California offers some of the most stunning campgrounds in the United States, with locations set among iconic natural wonders, dramatic coastlines, and lush forests. For those seeking memorable camping experiences, California’s outdoor destinations range from oceanfront state parks to serene mountain valleys, each offering a unique backdrop for outdoor activities.

Travelers can set up camp in places like Yosemite Valley, where the sights of Half Dome and towering granite cliffs draw campers from around the world. Others are drawn to the picturesque Santa Barbara coast at spots such as El Capitan State Beach, known for its sandy shores and vibrant tidepools. Whether someone wants to wake up beneath ancient redwoods or savor the sound of waves against the cliffs, astonishing views and memorable adventures await at these locations.

California’s diverse campgrounds allow both families and solo adventurers to enjoy everything from hiking and swimming to simply relaxing in nature. Each destination highlighted has been chosen for its natural beauty and popularity, giving outdoor enthusiasts plenty of options to explore across the state. Discover the most beautiful camping destinations to start planning an unforgettable outdoor retreat.

The Most Stunning Campgrounds in California You Need to Visit NOW

Top-Rated Campgrounds in California

California features an impressive variety of campgrounds that combine natural beauty, accessibility, and memorable experiences. Each spot listed below is widely recognized for scenic surroundings, prime locations, and solid amenities.

Kirk Creek Campground

Kirk Creek Campground is perched atop dramatic coastal bluffs along the Big Sur coastline. Campers enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and direct access to rugged beaches just below the site.

The campground offers 33 sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There are vault toilets but no potable water, so visitors should plan accordingly. The location is ideal for day hikes on the nearby Vicente Flat Trail or exploring Limekiln State Park.

Wildlife viewing is common, and the sunset views are unmatched. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. Kirk Creek is often mentioned as one of the best campgrounds in California due to its amazing coastal vistas and tranquil setting.

Lower Pines Campground

Lower Pines Campground is located within Yosemite National Park’s Yosemite Valley, providing campers with unrivaled proximity to the park’s famous granite cliffs and waterfalls. The sites are nestled among large pine trees, with several offering views of Half Dome.

The campground has 60 sites, accommodating tents and RVs up to 30 feet. Useful amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. Its central location allows easy access to the Mist Trail and Yosemite Falls.

Lower Pines is open seasonally, and reservations fill up quickly. Those camping here can enjoy ranger programs, convenient shuttle service, and access to the Merced River for fishing or relaxing. It stands out for its combination of iconic scenery and thoughtful facilities.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is set among towering redwoods, with the Big Sur River running through the property. Campers benefit from lush forest surroundings and abundant hiking opportunities, such as the popular Valley View and Pfeiffer Falls trails.

The campground features over 180 sites, some suitable for RVs and trailers, while others cater to tents. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, a camp store, and access to picnic areas. The park’s wildlife—deer, birds, and sometimes bobcats—adds to the atmosphere.

Pfeiffer Big Sur’s location makes it a top choice for camping in California, offering close access to the Pacific coast and iconic Big Sur sights. It’s often listed among top camping destinations in California thanks to its forested setting and hiking options.

Breathtaking National Park Camping

California is home to iconic national parks with campgrounds that highlight dramatic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Visitors encounter everything from granite peaks and ancient forests to stark desert terrain and unique wildlife.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park features epic granite cliffs, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and tall sequoias. Its campgrounds are spread throughout the park, providing access to remarkable scenery and abundant hiking trails.

Popular tent camping options include North Pines, Upper Pines, and Wawona Campground. These sites offer close proximity to landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Wawona, located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, is an excellent choice for a quieter, forested experience.

Reservations are required in peak season, often many months in advance. Campers appreciate not only the natural views but also amenities like bear lockers, restrooms, and easy access to valley shuttles. Yosemite's best campgrounds draw visitors year-round for both sightseeing and outdoor adventure.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park sits where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, resulting in a landscape full of unusual rock formations and spiky Joshua trees. The area is especially known for its clear night skies, excellent for stargazing.

Indian Cove Campground is a standout for campers seeking privacy, with sites nestled among massive boulders. Many campgrounds here, including Hidden Valley and Jumbo Rocks, allow tent camping surrounded by desert scenery.

Climbing and hiking are popular, with trails leading through cactus gardens and up rocky outcrops. Each campground is rustic, typically offering pit toilets and picnic tables, but most lack water. Careful planning is important due to the remote desert setting.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park, North America's hottest and driest place, offers a unique camping experience. The landscape features sand dunes, salt flats, and colorful canyons.

Furnace Creek Campground is the largest and best-equipped in the area, providing water, flush toilets, and some shaded sites. While open year-round, the mildest weather for camping occurs from late fall through early spring due to extreme summer heat.

Right from the campground, visitors can reach main attractions such as Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Dante's View. Early reservation is recommended during cooler months, as it's the most popular time for tent camping. Ample space for RVs and easy road access make Furnace Creek a practical choice for exploring Death Valley's dramatic sights.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is famous for its ancient groves of giant sequoias, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth. The park's campgrounds are set among towering redwoods and rugged Sierra foothills.

Top options include Lodgepole and Dorst Creek campgrounds, which provide modern amenities like flush toilets, potable water, and access to shuttle services. Lodgepole sits along the scenic Marble Fork of the Kaweah River and is close to hiking trails and the Giant Forest.

With over 40 redwood groves and a range of activities from nature walks to wildlife watching, Sequoia is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.

Stunning Coastal and Beach Campgrounds

California’s coastline offers extraordinary opportunities for camping surrounded by dramatic cliffs, long sandy beaches, and unique wildlife. Some of the state’s most sought-after campgrounds are nestled along scenic stretches with direct access to the Pacific Ocean and outdoor activities like surfing and hiking.

Big Sur and Sand Dollar Beach

Big Sur stands out as one of the most visually striking regions for coastal camping. Campgrounds here feature rugged cliffs, towering redwoods, and panoramic ocean vistas. Sand Dollar Beach is the longest sandy beach in Big Sur and offers excellent conditions for surfing and beachcombing.

Campground highlights:

• Scenery: Campers wake up to sweeping views of the Pacific and cliffs.
• Activities: Surfing, tide pooling, and hiking are popular throughout the area.
• Amenities: Most campgrounds provide picnic areas, fire rings, and easy trail access.

Reservations are highly recommended due to the park’s popularity, especially in summer. For those seeking a less crowded experience, mid-week stays or spring and fall visits are a good choice.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore offers a distinctive northern California beach camping experience. The area features dramatic headlands, secluded beaches, and rolling meadows. Point Reyes is known for its diverse wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, and opportunities for whale watching along the coast.

Key features:

• Coastal Trails: Miles of hiking trails lead to remote beaches and scenic overlooks.
• Wildlife: Campers might spot tule elk, gray whales (winter/spring), and rare seabirds.
• Camping: Backcountry sites require a short hike in and offer a remote, tranquil setting.

The best times to visit are spring through early fall when weather conditions are generally milder. Visitors should prepare for morning fog and bring layers for changing temperatures. Permits are required for all camping in Point Reyes.

Sunset State Beach Campground

Sunset State Beach Campground is located in Santa Cruz County, with expansive views over Monterey Bay. The wide sandy beach is ideal for families, with space for beach games, sandcastle building, and picnics.

What to expect:

• Beach Access: Campsites are a short walk from the beach, making ocean dips easy.
• Facilities: Restrooms, showers, and picnic tables support comfort and convenience.
• Activities: Surf fishing is common, and sunsets over the bay are especially scenic.

This campground is popular during the summer, so booking ahead is essential. Evening campfires and ranger-led programs are offered during peak season.

Exploring Forests, Lakes, and Redwoods

California features campgrounds where ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes, and the iconic coastal redwoods come together. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy scenic trails, diverse wildlife, and well-equipped camping areas that highlight the state’s natural beauty.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Shasta-Trinity National Forest is the largest national forest in California, spanning over 2 million acres. Campers can choose from dozens of sites near lakes, rivers, or within dense conifer woodlands. Popular campgrounds include Lake Shasta’s Antlers and Lake Siskiyou’s Castle Lake, both known for lake views and easy water access.

Many campgrounds provide picnic areas, fire rings, and clean restrooms. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming during warmer months. For those seeking panoramic views, trails around Mount Shasta offer a range of difficulty and reward hikers with glimpses of alpine meadows and rugged peaks.

Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The forest’s diversity makes it suitable for families, anglers, and hikers alike.

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest covers parts of Central and Southern California, from Big Sur’s dramatic coastline to inland mountains. Campers will find an array of options, from riverside spots along the Santa Ynez River to blufftop camps overlooking the Pacific.

Kirk Creek Campground is especially known for its ocean vistas and walking distance to the beach. The forest’s landscape includes chaparral hills, redwood groves, and mixed pine forests. Wildlife sightings often include deer, hawks, and sometimes endangered California condors.

Notable features:

• Over 1,200 miles of trails
• Several group and backcountry campsites
• Opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching

Site reservations are recommended during peak season, particularly near popular lakes and coastline.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is famed for its old-growth coastal redwoods and lush fern canyons. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground provides campsites nestled between towering trees and open coastline, allowing for direct access to both forest trails and sandy shores.

Hiking is a highlight, with trails like the James Irvine Trail and Miners Ridge Loop winding through cathedral-like groves. Fern Canyon, with its mossy, fern-draped walls, draws visitors for its unique, prehistoric ambiance and was even featured in film productions.

Campers often spot Roosevelt elk grazing in the meadows. Facilities are well maintained, and many sites are within walking distance to both the forest and the Pacific Ocean. Pre-booking is recommended, especially in high season.

Unique and Adventurous Camping Experiences

California offers a range of adventurous camping options, from rugged desert outcrops to lakeside retreats and convenient glamping setups. Whether travelers seek solitude, dramatic scenery, or unique amenities, there is a destination suited for every type of explorer.

Desert Campgrounds and Alabama Hills

Desert camping in California stands out for its vast open spaces and striking geological features. The Alabama Hills, located near the eastern Sierra Nevada, are especially popular for dispersed camping and incredible views of the rugged Mount Whitney. This region is also well-known among photographers and filmmakers due to its iconic rounded rock formations and impressive arches.

Recreational activities like rock climbing, bouldering, and hiking are readily accessible throughout the area. Campers can explore trails that weave through dramatic landscapes and catch sweeping sunsets over granite peaks. Sites here tend to be primitive, so visitors should prepare to bring their own supplies, including water and shade. For a truly remote experience, Death Valley’s desert campsites offer a chance to witness the stark beauty of salt flats and rolling sand dunes, as detailed by The Outbound's Death Valley campground guide.

Hot Springs and Lake Destinations

For those who love water and relaxation, California is rich in campgrounds that feature natural hot springs and pristine lakes. Mono Lake in the Eastern Sierra is famed for its unusual tufa towers and otherworldly beauty. Campers can enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, or take guided tours around the lake’s unique shoreline.

Several campgrounds in Northern California, like those near Mammoth Lakes, feature nearby natural hot springs. These hidden spots allow visitors to soak under the open sky after a day of hiking or fishing. At D.L. Bliss State Park on Lake Tahoe, families enjoy sandy beaches, clear water, and excellent swimming spots. Activities such as paddleboarding, fishing, and lakeside hiking make these locations especially appealing during the warmer months.

Glamping Tents and RV Camping

For campers seeking comfort and convenience, California provides a growing number of glamping sites and RV-friendly campgrounds. Glamping tents often include real beds, heating, lighting, and easy access to modern facilities. Many are located close to scenic areas such as redwood groves, vineyards, or ocean cliffs.

RV camping is well-suited to larger groups or families who want amenities such as electricity, showers, and even Wi-Fi. Notable parks like El Capitan State Beach are known for picturesque coastal settings and easy site access. Popular with both beginners and seasoned travelers, these options combine the outdoor experience with a variety of recreational activities, from cycling to guided nature walks. This blend of comfort and adventure makes glamping and RV camping an attractive choice for many.

Recreational Activities and Outdoor Adventures

California’s most stunning campgrounds offer a variety of ways to experience its landscapes, forests, and waters. Visitors can enjoy trekking through redwood forests, casting a line in crystal-clear lakes, or taking in the beauty of waterfalls amid rugged granite cliffs.

Hiking and Scenic Trails

Hiking is a highlight across many of the state’s top campgrounds. There are extensive trail networks with options ranging from easy family walks to challenging routes for seasoned hikers.

For example, campers at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park can explore trails winding through ancient redwoods, offering unique coastal views. In Northern California, the McCloud River Trail is known for its lush forests and river scenery, making it ideal for both casual and experienced hikers.

Minaret Falls Campground presents paths that bring hikers close to alpine meadows and striking granite cliffs. Campers at D.L. Bliss State Park can trek along trails skirting Lake Tahoe, providing panoramic views of the clear waters below.

Fishing and Swimming Spots

California’s campgrounds are famous for offering direct access to lakes, rivers, and streams suitable for fishing and swimming. The diversity of options lets visitors enjoy fishing for trout in lakes, casting reels in mountain rivers, or simply cooling off on a hot summer day.

D.L. Bliss State Park is located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, where the exceptionally clear water is perfect for both swimming and fishing. The McCloud River, flowing near Shasta-Trinity National Forest, provides several fishing holes where anglers can target rainbow and brown trout.

Swimming beaches can also be found at southern California locations, with natural pools and calm stretches of river near several campgrounds. These aquatic options appeal to both adventure seekers and those looking for relaxation by the water.

Waterfalls and Nature Walks

Waterfalls offer a scenic reward on many nature walks within California’s famous parks. Trails at Russian Gulch State Park lead to its iconic 36-foot waterfall, popular with nature photographers and families alike.

The McCloud River Trail includes access to three notable falls—Lower, Middle, and Upper—each with different viewing platforms and picnic spots nearby. At Minaret Falls Campground, visitors enjoy short hikes to the namesake waterfall, surrounded by wildflowers and granite outcrops in summer.

Many campgrounds organize guided nature walks to teach visitors about local ecology, plants, and wildlife. These experiences combine exercise and education and offer a peaceful way to appreciate California’s varied environments.