Looking for an adventure where you can explore California and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping in California. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of California's most popular destinations.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground features 189 RV and tent sites are situated on or near the Big Sur River. There is a Campfire Center that offers evening programs on the weekends during peak season.
Each campsite includes a parking area for at least one car, a fire pit with half-grill and picnic table. No hookups are provided at any site. Fresh water, hot showers and toilets are a short walk.
All incoming campers must check in at the entrance kiosk. Camper vehicles must display vehicle tag (proof of reservation) in the windshield. Vehicle tags are also valid for day use entrance into other area state parks.
$75 / night
North Grove (sites 27-59)
$25 - $70 / night
$85 - $105 / night
Yucaipa Regional Park is a water park based in San Bernardino County beside the San Bernardino National Forest and San Bernardino Mountains. Activities include fishing in three lakes, a water park, and disc golf. Yucaipa Regional Park camping includes primitive sites, picnic tables, fire pits, full hookups for RVs, and large group shelters for up to 350 people.
The Kumeyaay Lake Campground is open for Friday and Saturday night camping. The 46 campsites are available for reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis and the is $22.66 per night. On the reservation website page, go to the "Location" drop-down menu at the top of the page and select Kumeyaay Lake Campground. All cancellations must be made 14 days in advance.
$24 - $25 / night
Jan 2025 - due to to extensive damage from wildfires, this campground will be closed indefinitely.
$35 / night
Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island. Set on the eastern part of the island, the campground is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds. The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world. For more information about Santa Cruz Island visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/santa-cruz-island.htm .
With its easy beach access and generally good weather, this area offers the most recreational activities in the park, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.
The beach near the campground is a mix of sand and rocks, and faces the Santa Barbara Channel. The campground is located in a valley with a mixture of trees and shrubs. Rugged mountain peaks rise above the campground to 1,808 feet.
Hiking options are unlimited and offer spectacular coastal views. Try the 2 mile round-trip Cavern Point Loop hike for views of the island's mountain peaks, and the southern California coastline. This popular hike takes you past antique ranching equipment and historic buildings for a taste of island ranch history. For more advanced hikers, tackle the 7.5-mile round-trip hike from the campground to Smugglers Cove.
$15 - $40 / night
Donner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for Donner Lake camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. Visitors are welcome year-round at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.
$35 / night
Lake Camanche Resort features 550+ tent camping sites spread out over hundreds of acres which are available year-round at both North and South Shores.
Many sites offer immediate lake access while others are just a short walk away. Campsite amenities include bbqs, tables, water, hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. Primitive sites are just a short drive away to restrooms & showers. Ask you reservation agent for which sites provide shade.
All of our sites feature some of California’s best natural and native species of trees, plants and flowers. Looking for alcohol-free camping? Both shores also feature alcohol-free campgrounds, perfect for those in search of a more family-friendly camping experience.
$50 / night
Guide
I agree with others warning about the rough road to the campground. Winds blew down my tent and I had to sleep in my car. Left next morning.
Traveler
The site is small and basic; just a fire pit; perfect! Nice views of the nearby mountain and gorgeous sunsets. 4 stars as there is no protection from wind. Temp at night 36F in February.
Ranger
This campground could be a 5 rating...level,paved, separated FHU sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Hiking and bike trails. Lots of birds. Fishing. Wide open spaces. BUT the campground bathrooms are not well maintained...no hot water, handle fell off shower, and not clean. Some reviews mentioned train noise...trains do go by but we did not find them to be overly obnoxious...we have had way worse
Traveler
Fabulous quiet spot with a nostalgic cattle corral. Gorgeous vistas. 50F at night in February
Legend
This is a great example of a park that should get the 1/2 star. If an option, I'd give it 4.5 stars, and nick it only because of the minimal bathroom maintenance done after a weekend. I'd note, I think that is more due to staffing than care.
The campground was lightly populated during our February visit, which was a bit surprising considering the other JTree camps inside the park were full. I chose our site online only knowing that it was on the outer ring of sites. It turned out to be a huge site with great views of the CA hiking and riding trail (out the back of the site).
Other pros:
Not so good notes:
This has nothing to do with campground operations, but remember this is the high desert! There is wind—gusty wind. There is sun. Nights get cold. Be aware of the weather and the surroundings.
We had a lovely campfire on night one. The second night was windier at about 15mph with gusts and we chose not to light one, but there wasn't a red flag warning or restriction. Another site nearby (upwind) had a big campfire and were definitely not safe about it. It was a bit nerve-wracking being down the hill from them.
In the morning, asked the park ranger what would cause them to institute a warning, and he said the call wasn't made by the rangers on-site, but rather someone in admin elsewhere. That was surprising, and he commented that it is a challenge they've been working to change because all the rangers were up all night waiting for the call that a fire had started. I relay that to say, that when starting a fire please use common sense and caution. That completes my after school special.
I would definitely recommend this campground if you're looking for access to hiking, Joshua Tree NP but away from the core tourist areas, and also wanting to dip into town. It is conveniently located with lovely scenery.
Ranger
RV campsites are close together and semi-level. Bathrooms could use some TLC. But the park is nice with lots of hiking, views and close to Napa.
RangerRV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa.
Traveler
This place is 10/10. Clean bathrooms, quiet and quaint. Close to one of the most beautiful beaches. The campsites in the way back are the best..much quieter.
Traveler
We stayed in the upper San Simeon creek campground area - site C25. It had the best view of the ocean but was surrounded by power lines and looked down on camp hosts site/buildings. I felt like it was a little bit of a fishbowl with no privacy and we stared at the RVs in front of us. Which all RV/trailer sites are mostly parallel parking. We drove through the bottom site and it provided much more privacy due to trees and seemed to be more level as well. No view, but you get that “true camping” in the Forrest feeling. The walking trails were fun and the beach was close enough. There are camp kitties that will visit you if you are lucky enough (I think they belong to the host).
Scout
Tidy, with all amenities. Away from highway noise a place to recharge.
Guide
We have stayed at this campground many times and recently revisited in September’24. This COE is on a small lake that is used for irrigation during the summer resulting in a much lower water level than in the spring. Fishing is good. The Corps have added more electric sites over the years and there were 5-6 that fit our 43’ Blue Bird. We marked this as “big rig” friendly. Springtime has the grasses green with abundant wild flowers in late Feb through early March. Summer can be hot as the elevation is low in the California Central Valley and the grasses are brown. Sites are asphalt. Many sites may take some time to level. Back in and pull through are available. A nice dump stations is available within the COE park. Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen. Codorniz is 21 miles from Chowchilla. One way in and one way out cuts down on traffic.
Guide
We stayed at this campground may years ago (2006-2008) and it has remained one of our favorites.
Our most recent stay was for a small rally of 8 class A RVs from 34' to 43' in length all with tow vehicles. Wishon was able to accommodate all of us. The drive to Wishon starts with a long climb to Shaver Lake. Past Shaver Lake the road becomes windy for the remainder of the drive. Expect at least a 40+ minute drive from the Shaver lake turn off. On the way you will pass a grove of Giant Sequoia trees with a pull out to walk or picnic among them.
All sites are gravel and have full hook ups. Some sites have 50 amp service but it will rarely be needed because of the elevation of 6800 feet. All sites will accommodate the RV, vehicle, boat, and more. Wishon also has tent sites with or without platforms.
There are many activities available from this campground. Hiking, mountain bike riding, Jeep trails (Dusy-Ershim Trail), and fishing. Two reservoirs are nearby, Wishon and Courtright. Courtright at 8200' opens later than Wishon at 6600'. Rainbow and German Browns can be caught.
Wishon Village has a nice store with most necessities and sells fishing licenses.
Guide
Sites 120 - 144 offer full hookups. However, the sites are arranged on a parking lot. We were able to get our 43’ Blue Bird completely onto site 138. Power was good but there were only 4 of us in the FHU sites. Millerton is a great boating and fishing lake close to Fresno and within a few hours of Yosemite NP.
We would not stay here again until the park gets control of the ground squirrels. We heard stories of cars and RV’s being towed out because they chewed through wiring. Thankfully we escaped with just damage from them entering the RV and getting into plastic containers of food in the bays. On our last night we moved to a parking lot by the lake so we could avoid further intrusion. The campground was also littered with garbage. I was constantly picking up litter on my walks.
There are other campgrounds in the recreational area that have no utilities that could be a better choice for smaller RV’s.
Traveler
The well-maintained campground boasts paved pads for most sites, making setup a breeze. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, perfect for cozy campfires and outdoor meals. The facilities are clean and convenient, including coin-operated showers and a dump station. The friendly and helpful rangers and camp hosts contribute to a relaxed atmosphere. Beyond the individual campsites, the campground itself is nestled within a beautiful park, offering a tranquil and scenic backdrop.
Legend
This spot is quite secluded along a creek. The creek is running really good and there are lots of spots for parking. I would definitely park here again. Ideal for larger rigs, not real sure as it's been a while.
Ranger
Sites H6 H5 and H3 are best. You can reserve through recreation dot gov. Roads are cleaned up from the 2022 storm but not like before. Terrain is not recognizable from older satellite images. Beautiful night sky.
Scout
East access. 1.5 miles from pavement. Road is washboarded so keep your speed under 10mph and its a fairly smooth 5 minute drive. Very clean, great a views, almost empty in January.
Scout
This place really came in handy on our way north. Two notes! The entrance and exit are build for traffic going south, so you have to be comfortable doing a freeway u-turn if you're going north. Not a big deal, and there are lanes that are built for it, but those were my first two ever freeway u-turns. Also: I bet it's quieter if you park with the large "berm" between your car and the freeway. We didn't, and I heard the traffic noise all night long. Beautiful view in the morning.
Guide
There isn’t much out here but it is close to Yuma if you have business or errands to run. There are lots of flat areas to park and space for large groups.
Traveler
It’s so peaceful and beautiful here! I will say, there is practically no service. which personally i enjoy because you get to be away from the world for a couple of days. the walk to the beach from the site i was in was also sort of a trek, it is definitely very different for anyone who is not in good shape, but once you get over the hill, the reward is so worth it!
Scout
We went here for a change. We like the idea of dispersed camping and this one fits the bill. Free. Roads are not clearly marked so a little sketch finding spots. But wait it's all dispersed so we found a cozy spot atop a mountain and made camp. Was really awesome one other camper we saw he was a mile away. The roads did get some cars as we where in fall harvest time, Lots of photographers buzzing around. Other than that amazing spot. SHHH don't tell everyone.
Traveler
This place was nice. Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes. Lots of food spots within 10 minutes. Spaces are one of the cleanest I seen. Ranger is on constant patrol. Low-key felt like bikini bottom. Only knock is… no wifi. Great spot overall though
Scout
Pretty interesting RV park there are people with sail kites and they have two stroke engines strapped to their back or like go karts some of them,and they’re flying with a propeller on the engine. I don’t know what they call it but it’s pretty cool to watch. A little noisy in the daytime but other than that, it’s great
Guide
This was a an amazing find! What a gem! Easy hook up with clean restrooms and showers! Loved the view out my back deck!
Guide
Amazing what a delightful place to stay! Very unique with stunning boulders through your the camp ground! Clean bathrooms too!! No showers or hook up if any kind! We have a 29ft trailer with truck got in and out ok much bigger you would have a problem many tight spaces .
GuideI like this campground the best because the road is paved and that cuts down on the desert dust. Only drawback is there is no cell service at all at this campground. Its very picturesque against the unique Joshua Tree rocks.
Guide
Unpaved so a bit dusty. Each site has a picnic table and a firepit with grill. Camosite is right against the cool Joshua Tree rock formations.
Tent camping in California offers a diverse range of experiences, from coastal retreats to serene forest getaways. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, there's a perfect spot waiting for you.
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