Camping near Los Angeles, California

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

Camping near Los Angeles

Get all sides of the sunny Southern California experience within a hour of LA.

Top-rated stays

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93%
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Nomad Camp Experience @ ArtFarm
15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · CANomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Collective is not your ordinary campground! Nomad-NeXus offers the best of the best in Nomad Camp Experiences, Fun and Connectivity! A project developed by the ArtFarm Collective, FWDVision Nomads and Glamping-Planet, our team of creatives offer a brand new approach, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community! As fellow world travelers we understand that the freedom to roam comes with its own challenge of a lack of deep connection and sense of community. It is the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create !
from 
$42
 / night
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Calle Capistrano
10 sites · RVs12 acres · Temecula, CALike stepping back in time with mature growth oaks and many trees on this gentle rolling 12 acres. Close to town, close to nature and perfect for layovers or a few nights of getting out of the city. City water available. up to 27 foot full pull around multiple sites with Santa Rosa Plateau like feel.
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$30
 / night
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98%
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Splitrock Farm and Retreat
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CAAbout 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.
from 
$32
 / night
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Get Lost Inn - Cabin Rentals
9 sites · Lodging1 acre · CAIf you need a cabin in the San Bernardino mountains, come stay at a cozy mountain retreat perfect for any season - Skiing/snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, or just relaxing. We have six cabins to choose from Green Valley Lake. Green Valley Lake is a hidden gem for all seasons. In the winter we have sledding, snowshoeing, and are just 5 miles to Snow Valley for skiing. In the summer we have the lake open to boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking! We look forward to hosting your stay at one of the cabins!
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$158
 / night
There's a nice big deck with tons of seating.
99%
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Cuyama Badlands
14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents164 acres · CAIf 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. The preconfigured trailer will sleep two and the site is provided with water and fresh bedding for each booking. 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 Lodge, 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. There are two sites where RVs are welcome.  This land was sparsely populated by the Chumash Indian and is evident by the numerous cave painting that remain here in 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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$40
 / night
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Booked 1 time
Thundering Hawk Retreat
6 sites · Lodging50 acres · Valley Center, CAWelcome to our hipcamp located on a 50-acre flower farm in the heart of Valley Center. As soon as you arrive, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery, and the sound of the creek flowing nearby will immediately put you at ease. Our serene setting is the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Our property is bursting with color and life, thanks to the many types of flowers and plants that we cultivate here. You'll love wandering through the fields and taking in the beauty that surrounds you. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful getaway, our hipcamp is the perfect place to disconnect and recharge. At night, the stars shine bright overhead, and the peaceful sounds of the creek and wildlife create a calming atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're camping in a tent, staying in a camper, or enjoying one of our clamping bell tents, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our farm. We can't wait to share our little slice of paradise with you!
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$130
 / night
Wake up early to catch the sunrise--lots of blankets are available to you.
95%
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Blue Sky Center
16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents267 acres · New Cuyama, CA1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!
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$35
 / night
Morning walk & amazing sunrise!
99%
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Panoramic Desert Views
20 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · CAMorongo Valley is nestled between Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs. Situated about 2,000 feet higher than the valley floor, it's typically 10-15 degrees cooler here, so we can enjoy the beauty of the high desert plants, wildlife, and views without the oppressive heat. Only 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and only 10 from the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, this property offers a vast assortment of native desert plants, wildlife and GIANT boulders sprawling over 10 well-kept acres. With an amazing view of all of Mount San Jacinto's glory, your own private chunk of land and unbelievable star lit nights, our campsite will not disappoint. The property is a great jumping off point for any of the many things to do in surrounding area. Bring your bikes, boots, binoculars and books to reconnect with nature, your friends and with us (if you so choose). Let us know what you're into and we'll try to give you some inspiration on where to go and what to do. Super laid back atmosphere with a central communal area if you're feeling social, and plenty of space to keep to yourself too. We've got a shaded pool table, cornhole boards, a stereo, a cooler and more. Need something? Let us know. Want something? We might have that too. As for us, we've been living in the desert for 30+ years and purchased this property just over a decade ago. We've done countless upgrades over the years and adding campsites to share with you is our latest venture. Let us know how we can make it even better! All that we ask is that you respect the environment, our few neighbors and your fellow campers. *Note: There is about 1/4 mile of dirt road that is 100% passable. Just be aware that it is considerably easier to navigate larger vehicles with a little daylight. Plan accordingly.
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$15
 / night
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99%
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Loomerland
17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents41 acres · Warner Springs, CAOnce owned by former MLB manager/player Roger Craig, we offer a secluded 41 acres in the backcountry of San Diego! Our place is a nature lover's dream with hiking, bird watching, dirt roads for mountain biking, walking, stargazing and stunning views. Great location for meditation, yoga, outdoor enjoyment, and relaxing with your favorite drink. If you like you can spend some time with goats, sheep and plenty of other animals. Get away from it all when you stay under the stars here at Loomerland! 30 minutes to historic Julian, CA and 15 minutes away from famous Pacific Crest Trail!! We offer a variety of tent, RV, and glamping sites. Private location, great sunrises & sunsets! Secluded hills, trees, views, birds & animals. (3,400 ft. elevation). You'll have access to great amenities like toilets, trash bins, picnic tables, kitchen tools, and campfire equipment. Our guests love us too! "Such an incredible camping experience! It was the first time we took our son camping, and he (and we) loved all off the animals! The property is absolutely beautiful and everyone we met was extremely friendly and helpful. We can’t wait to come back!"
from 
$49
 / night
Desert Daisy long shot with all the rural land and mountains surrounding.
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DESERT DAISY - Joshua Tree rural
6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · CAFamily, group, solo and pet-friendly tent camping on your choice of platforms, ground camps, or in a tiny cabin - on 5 acres of off-grid, rural private land, at the base of Copper Mountain, under a billion stars. Enjoy camping, hiking, bouldering, stargazing, relaxing in a spacious yet private, beautiful surrounding. Contact me for pricing for all-camp booking (limit 32 people), production, photo shoots. Sorry, no drones, no loud parties or music after 11pm - my neighbors get upset. Quiet time is 11pm at camp and you can hang out up the mountain at the big firepit as long as you want. Desert Daisy is 6 miles from Joshua Tree National Park, 4 miles from Hwy 62 shops and art galleries, JT Saloon, restaurants. Less than 2 miles to Casa GoGo, Joshua Tree Music Festival, Joshua Tree Lake and Campground, the Transmissions sculptures, Noah Purifoy's Museum. Mesa Market is 2.5 miles away and has firewood, ice, water, a taco truck, some of everything, and is open til 10pm. All sites except Mountain Majesty 7, Lazy 8 and Snowkiss Chalet are inside the fenced area. Parking, picnic tables and seating, firepits are at each site. Windbreaks are at Big 6, Flower Power Platform 1, Site 2, Mountain Majesty 7 and Snowkiss Chalet glamper. The Community Area - shared by all campers - has shade, a windbreak, big tables with seating for 14 and additional seating nearby, 2 bbq grills with coals in the file drawer, a propane stove, basic cooking utensils, solar string lights, and more. It is closest to Big 6. Enjoy a bouldering hike to the top of the mountain behind MM7 and Lazy 8, where you'll find a huge firepit with big rocks to sit on. For entire Desert Daisy booking, you get the whole place minus my owners cabin, private deck and storage RV. You'll have the Community Area, and i can offer a big shade umbrella, a big 2-burner stove with 25 gallon propane tank, pots n pans n dishes n cutlery, extra seating, a hammock or 2 with metal frames, games, even a huge 16x16ft glamping tent that fits on Big 6 - at extra cost. The Smoking Area is at the far tip of the land inside the fence, with seating, a coffee table, incredible views and a bucket for your butts. Amenities include a flush toilet, porta potty, water tower with potable water, a solar shower stocked with soap, shampoo, body wash, a small hand washing sink, a big sink for dishes stocked with soap and scrubber. BRING LIGHTS, DRINKING WATER, FIREWOOD. Firewood is available for purchase from my neighbor and he will deliver with enough notice. Big 6 is a huge 20'x20' raised platform, and is also great for yoga sessions, retreats, acoustic guitar groups, chat sessions, etc. Flower Power Platform 1 has a 10'x10' platform and a big sandy area next to it for more tents, parking, canopy, etc. Site 2 has a 10'x12' tent platform, parking for 2 cars or 1 car and a small tent. Snowkiss Chalet is a tiny, Disney-themed glamping kiosk pod with porch, seating, outdoor kitchen, a big picnic table, solar shower bag, parking and more tent space. Mountain Majesty 7 is behind the shipping container and is a private groupcamp site with a windbreak, 2 big picnic tables with holes in them for your own umbrella, 3 firepits, plenty of parking, and has Caboose- a unique shipping container deck and lounge area. The native plants, flowers, wildlife and kangaroo mice at night add to the charm, and there are no mosquitos. The fallen branches of the creosote bushes make perfect kindling for your firepit. Be sure to look under your vehicle so you don't drive over any chuckwallas enjoying the shade. IMPORTANT: Follow my directions pin which I send the morning of your arrival, or you'll end up lost and stuck in a sandtrap on the other side of the mountain. Again, bring lights and drinking water and warmth for chilly desert nights. All sites are clean, well-maintained, have incredible views and star gazing and a feeling of serenity as you enjoy the beauty of nature. Please contact me, your Host Judy, for inquiries for production, photo shoots or all-sites booking as we want to ensure that all hipcampers have a pleasant experience.
from 
$35
 / night
The Creek at Spirit Walk
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Spirit Walk Private Retreat
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · CAIn October of 2001, after a year long search for the perfect place to build a retreat center, John stumbled upon this sacred land. Just 3 hours north of LA, this very rugged property was overgrown, and covered with granite boulders. Oak, juniper, cedar. and pine trees that had grown so thick that hiking the property meant scrambling over boulders and pushing through bushes and tree limbs. Brandy (John’s dog) led him through some dense foliage to a giant oak tree! It turned out that the foliage was actually the branches of the tree that had grown so long that they bent all the way to the ground creating a natural chamber. Embraced by the arms of this majestic oak tree John had a vision and Spirit Walk was born. Many more spectacular features revealed themselves including a seasonal creek and ultimately even a sacred well was found with some of the sweetest water you’ve ever tasted! This Sacred land is Blessed with a wonderful energy and all who spend time here leave knowing they have been in the presence of something truly magnificent. . Please note: Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. Our guests come for the quiet/silent enjoyment of time in nature. We have learned through experience that it is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding.
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$59
 / night
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95%
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The Castle House Estate
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Joshua Tree, CAUnits designed to make the everyday extraordinary.The ULTIMATE "GLAMPING" experience!  Featured on HGTV: The Castle House Estate brings Tiny Home living to another level, located in the heart of Joshua Tree and minutes from the National Park. This unique medieval piece of architecture blends indoor-outdoor living with an emphasis on entertaining. The Castle House Estate is situated on eight picturesque acres, surrounded by many more private undeveloped acres.Our compound is GLAMPING at its finest and we hope you can get into the experience. Like a traditional campsite, the restrooms and showers are moved outside and can take some getting used to. However, we maintain each portable unit daily and each unit is completely emptied and refreshed weekly.Located in the heart of Joshua Tree, CA and only minutes from the entrance to the National Park. This 12-acre compound is ideal for a fabulous unforgettable get-a-way.Instagram: @TheCastleHouseEstate
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$75
 / night

Outdoor stays for every style

Find your new favorite spot.

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Value Prop

Los Angeles has long been known for its film industry and big-city vibes, and while LA certainly does sprawl, it’s really more of a conglomeration of lots of smaller, interconnected areas. There’s a ton to do here, from taking in comedy shows to checking out major league sports games. While most visitors to the city stay in hotels, there’s a surprisingly large number of camping options in LA County, from the RV park at Dockweiler State Beach, right by the airport, to wooded tent sites up in the Malibu Hills

Where to Go

California's Central Coast

Extending from Ventura County up the coast to the Monterey Bay area, California's Central Coast region offers gorgeous stretches of coastline, a mix of sandy and cliff-lined beaches, and tons of great camping areas. You'll find beachfront camping galore in the southern reaches of the region, with extra options if you're camping in your RV. Head further north up to the Big Sur coast for forest camping, hot springs, and arguably the best ocean views in the state.

Coastal Southern California

While Los Angeles County offers a number of noteworthy beaches, hiking trails, and campgrounds to choose from, you’ll find plenty more in the southernmost coastal counties of the state: Orange County and San Diego County. Orange County's San Clemente State Beach is worth a visit, with separate tent and RV areas, while San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas has campsites with views right over the beach. Other camping parks in the area include South Carlsbad State Beach and the RV-only Silver Strand State Beach.

The Mojave Desert

If you’re visiting during the cooler months, you may want to make a trip inland to the Mojave Desert, home to some of the region’s most interesting natural features. This massive expanse encompasses both the otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park as well as Death Valley National Park and the Mojave National Preserve.

When to Go

Los Angeles is truly a year-round destination, with pleasant, mild sweater weather in the wintertime and hot, dry summers. If you like swimming, summer is the best time to visit, when the typically cold Pacific waters make for a refreshing cool-me-down. The spring and fall shoulder seasons see fewer crowds, but there aren’t always lifeguards on duty at area beaches outside of the June-August high seasons. Note that June can be muggy and overcast, a phenomenon dubbed “June Gloom” by locals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Camping Near LA

Can you camp on the beach in Los Angeles?

You can go beach camping near LA in certain areas, but you have to head outside city limits to get to the coast and camping in the sand is rarely allowed on public land. Once you hit coastal towns like Santa Monica and Long Beach, beach camping options open up. Dockweiler State Beach is best for RV campers (no tents allowed), while Point Mugu State Park’s Thornhill Broome Beach Campground accommodates some tents in the sand and offers waterfront RV spots. RV camping with hookups is also available at Bolsa Chica State Beach. At the Leo Carrillo State Park campground in Malibu, sites are inland ofHighway 1, about a five-minute walk from the waterfront. Find more beach camping near LA.

Where can I camp in my car in Los Angeles?

Although the law changes regularly, it’s best to avoid car camping on Los Angeles city streets because more often than not, it’s illegal to sleep overnight or live in a car in LA. The rules become less clear when you’re parked at least 500 feet away from residences and school zones, but sleeping in your car is still frowned upon and time limits usually apply. For the best and safest car camping experience near Los Angeles, head just outside of town to a private Hipcamp campsite.

Where can you camp for free in Los Angeles?

Most primitive BLM camping near LA is free, but some campgrounds do require a fee, and Leave No Trace principles always apply. Most Angeles National Forest campsites are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Out toward Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s, Blair Valley Campground and Fish Creek are popular primitive camping spots. Farther afield and about 4 hours’ drive north, Alabama Hills and the Sequoia National Forest both offer free dispersed camping.

Where can I buy camping gear in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has plenty of stores selling camping supplies, backpacking gear, and RV essentials. REI is in Santa Monica, and dozens of Walmarts dot the city. Dick's Sporting Goods can be found in Glendale, El Segundo, and Torrance. Local favorite camping gear stores include Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co. and the Texino Camp Store. Other name brand shops in the area include 5.11 Tactical in Commerce and Patagonia in Santa Monica, plus Arc'teryx and Fjällräven in La Brea. Check out the best places to rent camping gear in LA.

Is camping allowed in the Angeles National Forest?

Yes, camping is allowed in Angeles National Forest, home to dozens of established campgrounds, but dispersed camping may not be allowed at any given time. Campers can stay at any one first-come, first-served site within the forest for up to 14 days at a time. A small parking fee usually applies, and campers should always stay aware of any wildfire notices from the US Forest Service. Consider purchasing a National Forest Adventure Pass when going dispersed camping in the area’s national forests.

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