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Reading Time: 9 minutesLast Updated on June 24, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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California’s Top 15 RV Camping Destinations
California’s RV camping destinations offer a diverse range of experiences for all types of campers. The state’s RV camping sites offer breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and a chance to reconnect with nature.
Key Takeaways:
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- California RV Camping Offers a Diverse Range of Experiences: The state provides a vast array of RV camping destinations, from iconic national parks and serene forests to stunning coastal areas and tranquil lakes, catering to all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
- Top Destinations Highlight Natural Beauty: Popular spots like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Redwood, Lake Tahoe, and Big Sur offer breathtaking scenery, unique landscapes, and an abundance of outdoor activities.
- Amenities Vary Widely: RV campsites in California can range from basic (with limited facilities) to luxurious (complete with full hookups, pools, and billiards rooms), so researching individual campground amenities is crucial for a comfortable trip.
- Preparation is Essential: Successful RV camping requires careful planning, including selecting the destination, determining the duration, choosing the right RV type, stocking up on essentials such as food, water, first aid, and fuel, and understanding RV operation.
- Reservations are Highly Recommended: Especially for popular state and national parks and during peak seasons, booking RV campsites well in advance (up to six months) is often necessary to secure a spot.
- Packing Smart Maximizes Enjoyment: Utilizing strategies such as bringing non-refrigerated foods, using proper storage containers, packing a portable grill, and having entertainment options all contribute to a more enjoyable experience.
Whether you’re seeking fresh air and wide-open spaces or hoping to explore California’s natural beauty, RV camping is the perfect way to do it. With so many amazing RV camping destinations throughout the state, you will surely find the ideal spot for your next adventure.
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So, where should you go RV camping in California? Here are just a few of our favorite destinations:
1. Yosemite National Park
One of the most popular national parks in the country, Yosemite is renowned for its stunning granite cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It’s also an excellent spot for RV camping, with numerous campgrounds available.
2. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is another must-see national park in California. With its unique landscape of Joshua trees and other desert plants, it’s like nowhere else on Earth. And it’s an excellent place for RV camping, with numerous campgrounds offering stunning views.
3. Redwood National and State Parks
These parks are home to the tallest trees on earth, the Coastal Redwoods. They’re a fantastic sight, and RV camping is a great way to experience them. The parks offer several campgrounds, allowing you to choose the perfect spot for your adventure.
4. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of California’s most popular vacation spots, and it’s easy to see why. Its clear blue waters and stunning mountain views make it a sight to behold. It’s also an excellent place for RV camping, with numerous campgrounds offering waterfront access.
5. Big Sur
Big Sur is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in California. With its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and lush vegetation, it’s an unforgettable place to visit. RV camping is a great way to experience it, with numerous campgrounds offering stunning views.
6. Lassen Volcanic National Park
This national park features a diverse range of geological formations, including active volcanoes, boiling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles. It’s a fantastic place to visit, and RV camping is a great way to experience it. The park features several campgrounds, allowing you to select the ideal spot for your adventure.
Some of the campgrounds even offer views of the volcanoes.
7. Shasta-Trinity National Forest
This massive forest spans nearly 2 million acres, making it one of the largest national forests in the country. It’s an excellent place for RV camping, offering a variety of campgrounds to choose from. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and bald eagles.
8. Mendocino National Forest
This national forest is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and, of course, camping!
Several campgrounds are available within Mendocino National Forest. For a more primitive experience, try one of the forest’s backcountry campsites. However, if you’re looking for amenities like showers and flush toilets, there are plenty of options available as well.
No matter what camping experience you’re looking for, Mendocino National Forest will surely have something for you. So why not escape the hustle and bustle of city life and head out to nature? You won’t be disappointed.
9. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is one of the most popular RV camping destinations in California. Located in the Mojave Desert, it is known for its hot, dry climate.
Death Valley is home to some of the largest dunes in North America and the lowest point in the contiguous United States.
RV campers can find several campgrounds inside Death Valley National Park. Furnace Creek Campground is the largest and most popular campground in the park.
The campground offers full RV hookups and a dump station. Other Death Valley National Park campgrounds include Sunset Campground, Stovepipe Wells Campground, and Mesquite Springs Campground.
10. Del Valle Regional Park
This park was created to provide people with an opportunity to enjoy Lake Del Valle. The lake is suitable for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.
The park’s main attraction is the lake, but there are also numerous opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness. The campsite is conveniently located near the lake and hiking trails, making it easy to take advantage of all the park has to offer.
11. Eagle Campground
The Eagle Campground is situated next to the majestic Eagle Lake. Here, you have access to motorized boats and a whole community of passionate fishermen, all looking to catch one of the lake’s many different species of trout!
The campgrounds are beautifully kept and have clean bathrooms, running water spigots, and electricity hook-ups—everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The only thing missing for RVs is access to dumping locations, but these can typically be found just outside the campgrounds.
12. Mountain Oak Campground
Are you looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but not too far away from civilization? Look no further than Mountain Oak Campgrounds, just northwest of Los Angeles. With stunning views of diverse trees and foliage, this is the perfect spot to relax and recharge.
Although the campground is small, it does have one loop. The ground is covered in trees and pine needles, so there isn’t much privacy, as the trees don’t block the side view. However, there is a lot of shade due to the dense foliage.
If you’re interested in fishing, canoeing, or kayaking, Jackson Lake is the perfect spot—it’s only a short walk from the grounds.
13. Orange Grove RV Park
Orange Grove RV Park’s success comes from focus and commitment. They pinpointed running an RV park as their one task, and they excel at it. The lot spaces for RVs are noticeably wider than average, and each spot has a personal orange tree with fresh oranges.
Their comprehensive hook-up system provides electricity, hot water, and cold water. In addition, they have an on-site sewage system for your convenience. The check-in lobby is always staffed, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time at the resort.
They have beautiful pools and a luxurious billiards room for guests to enjoy.
14. Refugio State Beach
Although this beach does not offer RV or tent sites with electric, water, and sewage hookups, it remains in high demand.
Book your camping spot at least six months in advance to secure a reservation. The area is trendy because it’s located in stunning California.
El Capitán’s beaches are only a few miles away, and the clear, open sands of these beaches seem to go on forever. Beach camping could be one of the best activities for your next camping trip.
15. Cedar Bluff Campgrounds
The Cedar Bluff Campground is perfect for tent campers and RVers. There is plenty of room on the roads, which is convenient for getting in and out of the campgrounds and into your spot.
Other RV camping sites are either really spread out or clustered together, so you might be very far away from your travel companions or surrounded by other people all the time.
And these are just a few of the many beautiful camping spots California has to offer. Now, let’s see how you should prepare for your RV trip.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Grand Adventure
First, decide where to go and ensure your vehicle is capable of handling the journey. If you plan on staying in a designated campground, you’ll also need to obtain a camping permit.
Decide the period for which you want to camp. This will help determine the type of gear and supplies you’ll need to bring. Plus, you can make reservations in advance if necessary.
Then, decide on the RV that best suits you. There are many types, from small campervans to large motorhomes. Select the option that best suits your needs and budget.
A Class B RV seems to have it all —it’s small and easy to drive, yet still offers all the amenities of a larger RV.
Next, stock up on food, water, a first-aid kit, and fuel. It’s also a good idea to bring some extra clothes and bedding, just in case. And don’t forget to pack your camping gear!
Of course, pack your sense of adventure with you, too. California is full of beautiful places to explore, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable time. Your camera will capture memories of a lifetime, documenting all the amazing things you’ll see and do on your RV trip.
Last but not least, ensure you know how to operate your RV and its systems. This includes everything from hooking up to a campsite’s utilities to properly disposing of waste. If you’re unsure about something, ask a professional or consult your RV’s owner’s manual.
Scroll for more tips and tricks next:
RV Packing Tips and Tricks
Here are some general tips to make sure you have a great time camping in your RV:
1. Bring food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking. This will save you space in your fridge and freezer and prevent you from having to use your stove or oven.
2. Invest in some suitable storage containers. These will help you keep your food organized, fresh, and save space in your cabinets.
3. Bring along a portable grill or camp stove. This way, you can cook outside food without using your RV’s stove.
4. Bring along a small cooler. This will keep your drinks cold and your food fresh.
5. Invest in some good-quality camping chairs. This way, you can relax outside without having to sit on the ground.
6. Bring along a few games and toys. This will help keep everyone entertained during downtime.
7. Ensure you have all the necessary camping gear, such as a tent, sleeping bags, and lanterns.
8. Be prepared for inclement weather. Bring rain gear and extra blankets in case the temperature drops at night.
9. Have a plan for where you will stay each night. This will help you avoid getting lost or ending up in a crowded campsite.
10. Pack your RV correctly. This will help you avoid damage to your RV or its contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reservations required for RV camping in California’s state and national parks?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. Popular parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree can fill up months in advance, so it’s best to plan.
What amenities can I expect at RV campsites in California?
Amenities vary widely depending on the campsite. They can range from basic (like pit toilets and fire rings) to full hookups, including electricity, water, and sewage connections. Some sites also offer showers, laundry rooms, and even Wi-Fi.
Are there any size restrictions for RVs at California’s campgrounds?
Yes, many campsites have length restrictions due to the size of the parking pads or the narrowness of the roads. It’s essential to check each campsite’s specific requirements before booking.
Can I bring my pet to RV campsites in California?
Pets are allowed in most RV campsites, but there are usually strict rules to follow, such as keeping your pet on a leash and cleaning up after them. Some areas, especially beaches and trails, may have restrictions on pets, so it’s wise to verify in advance.
Is boondocking allowed in California, and if so, where?
Boondocking, or dry camping without hookups, is permitted in some areas of California, particularly on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and select national forests. Always check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits.
Final Thoughts
California stands as a premier destination for RV camping, boasting an unparalleled diversity of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. From the towering redwoods and majestic granite cliffs of national parks to the tranquil shores of lakes and dramatic coastal vistas, there’s an ideal spot for every RV traveler.
While preparation, including meticulous planning, understanding varying amenities, and smart packing, is key to a smooth trip, the reward is an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with nature, explore iconic landscapes, and create lasting memories on the open road.
Now that you know more about RV camping in California, it’s time to start planning your trip! Take your time, enjoy the journey, and create unforgettable memories. Bon voyage!
