Escape to Nature: California’s Top 15 RV Camping Destinations
Whether you’re looking for a dose of fresh air and wide open spaces or hoping to explore California’s natural beauty, RV camping is the perfect way to do it. And with so many amazing RV camping destinations throughout the state, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
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 plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
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 a great place to go RV camping, with plenty of campgrounds that offer stunning views.
3. Redwood National and State Parks
These parks are home to the tallest trees on earth, the Coastal Redwoods. They’re an amazing sight to see, and RV camping is a great way to experience them. There are several campgrounds in the parks, so you can choose the perfect spot for your adventure.
4. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular vacation spots in California, and it’s easy to see why. With its clear blue waters and stunning mountain views, it’s truly a sight to behold. And it’s a great place for RV camping, with plenty of campgrounds that offer 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. And RV camping is a great way to experience it, with plenty of campgrounds that offer stunning views.
6. Lassen Volcanic National Park
This national park is home to a variety of geological features, including active volcanoes, boiling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles. It’s an amazing place to visit, and RV camping is a great way to experience it. There are several campgrounds in the park so that you can choose the perfect spot for your adventure.
Some of the campgrounds even offer views of the volcanoes.
7. Shasta-Trinity National Forest
This massive forest covers nearly 2 million acres, making it one of the largest national forests in the country. It’s a great place to go RV camping, with plenty of campgrounds to choose from. And it’s home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and bald eagles.
8. Mendocino National Forest
This national forest is home to a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. And, of course, camping!
There are several campgrounds to choose from within Mendocino National Forest. For a more primitive experience, try one of the forest’s backcountry campsites. But if you’re looking for amenities like showers and flush toilets, there are plenty of options for those, too.
No matter what type of camping experience you’re looking for, Mendocino National Forest is sure to 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. The park is located in the Mojave Desert and is known for its hot, dry climate. Death Valley is home to some of the largest sand dunes in North America, as well as the lowest point in the contiguous United States.
RV campers can find several campgrounds to choose from inside Death Valley National Park. Furnace Creek Campground is the largest and most popular campground in the park. The campground offers full hookups for RVs, as well as a dump station. Other campgrounds in Death Valley National Park include Sunset Campground, Stovepipe Wells Campground, and Mesquite Springs Campground.
10. Del Valle Regional Park
This park was created for people to enjoy Lake Del Valle. The lake can be used for swimming, fishing, boating, and any other water activities.
The main draw of the park is the lake, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore the wilderness surrounding it as well. The campsite is situated close to both the lake and hiking trails, making it easy to take advantage of all that the park has to offer.
11. Eagle Campground
The Eagle Campground is situated next to the majestic Eagle Lake. Here, you have not only access to motorized boats but also 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 with clean bathrooms, running water spigots, and electricity hook-ups– everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The only thing missing for RVs are dumping locations, but those can be found just outside of the campgrounds.
12. Mountain Oak Campground
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 since the trees don’t block out the side view. However, there is a lot of shade because of how dense the foliage is.
If you’re interested in fishing, canoeing, or kayaking, Jackson Lake is the perfect spot for you, and 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 pin-pointed 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 on it.
Their comprehensive hook-up system will provide you with electricity, hot water, and cold water. In addition, they have an onsite sewage system for your convenience. Their check-in lobby is always staffed so that you can relax and enjoy your time here at the resort.
They have beautiful pools and a luxurious billiards room for their guests to enjoy.
14. Refugio State Beach
Although there are no RV or tent sites with electric, water, and sewage hookups at this beach, it is still in high demand.
Make sure you book your camping spot at least 6 months early to get a reservation. The area is very popular 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 the perfect place for tent campers and those with RVs. There is plenty of room on the roads that works well 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 end up being very far away from your travel companions or surrounded by other people all the time.
And these are just a few of the so so many beautiful camping spots California has to offer. Now, let’s see how you should prepare for your RV trip.
Decide the period of time for which you want to camp. This will help determine the type of gear and supplies you’ll need to bring. Plus, you will be able to make reservations in advance if necessary.
Then, decide what RV suits you best. There are many different types of RVs, from small campervans to large motorhomes. Choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
A Class B RV seems to have it all– it’s small and easy to drive but still has all the amenities of a larger RV.
Next, stock up on supplies like food, water, a first-aid kit, and fuel. It’s also a good idea to bring along 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 store memories of a lifetime of all the amazing things you’ll see and do on your RV trip.
Last but not least, make sure you know how to operate your RV and all of its systems. This includes everything from hooking up to a campsite’s utilities to properly disposing of waste. If you’re not sure 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 along food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or cooked. This will save you space in your fridge and freezer, as well as save you from having to use your stove or oven.
2. Invest in some good storage containers. This will help you keep your food organized and fresh, as well as save space in your cabinets.
3. Bring along a portable grill or camp stove. This way, you can cook your food outside without having to use your RV’s stove.
4. Bring along a small cooler. This will come in handy for keeping 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 down times.
7. Make sure you have all the necessary camping gear, such as a tent, sleeping bags, and lanterns.
8. Be prepared for inclement weather. Bring along rain gear and extra blankets in case it gets cold at night.
9. Have a plan for where you’re going to stay each night. This will help you avoid getting lost or ending up in a crowded campsite.
10. Be sure to pack your RV properly. This will help you avoid any damage to your RV or its contents.
Now that you know a little bit more about RV camping in California, it’s time to start planning your trip! Just remember to take your time, enjoy the journey, and create some amazing memories. Bon voyage!
