Top 10 Best Camping & Outdoor Destinations in California (With Travel Guide)

California is a wilderness wonderland, offering stunning coastlines, towering redwoods, volcanic landscapes,沙漠奇观, and snow-capped mountains. Whether you're seeking beachside bonfires, alpine hiking, or stargazing under desert skies, these 10 best camping spots in California will provide unforgettable adventures.

Below are the top 10 camping destinations in California, each with:
✅ Unique attractions & activities
✅ Best time to visit
✅ Nearby amenities (food, gas, lodging)
✅ Important tips & safety advice

1. Yosemite National Park (Wawona, Curry Village, Tuolumne Meadows) – Iconic Sierra Nevada Camping
🏔️ Highlights:
Granite cliffs (El Capitan, Half Dome), thundering waterfalls (Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall)
Giant sequoias (Mariposa Grove) & alpine meadows (Tuolumne Meadows)
World-class rock climbing, hiking (John Muir Trail), and stargazing
Four major campgrounds (Upper Pines, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Tuolumne Meadows)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking, 50-80°F)
Summer = crowded but ideal for high country
Winter (November-March) = snow sports (cross-country skiing), but some roads closed
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Upper Pines (near Yosemite Valley, reservation essential), Wawona (historic area), Tuolumne Meadows (high elevation)
Groceries & lodging in Mariposa/Groveland (30-60 mins away)
Fresno (2 hours) or Merced (2.5 hours) for major supplies
⚠️ Things to Know:
Reservations book months in advance (try Recreation.gov)
Bears are active—use bear-proof lockers
Flash floods possible in spring/summer (check trail conditions)

2. Big Sur (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Ventana Wilderness) – Coastal Cliff Camping
🌊 Highlights:
Dramatic Pacific coastline (Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls)
Redwood forests & coastal hikes (Ewoldsen Trail, Sykes Hot Springs)
Stargazing with minimal light pollution
Luxury glamping & eco-lodges nearby
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–June & September–October (mild 50-70°F, fewer crowds)
Summer = foggy but beautiful; winter = rain but lush greenery
Hurricane Season (Aug-Oct) = potential for wildfires
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Pfeiffer Big Sur (RV/tent sites), Kirk Creek (ocean views)
Big Sur Village (10 mins) has small markets & cafes
Monterey/Carmel (1.5-2 hours) for full services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Road closures happen frequently (check Caltrans)
Rattlesnakes & poison oak are common—stay on trails
Fires are banned in many areas (high wildfire risk)

3. Lake Tahoe (South Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, Hope Valley) – Alpine Lake Camping
🏞️ Highlights:
Crystal-clear alpine lake (straddling CA/NV border)
Skiing & snowboarding (winter), kayaking & hiking (summer)
Emerald Bay State Park (perfect photo spot)
Casinos & nightlife in South Lake Tahoe (if you want a break)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
June–September (best for swimming/hiking, 60-80°F)
Winter (December-February) = epic skiing (Heavenly, Kirkwood)
Spring = muddy but beautiful wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: D.L. Bliss (scenic lake views), Boulder Creek (Hope Valley), South Lake Tahoe (RV sites)
South Lake Tahoe (15-30 mins) has supermarkets, hotels, casinos
Reno (1.5 hours) for major supplies
⚠️ Things to Know:
Summer traffic is heavy—arrive early
Winter driving requires chains (check CHP advisories)
Lightning storms are common in summer (avoid high peaks)

4. Joshua Tree National Park (Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree Town) – Desert & Rock Formations
🌵 Highlights:
Alien-like Joshua trees & massive boulder piles (perfect for climbing)
Stargazing (one of the darkest skies in the U.S.)
Hidden Valley & Ryan Mountain hikes
Wildlife (desert tortoises, bighorn sheep)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
October–May (cool 50-75°F, no extreme heat)
Summer = extremely hot (100°F+—avoid midday hikes)
Spring = wildflower blooms (February-May)
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Jumbo Rocks (popular), Ryan Campground (near Skull Rock)
Joshua Tree Town (10 mins) has basic supplies
Palm Springs (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
**Bring lots of water (no natural sources)
Rattlesnakes & scorpions are common—watch your step
Flash floods in washes during rains

5. Mendocino Coast (Van Damme State Park, Russian Gulch) – Redwoods & Ocean Views
🌲 Highlights:
Tall coastal redwoods & dramatic cliffs
Kayaking in Russian River, hiking the Skunk Train route
Glass Beach (sea glass treasures)
Whale watching (seasonal, Dec-Apr & May-Nov)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (mild 50-70°F, no fog)
Summer = foggy but beautiful; winter = rain but lush
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Van Damme (near Fern Canyon), Russian Gulch
Mendocino Village (15 mins) has restaurants & shops
Ukiah (1.5 hours) for groceries
⚠️ Things to Know:
Coastal winds can be strong—secure tents
Fog is common in summer (bring layers)
Tides can cut off cliffs—check schedules

6. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (Borrego Springs) – Starry Desert Camping
🌌 Highlights:
Largest California state park (vast desert landscapes)
Slot canyons (Coyote Canyon), palm oases (Borrego Palm Canyon)
**Dark skies (one of the best stargazing spots in the U.S.)
Wildflower blooms (March-April after rains)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
October–May (cool 50-80°F)
Summer = extremely hot (110°F+—avoid daytime hikes)
Spring = best for wildflowers & mild temps
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Borrego Palm Canyon (near town), Tamarisk Grove
Borrego Springs (10 mins) has small stores
San Diego (90 mins) for full services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Extreme heat in summer—only hike early morning
Flash floods possible—avoid washes during rains
No cell service in many areas

7. Lassen Volcanic National Park (Manzanita Lake) – Geothermal Wonders
🌋 Highlights:
Active hydrothermal areas (boiling springs, fumaroles)
Lassen Peak (hike to the summit for epic views)
Manzanita Lake (perfect for kayaking)
Wildlife (black bears, marmots)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
June–October (best for hiking, 50-75°F)
Winter = snow-covered (cross-country skiing possible)
Summer = best for water activities
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Manzanita Lake (lakefront), Juniper Lake
Mineral (30 mins) has basic supplies
Redding (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Bears are active—use bear canisters
Weather changes fast—layer up
Some trails close due to snow until July

8. Point Reyes National Seashore (Drakes Beach, Olema) – Coastal Wilderness
🏖️ Highlights:
Secluded beaches, dramatic cliffs (Palomarin Trail)
Tule Elk Reserve (wild elk herds)
Whale watching (best in Dec-Apr & May-Nov)
Lighthouse & historic ranches
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–June & September–October (mild 50-70°F)
Summer = foggy but beautiful; winter = rain but peaceful
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Olema Ranch (near town), Point Reyes Hostel
Point Reyes Station (10 mins) has cafes & stores
Marin County (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Fog is common—bring layers
Tide pools are exposed at low tide (check schedules)
Deer & elk are wild—do not approach

9. Channel Islands National Park (Santa Cruz Island) – Island Adventure Camping
🏝️ Highlights:
Five rugged islands (kayaking, snorkeling, hiking)
Sea caves (Scorpion Anchorage), endemic species (island fox)
Whale watching & tide pooling
No cars—only boats & planes to reach
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best weather, 60-75°F)
Summer = calm seas (better for boating)
Winter = rough waves (limited access)
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Scorpion Ranch (Santa Cruz Island, reservation required)
Ventura (1.5 hours) is the departure point (supplies available)
Ferries from Ventura/Oxnard (book early)
⚠️ Things to Know:
No services on the islands—bring everything
Strong winds & waves possible—check forecasts
Island foxes are protected—do not feed them

10. Death Valley National Park (Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells) – Extreme Desert Camping
🌡️ Highlights:
Hottest place on Earth (record: 134°F!)
Badwater Basin (lowest elevation in North America)
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes & colorful canyons
Stargazing (one of the darkest skies in the U.S.)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
October–April (cool 50-80°F)
Summer = deadly hot (120°F+—avoid unless experienced)
Spring = wildflower blooms (rare but stunning)
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Furnace Creek (near visitor center), Stovepipe Wells
Beatty, NV (1 hour) has basic supplies
Las Vegas (2 hours) for full services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Extreme heat—only hike early morning
No water sources—carry gallons of water
Flash floods in canyons during rains
Final Tips for Camping in California
✔ **Reservations are essential for most parks (book months ahead)
✔ Wildfires are a risk—check fire restrictions
✔ Bears, snakes, and extreme weather require preparation
✔ Leave No Trace—pack out all trash

California offers some of the most diverse camping in the world—from deserts to redwoods to coastline. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or stargazing, these 10 spots will give you an unforgettable experience. 🏕️🌲🌊