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Reading Time: 9 minutesLast Updated on July 27, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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Top 10 Campsites in California
California is renowned for its diverse landscapes, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Among these, camping stands out as a favorite pastime, with numerous campsites in California providing exceptional experiences.
Key Takeaways
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- California Offers Diverse Camping Experiences: California’s varied landscapes provide a wide range of camping options catering to families, adventurers, and those seeking relaxation, with numerous top-tier campsites across the state.
- Best for Families:
- Casini Ranch Family Campground (Duncan Hills): Offers a “luxury vacation” feel with many activities (hayrides, movie nights, bonfires), Wi-Fi, and various lodging options (tents, RVs, cabins, cottages).
- Dogwood Family Campground (near San Bernardino): Primarily for tent camping in a dense forest setting, with picnic tables, grills, and campfire circles. Activities include boating, fishing, and short hiking trails.
- Camp Williams Resort (Azusa): Offers tenting by the San Gabriel River, full-hookup RV sites, and unique “Hobbit House” cabins, with year-round activities like hunting, fishing, bird watching, and gold panning.
- Elk Prairie Campground (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park): Located among redwoods, protecting sandy beaches and elk herds. Offers hiking/biking trails (including a 19-mile loop) and cabin rentals.
- Best for Adventurers:
- Kirk Creek Campground (Big Sur): Breathtaking ocean views, close to Los Padres National Forest, offering high-adrenaline activities like hiking, surfing, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and fishing. Requires advance booking.
- Joshua Tree National Park (Southern California): Iconic national park with stunning views and wildlife. Offers various campsites (first-come, first-served and reservation-only), including large group sites. Ideal for stargazing, bird watching, and wildflower viewing.
- Yosemite National Park (Sierra Nevada): Famous for ancient sequoia trees, waterfalls, and rock formations. Features 13 campgrounds, tent cabins, and deluxe rooms. Activities include backpacking, biking, fishing, winter sports, and art appreciation.
- Best for Relaxation:
- King Range National Conservation Area (North Coast): Secluded campground near the ocean, offering wildlife viewing (elephant seals), mountain biking trails, and opportunities for hiking, hunting, surfing, and fishing. Provides crucial services like maps and tide charts.
- Angel Island State Park (San Francisco Bay): Island escape accessible by ferry, offering stunning bay views. Provides family, group, and environmental campsites. Activities include guided historical tours, picnicking, fishing, museums, and windsurfing.
- Catalina Island (Southwest of Los Angeles): Balances nature adventure with relaxation, featuring wildlife, dive sites, golf courses, nightlife, ziplining, and unique undersea journeys. Offers tent camping and other lodging options.
- Camping Regulations in California: Camping on public land in California is generally permitted for a maximum of 14 days within any 28 consecutive days (for both traditional and dispersed camping), but it’s crucial to check specific local regulations as some areas may have further restrictions or prohibitions.
This guide highlights some of the top campsites in California for families, thrill-seekers, and those seeking a relaxing getaway.
Best California Campsites for Families
California’s Casini Ranch Family Campground
Want to take a camping trip that feels more like a luxury vacation? Casini Ranch in Duncan Hills is the perfect California campsite for your family. There are numerous activities for all ages, including hayrides, movie nights, ice cream socials, and more.
Spend the day working it out on the basketball court or hiking the various trails, and wind down as the sun sets with a trip to the campground’s beach bonfire. Those who don’t want to use their time in nature to unplug don’t have to worry; the site even provides wifi!
Whether pitching a tent, hauling the RV over, or wishing for a less traditional camping experience, Casini Ranch covers you.
Rent a stay in the ranch house, cottages, or cabins available on the grounds. And don’t worry if you forget some snacks or camping supplies; the general store has everything you need to stock up.
California’s Dogwood Family Campground
The Dogwood Family Campground is a beautiful oasis about 20 miles northeast of San Bernardino. It’s surrounded by a dense forest of cedar, pine, and fir trees, attracting a variety of birds and other wildlife.
The ground offers dozens of single-family sites, primarily for California tent camping. Every campsite comes with a picnic table, grill, and campfire circle.
Pack some marshmallows and hot dogs!
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to the wall Ride
Your family can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking from April to October. Don’t worry if you’re traveling with little ones; the hiking trails are short so that you can return to your tent before nap time.
California’s Camp Williams Resort
Families living or traveling near the Los Angeles area must check out one of the best RV campsites in California, Camp Williams Resort in Azusa.
They offer tenting on the banks of the San Gabriel River, full-hook-up RV sites surrounded by oak trees, or comfy camping in their Hobbit House cabin.
Your family can enjoy California’s gorgeous weather year-round while hunting, fishing, bird watching, and even panning for gold.
Start your morning at the resort cafe for breakfast, or visit the general store for some munchies. Wind down with a private shower in the resort’s modern restrooms.
Reserve a California RV campsite or stay in the Hobbit House for $80/night. Or, relish in the waterfront camping experience.
Please note that when you book, the first six people in your travel party are covered; however, an additional fee applies for extra people or vehicles.
Does your family want a camping trip with some actual wildlife encounters? Consider checking out California’s Elk Prairie campground in the Prairie Street Redwoods State Park.
The park protects sandy beaches, lovely meadows, and herds of elk, making it one of the best campsites in northern California.
Don’t approach the elks and try to become best friends, but admiring them from afar is an unforgettable experience.
Since the campgrounds are located in one of California’s state parks, many hiking and biking trails exist. If the family is up for it, everyone can grab their bikes and glide down the 19-mile bike loop.
After a long day, bring your tents or ditch them and crash in one of the ground’s cabins. You can book your cabin up to six months in advance, providing plenty of time to study the map and plan your camping itinerary.
Best California Campsites for Adventurers
California’s Kirk Creek Campground
California’s Kirk Creek Campground is a must-see for adventurous campers. The breathtaking site in Big Sur overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
There are plenty of activities to keep your itinerary packed and adrenaline high, including hiking, surfing, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, fishing, and so much more.
It’s close to scenic trails that lead visitors into the Los Padres National Forest, where they can enjoy even more opportunities to connect with nature.
When your day’s adventures wind down, freshen up in the on-site restrooms. Don’t forget to find the firewood vendor before heading to your tent for the evening. Why not extend the fun with some s’mores, campfire stories, and a beautiful view?
That is, as long as you packed bug spray! Bring your pets and lots of water, and book your stay at least three days in advance.
California’s Joshua Tree National Park
You’ve probably heard about California’s Joshua Tree National Park if you’re a nature lover. The southern California campground is one that every camper needs to check off their bucket list.
This California national park has breathtaking views and wildlife that will fulfill all your adventure-seeking needs.
There are many campsites to choose from in Joshua Tree. Some are first-come, first-served, in case you make an impromptu visit. However, some locations, like Black Rock, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan, require reservations. Traveling with a big group?
The Cottonwood, Indian Cove, and Sheep Pass sites can accommodate between 10 and 60 people. They need to be reserved in advance, but you can book your reservations as early as six months prior.
During your trip, you can expect to enjoy stargazing, panoramic views of stunning California, bird watching, wildflower viewing, and more.
Remember to check the website before you leave for park updates to enjoy one of the best campsites in southern California.
California’s Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is another one of California’s beloved national parks in the Sierra Nevada. Visitors love viewing the large ancient California sequoia trees, waterfalls, and rock formations.
There are several lodging options available, including 13 campgrounds, simple tent cabins, and deluxe rooms.
Some options can be reserved as early as 366 days in advance, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ten spots can accommodate RVs and trailers, but please note their size restrictions.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Yosemite National Park
Spend your days in Yosemite National Park backpacking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, boating, and taking exclusive tours.
Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, ice skating, tubing, and sledding during the colder months.
Even artists can get their fix with the art galleries and ample opportunity for photography.
Best California Relaxing Campsites
California’s King Range National Conservation Area
This beautiful campsite along 35 miles of California’s north coast is a must-visit for those seeking an oasis and relaxation.
The secluded campground, located just three miles from the ocean, offers numerous opportunities to connect with wildlife. There are northern elephant seals along the Lost Coast trail; they’re adorable, but don’t get too close.
The Paradise Royale mountain bike trail system cycles you through lush forests and phenomenal ocean views that are sure to clear your mind of stress.
There are many California campsites to choose from, such as Mattole, Tolkan, and Nadelos. Check availability to ensure you have a spot to camp before rolling up the sleeping bags and packing the tent.
Upon arrival, head to the service window to receive crucial services, including planning advice, maps, tide charts, a bear canister, and updated condition information.
Once you’ve learned some key tips from a staff member, go hiking, hunting, surfing, or fishing.
San Francisco’s Angel Island State Park Walk-in/Boat-in
What’s more relaxing than escaping to an island for your next camping getaway? Located on the most significant natural island in San Francisco Bay, it offers some of the most stunning views of the surrounding area.
Visitors can reserve lodging or camp spots online up to six months in advance, including family, group, and environmental campsites.
The immersive experience takes you to the island by ferry, and once you arrive, there are plenty of activities to choose from on this boat-in campground in California.
Schedule a guided tour of the historic island to feel like you’re walking through time. If you’re more of a free spirit, enjoy lunch in one of the picnic areas, go fishing, or visit one of the museums.
Bring your swimsuit because, after a long day of outdoor excursions, you can chill in the ocean (or windsurf if your adrenaline isn’t running on empty).
California’s Catalina Island
Travelers who need the perfect balance between a nature adventure and a relaxing vacation will find it on California’s Catalina Island. It’s one of California’s Channel Islands, lying southwest of Los Angeles.
You can expect to experience wildlife, epic dive sites, golf courses, buzzing nightlife, and more.
Start your morning with breakfast at the West End Galley, spend the day ziplining and boating, and end the night by dancing under the stars at the patio bar.
You can also book an extraordinary undersea submarine journey around the Deep Ocean of California’s Catalina Island while staying completely dry. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Catalina Island allows you to make your camping trip as authentic or luxurious as you want. There are lots of sites for tent camping and other lodging options. Please note your travel party size, as some locations have restrictions on the number of guests allowed.
Want to get extra fancy on the Island? Consider attending the Catalina Wine Mixer (although there’s no guarantee that Dale and Brennan from Stepbrothers will be there).
Is It Legal to camp anywhere in California?
While it is legal to camp in California, certain restrictions and rules must be observed. Camping is permitted on public land in California for a maximum of 14 days within any 28 consecutive days.
This applies to traditional and dispersed camping, which refers to camping outside designated campgrounds.
However, there may be areas where camping is prohibited or further restricted, so it is always advisable to check specific land use regulations before setting up camp.
Final Thoughts
Campsites in California offer a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation that is unparalleled. The state’s diverse terrain is home to stunning natural features, including majestic waterfalls, towering giant sequoias, and expansive desert landscapes.
The camping options are as varied as the scenery, with a range of campgrounds available, from easily accessible hike-in sites to secluded backcountry spots for those seeking solitude.
The proximity of these campgrounds to popular attractions and hiking trails enables explorers to immerse themselves in California’s natural wonders easily.
The scenic views at these campsites are genuinely spectacular. Imagine waking up to breathtaking ocean vistas, diving into crystal-clear blue waters, or wandering through lush, tropical forests. These are not just campsites but gateways to California’s most beautiful landscapes.
The recreational activities available at these sites add another layer of appeal. From fishing and hiking to stargazing and boating, there is something for everyone.
However, the exceptional features of these California campsites have not gone unnoticed. Many campgrounds and sites are in high demand, especially during peak seasons.
Yet, this popularity is a testament to California’s unparalleled camping experience. Whether you’re an avid camper or a first-time adventurer, camping in California is an experience that should not be missed.
Now that you know some of the best spots for each type of camper in California, gather your group, make some plans, and go explore! Before you go, check out the Crow Survival blog so you can guarantee a tent or RV full of happy campers.
