5 High-Elevation California Campgrounds

Don’t waste your day sitting on a musty floral couch with your uncle who swears he partied with the Grateful Dead; instead, gear yourself up for high elevation times in the wilderness by adventuring to one of these, ahem, dope campsites across California! Pack up your gear because the best green goodness is outside, waiting to be explored.

1. Grandview Campground, Inyo National Forest

Elevation: 8,600 feet

Grandview Campground is a perfect high in the sky campground with grand views for those who want to chill in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Hug yourself a tree or two, there’s plenty of hiking and killer spots to hang your hammock for a cat nap and campsites on the backside of the mountain are a tad windier but the views are worthy, man! Bring your munchies and kick back around the fire.

2. Whitney Portal Family Campground, Inyo National Forest

Elevation: 8,000 feet

John Muir often liked to head out into the wilderness oh a whim; explore some of his favorite contemplative spots from Whitney Portal Family Campground this holiday. You’ll have quick jaunts to the John Muir Wilderness, Kings Canyon National Park, and the trailhead to Mt Whitney is so close, you’ll be supa-high on the tallest peak in the US in no time. Right in camp is killer trout fishing, picnicking, views of surrounding peaks and plenty of first-come, first-serve sites for you last minute planners

3. Tuolumne Meadows Campground, Yosemite National Park

Elevation: 8,600 feet

If you’ve got a group of buddies who are interested in reaching new heights and cooking mad hot dogs with you, pop over to Yosemite National Park for a stay at Tuolumne Meadows Campground. This place is rad because you’re not only able to explore the best of Yosemite (Elizabeth Lake, Half Dome, and Unicorn Peak, plus maybe even a double rainbow at one of the waterfalls), but with a plethora of campsites, you’re sure to make new friends along the way. The Tuolumne Meadow is the epitome of the High Sierras, a bowl that will be packed with wildflowers, climbing, fishing, and lots of incredible space for memories and laughter among you and your pals.

4. Horseshoe Meadows Campground, Inyo National Forest

Elevation: 10,560 feet

Horseshoe Meadows Campground has the highest elevation on our list and is a perfect one-night spot for those wanting experience what it truly means to be “high in the Sierras.” At almost 11,000 feet, these walk-in sites are gateways to the Golden Trout Wilderness, Kings Canyon, and as if you could get ANY higher, the trailhead for Mt. Langley starts steps from your tent. Just be sure to use the food storage lockers—we don’t need Yogi eating your brownie stash, but you’re sure to be stoked on the killer views of the meadow and surrounding Inyo National Forest while you roast up some tasty treats fireside. Horseshoe Meadows is the perfect up-top spot for you to explore.

5. Rock Creek Lake Campground, Inyo National Forest

Elevation: 9,600 feet

Sparkling blue lake, lodgepole pines, the John Muir Wilderness, horseback riding, and campsite chillaxin at almost 10,000 feet? Yes, please! Groups, RVs, and those snagging walk-in sites along the crystal-clear shores will all find lush accommodations—plus, the nearby town of Mammoth Lakes can cover your cold brew and dinner needs. The trout fishing is as perfect as the Sierra views, and Tamarack Trail is the daytime challenging trail you’ve been dreaming of, as it’ll reward you with pristine high alpine lakes! There’s honestly no need to be dazed and confused when you could be out at Rock Creek Lake clearing your head.

Now that you’ve got the low-down on the best “up top” California campsites, it’s time to go out and get high on adventure time! Pack up the tent, give your uncle a snack on the way out the door and head up the mountain. Let us know other top high-elevation campgrounds we should add to this list!