# The best camping in California

Thinking of camping in California? Discover and book the best California campgrounds in state parks and national parks, plus on farms, vineyards, and nature preserves.

Browse and book on Hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/camping/all

- **Rating:** 94% (99917 reviews)
- **Campsites:** 56406

Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.

## Hipcamps

- [Splitrock Farm and Retreat](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-splitrock-farm-and-retreat-5x5hl905): Fallbrook, CA · from $23.14/night · 95% recommend (2120 reviews) · 37 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup, Sewage Hookup
- [Kosk Creek Campgrounds](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-kosk-creek-campgrounds-nelhl9k9): Big Bend, CA · from $15/night · 96% recommend (906 reviews) · 30 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Picnic table
- [Pioneertown Corrals Camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-pioneertown-corrals-camping-ozxhknrl): Pioneertown, CA · from $30/night · 94% recommend (1232 reviews) · 63 sites · Pets, Toilets, Picnic table
- [The Ranch at Cross Road](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-the-ranch-at-cross-road-dw9hwkk7): Livermore, CA · from $50/night · 96% recommend (845 reviews) · 12 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup, Potable water
- [Cuyama Badlands](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-cuyama-badlands-388lhwwr): Cuyama, CA · from $40/night · 99% recommend (3271 reviews) · 21 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water
- [Bear Gulch Hide Out](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-bear-gulch-hide-out-pw1hvr9w): La Honda, CA · from $50/night · 98% recommend (246 reviews) · 4 sites · Pets, Toilets, Picnic table
- [Jug Handle Creek Nature Center](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-jug-handle-creek-nature-center-3xryhjnk): Caspar, CA · from $45/night · 96% recommend (3362 reviews) · 12 sites · Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Water Hookup, Potable water, Picnic table
- [The Secret Gardens by the Bay](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-the-secret-gardens-by-the-bay-6p0h075e): Watsonville, CA · from $99/night · 99% recommend (551 reviews) · 20 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Finnon Lake Recreation Area](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-finnon-lake-recreation-area-06yho1ev): Placerville, CA · from $40/night · 95% recommend (2519 reviews) · 18 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Potable water, Picnic table
- [Finley Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-finley-camp-06yhx8qe): Bodega Bay, CA · from $95/night · 99% recommend (1557 reviews) · 13 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Picnic table
- [Mystic Forest Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-mystic-forest-campground-88lhqen5): Klamath, CA · from $29/night · 98% recommend (1297 reviews) · 23 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water, Wifi
- [Saddle Mountain Carmel](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-saddle-mountain-carmel-mxvhn1jv): Carmel, CA · from $74/night · 91% recommend (698 reviews) · 52 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Hideout Mountain Lodge](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-hideout-mountain-lodge-qeohj079): Santa Ysabel, CA · from $23.20/night · 95% recommend (468 reviews) · 26 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Meadow camping in Bolinas](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-meadow-camping-in-bolinas-9mxh8mxy): Bolinas, CA · from $66/night · 97% recommend (660 reviews) · 6 sites · Pets, Toilets, Showers, Potable water, Hot Tub, Picnic table
- [Campo Nopalito](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-campo-nopalito-6p0hjvvr): Valley Center, CA · from $93.60/night · 99% recommend (601 reviews) · 5 sites · Pets, Toilets, Showers, Campfires, Potable water, Cooking equipment
- [Salmon Creek Ranch](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-salmon-creek-ranch-4kk9hl90): Bodega Bay, CA · from $120/night · 97% recommend (2379 reviews) · 8 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water
- [Slide Ranch](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-slide-ranch-mxvhkp6n): Muir Beach, CA · from $50/night · 95% recommend (330 reviews) · 16 sites · Toilets, Potable water, Picnic table
- [Malibu RV Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-malibu-rv-park-7rvh2p6w): Malibu, CA · from $95/night · 93% recommend (680 reviews) · 125 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-magical-harrison-serenity-ranch-pw1hjp7z): Palomar Mountain, CA · from $58.50/night · 94% recommend (1427 reviews) · 18 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water, Wifi
- [Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-jubilee-railroad-wilderness-lodge-r57h8lpd): Dunsmuir, CA · from $40/night · 98% recommend (83 reviews) · 67 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup

## Public campgrounds

- [Beach Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/beach-camp-9448cke9): D.L. Bliss State Park · 100% recommend (22 reviews)
- [Tamarack Flat Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/tamarack-flat-campground-lqxkckn9): Yosemite National Park · 100% recommend (18 reviews)
- [White Wolf Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/white-wolf-campground-l12mcg69): Yosemite National Park · 100% recommend (31 reviews)
- [Tuolumne Meadows Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/tuolumne-meadows-campground-l2rpcpp9): Yosemite National Park · 100% recommend (111 reviews)
- [Butte Lake Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/butte-lake-campground-lv74cq2l): Lassen Volcanic National Park · 100% recommend (9 reviews)
- [Warner Valley Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/warner-valley-campground-9erncpg5): Lassen Volcanic National Park · 100% recommend (5 reviews)
- [Navarro Beach Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/navarro-beach-campground-l12mcn69): Navarro River Redwoods State Park · 100% recommend (12 reviews)
- [Bicentennial Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/bicentennial-campground-9gqmcnw5): Golden Gate National Recreation Area · 100% recommend (8 reviews)
- [McArthur-Burney Falls Cabins](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/mcarthur-burney-falls-cabins-53pdcw7l): McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park · 100% recommend (10 reviews)
- [Abalone Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/abalone-campground-5zypcq29): Sue-meg State Park (Patrick's Point State Park) · 100% recommend (18 reviews)
- [Agate Beach Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/agate-beach-campground-lv74cn2l): Sue-meg State Park (Patrick's Point State Park) · 100% recommend (17 reviews)
- [Beach Creek Group Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/beach-creek-group-camp-lx2zcdv5): Sue-meg State Park (Patrick's Point State Park) · 100% recommend (6 reviews)

## Public lands

- [Tahoe National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/tahoe/all): national-forest · Graniteville, California · 92% recommend (264 reviews)
- [Inyo National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/inyo/all): national-forest · Lone Pine, California · 96% recommend (460 reviews)
- [Shasta-Trinity National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/shasta-trinity/all): national-forest · Junction City, California · 93% recommend (140 reviews)
- [Sierra National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/sierra/all): national-forest · Big Creek, California · 92% recommend (183 reviews)
- [Los Padres National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/los-padres/all): national-forest · Mission Canyon, California · 95% recommend (469 reviews)
- [San Bernardino National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/san-bernardino/all): national-forest · La Quinta, California · 94% recommend (158 reviews)
- [Sequoia National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/sequoia-forest/all): national-forest · Ponderosa, California · 97% recommend (280 reviews)
- [Angeles National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/angeles/all): national-forest · La Crescenta Montrose, California · 91% recommend (230 reviews)
- [Stanislaus National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/stanislaus/all): national-forest · Strawberry, California · 91% recommend (183 reviews)
- [Plumas National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/plumas/all): national-forest · Little Grass Valley, California · 95% recommend (68 reviews)

## About California

### Overview

Golden coasts. Redwood forests. Fiery desert canyons. Alpine lakes framed by snowy peaks. But the best memories are in the details—seeing a gray whale breach off the rugged north coast, feeling the sun on your face on a Southern California shore, or maybe enjoying s’mores beside the crystal waters of Lake Tahoe. Trails climb from campgrounds to immense granite domes in Yosemite while Joshua trees beckon for attention in the eastern deserts. The best part? There’s somewhere amazing to camp year-round.

### Where to go: North Coast

Camping beneath redwoods—the tallest trees in the world—is a hard-to-beat highlight of the north coast. The majestic groves scattered across Redwood National & State Parks are an excellent choice for first-timers. Further south, from Eureka to Mendocino and eventually San Francisco, you’ll find a string of private and state park campgrounds tucked along rugged coastlines marked by bluffs, coves, dunes, and tidepools.

### Where to go: Central Coast

Stretching from Monterey south to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast scores points for scenery and variety. Plus, it’s a convenient escape from the urban hassles of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Redwoods, waterfalls, and windswept bluffs border Highway 1 in Big Sur, while waves crash beside state parks north of Santa Barbara. For a remote camping experience, campsites at Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Santa Barbara can oblige.

### Where to go: SoCal Beaches: Los Angeles to San Diego

The golden beaches of Southern California are the stuff of lazy days and pop songs. And fantastic camping for those inclined. The best campsites line-up beside the coast between Newport Beach and Dana Point in Orange County, with a few more perched on coastal bluffs north of San Diego. Not surprisingly, these oceanfront sites fill fast, so book early.

### Where to go: Sierra Nevada Mountains

Granite domes and lush Alpine meadows border campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, while enormous sequoias are the draw in Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. Campgrounds beside alpine lakes and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe are always postcard-pretty.

### Where to go: Southern Deserts

For surreal sunsets, striking rock formations, restless sand dunes, and spring wildflowers, head east. Nine campgrounds and plenty more right outside await at Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest spot in the U.S. Joshua trees and picturesque boulders keep Hipcampers happy at Joshua Tree National Park while Anza-Borrego Desert State Park serves up fantastic desert hiking outside San Diego. High season is late fall through spring, when temperatures are pleasant.

## Explore nearby

- **Nearby cities:** [Pismo Beach, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/pismo-beach/camping/all), [San Diego, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/san-diego/camping/all), [Mammoth Lakes, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/mammoth-lakes/camping/all), [June Lake, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/june-lake/camping/all), [Santa Cruz, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/santa-cruz/camping/all), [Santa Barbara, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/santa-barbara/camping/all), [Morro Bay, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/morro-bay/camping/all), [Bass Lake, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/bass-lake/camping/all)
- **National parks and forests:** [Sequoia National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/sequoia-park/all), [Sierra National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/sierra/all), [Kings Canyon National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/kings-canyon/all), [Yosemite National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/yosemite/all), [Pinnacles National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/pinnacles/all), [Sequoia National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/sequoia-forest/all), [Inyo National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/inyo/all), [Stanislaus National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/stanislaus/all)
- **State and regional parks:** [Caswell Memorial State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/caswell-memorial/all), [Santa Margarita Lake camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/regional-park/santa-margarita/all), [Calaveras Big Trees State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/calaveras-big-trees/all), [Cachuma Lake camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/regional-park/cachuma-lake/all), [Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/pfeiffer-big-sur/all), [Sunset State Beach camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/sunset/all), [Carpinteria State Beach camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/carpinteria/all), [Refugio State Beach camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/refugio/all)
- **Nearby regions:** [Big Sur](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/big-sur/camping/all), [Yosemite](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/yosemite/camping/all), [Tahoe](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/tahoe/camping/all), [Lake Casitas](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/lake-casitas/camping/all), [Southern California](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/southern-california/camping/all), [Northern California](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/northern-california/camping/all), [Lake Berryessa](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/lake-berryessa/camping/all), [Sequoia](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/sequoia/camping/all)
- **Nearby states:** [Nevada](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/nevada/camping/all), [Oregon](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/oregon/camping/all), [Colorado](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/colorado/camping/all), [New Mexico](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/new-mexico/camping/all), [Utah](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/utah/camping/all)
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