The Best Spots for Camping in the Golden State
- San Diego Beach Camping – Southern California
- Big Sur Camping – California’s Central Coast
- Lake Tahoe Camping
- Napa Valley – Wine Country Camping
- Reds Meadow Valley – Mammoth Lakes
- Yosemite National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Shasta Cascade Region
- Sequoia National Park
- Redwood National Park, Northern California
Fact checked by
Erin Medlicott
If you are planning on camping in California, you most likely want to know where the best places are to pitch a tent in the Golden State. From its sandy beaches to tall mountains and deserts, California has a wide variety of campgrounds and several spots for camping.
If you love to surf and camp, there are beachfront campgrounds, and if wine tasting is your pastime, Napa Valley and Central Coast are great options. There are also mountains to climb and rivers to fish in the Golden State.
Just about anywhere you go in California, there are campgrounds or RV parks, but here are our favorite places to pitch a tent.
San Diego Beach Camping – Southern California
Southern California offers plenty of beachfront campgrounds to pitch a tent, and San Diego is a favorite destination due to its sunshine and warm weather. Top spots include Carlsbad, Cardiff, La Jolla, and Coronado. Campgrounds range from bluffs with ocean views to sandy oceanfront campsites.
Big Sur Camping – California’s Central Coast
A road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway through California’s Central Coast provides an unparalleled camping experience. From the sandy beaches in Santa Barbara to the rugged coastline in Big Sur, there are many scenic spots to pitch a tent. Big Sur is popular for its stunning views, outdoor adventures, and hiking in the Los Padres National Forest. A variety of state park campgrounds and private RV parks cater to campers.
Lake Tahoe Camping
As the largest alpine lake in the country, Lake Tahoe provides a stunning backdrop for camping. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this region features numerous camping options from beachfront areas to forested campsites. It is also a favored outdoor recreation destination, offering activities like boating, kayaking, hiking, and bicycling.
Napa Valley – Wine Country Camping
The Napa Valley isn’t just for luxury travelers and wine enthusiasts. With two campgrounds at either end of the valley, wine country is accessible for budget campers. A camping trip to America’s renowned wine region offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, cycling, fishing, bird watching, and nature exploration. Campers can also enjoy culinary tours, historic sites, and affordable wineries.
Reds Meadow Valley – Mammoth Lakes
Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Red’s Meadow offers six campgrounds open only during summer months. This valley features multiple trailheads and extensive miles of hiking trails amid tall mountains, pine trees, and wildflowers. Highlights include hikes to Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. It is a popular destination not only for camping but also for fly-fishing, hiking, and sightseeing.
Yosemite National Park
Recognized as one of the most favored national parks for camping, Yosemite National Park is a geological marvel. With Half Dome and El Capitan towering over the valley, this picturesque location is ideal not only for camping but also for hiking, climbing, and sightseeing. Tuolumne Meadows in the high country offers spectacular views and serves as a gateway to backcountry hiking.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is known as a national park of extremes. The below-sea-level basin experiences record summer heat and snowy winter peaks, along with stunning spring wildflowers. Despite its name, the national park is a prime locale for outdoor recreation and seasonal camping. It is one of the best winter camping spots in California; however, if you want to experience the heat, visiting in summer is recommended!
Shasta Cascade Region
This region, featuring lakes, rivers, and mountains, provides exciting outdoor adventures. Mount Shasta, California’s fifth-highest mountain, adds a majestic backdrop for camping road trips and sightseeing.
Sequoia National Park
Famous for its giant sequoia trees, Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman tree, which is recognized as the world’s largest tree and arguably the largest living organism on earth. The park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada with numerous popular campgrounds and trailheads for backcountry exploration.
Redwood National Park, Northern California
Redwood National Park is a favorite destination for camping and outdoor activities in Northern California. This area, filled with towering Redwood trees and a foggy ocean climate, is ideal for exploring trails and enjoying the stunning coastal landscape.
