Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.
Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
Escape to Nature-California’s Top 15 RV Camping Destinations
California’s RV camping destinations offer diverse experiences for all types of campers. The state’s RV camping sites provide breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and a chance to reconnect with nature.
- Natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
- Unique wildlife and ecosystems to explore.
- Accessibility to major attractions and landmarks.
- RV-friendly camping facilities and accommodations.
- Opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing.
- Iconic geological features and landmarks.
- Year-round suitability for camping and outdoor recreation.
Whether you’re looking for 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.
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.
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, and RV camping is a great way to experience them. The parks have several campgrounds so that you can 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. 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 has various 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 for RV camping, with plenty 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 various 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. But if you’re looking for amenities like showers and flush toilets, there are plenty of options, too.
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 allow people to enjoy Lake Del Valle. The lake can be used for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water activities.
The park’s main draw is the lake, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore the wilderness surrounding it as well. The campsite is close to the lake and hiking trails, making it easy to take advantage of all the park offers.
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 dumping locations, but those can 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 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—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.
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 so that you can 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 have RV or tent sites with electric, water, and sewage hookups, it is still in high demand.
Book your camping spot at least six months early to get 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 can handle 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 what RV best suits you. There are many types, 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 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 will 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, 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 need to be refrigerated or cooked. 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 and 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 sitting 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 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. 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 in California’s camping sites?
Yes, many campsites have length restrictions due to the parking pads’ size or the roads’ narrowness. 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 allowed in some regions of California, particularly on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and in some national forests. Always check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits.
Final Words
California’s RV camping destinations offer an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Nestled amid the state’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes, these destinations offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore distinctive wildlife and ecosystems.
From the towering redwoods to the cliff-lined beaches, every corner of the state boasts a new ecosystem to discover.
The RV-friendly facilities and accommodations add substantial convenience to your adventure. These strategically located destinations provide easy accessibility to major attractions and landmarks.
Moreover, they offer many outdoor activities that cater to all ages and interests. Hiking trails weave through breathtaking scenery, while clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for stargazing.
California’s camping destinations also showcase some of the most iconic geological features and landmarks, promising an enriching experience.
The best part about California’s RV camping destinations is that they are suitable for camping and outdoor recreation year-round. The state’s mild climate ensures a comfortable environment regardless of the season.
In conclusion, whether you are an avid camper or a first-timer, California’s RV camping destinations promise a memorable escapade amidst nature’s finest offerings.
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!
Home page
Back to the top of the page
