Top 10 Best Campgrounds in California | 2026
Explore California's finest campgrounds across beaches, mountains, deserts, and ancient redwoods. Complete guide to unforgettable camping destinations year-round.
California spoils us. Where else can you surf in the morning, hike through ancient redwoods at noon, and fall asleep under desert stars by nightfall? We’ve camped our way across the Golden State, and these are the campgrounds that earned a permanent spot on our list.
1. Kirk Creek Campground
Location: Big Sur, Monterey County
Perched on a bluff 100 feet above the Pacific, Kirk Creek delivers the most dramatic coastal camping in California. We’ve watched countless sunsets paint the ocean gold from our campsite, and it never gets old.
Best for: Couples, photographers, and anyone who needs ocean therapy.
Pro tip: Sites 1-8 sit closest to the cliff edge. Reserve on Recreation.gov exactly six months out—they vanish within minutes.
2. Jumbo Rocks Campground
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
There’s something otherworldly about camping among massive boulder piles under a blanket of stars. The rock formations create natural wind blocks and give each site a sense of privacy and adventure.
Best for: Stargazers, rock scramblers, and desert lovers.
Pro tip: Spring and fall offer perfect temps. Summer nights stay warm enough, but daytime heat is brutal.
3. Jedediah Smith Campground
Location: Crescent City, Del Norte County
Deep in the old-growth redwoods, this campground makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The Smith River runs crystal clear nearby, and the forest canopy creates a cathedral-like atmosphere.
Best for: Families, nature photographers, and anyone seeking quiet.
Pro tip: Grab site 86 if you can—it’s right on the river and feels completely secluded.
4. Camp 4
Location: Yosemite Valley
Legendary doesn’t begin to describe it. This walk-in campground has hosted climbing pioneers for decades. The communal vibe, prime valley location, and views of Yosemite Falls make the early-morning line worth it.
Best for: Solo travelers, climbers, and those who love campground community.
Pro tip: Get in line by 6 AM during summer. Bring a book and make friends.
5. Emerald Bay State Park
Location: Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County
Boat-in or hike-in camping with views of one of the most photographed spots in California. Waking up to Fannette Island and the impossibly blue lake water is pure magic.
Best for: Paddlers, hikers, and anyone escaping car-camping crowds.
Pro tip: The boat-in sites fill fast on summer weekends. Weekdays offer a much more peaceful experience.
6. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Location: Borrego Springs, San Diego County
California’s largest state park offers free dispersed camping across 600,000 acres of desert wilderness. We’ve had entire canyons to ourselves, with nothing but coyote howls and shooting stars for company.
Best for: Budget campers, solitude seekers, and wildflower chasers (March is prime).
Pro tip: Download offline maps. Cell service is nonexistent, and that’s part of the charm.
7. Steep Ravine Cabins and Campground
Location: Mount Tamalpais, Marin County
Just 30 minutes from San Francisco, these rustic cabins and tent sites sit on a cliff above the ocean. It’s the escape every Bay Area resident dreams about.
Best for: Weekend warriors, cabin lovers, and those who want coastal camping without the long drive.
Pro tip: Reservations book out instantly. Mark your calendar for six months ahead and be ready at 8 AM.
8. Sunset Campground
Location: Kings Canyon National Park
Nestled at 6,500 feet among towering sequoias, this campground offers the perfect base for exploring one of California’s most underrated parks. Fewer crowds than Yosemite, equally stunning scenery.
Best for: Families, hikers, and anyone who wants giant trees without the masses.
Pro tip: Take the General Grant Tree trail at sunrise before the tour buses arrive.
9. Saddleback Butte State Park
Location: Lancaster, Los Angeles County
This Mojave Desert campground flies under the radar, but it shouldn’t. Joshua tree forests, granite buttes, and some of the darkest skies near LA make it a hidden gem.
Best for: LA residents craving quick desert access, astronomers, and budget-conscious campers.
Pro tip: Spring brings wildflowers and perfect temps. Avoid summer unless you’re heat-tolerant.
10. Crystal Cove State Park
Location: Laguna Beach, Orange County
Backcountry camping just minutes from the Orange County coast. The Moro Campground sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, while inland sites offer more solitude among coastal sage scrub.
Best for: SoCal residents, beach lovers who want to camp, and families.
Pro tip: Combine camping with a visit to the historic Crystal Cove beach cottages for a full coastal experience.
Planning Your California Camping Trip
The variety here is unmatched. We’ve learned a few things bouncing between these spots:
- Book early. Popular campgrounds fill months in advance. Set calendar reminders.
- Check conditions. Mountain sites close for snow, desert temps swing wildly, and coastal fog is real.
- Bring layers. California nights get cold almost everywhere, even in summer.
- Respect fire restrictions. They change constantly. Check before you go.
California camping rewards those who plan ahead and stay flexible. We’ll see you out there.