The best star host camping in California

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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.

99% (51.5K) 1,653 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in California

Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

1. Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

98%
(322)
Santa Margarita, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Our ranch consists of 142 acres located at the top of East Cuesta Grade, elevation approximately 2100 ft. We are secluded and it feels like you're far away from city life yet San Luis Obispo is only a twenty minute drive away. We neighbor Los Padres National Forest which has several miles of hiking and biking trails. On our farm we have 10 sheep, 10 goats, 32 chickens, 3 pigs, 4 dogs and a cat. Interaction with farm animals is common place as most campsites are close to our animal pastures. Bee hives are located on the property as well. Honey, eggs and firewood are available for purchase. :)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$54
 / night
Campo Nopalito

2. Campo Nopalito

99%
(607)
Valley Center, CA · 7 sites
Welcome to Nopalito Farm! We’re so happy you’ve decided to spend some time on this beautiful property! In case you’re interested, here are a few interesting things about our farm. Nopalito Farm has been in operation since late 2014, but the property itself has been a working farm for over 50 years. Lemons and avocados were the primary crops from the 70’s through the 00’s, and are still prominent throughout our 15 acres. Our predecessors then diversified the growing operation by planting a wide range of fruit trees ranging from guavas and passion fruit to peaches and figs. For a decade, hops were grown on 2 acres and were sold to breweries throughout southern California. We’ve since replaced the hop yard with perennial flowers, but continue to cultivate a wide variety of delicious fruits.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$94
 / night
Yosemite Colfax Spring

3. Yosemite Colfax Spring

98%
(983)
Groveland, CA · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Your Basecamp for Yosemite Adventure 🌲⛰ Just 15–20 minutes from the entrance of Yosemite National Park and about an hour from the Yosemite Valley floor, our camp offers the perfect location to recharge after exploring one of the most iconic natural landscapes on Earth. We’re also about 1.5 hours from the high-country beauty of Tuolumne Meadows, making this a great launchpad for day trips in every direction. Perched in the scenic Sierra foothills, our dry camping sites are celebrated for breathtaking panoramic views, open skies, and unforgettable sunrises and starry nights. It’s an ideal place to unwind, reconnect, and experience the outdoors in its raw beauty — without giving up the comfort of flushing toilets and hot, on-demand showers. Most of our sites are best suited for those who plan to explore during the day and return in the evening, as they receive full sun and have limited shade throughout the midday hours (during the summer months). For those looking to hang around camp during the day, we recommend bringing a shade canopy or pop-up to make your stay more comfortable. Whether you’re here for epic hikes, rock climbs, or peaceful views, our camp is a restful and rustic homebase nestled close to the wonders of Yosemite.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$81
 / night
Stonehouse Cabin in the Redwoods

4. Stonehouse Cabin in the Redwoods

100%
(61)
Trinidad, CA · 2 sites
Our property is nestled among the redwoods yet close to the iconic beach town of Trinidad, CA. This newly remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath home has been curated to reflect the peaceful beauty of the coastal redwoods. Enjoy the redwoods from your bed with a fully opening glass panel door in the king bedroom or enjoy the softer botanical feel of the queen bedroom. In the spirit of the wilderness spa, we are super excited to offer an extra large outdoor copper soaking tub situated under the stars to allow for private bathing in the elements. Don't forget to visit the sweet town of Trinidad just 2 miles down the road. Check out our guide for restaurant and shopping suggestions.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$215
 / night
The Foxes Family Farm

5. The Foxes Family Farm

97%
(655)
Wilton, CA · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to The Foxes Family Farm! Our property is situated on 5 beautiful acres and we offer private campsites that provide the ultimate in seclusion and relaxation. We have multiple tent/RV sites that come complete with one site with 50 amp and 3 with 30 amp power, water, and septic facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your motorhome. We also have a cabin available that sleeps 4 people and comes with A/C and a private bathroom. We also have 4 tent sites with potable well water, bathroom and for $3 shower with towel. No need to worry about laundry during your stay, as we have a washer and dryer available onsite. Additionally, we've , equipped with all the amenities you'd need for a refreshing and comfortable stay. We understand that your furry friends are part of the family, so we happily welcome pets to our property. Let them explore and enjoy the great outdoors alongside you. As the sun sets and the night sky blankets the surroundings, you'll have the opportunity to gather around a crackling campfire. Enjoy the warmth, roast marshmallows, and create lasting memories. Please note that campfires are allowed unless there's a fire ban in effect, ensuring everyone's safety. Located just a 35-minute drive from Sacramento, our property offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Explore the city's vibrant attractions, then return to our peaceful retreat to unwind and rejuvenate.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$69
 / night

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.

99% (51.5K) 1,653 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in California

Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

1. Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

98%
(322)
Santa Margarita, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Our ranch consists of 142 acres located at the top of East Cuesta Grade, elevation approximately 2100 ft. We are secluded and it feels like you're far away from city life yet San Luis Obispo is only a twenty minute drive away. We neighbor Los Padres National Forest which has several miles of hiking and biking trails. On our farm we have 10 sheep, 10 goats, 32 chickens, 3 pigs, 4 dogs and a cat. Interaction with farm animals is common place as most campsites are close to our animal pastures. Bee hives are located on the property as well. Honey, eggs and firewood are available for purchase. :)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$54
 / night
Campo Nopalito

2. Campo Nopalito

99%
(607)
Valley Center, CA · 7 sites
Welcome to Nopalito Farm! We’re so happy you’ve decided to spend some time on this beautiful property! In case you’re interested, here are a few interesting things about our farm. Nopalito Farm has been in operation since late 2014, but the property itself has been a working farm for over 50 years. Lemons and avocados were the primary crops from the 70’s through the 00’s, and are still prominent throughout our 15 acres. Our predecessors then diversified the growing operation by planting a wide range of fruit trees ranging from guavas and passion fruit to peaches and figs. For a decade, hops were grown on 2 acres and were sold to breweries throughout southern California. We’ve since replaced the hop yard with perennial flowers, but continue to cultivate a wide variety of delicious fruits.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$94
 / night
Yosemite Colfax Spring

3. Yosemite Colfax Spring

98%
(983)
Groveland, CA · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Your Basecamp for Yosemite Adventure 🌲⛰ Just 15–20 minutes from the entrance of Yosemite National Park and about an hour from the Yosemite Valley floor, our camp offers the perfect location to recharge after exploring one of the most iconic natural landscapes on Earth. We’re also about 1.5 hours from the high-country beauty of Tuolumne Meadows, making this a great launchpad for day trips in every direction. Perched in the scenic Sierra foothills, our dry camping sites are celebrated for breathtaking panoramic views, open skies, and unforgettable sunrises and starry nights. It’s an ideal place to unwind, reconnect, and experience the outdoors in its raw beauty — without giving up the comfort of flushing toilets and hot, on-demand showers. Most of our sites are best suited for those who plan to explore during the day and return in the evening, as they receive full sun and have limited shade throughout the midday hours (during the summer months). For those looking to hang around camp during the day, we recommend bringing a shade canopy or pop-up to make your stay more comfortable. Whether you’re here for epic hikes, rock climbs, or peaceful views, our camp is a restful and rustic homebase nestled close to the wonders of Yosemite.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$81
 / night
Stonehouse Cabin in the Redwoods

4. Stonehouse Cabin in the Redwoods

100%
(61)
Trinidad, CA · 2 sites
Our property is nestled among the redwoods yet close to the iconic beach town of Trinidad, CA. This newly remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath home has been curated to reflect the peaceful beauty of the coastal redwoods. Enjoy the redwoods from your bed with a fully opening glass panel door in the king bedroom or enjoy the softer botanical feel of the queen bedroom. In the spirit of the wilderness spa, we are super excited to offer an extra large outdoor copper soaking tub situated under the stars to allow for private bathing in the elements. Don't forget to visit the sweet town of Trinidad just 2 miles down the road. Check out our guide for restaurant and shopping suggestions.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$215
 / night
The Foxes Family Farm

5. The Foxes Family Farm

97%
(655)
Wilton, CA · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to The Foxes Family Farm! Our property is situated on 5 beautiful acres and we offer private campsites that provide the ultimate in seclusion and relaxation. We have multiple tent/RV sites that come complete with one site with 50 amp and 3 with 30 amp power, water, and septic facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your motorhome. We also have a cabin available that sleeps 4 people and comes with A/C and a private bathroom. We also have 4 tent sites with potable well water, bathroom and for $3 shower with towel. No need to worry about laundry during your stay, as we have a washer and dryer available onsite. Additionally, we've , equipped with all the amenities you'd need for a refreshing and comfortable stay. We understand that your furry friends are part of the family, so we happily welcome pets to our property. Let them explore and enjoy the great outdoors alongside you. As the sun sets and the night sky blankets the surroundings, you'll have the opportunity to gather around a crackling campfire. Enjoy the warmth, roast marshmallows, and create lasting memories. Please note that campfires are allowed unless there's a fire ban in effect, ensuring everyone's safety. Located just a 35-minute drive from Sacramento, our property offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Explore the city's vibrant attractions, then return to our peaceful retreat to unwind and rejuvenate.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$69
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping in California guide

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.