California camping offers an unmatched range of landscapes—windy coastal cliffs, quiet redwood forests, stark desert terrain, and alpine valleys framed by the Sierra Nevada. But with hundreds of campgrounds across state parks, national parks, and county lands, narrowing down where to go can feel overwhelming.
This guide highlights some of the best campgrounds in California for 2026, based on places we’ve camped, loved, and would return to again. These aren’t just convenient places to sleep—they’re destinations in their own right, chosen for their scenery, location, and access to some of the state’s most iconic outdoor experiences. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a long weekend, or building a future camping list, these campgrounds showcase why California is one of the best places in the country to camp.
HOW WE CHOSE THE BEST CAMPGROUNDS IN CALIFORNIA
After staying at countless campgrounds across California and the country, we have definitely honed in on what makes a top-notch experience. These California campgrounds are not necessarily hidden gems, the newest, or the easiest to get to, they’re the ones we want to revisit year after year. Sometimes it’s for the scenery and setting of the campground itself, sometimes the location of the campground, and other times what activities are nearby. The campgrounds on this list take you up and down California and offer different sides of this incredible state.
BEST CAMPGROUNDS IN CALIFORNIA FOR 2026
Pack up your tent, RV, or camper van and let’s take a trip to the best campgrounds in California! These are in no particular order, but can confirm you’ll need to add all of these to your list. And maybe we’ll see you out at one of them this year.
OCEAN COVE
Perched above the Sonoma Coast, Ocean Cove is all about dramatic ocean views and wide-open space. Campsites sit on grassy bluffs overlooking the Pacific, with easy access to coastal trails and nearby tidepools. It’s a simple, no-frills campground, but the setting does all the work—especially at sunset, when the coastline glows and the wind quiets down.
- CAMPGROUND: Ocean Cove Campground
- LOCATION: Jenner, Sonoma County
- COST: $40+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome
- SEASONALITY: Operating season is usually April-November
- BOOK YOUR SITE: No reservations, first-come sites only
GUALALA POINT REGIONAL PARK CAMPGROUND
This campground strikes the perfect balance between forest and coast. Nestled among coastal redwoods and California Bay Laurels, Gualala Point feels peaceful and tucked away without being remote. From camp, you can walk to bluffs overlooking the Pacific or explore shaded trails along the river, making it an ideal base for slow mornings and scenic walks. And a short drive into town takes you to a seafood shack, cultural art center, supermarket – all you could ask for!
- CAMPGROUND: Gualala Point Regional Park Campground
- LOCATION: Gualala, Sonoma County
- COST: $39+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
PLAN YOUR CAMPING ESCAPE: CAMPING AT GUALALA POINT REGIONAL CAMPGROUND
JALAMA BEACH COUNTY PARK
Remote, rugged, and right on the sand, Jalama Beach feels like an adventure just to reach—and that’s part of the appeal. Campsites sit directly along the shoreline, with crashing waves, wide beaches, and famously strong coastal winds. It’s raw California coast camping at its best, perfect for unplugging and letting the rhythm of the ocean set the pace. You’ll find a small camp store and a famous restaurant and grill, so you won’t ever feel the need to leave.
- CAMPGROUND: Jalama Beach County Park & Campground
- LOCATION: Lompoc, Santa Barbara County
- COST: $35+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
FOR ALL THE DETAILS: JALAMA BEACH CALIFORNIA: THE ULTIMATE BEACHFRONT CAMPGROUND.
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND
Jumbo Rocks puts you right in the heart of Joshua Tree’s surreal landscape. Massive boulders tower over campsites, creating natural wind breaks and unforgettable scenery. At night, the dark skies and quiet desert make this one of the best stargazing campgrounds in California, and during the day, you’re steps from iconic hikes and rock formations.
- CAMPGROUND: Jumbo Rocks Campground
- LOCATION: Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree National Park
- COST: $30+/night – Park entrance fee also required
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome, but are not allowed on trails within park
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
GET ALL THE DETAILS HERE: JUMBO ROCKS: CAMPING IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK.
GRANDVIEW CAMPGROUND
True to its name, Grandview delivers sweeping views of the Eastern Sierra, but also the wide-open skies. This 8,600 feet high-elevation campground offers cooler summer temperatures and panoramic vistas that stretch across the valley below. It’s a peaceful place to camp, ideal for those looking to explore nearby lakes, trails, and alpine terrain without the crowds found closer to town. Considered an excellent location for stargazing at night, and just a 20 minute drive from the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest for the daytime.
- CAMPGROUND: Grandview Campground
- LOCATION: Bishop, Inyo National Forest
- COST: $10/night – bring cash
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round, pending weather
- OTHER NOTES: No potable water is available on-site
- BOOK YOUR SITE: No reservations, first-come sites only
PLAN YOUR FULL ROAD TRIP: HIGHWAY 395: BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA’S EASTERN SIERRA.
TUTTLE CREEK CAMPGROUND
Set at the base of the Alabama Hills with Mount Whitney rising in the distance, Tuttle Creek offers some of the most dramatic mountain views you can wake up to. Operated by the Bureau of Land Management, this campground is spacious and open, with unobstructed sight-lines that make sunrise and sunset especially memorable. It’s an excellent base for exploring Movie Road, hiking, or simply soaking in the vastness of the Eastern Sierra.
- CAMPGROUND: Tuttle Creek Campground
- LOCATION: Lone Pine, Inyo County
- COST: $10/night – bring cash
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- OTHER NOTE: Potable water and dump station available seasonally
- BOOK YOUR SITE: No reservations, first-come sites only
NEED MORE INFO? TUTTLE CREEK CAMPGROUND: CAMPING IN ALABAMA HILLS
MANZANITA LAKE CAMPGROUND
Surrounded by forest and set beside a calm mountain lake, Manzanita Lake offers a quieter way to experience Lassen Volcanic National Park. The campground provides easy access to lakeside walks, volcanic features, and scenic drives through the park. It’s a great choice for campers who want variety—water, trails, and mountain views—all in one place.
- CAMPGROUND: Manzanita Lake Campground
- LOCATION: Shingletown, Lassen Volcanic National Park
- COST: $26+/night – Park entrance fee also required
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome, but are not allowed on trails within park
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- OTHER NOTE: Service is limited, have a screenshot or printed copy of reservation
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THIS STUNNING NATIONAL PARK: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK IN CALIFORNIA
MORO CAMPGROUND AT CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK
Camping at Crystal Cove feels like a rare Southern California secret, even if it’s not. Perched above the Highway 1 coast with sweeping ocean views, this campground offers a front-row seat to sunset over the Pacific. While the short hike down to the beach adds a bit of effort, the reward is a coastal experience that feels worlds away from the surrounding city.
- CAMPGROUND: Moro Campground
- LOCATION: Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove State Park
- COST: $39+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
GET ADDITIONAL INFO: CAMPING AT CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK CALIFORNIA
MOUNT MADONNA COUNTY PARK CAMPGROUND
Tucked into the redwoods above the Santa Clara Valley, Mount Madonna Campground offers a forested escape between the Bay Area and the Central Coast. The campground is quiet and shaded, with easy access to hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints. It’s an ideal spot for a low-key camping trip focused on fresh air, tall trees, and slower days.
- CAMPGROUND: Mount Madonna County Park Campground
- LOCATION: Watsonville, Santa Clara County
- COST: $29+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS? CAMPING AT MOUNT MADONNA COUNTY PARK WITH THE GHOSTS OF THE MILLER ESTATE
VAN DAMME STATE PARK CAMPGROUND
Van Damme is where coastal camping meets fern-lined forest trails. Located just outside Mendocino, the campground sits near a peaceful river and provides access to both beach walks and redwood groves. It’s a versatile campground—great for ocean kayaking, hiking, or simply enjoying the laid-back rhythm of the Mendocino coast.
- CAMPGROUND: Van Damme State Park Campground
- LOCATION: Little River, Mendocino County
- COST: $40+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome at campground and on beach, but not on trails
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
FOR MORE ON THE NORCAL COAST: 10 OUTDOORSY THINGS TO DO ALONG THE MENDOCINO COAST
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE CAMPING IN CALIFORNIA
The biggest piece of advice we would give you for camping in California is this: Plan ahead but be flexible. Some campgrounds in the state book out months ahead (especially the best sites), and some do not take reservations at all. Campgrounds that allow reservations will state on the website how far in advance sites are released for booking. Knowing in advance where you’d like to be and getting it booked is first choice, but having a Plan B can be a must. For exploring new campgrounds, we’ve been loving the app Campsite Tonight. On the paid version, there is also a feature that will find cancellations at campgrounds so you can book your ideal weekend.
Another consideration, contrary to popular belief, is weather. Waking up on a coastal bluff overlooking the ocean – but 30 mile-per-hour wind makes outdoor activities less enjoyable (in our opinion). Not to mention marine layer fog, temperature swings in the desert, and accounting for elevation, or just how much chillier it is under complete tree cover in the redwoods. Being prepared with appropriate clothing and gear can make all the difference on whether or not you actually enjoy your camping trip.
FINDING THE BEST CAMPGROUNDS IN CALIFORNIA
From oceanfront bluffs and redwood forests to desert boulders and alpine valleys, the best campgrounds in California reflect the incredible diversity of the state itself. These picks for 2026 aren’t about checking boxes or chasing trends—they’re about choosing places that make you slow down, look around, and fully experience where you are.
Whether you’re planning a single weekend away or mapping out future road trips, these campgrounds offer a starting point for memorable nights under the stars and mornings shaped by the landscape around you. California camping has something for everyone, and these destinations prove that sometimes, where you sleep is just as meaningful as where you explore.
CALIFORNIA BUCKET LIST MAP
Want to see these campgrounds as well as others and things to do nearby? If so, this map is for you. Not only does our bucket list map and guide to California have ALL the details and location info for California campgrounds we’ve been to, but it also has over 750 other points of interest in California in it. With all of the location specific details and information like GPS location, dog-friendliness, cost, and more. And with an itinerary creator, this map is the perfect trip planning companion.
Not much of a planner? No worries! We also have curated itineraries to make the planning process easier for you. And if that isn’t enough, book a call with us or have us create a custom itinerary for you! We are here to help!
Happy exploring!
