BEST CAMPGROUNDS IN CALIFORNIA WITH HIKING TRAILS

You don’t have to see much of our content to realize that we love camping and hiking. So naturally we really love when there is a hiking trailhead right from the campground. We love not having to pack up our site and drive to the hiking trails. Being able to put on our boots at our campsite and hit the trail immediately is an absolute luxury. After camping up and down the state, we’ve rounded up the best campgrounds in California with hiking trails.

And to be clear––we are not talking about backpacking here. No backcountry, no permits, and no carrying all of your gear on your back. These are all established, reservable campgrounds with day-hiking trails. So, whether you’re looking for volcanic landscapes, coastal views, towering redwoods, desert adventures, or mountain scenery, these campgrounds make it easy to spend more time exploring and less time driving. There’s something special about rolling out of your sleeping bag, making a cup of coffee, lacing up your hiking boots, and hitting the trail without ever starting your car.

Additionally, we look for campgrounds that offer memorable hiking experiences. Some lead to waterfalls, others to volcanic craters, ocean overlooks, redwood groves, or desert oases. The common thread is that every campground on this list makes hiking a seamless part of your camping experience.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Northern California is home to some of the state’s most diverse landscapes, from volcanic terrain and alpine lakes to rugged coastlines and towering redwood forests. These campgrounds provide easy access to some of the most unique hiking trails in California, allowing campers to explore directly from their campsite. We have many more areas of Northern California to conquer, so here are our favorites… so far.

BUTTE LAKE CAMPGROUND

Neither getting to this campground, nor this hike, are for the faint-hearted. Located in the remote northeastern corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Butte Lake Campground is one of our favorite campgrounds in California for adventurous hikers. Surrounded by ponderosa pines and situated near the shores of Butte Lake, the campground feels secluded despite being home to one of Lassen’s most iconic hikes.

The highlight is the Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes Trail, which begins directly from the campground area. The hike climbs a massive volcanic cinder cone before rewarding hikers with sweeping views of the colorful Painted Dunes below. One of those views that feels other-worldly.

MANZANITA LAKE CAMPGROUND

As the largest campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Manzanita Lake Campground has easy access to hiking while providing some of the best views of Lassen Peak. The campground’s location near the lake creates a peaceful atmosphere and serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the park.

The Manzanita Lake Loop is an easy trail perfect for sunrise walks, evening strolls, or families looking for a scenic hike without significant elevation gain. The lake is also popular for fishing and other water activities. We opted for a morning coffee walk, and it was stunning!

GREATER SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

It is still hard to grasp just just how big the Greater Bay Area is. So while you might say “this isn’t the Bay Area”, we promise you––it is. Some of the best campgrounds in California are located within a few hours of San Francisco. From coastal bluffs and beaches to redwood forests and mountain peaks, these campgrounds offer incredible hiking opportunities without requiring a long road trip. Which is actually one of the best things about the Bay Area.

STILLWATER COVE CAMPGROUND

Stillwater Cove Campground is one of Sonoma County’s gems. This small campground sits near a protected cove where redwood forests meet the Pacific Ocean, creating one of the most scenic camping experiences on the Northern California coast. It can be a little tight here, but the nearby trails make it worth the stay.

The Stillwater Cove Canyon Trail begins right from the campground and winds up along a forest that follows the Stockhoff Creek, making it a perfect short hike for campers. In the opposite direction, the trail winds down to the secluded Stillwater Cove which is perfect for a peaceful ocean wind-down. We have done this hike three times now, and it will not be our last.

GUALALA POINT CAMPGROUND

Located where the Gualala River meets the Pacific Ocean, Gualala Point Campground offers a unique blend of forest, river, and coastal scenery. The campground’s peaceful setting makes it an excellent place to slow down and enjoy nature. Find out more about this spot here: CAMPING AT GUALALA POINT REGIONAL CAMPGROUND.

The Gualala Point Trail provides easy access to beaches, ocean overlooks, and river views, making it one of the most enjoyable hikes along the Sonoma Coast. We enjoy walking from the campground to the bluffs to try and spot whales migrating or deer grazing.

GERSTLE COVE CAMPGROUND

Situated within Salt Point State Park, Gerstle Cove Campground offers access to one of the most rugged stretches of coastline in California. Dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and unique sandstone formations make this area especially popular with hikers and photographers.

The hike to Stump Beach showcases some of the best coastal scenery in Sonoma County and can be accessed directly from the campground. It’s also perfect for wildlife viewing.

RITCHEY CREEK CAMPGROUND

In one of the most unlikely of places, tucked among redwoods in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Ritchey Creek Campground offers a completely different experience than the nearby vineyards Napa Valley is known for. The campground feels surprisingly secluded despite its location in wine country.

The Ritchey Canyon Trail provides a peaceful forest hike with moderate elevation gain and plenty of shade throughout the route. Because this park is sort of hiding in plain sight, it offers a much quieter and peaceful camping and hiking experience. It’s also a very cost-effective stay for your future Napa visits––you won’t find any nightly rates this low at nearby hotels.

SPRING LAKE CAMPGROUND

Spring Lake Campground is a favorite among locals thanks to its convenient location and extensive trail network. Located near Santa Rosa, the campground combines easy camping access with excellent hiking and outdoor opportunities. If you get the chance to camp here in the summer, the obstacle course in the lagoon is a MUST.

The Lake Ilsanio route offers a longer trail experience through oak woodlands and rolling hills, making it a great option for campers seeking a more substantial hike.

KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND

Few campgrounds in California can compete with Kirby Cove’s views. Located beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, this tent-only campground offers one of the most iconic camping experiences in the state. Planning a visit here? Check out our full article for more details: CAMPING UNDER THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE: KIRBY COVE CALIFORNIA.

The hike to Battery Spencer rewards campers with spectacular views of the bridge, San Francisco skyline, and Marin Headlands. And for those feeling more adventurous, this is a great basecamp to a number of different trails in the Marin Headlands. (But also that view from camp isn’t so bad either, is it?)

JUNIPER CAMPGROUND

Located high on Mount Diablo, Juniper Campground offers panoramic views stretching across much of Northern California. The campground’s elevation provides cooler temperatures and incredible sunsets. Whether you hike your not, the panoramic views of the entire Bay Area are worth the stay alone.

The Juniper and Summit Loop gives hikers a challenging route with rewarding views from one of the Bay Area’s highest peaks. Typically hiking the Summit Trail requires a 7+ mile hike with an elevation gain of 2,152ft. Not exactly a soft adventure. But from this campground, it is a much more manageable hike, and allows you to experience the best views.

VALLEY VIEW CAMPGROUND

Located within Mount Madonna County Park, Valley View Campground is surrounded by redwoods and oak forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The campground offers a peaceful atmosphere and a variety of camping options, including campsites, RV sites, and yurts. Read more about it: MOUNT MADONNA COUNTY PARK: CAMPING WITH THE GHOSTS OF THE MILLER ESTATE.

The Amphitheater and Valley View Trail system provides excellent hiking opportunities directly from camp, including access to the “haunted” Miller Estate. And the trails are all dog-friendly!

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

The Central Coast is one of those areas that is constantly calling us back. And now that Highway 1 has re-opend, the drive there just got much more scenic. Central California offers some of the state’s most iconic hiking destinations, from Big Sur’s dramatic coastline to ancient redwood forests and volcanic plugs rising out of the Pacific.

GRAHAM HILL CAMPGROUND

Graham Hill Campground in Felton serves as the perfect basecamp for exploring Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Towering redwoods surround the campground, creating an immersive forest experience. It recently re-opened after being closed for a few years due to storm damage.

The Redwood Grove and Cowell Highlights Loop showcases some of the park’s (and state’s) most impressive trees and is one of the best redwood hikes in California. This hike also takes to a lookout with valley views and in the distance you can see the Pacific ocean gleaming in the sun.

PFEIFFER BIG SUR CAMPGROUND

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in California, and for good reason. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring Big Sur. And surrounded by redwoods and the Big Sur River, the campground feels like a true wilderness escape. Get all the info here: PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK: THE ULTIMATE BIG SUR CAMPGROUND.

The Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a short but rewarding hike leading to a beautiful waterfall tucked within a redwood forest. Camping or not, it’s one of the best trails to hike in the Big Sur area.

MORRO BAY CAMPGROUND

Morro Bay Campground in Morro Bay State Park offers a unique combination of coastal camping and hiking opportunities. This campground does not offer much barrier between sites, so it can feel a bit crowded. That being said, it’s location beside Morro Bay, the campground provides easy access to beaches, birdwatching, and scenic viewpoints––while also still being close to town.

The Black Hill Trail delivers panoramic views of Morro Bay, Morro Rock, and the surrounding coastline. And the trail is accessible right from the campground, which means you can get there before it gets too busy.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Southern California’s campgrounds offer a completely different hiking experience from Northern California. Here you’ll find desert landscapes, oceanfront trails, dramatic rock formations, and year-round opportunities to explore the outdoors. Less rugged coastline, more sandy beaches. Less moody fog, more California sunshine.

LEO CARRILLO CAMPGROUND

Leo Carrillo State Park combines inland camping with easy coastal hikes. The campground sits just inland from the beach, making it easy to spend the day exploring tide pools and oceanfront trails. While you’re here, keep an eye out for the wild Nanday parakeets.

The Bluff Trail offers incredible coastal views with very little effort, making it perfect for families and casual hikers. At lower tides, you’ll even find beach caves to explore. But make sure to plan accordingly with the tide schedule. We also recommend walking down to the shore at sunset for a great show.

MALIBU CREEK CAMPGROUND

Malibu Creek Campground is famous for its dramatic rock formations and beautiful canyon scenery. And for being a filming location for shows like MASH! Located just outside Los Angeles, it feels surprisingly remote. You can also find the wild Nanday parakeets here!

The Rock Pool Loop is one of the park’s most popular hikes and showcases many of the area’s most scenic features, including some of the filming locations. It’s a relatively easy hike right from the campground and an absolute must.

JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND

If you’ve ever seen photos of Joshua Tree National Park, there’s a good chance they were taken near Jumbo Rocks Campground. Massive boulder formations surround the campground, creating a truly unique camping experience. This campground is easily one of our favorites in the state.

The Skull Rock Trail begins nearby and offers one of the easiest ways to experience Joshua Tree’s famous landscape. While visitors normally park and line up to see this roadside attraction, being able to hike to instead makes it much more enjoyable to experience.

BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND

Black Rock Campground provides access to some of Joshua Tree’s best (and lesser visited) hiking trails while offering more vegetation and shade than many areas within the park. This campground is said to have the highest density of Joshua Trees in the national park, and yet no one’s talking about it!

The Black Rock Canyon Trail showcases desert flora, mountain views, and classic Joshua Tree scenery without the crowds. We only recently found out about this area of the park, and fell in love with it immediately.

BORREGO PALM CANYON CAMPGROUND

Located in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground provides access to one of Southern California’s most famous desert hikes. We did not know what to expect from this campground, but what we can say is that we were completely blown away. And that was before (and after) the 70-mph wind-storm.

The Borrego Palm Canyon Loop leads hikers through a dramatic desert canyon to a rare palm oasis hidden within the rugged landscape. We had a little trouble finding where to cross to get to the end of the hike but we sure enjoyed the journey and cannot wait to revisit!

TIPS FOR CAMPING AND HIKING IN CALIFORNIA

Many of the best campgrounds in California require advance reservations, especially during weekends and summer months. If a campground is on your bucket list, booking early can make a huge difference. As can mid-week stay flexibility. But in the event you find booked campground after booked campground, you can set Cancellation Alerts on an app called CAMPSITE TONIGHT. This app also allows you to search for campgrounds across all the different counties, regions, state and national parks––saving you tons of time you could be spending packing your car.

• Start hikes early whenever possible. Not only will you avoid the hottest part of the day, but you’ll often enjoy quieter trails and better wildlife viewing opportunities and always carry more water than you think you’ll need.
• Download trail maps before arriving. Many of California’s best campgrounds have limited or nonexistent cell service, making offline maps essential for both navigation and safety, and check trail conditions before your trip.
• Pack layers for changing conditions. California’s weather can vary dramatically depending on location and elevation. A campground may be warm and sunny while a nearby hiking trail is windy, foggy, or significantly cooler.
• Bring proper footwear. Even short hikes can include rocky terrain, loose gravel, roots, or steep sections. Comfortable hiking shoes can make a huge difference on the trail.
• Store food properly at camp. Many California campgrounds are home to wildlife, including bears, raccoons, squirrels, and ravens. Using food lockers and following campground regulations helps protect both animals and campers.

And whether you’re at the campground or out on the trail, LEAVE NO TRACE. Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and respect wildlife so these incredible camping and hiking destinations remain beautiful for future visitors.

BEST CAMPGROUNDS IN CALIFORNIA WITH HIKING TRAILS

While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it is an example of just how diverse California is. Whether you’re exploring volcanic landscapes in Lassen, hiking through towering redwoods in Big Sur, or wandering among giant boulders in Joshua Tree, these destinations prove that some of the best campgrounds in California offer much more than just a place to sleep. By choosing campgrounds with trailheads right outside your campsite, you can spend less time driving and more time doing what you came for—exploring California’s incredible outdoors.