Best Places To Camp in California; The Ultimate List

The state of California provides many incredible camping opportunities. With the variety of activities that California has to offer, there is a campground that is sure to fit every person. Whether you're a family looking for an active vacation or a couple looking for a quiet place to relax California has what you're looking for. Here are some of the campgrounds that you don’t want to miss. Some are popular that many people know about and others are off the beaten path.

Camping in Northern California

1. Camp Edison, Shaver Lake, Northeast of Fresno

If you are looking for beautiful mountain views and great lake access then Camp Edison is the perfect spot for you. Shaver Lake Is part of the Southern California Edison hydroelectric project and is one of the Sierra Nevada Lakes. This Campground is home to 252 campsites. With so many sites to choose from this is a great place whether you're couple trying to get away from it all or a family looking for a little adventure.

2. Saddlebag Lake Campground, Inyo National Forest, East of Yosemite National Park

If you are looking for a different experience, check out saddlebag Lake Campground. It's located at 10,000 feet which makes it the highest campground in California. This gives you stunning and scenic views and a feeling that unlike other campgrounds. There's also a water taxi that you can use just a quarter mile from the campground to gain access to hiking in 20 Lakes Basin.

3. Summerdale Campground, Sierra National Forest, South of Yosemite National Park

If seeing Yosemite National Park is on your to-do list, then Summerdale Campground is the place you want to be. It is located just one and a half miles from the park. There's great fishing at Big Creek, areas where you can ride off-road vehicles, and plenty of hiking to do. Each campsite includes a picnic table grill, campfire ring, and paved parking.

4. Henry W. Coe State Park, Morgan Hill

Do you enjoy any of these activities: horseback riding, backpacking, mountain biking, camping, picnicking, photography, or hiking? If so, Henry Coe State Park is a great place to stay. There are over 87,000 acres to hike with a mix of grassy hillsides and rugged terrain. Dogs are allowed in some places within the park. The scenic views that you will enjoy in this park are ones that you don't want to miss.

5. Pinnacles National Park, South of Hollister

The campground at Pinnacles National Park includes all the modern conveniences that you need when camping. The majority of the RV sites include electrical hookups, barbecue pits, and community tables. The campground has water and a dump station. There's also a swimming pool that is open during the summer months. Bay Area surrounding the campground will provide you with stunning rock formations to explore.

6. Wrights Lake Campground, Eldorado National Forest

If you enjoy hiking then Wrights Lake Campground as a great place for you to stay. It provides easy access to Desolation Wilderness if you have a permit. Activites that you can enjoy from the campground include bicycling, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, along with other water activities.

7. Trapper Springs Campground, Sierra National Forest

Trapper Springs Campground is a great place for rock climbers to stay. The camp is surrounded by domes of granite and is near Courtright Reservoir which sits at 8,300 feet. Located within the Sierra National Forest there are plenty of activity choices you can choose from all year round. From snowmobiling in the winter to swimming and biking in the summer.

8. Kirby Cove Campground, Mill Valley

If you want to enjoy city activities and not just traditional camping on your vacation, Kirby Cove Campground is a great place to stay, located just 8 miles away from San Francisco and all that the city has to offer. When the weather is clear you can take in scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Northern San Francisco. The campground also has a sand beach. You can take in the city, the ocean, and experience camping all from the same location.

9. Mary Smith, Lewiston Lake, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

This campground is for you if you enjoy the slower water sports. Kayakers, paddlers, and bird-watchers find a paradise waiting to be explored. Lewiston and Weaverville are historic towns nearby just waiting to be explored.

10. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, North of Boulder Creek

If you enjoy a good hike then Big Basin Redwoods State Park has what you are looking for. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains you can hike from your campsite to explore four different waterfalls.

Camping in Southern California

1. Cava Robles RV Resort, Paso Robles

While technically located in what’s considered more of the Central Coast of California, the Cava Robles RV Resort puts you right in wine country. The resort itself includes two pools, the Farmhouse Bistro, a Wellness Center, and plenty of classes to participate in. There are also 250 wineries located within Paso Robles. There's much to be explored from cowboy towns to music festivals to beautiful sunsets.

2. Mesquite Spring Campground, Death Valley National Park

This is a great place to stay if you want to explore Death Valley. The campground is located within the Grapevine Canyon wash. From this location, you can walk the rim of Ubehebe Crater and explore Scotty's Castle. Eureka Dunes, the tallest sand dune in California, is just a short day trip away.

3. Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

This Campground at Doheny State Beach offers some beach front sites. This is a great Campground if you enjoy surfing and swimming because it’s located along a mile-long protected Beach. There are tide pools and several aquariums that you can visit at the State Beach. You can also enjoy the popular sport of surf-fishing.

4. Jalama Beach County Park, West of Lompoc

If surf fishing, kite-flying, and beachcombing are on your list of things that you like to do then check out Jalama Beach County Park. While the water can be a little cold, you can enjoy beautiful Scenic views. There are a hundred and nine campsites located within this part that sweep the coastline.

5. Ricardo Campground, Red Rock Canyon State Park

It's hard to match stargazing in the desert. This campground located at Red Rock Canyon puts you right by White House Cliffs. You can take in views of scenic desert cliffs and incredible rock formations. The vastness of the desert provides you with a wonderful scenery that is hard to beat.

6. Serrano Campground, San Bernardino National Forest

If your family enjoys playing in the water then the Sereno Campground is a great place to stay. There is moderate hiking available and plenty of swimming and fishing. You can also bike to the North Shore or check out the Big Bear Discovery Center.

7. Boulder Basin Camp, San Bernardino National Forest

The Boulder Basin Camp is located at 7,300 ft. If you enjoy city camping then this will not be your style. This is more primitive camping with beautiful scenic mountain landscapes. There are plenty of activities to choose from for mountain biking to climbing and hiking. There are also horseback riding trails available near the campground.

8. Ryan Campground, Joshua Tree National Park

If you enjoy horseback riding then Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree National Park is another great place to check out. There are only 31 campsites, but it is centrally located on the California Riding and Hiking trail. Four campsites are designated as equestrian sites.

9. Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu

If you want to do some beach exploring then come to Leo Carrillo State Park. While you can enjoy backcountry hiking from this location there are many water activities that you can choose from. You can go swimming, windsurfing, surfing, or fishing. There are also plenty of areas to explore including reefs, coastal caves, and tide pools.

10. McGrath State Beach, Ventura

If you love bird watching, McGrath State Beach is one of the best locations for bird watching within the state of California. It is situated along the river banks of the Santa Clara River and there are many sand dunes along the shoreline. There are over 200 different species of birds that come to this location. You can also enjoy fishing, surfing, and swimming, but there are riptides and strong currents that you need to be aware of. California has many beautiful campgrounds to be explored. From the top of the state to the bottom there are vast differences that provide you plenty of new adventures to participate in. You can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, surfing on the beach, stargazing in the desert, and taking in the beautiful scenery that wine country has to offer. California truly has it all. If you are ready to hit the road in a new RV, our friendly staff is ready and waiting to talk to you about the options that are available. Call or stop on in today.