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Best Campgrounds in California

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

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 (3,890)

    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."

    "bathrooms but no water access and the main entrance is about 45 drive, so come prepared. great access to climbing walking distance or short drive. stunning rock formations and sunrise/sunsets."

    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. 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."

    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. 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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Recent Reviews in California

10000 Reviews of 3890 California Campgrounds


  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Onion Valley

    Beautiful site. We live in independence & want to update the reviews.

    We drive up here most every week every season. Scenic mtn drive. It’s usually really crowded. You should try to reserve a site ahead of time if camping. You need to buy supplies in Lone Pine or town of Bishop. Only small gas station stores in Independence. Lower & Upper Grey’s are optional nice camp sites with camp host at Upper Grey’s who is very helpful; these sites have nice stream fishing & are also very clean. There is water, no electric hook ups. There are horseback riding stables at the top for hire. There can be mosquitoes & even bees at certain times of the year.

  • Anthony V.
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Trailer Tel RV Park

    Nice clean, bad management

       I lived at this trailer park from October 2021 until June 2026. I loved living here and the lifestyle. I've always been on good terms with property management and owners. Wayne and I would talk often, I even bought him and his wife dinner because i noticed we're eating at the same place. I've recently been going through a divorce and spoke with Wayne about personal issues, I generally keep to myself but I thought Wayne was a man of integrity. Come to find out he's spreading my personal business throughout the trailer park. Around June 25th i asked wayne, if I could speak to him privately in his office, he said, no, my boss is in there. I then asked him about the moving out process, and if I could possibly rent another spot in the park and leave my ex wife in that spot. This is what He deemed an appropriate response in the middle of the street in front of neighbors, The property owner and staff. "Your wife has a bad reputation". What do you mean complaints? "Not only that several of your neighbors have told me that they're sleeping with your wife". I was humiliated, embarrassed would be an understatement. I then told him that i'm gonna be out of there as soon as possible. He then said "I have 6 people fighting for that spot. If you can be out by the end of the month, I'll get them in right away". Come the 1st of the month. Wayne gives me a call saying they are keeping my deposit, and I owe an additional $310 i was perplexed. After trying to talk to him about this, he became aggressive, yelling, using profanities. After realizing how this was going, I asked for an Itemize statement and a copy of my lease agreement. I also asked if I still need to pay for the next several days, can I have use to the facilities still? Pool, weight room, laundry room ect. There was a long, awkward pause, he eventually said, I would prefer if you don't. This just seemed really off to me that you are forcing me to pay, but I can't use what i'm paying for. He then said "I got shit to do bro". And hung up the phone. I've spoke to him 3 times train to get an explanation or some clarity on my end but each time I am met with aggression and being hung up on with no resolution. Today when I spoke with him, she told me, " i don't care if you pay or not. Ill send you to collections, you turned in your mail key and moved your trailer". "You don't have a leg to stand on, i suggest you sue us". I then said, wayne, this is exactly the problem.You're the property manager, you should care if your current or former tenants, our paying their bills. I'm just trying to come to a resolution. He then hung up the phone and ignored my return calls. Again the facility is great, clean, we'll maintained i really anticipated on leaving a 5 star review but the way Wayne mishandled this is disappointing to say the least. I hope the owner will please call me, Anthony Vyeda #52  

    Sorry to the owners of trailer tel rv park for leaving this honest review.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Lake George Campground

    Nice site if you can find it…lots of cars up & down the roads…see my recent review

    Confusing to locate the site, pass the top of Lake Mary and follow signs to lake George… come to a one-way loop which you have to watch closely requiring a sharp left turn into the site, no vehicles over 20ft allowed. Camp host trailer & pay station with No envelopes??? $38 no senior discount. Few sites available on a Thursday at noon in late June. Found a way to pay, but left as it was too far walk from van to camp table….my husband was frustrated, but we found another true dispersed site further up the 395 hwy that was perfect for us.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Kennedy Meadows Campground

    Mosquitoes, horse flys, flys & tree sap! Sites are otherwise nice🧐

    Had a nice site under a tree that was dripping sap everywhere! We could only use one end of the site table & things were still sticky! Enjoyed walking about the area and could see the nice stream below. There were so many 🦟 & biting flys that our one dog didn’t want to come out of our van, he also had sap on the bottom of his paws. This area is free, but there is a volunteer camp host that occasionally comes around to check you are not parked on the dirt areas. It is beautiful country and there is a very narrow road pass going towards Troy Meadows/Bakersfield/Lake Isabella that we enjoyed. Need to stop in at General Store for a beer!

  • Sebastian D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    Great overnight camping

    Great way to do Yosemite without reservations. Did an impromptu visit for 3 days and just van camped in this forest road. Works great if you can deal with driving in and out. Good camping spots here and there, tons of overnight parking areas.

  • Chia-Chia W.
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Olema Campground

    Easy to book, plenty of sites, harmless animal

    It's a popular campground in the northern california that's relatively easy to book. We book 1-2 weeks before and still got a spot.

  • Darron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Eagle Lake Ranger Station/Lassen NF

    Eagle LakeRanger Station Lassen NF

    This is a small turnout, (paved road just 1/16th off road 36- 2.7 miles west of Susanville, CA. It is surrounded by tall ponderosa pines. It is 44 miles to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center of Lessan Volcanic NP.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Shady Lane RV Camp

    Great for overnight

    The place is somewhat rundown. The staff super nice and informative. Close to I40 a plus. $60, less if Good Sam or Vet. Full hookups.

  • Buzz _.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area

    Super scenery, and we've got it all to ourselves (Wed night!)

    This is a really beautiful area! Very quiet and peaceful! Of course, it is a Wed night, so it could be very different on a weekend!😂

    The grounds are VERY well kept! This is going to become a regular stop for us now! My wife has family in Redding, so this will be a nice overnight, before moving on the next 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.