Best 20 Camping Sites in California (2025 Guide)

California offers more camping variety than almost any other state in the country. Within a single weekend drive, you can pitch a tent on a granite cliffside in the Sierra Nevada, fall asleep to Pacific surf, or watch stars appear over a desert canyon. Choosing where to go, however, isn’t always simple. With thousands of campgrounds spread across mountains, coastline, and desert, it helps to know which spots consistently deliver the best experience.

This guide breaks down the best camping sites in California, covering national parks, state beaches, alpine lakes, and desert wilderness. You’ll find practical details on what makes each site worth the drive, what to expect from reservations, and tips for planning a trip that actually goes smoothly. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned backpacker chasing your next favorite spot, this list will help you narrow down the options fast.

What Makes a Great Camping Site in California

Not every campground deserves a spot on a “best of” list. Before diving into the rankings, it’s worth understanding the criteria that separate an average site from a memorable one.

• Scenery and setting. The best campgrounds put you close to the landscape, whether that’s a granite peak, redwood grove, or tide pool.
• Accessibility. A great site balances remoteness with a reasonable drive time and manageable road conditions.
• Amenities. Restrooms, potable water, fire rings, and bear boxes matter, especially for families or first-time campers.
• Availability. Some of California’s top spots book out six months in advance, so flexibility on dates can make or break your trip.
• Activities nearby. Hiking trails, lakes, tide pools, or climbing routes add value beyond the campsite itself.

With those factors in mind, here’s a closer look at 20 campgrounds that consistently rank among the best in the state.

Best 20 Camping Sites in California

1. Upper Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park

Upper Pines sits in Yosemite Valley, within walking distance of Half Dome views, the Mist Trail, and Curry Village. It’s one of the few Yosemite Valley campgrounds open year-round, which makes it a favorite for both summer hikers and winter visitors chasing snow-dusted granite. Reservations open five months in advance through Recreation.gov and disappear within minutes, so set an alarm.

2. Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree National Park

Jumbo Rocks is the largest campground in Joshua Tree and arguably the most scenic, with sites tucked between massive boulder formations. Stargazing here rivals anywhere in Southern California thanks to minimal light pollution. Spring and fall are the best seasons, since summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees.

3. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

Shaded by redwoods along the Big Sur River, this campground puts you minutes from McWay Falls and the dramatic Highway 1 coastline. It’s a shorter, easier drive than backcountry Big Sur camping, making it ideal for families. Book through ReserveCalifornia well ahead, since Big Sur lodging and camping sell out fast during summer.

4. D.L. Bliss State Park, Lake Tahoe

D.L. Bliss offers some of the clearest water views on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, plus access to the Rubicon Trail, one of the most photographed hiking paths in the Sierra. Sites near the lake book up almost instantly for summer weekends. If you can only get a site in the upper loop, it’s still worth it for the short walk to Lester Beach.

5. Elk Prairie Campground, Redwood National and State Parks

Elk Prairie sits inside a grove of old-growth redwoods in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and it’s common to see Roosevelt elk grazing right near your tent. The Avenue of the Giants and Fern Canyon are both a short drive away. This is a great pick for anyone who wants redwood scenery without the crowds of more famous parks.

6. Furnace Creek Campground, Death Valley National Park

Furnace Creek is one of the only campgrounds in Death Valley with year-round water and shade, plus proximity to Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Winter is by far the best time to visit, since summer temperatures can top 120 degrees. It’s also one of the few sites in the park that takes reservations rather than running first-come, first-served.

7. Lodgepole Campground, Sequoia National Park

Lodgepole sits along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River and offers easy access to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. The campground has a visitor center, market, and shower facility nearby, which makes it comfortable for longer stays. Expect cooler nights even in summer due to the elevation.

8. Sentinel Campground, Kings Canyon National Park

Often overshadowed by nearby Sequoia, Kings Canyon delivers canyon walls that rival Yosemite in scale without the same crowds. Sentinel Campground sits along the Kings River and works well as a base for hiking Zumwalt Meadow or driving the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. It’s open seasonally, generally from late spring through fall.

9. Coast Camp, Point Reyes National Seashore

Coast Camp requires a hike-in of a little over a mile, but the payoff is a bluff-top site overlooking the Pacific. It’s one of the few backcountry-style campgrounds in California that’s accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. Whale watching season in winter adds an extra draw for visitors willing to make the walk.

10. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

This is the gateway to California’s largest state park and one of the best desert wildflower displays in the country during a good bloom year. The campground sits near a palm oasis trail that feels almost tropical compared to the surrounding desert. Cooler months, from November through March, are the best time to camp here comfortably.

11. McBride Springs Campground, Mount Shasta

Set on the lower slopes of Mount Shasta at around 5,000 feet elevation, McBride Springs offers a quieter, less crowded alternative to busier Northern California parks. The site is small, with only a handful of spots, so it fills up fast on weekends despite being less known. Panther Meadows Campground higher up the mountain is another solid option for those chasing alpine views.

12. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Home to McWay Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in California, this park has a more limited, primitive camping setup compared to nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur. It’s best suited to campers who want quiet, rugged coastal scenery over amenities. Cell service is limited, which for many visitors is part of the appeal.

13. Moro Campground, Crystal Cove State Park

Located in Orange County, Moro Campground offers tent camping close to tide pools, hiking trails, and untouched beach coastline that’s rare to find this close to Los Angeles. It’s a good option for campers who want ocean views without driving all the way up the coast. Weekend availability during summer is extremely limited, so plan months ahead.

14. Van Damme State Park, Mendocino

Van Damme sits along the Mendocino coast and combines beach access with a fern-covered canyon trail nicknamed the “Pygmy Forest.” The campground has both drive-in and walk-in sites, giving flexibility depending on how much solitude you’re after. Fog is common here even in summer, so pack layers.

15. Manzanita Lake Campground, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen is one of California’s most underrated national parks, and Manzanita Lake Campground offers volcanic scenery, fishing, and kayaking without the crowds of Yosemite or Sequoia. The lake reflects Lassen Peak on calm mornings, making it a favorite for photographers. The park’s short camping season, typically June through October, is due to heavy Sierra-style snowfall.

16. Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay is only accessible by boat or a steep hiking trail, which keeps the campground far less crowded than most of Tahoe. The turquoise water and views of Fannette Island make it one of the most striking settings in the entire state. It’s a good pick for experienced campers comfortable with a more physically demanding approach.

17. North Beach Campground, Pismo State Beach

This Central Coast campground puts you steps from the dunes and beach at Pismo, with the added bonus of nearby monarch butterfly groves in winter. It’s flatter and more accessible than many coastal options, making it family-friendly. Off-road vehicle access at nearby Oceano Dunes is a draw for a different type of camper entirely.

18. Two Harbors Campground, Catalina Island

Reaching this site requires a ferry ride, which naturally filters out casual day-trippers and keeps the area quieter than mainland beaches. Snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail are all within easy reach. It’s one of the few California campgrounds where the journey itself, over open water, feels like part of the adventure.

19. Juniper Campground, Mount Diablo State Park

Just east of the Bay Area, Juniper Campground sits near the summit of Mount Diablo, offering views that stretch to the Sierra Nevada on a clear day. It’s a convenient option for Bay Area residents who want a mountain camping experience without a long drive. Wildflower season in spring is particularly rewarding here.

20. San Elijo State Beach Campground

Located in Encinitas along the San Diego coast, San Elijo offers bluff-top camping with direct beach access and some of the best sunset views in Southern California. It’s popular with surfers and families alike, and many sites accommodate RVs as well as tents. Because of its location, this campground books out especially fast during summer months.

Best Camping Sites in California by Region

If you’re planning a trip around a specific part of the state, here’s a quick regional breakdown of the sites above.

Northern California and the Redwood Coast

• Elk Prairie Campground
• McBride Springs Campground
• Manzanita Lake Campground
• Van Damme State Park

Sierra Nevada and the Mountains

• Upper Pines Campground, Yosemite
• Lodgepole Campground, Sequoia
• Sentinel Campground, Kings Canyon
• D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks, Lake Tahoe

Central Coast

• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
• North Beach Campground, Pismo

Southern California and the Desert

• Jumbo Rocks Campground, Joshua Tree
• Furnace Creek Campground, Death Valley
• Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
• Moro Campground, Crystal Cove
• Two Harbors Campground, Catalina Island
• San Elijo State Beach Campground

Bay Area

• Juniper Campground, Mount Diablo
• Coast Camp, Point Reyes

Tips for Booking Campsites in California

California’s most popular campgrounds book out fast, sometimes within seconds of reservations opening. A little planning goes a long way toward securing a spot at one of the best camping sites in California.

• Book early. Sites at Yosemite, Big Sur, and Lake Tahoe often open exactly six months ahead and fill within minutes on Recreation.gov or ReserveCalifornia.
• Go midweek when possible. Weekday availability is dramatically better than weekends, even at the busiest parks.
• Have a backup list. Keep three or four alternate campgrounds ready in case your first choice is fully booked.
• Check for cancellations. Many prime sites open up again closer to the date as plans change, so refresh your search periodically.
• Consider shoulder seasons. Spring and fall often offer better weather and thinner crowds than peak summer months.

What to Pack for a California Camping Trip

California’s diverse geography means packing lists vary a lot depending on where you’re headed. A desert trip to Joshua Tree calls for very different gear than a foggy weekend on the Mendocino coast.

• Layered clothing. Temperature swings between day and night can be extreme, especially in the desert and mountains.
• Bear-proof food storage. Required at most Sierra Nevada campgrounds, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon.
• Extra water. Desert parks like Joshua Tree and Death Valley have limited water sources, so bring more than you think you’ll need.
• Fire safety gear. Check current fire restrictions before your trip, since many California counties enforce seasonal burn bans.
• Offline maps. Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent at many of these campgrounds, particularly along the coast and in remote desert areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping sites in California for beginners?

Pismo State Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are good starting points because they offer solid amenities, easy road access, and shorter walks to the campsite. These locations also tend to have on-site staff and nearby services, which is reassuring for first-time campers.

When should I book campsites at popular parks like Yosemite?

Reservations for Yosemite Valley campgrounds typically open exactly five months in advance and sell out within minutes. It’s worth creating a Recreation.gov account ahead of time and being logged in right when the booking window opens.

Is it hard to get a campsite in California during summer?

Yes, especially at national parks and coastal state beaches. Many of the best camping sites in California require reservations months in advance for summer dates, so flexibility on location or timing significantly improves your odds.

Are there free camping options in California?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in many national forests, such as those surrounding Mount Shasta and parts of the Sierra Nevada, typically for free with a valid campfire permit. These sites usually lack amenities like water or restrooms, so they require more preparation than developed campgrounds.

What’s the best time of year to camp in California?

Spring and fall generally offer the best combination of good weather and lighter crowds across most of the state. Desert parks like Joshua Tree and Death Valley are best visited from November through March, while Sierra Nevada campgrounds are typically only open from late spring through early fall due to snow.

Final Thoughts

California’s camping scene is hard to match anywhere else in the country, simply because of how much variety exists within a few hours’ drive. From redwood groves to desert canyons to alpine lakes, the state’s best camping sites cover nearly every kind of outdoor experience a traveler could want. The key to a great trip is planning ahead, since the most sought-after spots book out fast, and being flexible on dates or backup locations when they do.

Whichever site you choose from this list, you’re getting a spot that’s been tested by countless campers and consistently delivers on scenery, access, and overall experience. Start with the region that interests you most, get your reservation in early, and you’ll be set for one of the best outdoor trips California has to offer.

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