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 Sequoia, CA? Sequoia is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Sequoia, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Sequoia

The Best Camping Near Sequoia, California

Surrounded by beautiful mountains and only one mile from downtown Coulterville, CA, Point Skyfall is a destination you will want to visit again and again. Our property boasts over 100 acres of meadow, mountains, creeks, trails and hiking experiences unlike any other while surrounded by close proximity to Moccasin point, Bagsby recreation, Horseshoe Bend and above all Yosemite National Park.

Come visit for a one of kind experience and see the true beaty of this adequately named wonder Point Skyfall at night during your stay as the stars feel within your reach.



Point Skyfall

**This campground is free and this is a very special place.** Please book through The Dyrt so the owner knows you are arriving, and call the host! Each site has outdoor furniture, fire pit, and easy access to clean drinkable water. Each site has access to a communal outdoor kitchen which includes a large gas grill, microwave, toaster oven, hot plate, coffee maker, and an assortment of kitchenware. The site has a lovely seating area with a view, a full fridge, and a large dish-wash sink, and food prep station. Each site has access to a bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. Guests are also encouraged to interact with over 100 animals on the ranch such as puppies, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, mini-pigs and lots of cats and kittens. We will happily introduce you to the Ranch and our practices in our mission to promote the use of life-stock to pursue sustainable fire management. The ranch is nearly 100 acres, and affords several miles of hiking and bike trails, some off-roading areas, and two ponds. And being 35 minutes away from Yosemite National Forest is a bonus as well.



Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest

**In Groveland CA and right next to Pine Mountain Lake and 30 miles to Yosemite !**

We are new to The Dyrt but please read our incredible reviews at the Hipcamp:

[https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-diamond-gulch-nelhzzp2?search\_source=homepage-autocomplete&adults=1&children=0](<https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-diamond-gulch-nelhzzp2?search_source=homepage-autocomplete&adults=1&children=0>)

We have 824 acres on a beautiful ranch with two small ponds. On our property you'll find frogs, turtles, lots of oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We're 30 miles from the main gate of Yosemite National Park and there’s a golf course less than a mile away. We're not far from town either -- in just a few minutes you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlor. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization and it's real quiet.

This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or the other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.



Diamond Gulch

Army veteran and outdoor enthusiast that loves to share my passion for the wilderness!

One hour from Yosemite's West Gate, we have plenty of room, extra camping gear and amenities, and lots of peace and quiet! ATVs and guided tours are also possible upon request. Four-wheel drive is required for RVs and campers, and we can assist with your arrival. Please call or email ahead.



Eagle Point

Yosemite Lakes RV Resort is located 80 miles east of Modesto, and just 5 miles west of Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance station. This large, year-round resort offers nearly 400 sites for RV and tent campers along the banks of the South Fork Tuolumne River. RV campers can choose from open, grassy spaces, or shady, wooded spaces with full hookups; tent campers can set up under mostly shady pine woods. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, and restrooms and shower facilities are conveniently located throughout the resort. The resort also offers a variety of cottages, cabins, yurts and bunkhouses. Onsite amenities include a country store, laundry room, Wifi and satellite TV service, trash receptacles, gas station, and propane depot. Dogs are permitted. Reservations are recommended, however many tent sites are first-come, first-served. Seasonal campsite rates are $41–$75/night; other accommodations range from $86–$305/night. For campers looking for a little rest and relaxation time outside of the busy national park, the resort offers a variety of amenities and activities. There’s a playground for the kids, and mini golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and basketball for kids of all ages. Swimming, floating, fishing, and gold panning can be enjoyed on the South Fork Tuolumne River, which flows right through the resort area. The resort also hosts group activities, movies and weekend events. Nearby activities include swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing on Don Pedro Reservoir and New Melones Lake, as well as touring the old mining towns of Sonora, Angels Camp and Murphys. When it’s time to visit Yosemite National Park: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is 45 minutes away; Yosemite Valley is 1 hour away; Tuolumne Meadows is 80 minutes away; and Mariposa Grove is 90 minutes away. In the busy summer season, it’s good to allow extra time to get to these destinations, and have patience looking for parking. Yosemite National Park, located in the heart of California’s spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains, is, justifiably, one of America’s most popular national parks. Visitors flock to Yosemite every summer to marvel at its towering granite walls, domes and pinnacles, as well as its spectacular meadows, waterfalls and wildlife. No trip to Yosemite is complete without taking at least a short walk or hike to soak in the majesty of this glacier-carved landscape, away from the park’s busy roads and villages. Yet, with its limited camping and lodging options, it can be challenging to visit the park during its busy summer season. Fortunately, there are several campgrounds and resorts located just short distances outside of the park that make suitable alternatives to the often congested and overcrowded park facilities, while still allowing easy access to the park’s sights, attractions, and trails.

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

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

## Overview

Dimond O is ideally located closest to Yosemite National Park's Big Oak Flat entrance and Hetch Hetchy. It's nestled near the banks of the scenic Middle Fork Toulumne River, where warm summer days can be spent wading and fly fishing in the refreshing waters.

## Recreation

Nearby trails include the Carlon Falls Trail near the Carlon Day Use Area, and Yosemite National Park trails accessible from Hetch Hetchy.   
  
The Middle Fork Toulumne River is a popular spot for swimming, wading and rainbow trout fishing.

## Facilities

The campground offers single and double-family sites, many of which are accessible. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are accessible vault toilets and drinking water. Roads and parking spurs are paved. Firewood is available for a fee.

## Natural Features

Some sites overlook the river and others are tucked among cedar and ponderosa pine trees. The Tuolumne River runs for about 150 miles from the central Sierra Nevada to the San Joaquin River. 

## Nearby Attractions

Take a scenic drive through Yosemite to explore its legendary landscapes.

Dimond O Campground

## Overview

Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is 25 miles from Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 4,875 feet. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.  
  
Yosemite National Park's reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14.

**Reservation Tips!** Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.  
  
[Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates](https://recreationonestopprod.servicenowservices.com/external?id=kb_article&sys_id=72fff607dbe8a30022f970c08c961990&table=)

## Recreation

Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park.   
  
Hiking the 2.5 to 3-mile roundtrip trails to the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias are a popular activity at Hodgdon Meadow. The White Wolf area on Tioga Road also offers many hiking opportunities.

## Facilities

Hodgdon Meadow Campground offers family and group sites. Roads and parking spurs are paved, and flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring and a food storage locker. A gas station and small general store are eight miles away at Crane Flat.

## Natural Features

The area is forested with mixed stands of Red fir, incense-cedar, Ponderosa pine and Lodgepole pine, offering a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Vibrant wildflowers fill the open meadows each summer. 

## Nearby Attractions

Just 45 minutes away is Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops. The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. Other sites of interest include the beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It's home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads. Glacier Point has sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time. 

## Charges & Cancellations

Cancellation of individual site reservations will be charged a $10 service fee. If the cancellation is within 48 hours of the arrival date, the first night's fee will also be charged. Cancellation of a group site reservation will incur a $10.00 service fee plus the first night’s use fee when the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night’s use will not be assessed a service fee. No-shows for any type of reservation will be charged a $20 service fee and the first night's fee.

Hodgdon Meadow Campground

Currently closed due to storm damage. No water service, so bring potable water. There are no cell, grocery, or fuel services in the area. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly. 

Groveland Ranger District (HWY 120) No water service, so bring potable water. Please note there are no services or marina available at Cherry Lake.

## Overview

Situated in the central Sierra Nevada, camping at Cherry Valley campground offers many beautiful sights. It is located in a forest of mixed conifers about 1.5 miles northeast of Cherry Valley Dam, 1 hour east of Tuolumne City, 1 hour northeast of Groveland, and 2.5 hours from the northwestern border of Yosemite National Park. Lake access is available via a hiking trail. The road to the campground is a winding mountain road and must be taken slowly.

## Recreation

There are unlimited opportunities for fishing on lakes and rivers and for exploring hiking trails in the area. Cherry Lake has a boat ramp near the dam, conveniently located off Cherry Lake Road. Visitors to Cherry Valley can enjoy a quiet lake experience great for water sports, swimming, and fishing.

## Facilities

Cherry Valley has 41 single and five double family sites with paved roads and spurs. Each site has a table and campfire pit with a grill. Drinking water and vault toilets are available. The opening and closing dates are somewhat weather dependent, but the campground is generally open for the first day of fishing season, the last Friday in April. Pets are welcome, but must be compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws.

## Natural Features

Visitors to Cherry Valley campground can enjoy easy access to nearby Cherry Lake, the largest lake in the Stanislaus National Forest. Anglers flock to Cherry Lake every year, plotting their next catch of eastern brook trout, German brown trout, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout.

Cherry Valley - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

## Overview

Lost Claim attracts families and friends with its convenient location, just 15 miles from the northwest Yosemite National Park boundary in northern California. Deemed as an ideal base camp, visitors can explore not only Yosemite, but also the fantastic wilderness areas of the Stanislaus National Forest. Pets are welcome, but must be compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws.

## Recreation

Hike the Little Golden Forest Trail, a half-mile interpretive loop with the option for a longer two-mile loop. A short drive takes visitors to the Tuolumne River for wading and fishing.

## Facilities

The 10 camping sites are all suited for tents. Sites 1, 7, and 8 would also accommodate tent trailers. The roads and spurs are native surface or gravel. Each site has a picnic table, food storage box and campfire ring. Drinking water and vault toilets are available.

## Natural Features

**At 3,100 feet in elevation, the tranquil campground sits in a mixed conifer forest with ample shade at each campsite. Nearby is the Tuolumne River, which flows for 150 miles from the central Sierra Nevadas to the San Joaquin River.**

## Nearby Attractions

Take a scenic drive through Yosemite and explore its legendary waterfalls. Enjoy world class fishing on the Tuolumne River or at one of the many lakes in this western Sierra Nevada location. Go hiking on one of the many nearby trails. The town of Groveland boasts many shopping and tourist activities; check with the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau for more information.

Lost Claim

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 Sequoia

Top Campgrounds in Sequoia (352)

1.