Best Tent Camping in California

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.

Best Tent Sites in California (728)

    1. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $75 / night

    "With a stream running near the hike and bike camping area and tall trees offering a cool shade it is a wonderful reprieve from the outside world.  "

    "Weather was perfect (did not need a rain fly on the first night!), trails were well kept, and camping sites at both Sykes Hot Springs and Ventana were in great conditions."

    2. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    21 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2334

    $25 - $70 / night

    "The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative."

    "Beautiful site, hiking trails close by, well maintained grounds. Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off. Rangers were friendly and very informative about the area."

    3. Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2331

    $85 - $105 / night

    "We found it to be clean, in good repair, and the hosts were very warm and welcoming."

    "Great location for easy access to the state parks. Pricey but we fortunately didn’t have any neighbors (site 29)."

    4. Yucaipa Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Yucaipa, CA
    Website
    +1 (909) 790-3127

    "The bathrooms are decent, no showers.

    We stayed in group campsite A. Tent camping is only allowed in group sites. They do have about 30 to 40 RV sites as well."

    "Great tent camping facilities, privacy from neighbors, access to Zanja Peak Trail head, 3 lakes for fishing, water park during the summer, and friendly helpful staff"

    5. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $35 / night

    "It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."

    "The campsite has car camping and walk-in sites. I had sites 5 and 6. The map for the campground is deceiving as they looked close together and connected but they were separate."

    6. Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    18 Reviews
    Oxnard, CA
    Website
    +1 (805) 658-5730

    $15 - $40 / night

    "We departed at around 9 am and arrived at around 10:30. We had to check in by 8 in the parking lot at Ventura bay."

    "This place had been on my bucket-list of camping forever and it takes a decent amount of planning because not only can you only access the campground by private boat, once there you have to walk in about"

    7. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    Website
    +1 (619) 668-2748

    $24 - $25 / night

    "No hookups here but they have great clean bathrooms and hot showers. Lots of hiking/biking straight from your campsite. This place is a jem, being so close to most parts of San Diego."

    "Great location for prepping someone prior to “roughing” it. There’s showers, and toilets, but no electricity. Boy/Girl Scouts and families with kids and dogs are here often."

    8. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    Website
    +1 (530) 582-7892

    $35 / night

    "Close to Truckee so you can easily get supplies. Lots of trees give a private feel even though it is a busy campground."

    "We were in a large site and had pleasant neighbors. The restrooms were SUPER clean with flush toilets and hot showers. Short walk to Donner Lake and Donner Museum."

    9. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    Website
    +1 (209) 763-5121

    $50 / night

    "Wicked August heat, BUT there’s the lake!

    5 Stars — were it not for the SLOBS who preceded us!!"

    "I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that. 

    The water level really varies on the year."

    10. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Borrego Springs, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 767-5391

    "This is a great open camping area, you can camp near others or find a secluded spot of your own. There are fire rings, picnic tables, toilets and even showers."

    "Season starts around Halloween and ends in May for Red stickers. They have public restrooms spread through the grounds. It's great for tent camping and RVs/campers, tents."

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Showing results 1-10 of 728 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in California

10000 Reviews of 728 California Campgrounds



Guide to California

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.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tips for tent camping near popular attractions

Unique features of California campgrounds

  • Experience the charm of Manker Campground, nestled in Angeles National Forest, with access to numerous hiking trails and beautiful mountain views.
  • Camp at Limestone Campground for spacious sites above the river, perfect for cooling off on hot days and enjoying the serene surroundings.
  • Enjoy the remote beauty of Usal Beach Campground, where you can camp right on the beach and soak in breathtaking sunrises.