Cave camping in California
Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.
91% (6262 reviews)
- California
91% (6262 reviews)
Popular camping styles for California
Available this weekend
Under $50
12 top cave campgrounds in California
97%
(679)
Splitrock Farm and Retreat
34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CA
About Splitrock Farm and Retreat
Far Away, Close to Home
For more information...
Visit our website www.splitrock.camp
Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome
Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431.
Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Splitrock Farm
Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers.
Splitrock Retreat
Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
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$32
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97%
(512)
Diamond Gulch
23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres · Groveland, CA
CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park.
We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite.
We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite.
There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour.
We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport.
When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful!
This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds.
Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite.
A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.
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$30
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95%
(1725)
Finnon Lake Recreation Area
39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA
*BOOK EARLY* **NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED***** DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH***
**TRAILERS AND RVs
MUST USE ROCK CREEK ROAD**
From Sacramento on Hwy 50:
At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile.
Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road.
Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED.
Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe:
make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions.
Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area!
Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.
The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky.
This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents
The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website.
Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay.
Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit.
Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s.
PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions.
Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions.
NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.
Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
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$30
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99%
(3980)
Cuyama Badlands
28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents164 acres · Cuyama, CA
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians remind us of those who lived before us. This is where the deer and the antelope play.
Our Carrizo Camp is surrounded by the Carrizo Plains National Monument. This is truly a get away from it all camping. That's it. You, the coyotes and your own private moon.
Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets.
Our Ranch House and Glampsites are available on occasion. This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side.
This land was sparsely populated by the Chumash Indian and is evident by the numerous cave painting that remain here near the Caliente mountain. In the era of the California Missions, this land was a part of the Spanish land grants. Currently the property is privately owned and is adjacent to large sections of publicly held lands.
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$20
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80%
(10)
Off the Grid Hot Springs Camping
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents180 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CA
Located on a rural off the grid property near the Deep Creek Hot Springs, this 160 acre property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, come camp and enjoy yourself in a peaceful setting where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. The natural high desert landscape of junipers, joshua trees, chaparral and sages, combined with the nearby San Bernardino mountains in the background, create an amazing 360* view from just about anywhere on our land. This private homestead property is located 6 miles off the pavement, just far enough to escape the sounds and lights of the city, and is surrounded by 1,000's of acres of undeveloped government managed lands. The natural rural setting creates a serene atmosphere on the property that allows one to easily relax and recharge. You can set up your own tent and campsite or rent one of our furnished glamping tents to stay in when you come to visit. Have a special event coming up or just want to celebrate? Check out our private hot spring pool sites and private cold spring pool sites we have available for up to 300 guests. There is plenty of activities nearby to keep yourself occupied, such as nature watching right on the property, or exploring numerous hiking and ohv trails just off the property. With the trailhead starting on the property, the Deep Creek Hot Springs is just a short hike away, and well worth the effort, with nearby fishing and gold panning along the creek as well. Deep Creek flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is steep in places and can be fairly difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go!
*Although children are permitted to be on the property, we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty of the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take children, elderly people, or over-weight people.
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$27.99
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90%
(389)
Sequoia Mountain Farms
80 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Miramonte, CA
Welcome campers! PLEASE read all of the below before booking and screenshot/print the BELOW DIRECTIONS, as google and other mapping apps have taken guests on very difficult routes. Trust us, mapping apps don't account for the issues of small mountain roads!
We have over 10 acres of stunning campground nestled only 15-20 minutes from the North entrance to the Sequoias! We have multiple sites to accommodate every type of camping from tent camping to tents-attached-to-cars and trucks, to pop-up campers to RVs with or without power and water hookups. Please see our RV hook-up spaces on our sister post! (RV sites at Sequoia Mountain Farms). There are wonderful views down into the valley, at night with sunsets off-the-hook, and city lights twinkling in the valley distance. Pick your spot and enjoy! First come-first serve, with multiple sites for large groups which can be reserved.
Hot showers now available for all campers at no extra charge!
We offer three sizes of campsites with different prices and capacities explained below.
SMALL: Price includes 1 vehicle, and up to 3 people.
Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby).
Extra person: No extra persons allowed in small sites (3 max).
Small site #s (9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35, and 36)
MEDIUM: Price includes 1 vehicle, and up to 3 people.
Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby).
Extra person: $10/night (maximum of 10 persons allowed in medium sites.
Medium site #s (3, 5, 8, 16, 18, 29, 30, 33, 34, 37)
LARGE: Price includes 2 vehicles, and up to three people.
Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby).
Extra person: $10/night/per person.
Large site #s (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 17, 24)
Sites 1, 6, and 17 can accommodate RVs/trailers without any hookups. If you need hookups, then see our RV sites. We have two of them.
DIRECTIONS: Navigator apps push anyone coming from the south up the 245 highway north. It is a very winding and slow climb up the hill. It's doable (except large rigs), but we HIGHLY recommend continuing north on highway 99 to Fresno and then heading east on highway 180 up the mountain. It's faster, much more scenic and a smoother drive. This route also goes right by the nearest gas station on your way up!
Coming east on highway 180, out of Fresno, that gas station is a Valero at 35468 E Kings Canyon Rd. aka Clingan's Junction. From Clingan's, head east on the 180 for exactly 13.8 miles to the 245 highway (it comes up quick with only 1 or 2 small signs), make a right, heading south. If you hit the park entrance, you went too far, turn around drive back about 5 min and look for the 245 on your left. Once on the 245 heading south, go 5.1 miles. On your right you will pass the 'Pinehurst Lodge', which is on google, an easy reference point and is 1 minute or less away (great food!). Then a few seconds later the U.S Forest Service "Work Center" is on the right and we are just past that on the same side of the road. First you will see a Giant Sequoia Tree in the front yard (campground road is just to it's right with orange cones on either side) then the apple ranch with the ole loggers cabin chimney from the late 1800s still standing in the front yard directly off the highway! If you hit the 'leaving sequoia national forest' sign and the community center, you went too far, turn around and drive 1 minute back and look for the apple ranch on your left, pass it and then turn left after the Sequoia tree into the gravel road with the orange cones coming from this direction.
ARRIVAL: Entering the property, the road will go slightly downhill and curve to the left. Stay to your left and our self check-in station will be on your left (If you hit the showers and restrooms, you went too far). Please fill out one of our check-in slips; putting the original in the box and the carbon copy on your site number sign at your site. A host is usually around working somewhere and makes multiple rounds on the camp daily.
Please take note of the posted pics from directly across the street facing what you will see when you get here. The address sign is posted on a tree and you can see the apple orchard and ole loggers chimney from the road off to the left and the Giant Sequoia Tree on the right of the address sign with the main entrance just to the right (north) of the tree (with the orange cones).
There are 3 gates.: The FAR RIGHT GATE (north gate), just to the right of the Sequoia Tree, goes to the campsites! Look for the graveled road with orange cones / solar lights easily visible from the road.
The MIDDLE GATE (just to the right of the address sign and mailbox) is for the two RV hook up sites in the big pad / yard directly off the road. These are back in sites, no pull-through access.
The FAR LEFT and southern most gate (to the left of the address sign and mailbox) is closest to the apple ranch and chimney; leads to the house which is also a rental. Please do not approach the house or back yard unless instructed otherwise. Thank you for understanding.
We look forward to seeing you soon at Sequoia Mountain Farms!!! :)
Please message us for any questions! We are happy to help! We want you to have the best experience possible, so if we can help, we definitely will!
Also, please check the weather online before you come up to the mountain! Just know we are operating under the assumption that you are aware of the conditions and are prepared for them. If nature happens message us and we will do our best to assist! :)
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$30
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100%
(299)
Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers
2 sites · Tents2 acres · Three Rivers, CA
This is essentially a private campsite with a million dollar view! We are no longer opening the bunkhouse campsite; so that spot is now another area for your group to hang out!
Three rivers, California is more of a small village than a town; where both the longtime and new residents are friendly and welcoming. Because 3R is the lower gateway of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks, it gets enough tourist traffic to support some unique little restaurants and shops!
Our hillside property has great mountain views on 2.25 serene stepped acres. Our driveway turns directly off of Sierra drive, four miles past the town center (3R post office) and just 2 miles from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks entrance - so it's really easy to find! Five Fours Camp is up a private driveway, leaving the roadway below. You can't see it; but you can still hear the tranqual sound of the Kaweah River flowing across the street.
Sorry, there is NO river access from this campsite. I know! We were heartbroken too when we found out we couldn't just cross the street and swim! You CAN go to Slick Rock and swim, boat, fish and more - about 8 miles away.
My wife Elizabeth and I bought our log home in 2015 and we have been dreaming and building here ever since! Our beloved older dog Ruby was rescued shortly after we bought. Our boy Chance was rescued during the beginning of the pandemic. They chase all the fun wildlife off of their property! In addition to deer, we have seen fox, bob cats, an Ocelot, too many coyotes, wild turkeys and bear crossing an animal highway along our upper hillside property line. Hawks, hummingbirds, quail, blue birds, woodpeckers and Sime yellow bellied finches are regularly seen here all over as well. Owls have been heard; but not seen.
We love our mountain views and look forward to sharing them with you!
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$67
/ night
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(2)
Wilde Big Sur
4 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Big Sur, CA
In the south coast redwood forests of Big Sur along Plaskett Creek there is a wild land waiting for you to explore it and yourself. Take in the grandeur of the forest canopy, the lush blankets of sorrel and the sound of the creek rippling through the woods. Laze in the grassy meadow, enjoy a bath in the creek or chop wood and enjoy a campfire in our heart-shaped fire ring. Encounter birds, butterflies, squirrels, deer, lizards and many other creatures on your hike to Puma Point with the most spectacular view of Sand Dollar Beach and the rugged Big Sur South Coast.
Wilde Big Sur is a pristine hideaway tucked in the Redwood forest along Plaskett Creek. This is a 1/4 mile hike in/hike out property. All gear will be brought by guests up the mountain. Backpacks are highly recommended. All guests must be in good physical condition to hike up the mountain with their belongings. Guests will experience some strenuous activity getting to the property and accessing different areas on the property.
Additionally, the property is off grid. Resources here are important and scarce. The water we use is directly from the creek and we filter it twice. We must be very careful with our waste water, so please do not bring soaps, lotions or skin oils. We use solar and generators for power, and conservation of power is important so we can turn on lights at night and make coffee in the morning. There are two composting toilets located 100 yards away from the creek as is required by CA law. It is a significant hike uphill to access the composting toilets. The Lotus skydeck is located another ¼ mile hike up the canyon, and there is a longer loop hike with steep trails to Puma Point with spectacular views of Sand Dollar Beach.
Wilde Big Sur is located just across from beautiful Sand Dollar Beach - so we have the coastal influence and canyon shadows at play throughout the day. Layers are best, it can get warm for a short time and by sunset it can get cold and misty. Big Sur is known for the mist, so soak it in!
Solitude abounds on this land. We need the land, and the land needs us. Bring your worry, your anger, your fear, your stress, your doubt, your regret - offer it to the land. Mother Gaia can take it. She knows how to process energy. She filters it, recycles it and transmutes it into wind, fire, rain - into beauty. Our tears become the streams and eventually the waves of the ocean. Allow yourself to feel deeply here.
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$65
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94%
(355)
Arber-Moore's Ranch
6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Oak View, CA
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands.
Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land.
That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite.
We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink.
Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites.
The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area.
Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more.
We offer both tent and RV camping.
The Majority of our Guests love it here:
"Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts!
Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area.
The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly.
Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
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$69
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99%
(384)
Sagewinds Farm High Desert camp
4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Jacumba Hot Spring, CA
Sagewinds Farm is the first certified organic white sage farm in the world. Located in the high desert of San Diego county, between 3500 feet and 3800 ft. this beautiful 40 acres features caves, massive boulders to climb, views, flat land and privacy. At night the stars are magnificent and the milky way is visible...there are meteor showers several times a year. Permanent residents in the barn are the 2 mini horses to visit and four wonderful dogs. The nights are always cool and usually below 60% so be prepared to sleep well . There are visiting animals that past thru and could include, coyotes, bobcats, Coatis, foxes, rabbits, quail, hawks and mountain lions. There are also some snake and lizards. We do have rattlesnakes. To make up for the rattlers we offer two flush toilets!
Camp on the healthy, beautiful and first Certified Organic White Sage Farm in the World.
The place to heal from pandemics.
Beautiful high desert,(3500') with boulders, boulder mountains, caves and views. Rolling southern California terrain, home to all kinds of birds and wild life. Camp on top of the mountain, or camp in a cave or anywhere in between. See the Milky way on most nights, all have incredible stars. 40 acres. Visit our the little town of Jacumba Hot springs down the road. Exciting things are happening there. The Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel, really good food, organic produce, and of course the Water! Weekend music events at the Hotel or the The Old Bathhouse where you listen under the most incredible stars. Bazaar at the Bathouse the first Saturday of the month.
This is the prettiest property in east county! And the healthiest! It is a White Sage farm. This is the old west! Come in the spring for the wild flowers on the land.
Come for the dark skies.
Come for the very occasional snow.
Most definitely come for all the Meteor showers.. You can see the Milky way on most nights
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$40
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(19)
Willow Creek Camp North
4 sites · Tents160 acres · North Fork, CA
Campsite is located on the creek. With 160 acres to explore you can hike along the trails we have made, which are along the creek and on the hills above. We have built an out house and have a nice wood picnic table at the North Camp. South Camp has an outhouse and picnic table is coming soon. The cleared area is approx 25 feet wide by 75 feet long. Manzanita lake is 10 min away and Bass Lake is a 20 min drive. There are a few restaurants there as well. In North Fork proper there is Pizza Factory and North Fork BBQ.
Trash must be taken with you when you vacate the premises. Please bring heavy duty trash bags We do not have trash cans. Let us know if you can not take it we will charge 25.00 which is the fee at the dump. Also dogs are allowed.
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$60
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97%
(149)
Joshua Tree Container Resort
14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Twentynine Palms, CA
Custom designed by artist John Henry Jones, the Ranch House
is the largest and most private suite at the Joshua Tree Container Resort, and has a large screened in front porch giving our guests a safe way to recreate in the outdoors in Theis desert wilderness area.
Two queen beds are available inside the history-laden ranch house (originally homesteaded during the WWI era). It is steps away from the hot tub, pool, gym, hammock palapa and great lounging spots on the ranch.
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$79
/ night
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Cave camping in California guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States. If you're looking for a unique camping experience in California and have a preference for exploring caves, we've got you covered. With over 1,000 options available in California that cater to cave enthusiasts like yourself, you'll have no shortage of choices. From the stunning Finnon Lake Recreation Area with 780 rave reviews, to the stunning Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden with 388 reviews, and the tranquil Cuyama Oaks Ranch with 367 reviews, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $59 per night. And don't worry, popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, toilets, and trash facilities are available at many locations. Plus, you'll have plenty of opportunities for activities like paddling, fishing, and boating. So get ready to embark on an unforgettable camping adventure in the beautiful caves of California!
Safety at Hipcamp
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