on the Kern River. No amenities other than shaded campsites with nice fire rings close to the river, with river access. There are only four sites here, and they are small. You need to have a vehicle less than 20 to 25 ft. Once you get here you won't want to leave. You can drive a short distance to one of the nearby campsites to dump your trash. No T-Mobile coverage.
- Vidalia S.Legend
Walker Pass Campground
Beautiful view on the PCT
Just off the highway, there are two designated vehicle campsites, however, there are several places to park your car and walk a short distance into a tent site. There are several other places that you can park your vehicle that are not designated for vehicle camping. There is a vault toilet but no other amenities. The tent sites have picnic tables and fire rings and hooks on poles for suspending food stuff. The vehicle camping sites have overhead shelters, fire rings with a grill and a hook and pole for suspending food stuff. If you walk about 30 to 40 minutes south on the PCT you will get some T-Mobile coverage, at a site I call the telephone booth, underneath a large pinyon pine sitting on a comfortable rock in the shade. The views are stupendous, and easy access to the PCT.
- Vidalia S.Legend
Camp 9
Like camping in the Alps
Mountains in the background, camping along a clear blue lake with water, pump outs, vault toilets, dumpsters, fish cleaning station, and boat launch available. What is not to love? What's not to love is RV sites lined up head to toe along the side of the road with no shade or privacy. We were here in March, and although there was a camp host there, he did not answer our calls. We did fill up with free potable water, and dumped our trash. There is a self-service self-pay $20 pump out. Easily over 100 RV sites, and many tent sites, as well as day use parking.
- JJoel K.
ScoutTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Great, busy on weekend
Stunning view, campsites have a lot of broken glass but the views make up for it
Tyson Y.ScoutPanther Flat Campground
Nice spaced campground
We have a 37’ 5th wheel and there is plenty of room. The bathrooms are extremely clean.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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