Summer weather is beginning to return all across the country. Memorial Day is less than a week away. And RVers everywhere are ready to kick off the summer camping season, pandemic and all. And, since your RV provides you with a safe and fun way to social distance, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t start making your plans. But finding a place to set up camp might not be as easy as years past.
Most parks and campgrounds are somewhere in the reopening phases, meaning not all the amenities are available. It’s important to do a little research as you make your RVing plans.
California State Parks
The state is encouraging residents to stay close to home while traveling to state parks. At this time, all state park campgrounds are closed. However, if you’re camping nearby, there are campgrounds that have trails open for you to enjoy.
The following parks are closed at this time to the public:
Alameda County
- Lake Del Valle (operated by East Bay Regional Park District)
Contra Costa
- Marsh Creek
Kern County
- Tomo-Kahni
Los Angeles County
- Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve
- Los Encinos
- Pio Pico
- Watts Towers of Simon Rodia (operated by County of Los Angeles)
Mono County
- Bodie
Monterey County
- Andrew Molera
- Garrapata — including the Sobranes Canyon and Garrapata SB entrances
- John Little
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns
- Limekiln SP (operated by Parks Management Company)
- Point Lobos
- Pfeiffer Big Sur
- Point Lobos Ranch
- Point Sur
San Diego County
- Border Field
- Leucadia (operated by City of Encinitas)
- Torrey Pines
San Mateo County
- Bean Hollow
- Butano
- Portola Redwoods
- San Bruno Mountain
- San Gregorio
Santa Cruz County
- Big Basin Redwoods
- Castle Rock
- Rancho San Andrès (Castro Adobe)
- Santa Cruz Mission
Sonoma County
- Fort Ross
- Kruse Rhododendron
- Petaluma Adobe
- Salt Point
- Sonoma Coast (and associated sub-units)
- Sonoma
Tehama County
- Woodson Bridge
Because the situation in California is constantly changing and parks may open with little notice, you should check the park website before visiting.
National Parks in California
This information is accurate as of May 21, 2020. Remember things are constantly changing, so make sure to double-check with parks before attempting to visit.
- Channel Islands – While the islands are still open, the park’s boat transportation is not running. You’ll need a private boat to reach them. (No RV campground on the islands.)
- Death Valley – Will be closed until California enters Stage 3 of reopening.
- Joshua Tree – Individuals campsites are open along with the trails and bathroom facilities. However, there are no reservations for the summer. It’s first come first serve.
- Lassen Volcanic – The park is currently closed.
- Pinnacles – The campground is open but there are restrictions.
- Redwood – Some of the park is open for use, but the campgrounds are not at this time.
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon – Currently closed.
- Yosemite – Currently closed.
If you are interested in traveling to a National Park out of state, make sure to check if the park is open and if there are any limitations.
Other options
Don’t forget to check with privately-owned campgrounds to see where they stand during this time. RV campgrounds were deemed essential in California, so there are campgrounds that have been open for the last several months. You can also check into BLM Land for boondocking.
If you’re in the market for a new RV or need to have your RV serviced during this time, Sky River RV is here for you.
