Camping in California
Escape to rugged coastlines, majestic redwoods, and starry skies for the ultimate outdoor adventure.
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5 Best Campgrounds in California
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Upper Pines
Yosemite National Park, CAUpper Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur, CAPfeiffer Big Sur State Park has 1,346 acres of redwood, oak, chaparral, and meadow areas. Hikers can enjoy 8 miles of hiking trails within the park and over 200 miles of trails in the Ventana Wilderness (USFS) which borders the park. Overlooks provide views of the Big Sur Valley and the Big Sur River Gorge. There is no coastal access from this park.
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Prarie Creek Redwoods Campground
Orick, CAPrairie Creek Campground, located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Northern California, offers a tranquil retreat amid towering coast redwoods. With 75 individual sites for tents and RVs, the campground features amenities like picnic tables and fire rings while maintaining a rustic atmosphere. It provides easy access to scenic hiking trails, including the stunning Fern Canyon, where visitors can explore lush greenery and diverse wildlife. As part of the Redwood National and State Parks, Prairie Creek preserves old-growth forests, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and families seeking adventure in a breathtaking natural setting.
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Bodega Dunes Campground
Sonoma Coast State Park, CABodega Dunes Campground, nestled within Sonoma Coast State Park in California, offers a picturesque camping experience surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes. With 96 campsites, it caters to both tent and RV campers, featuring amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. The campground is conveniently located near sandy beaches and windswept dunes, perfect for hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore nearby trails that wind through coastal scrub and grasslands, providing breathtaking ocean views. Bodega Dunes is an ideal destination for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful getaway along California's beautiful northern coastline.
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Moro Campground
Crystal Cove State Park, CAMoro Campground, located within Crystal Cove State Park in California, offers a stunning coastal camping experience just steps from the beach. With 58 campsites nestled among picturesque canyons and coastal bluffs, it provides a perfect setting for both tents and RVs. Campers enjoy amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean restrooms. The campground is ideally situated near scenic hiking trails that lead to breathtaking ocean views and hidden coves, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With its proximity to both nature and the beach, Moro Campground is a fantastic destination for families and adventurers alike.
Hardest to Book Campgrounds in California
Best RV Camping in California
Best Tent Camping in California
Camping in California guide
Overview
From sun-drenched shores to towering redwood forests, fiery desert canyons to snow-capped mountain lakes, California offers a diverse array of camping experiences. The real magic lies in the details - witnessing a gray whale breach off the rugged northern coastline, basking in the warmth of a Southern California beach, or savoring s'mores beside the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Hiking trails ascend from campsites to massive granite formations in Yosemite, while unique Joshua trees dot the eastern desert landscape. The best part? There's an incredible camping destination for every season of the year.
Where to go
North Coast
Pitching your tent beneath the world's tallest trees - the mighty redwoods - is an unparalleled experience along the north coast. Redwood National & State Parks offer awe-inspiring groves that are perfect for first-time visitors. As you travel south from Eureka to Mendocino and eventually San Francisco, you'll discover a string of private and state park campgrounds nestled along dramatic coastlines characterized by towering cliffs, secluded coves, rolling dunes, and fascinating tidepools.
Central Coast
The Central Coast, spanning from Monterey to Santa Barbara, earns high marks for its scenic beauty and diverse camping options. It's also a convenient escape from the urban hustle of San Francisco and Los Angeles. In Big Sur, redwood groves, cascading waterfalls, and windswept bluffs border Highway 1, while powerful waves crash against the shores near state parks north of Santa Barbara. For a truly remote camping adventure, consider the secluded campsites at Channel Islands National Park, located off the Santa Barbara coast.
SoCal Beaches: Los Angeles to San Diego
The iconic golden beaches of Southern California are the stuff of daydreams and popular culture. They also offer fantastic camping opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The most coveted campsites are situated along the coast between Newport Beach and Dana Point in Orange County, with a few more perched atop coastal bluffs north of San Diego. As you might expect, these oceanfront spots fill up quickly, so early reservations are essential.
Sierra Nevada Mountains
Majestic granite domes and lush alpine meadows surround campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, while enormous sequoias are the main attraction in Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. Campsites nestled beside alpine lakes and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe consistently offer picture-perfect views.
Southern Deserts
For otherworldly sunsets, striking rock formations, ever-shifting sand dunes, and vibrant spring wildflowers, head east. Nine campgrounds and numerous additional sites just outside await at Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest point in the United States. Unique Joshua trees and picturesque boulder formations attract campers to Joshua Tree National Park, while Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers excellent desert hiking opportunities near San Diego. The prime camping season runs from late fall through spring when temperatures are most pleasant.