Whether you prefer to hang out on the beach, live in the desert or play in the woods, California campgrounds offer something for everyone. The important thing is to have an adventurous spirit! Let's go with the 10 best campgrounds in California!
First of all, you need a tent:
Top 3 Camping and Trekking Tent
Best tent for family camping – Nautika Arizona
Angel Island Camp
If you're looking for jaw-dropping views of downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, look no further.
In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits the Angel Island State Park, which offers spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais.
Camp Specifications: There are just 16 locations on the island in total, which give the park a sense of seclusion. There are restrooms and picnic tables available.
Tomales Bay
Have you ever imagined yourself kayaking in a remote campground?
Well, here's your chance! Tomales Bay is incredible.
If you're looking to camp here, you should get to the campsites by boat, which in my humble opinion just adds to the magic of the whole experience!
Don't have a boat? No problems! Blue Water Kayak in Marshall can set you up.
Bring a tent, some s'mores, a nice dinner and wood for the fire!
Camp specs: Beach camps. Restrooms, fire rings and picnic tables.
Yosemite National Park
Take your pick from the many campgrounds available in Yosemite National Park!
Perfect for those who want to spend their days hiking through one of the most breathtaking places, or for those who simply want a campsite surrounded by majestic nature.
Most campgrounds require reservations and usually fill up quickly, especially between April and September. Make sure you book well in advance (approximately 6 months).
There are some spots where you can camp for free, but you'll need to get a permit beforehand.
Camp specs: Most campgrounds have restrooms, fire rings and picnic tables.
Cabins and Camp in Steep Ravine
There's a little secret that's on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge and that's the Steep Ravine Cabins – and in my opinion, they should be called fairytale cabins.
On Mount Tamalpais, north of the city, is a cluster of wooden structures dating back to the 1940s.
They're incredibly popular and rightfully so, so you'll need to make sure you book early (six-month bookings are usually taken as soon as they become available).
Each cabin offers expansive ocean views as they are perched high on a cliff.
Camp specs: Each cabin features a wood stove, picnic table along with several benches, sleeping platforms and an outdoor grill.
The huts do not have running water or electricity, but primitive toilets, water taps and firewood are nearby. Tent camping is also available.
Lodgepole Camp
The wonderful Lodgepole Campground is conveniently located near the Lodgepole Market, as well as the Kaweah River and a meadow.
There's a Nature Center right at the camp (in case you're not nature-centered enough)!
O Giant Forest Sequoia Grove it's just two miles away, a very short walk to home to half of the oldest and largest trees in the world.
Camp specs: Restrooms, fire rings and picnic tables. Pets are allowed.
Moro Camp
Crystal Cove… sounds intriguing, right? Naturally, visitors and locals alike are drawn to this beautiful state park in Southern California.
Located in Crystal Cove, Moro Campground is a water baby's paradise – with waves for surfers, an underwater park for divers and snorkelers, rock pools for explorers and a beautiful beach for those who just want to sunbathe.
Camp specs: 57 coastal terraces for tents and trailers. Restrooms and picnic tables. Pets are allowed.
Camp Borrego Palm Canyon
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California, is breathtaking. In spring, you can catch brightly colored wildflowers peeking out from the desert floor.
During most other seasons, expect to find traditional desert cacti snooping around the park.
The best part of the park, however, comes out at night. Untouched by artificial light, the stars illuminate the desert sky and bring a sense of calm that visitors can revel in after a long day of hiking.
Camp specs: Borrego Palm Canyon Campground has 122 campgrounds. Shade branches, restrooms, showers, fire rings and picnic tables. Pets are allowed.
Camp Julia Pfeiffer Burns
Julia Pfeiffer Burns Campground may only have two campgrounds, but they are known for being some of the best campgrounds in California!
Both are walk-in, which means be prepared to bring all your gear), but offer wonderful seclusion and exquisite views of the Big Sur coastline.
Camp specs: Fire rings, picnic tables and restrooms are available, but you'll need to bring all your water and firewood.
Camp Vale Verde
This campsite is the ideal place if you want to stay close to the water on a hot day. Green Valley in San Diego has a creek running through it and a few wading pools nearby, as well as waterfalls to dip in too.
Nearby trails are great for hiking or horseback riding – just make sure you start early so it doesn't get too hot.
Camp specs: 81 campsites and 15 equestrian campsites. Restrooms, showers, fire rings and picnic tables. Pets are allowed.
Camp Santa Cruz Scorpion
Santa Cruz Island is a little over 10% National Park and the remainder is under the Nature Conservancy. The Santa Cruz camp is on the northeast coast of the island, a flat, easy walk from the drop off site.
Come for kayaking, secluded camping and stunning stargazing.
Camp Specifications: 40 camps on the island. Restrooms, fire rings and picnic tables.
Bonus Points: Ventana Big Sur
While technically glamping and in a lodge, if you're looking for a more luxurious experience, check out Ventana Big Sur! Perched on California's rugged Central Coast, Big Sur is a nature lover's dream destination. Ventana Big Sur, a chic, tree-lined resort just off the Pacific Coast Highway, is an idyllic getaway.
The Redwood Glampsites and Ventan Canyona are another great option. Your luxury camping package offers a private guided hike with a picnic, along with a beautiful cabin that is the perfect blend of “roughing” and luxury accommodation.
In your private 20-acre canyon paradise, you can light a fire, make some s'mores and have an unforgettable night away from it all.
Do you have a favorite California camp? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!
And, just in case camping isn't your thing – have you thought about glamping or trying out one of California's coolest Airbnbs?
Enjoy and also read:
What to bring to eat on a camping trip
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