California is home to over 110 state parks and 19 national forests, offering thousands of campsites across beaches, deserts, and alpine terrain. Data from the California Department of Parks and Recreation shows that more than 6.5 million campers visit these sites annually, making it one of the most popular camping destinations in the U.S. From coastal bluffs to Sierra peaks, here are some of the state’s most remarkable campgrounds backed by natural and historical significance.
Island Escape at Channel Islands National Park
Accessible only by boat or plane, Channel Islands National Park preserves five rugged islands and hosts 145 unique plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. Scorpion Ranch Campground on Santa Cruz Island is the most popular, with opportunities for kayaking among sea caves and spotting the endangered island fox. The park limits visitor numbers to reduce ecological impact, making camping here both exclusive and environmentally significant.
Lakeside Getaway at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Lake Oroville, California’s second-largest reservoir, offers 167 miles of shoreline and over 200 campsites. What sets it apart is the option of floating campsites—platforms anchored on the lake that provide a rare on-water camping experience. Anglers are drawn by the lake’s healthy populations of chinook salmon and bass, while nearby Loafer Creek Campground connects campers with over 15 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Gold Rush Legacy at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
Once the site of the largest hydraulic mining operation during the Gold Rush, Malakoff Diggins features dramatic manmade canyons carved by water cannons in the mid-1800s. Today, its campground offers access to 20 miles of trails and a preserved 19th-century ghost town called North Bloomfield. The park provides an unusual mix of outdoor recreation and history, allowing campers to explore both California’s mining heritage and Sierra Nevada landscapes.
Redwood Majesty at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park protects some of the world’s tallest trees, including coast redwoods reaching over 370 feet. Elk Prairie Campground sits near herds of Roosevelt elk and connects directly to 75 miles of trails. Campers can hike Fern Canyon, a lush gorge with 50-foot fern-draped walls featured in Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World.
Desert Nights at White Tank Campground
Located inside Joshua Tree National Park, White Tank Campground is known for its dark skies, making it one of the best stargazing spots in Southern California. At just 15 campsites, it offers a quieter experience compared to larger grounds. Campers have direct access to Arch Rock Trail and massive granite boulders popular with climbers. The International Dark-Sky Association has recognized Joshua Tree for its exceptional night skies, adding to its appeal.
Rugged Coastline at Sonoma Coast State Park
Stretching 17 miles along the Pacific, Sonoma Coast State Park features several campgrounds perched above dramatic cliffs and sandy coves. Bodega Dunes Campground offers 99 sites with easy access to Salmon Creek Beach, a prime spot for birdwatching and whale migration viewing between December and April. The park’s marine environment supports tidepool ecosystems, making it a favorite for naturalists as well as casual beach campers.
Forest Hideaway at Hendy Woods State Park
Hendy Woods in Anderson Valley protects 80 acres of old-growth redwoods, some more than 1,000 years old. Its two campgrounds, Azalea and Wildcat, offer year-round camping sheltered within towering groves. The Navarro River runs nearby, providing fishing and swimming opportunities. Hendy Woods is also significant for preserving the cultural history of the “Hendy Hermit,” a Russian immigrant who lived in the park’s hollows during the 1960s.
High Sierra Escape at Tuolumne Meadows Campground
At nearly 8,600 feet elevation, Tuolumne Meadows is Yosemite National Park’s largest campground and a base for alpine adventures. Open seasonally from late June to September, it provides access to the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail. The area’s glacial meadows are dotted with wildflowers in summer, while nearby Cathedral Lakes and Lembert Dome hikes showcase Yosemite’s granite peaks with fewer crowds than the valley floor.
Coastal Retreat at Refugio State Beach
Refugio State Beach, located 20 miles west of Santa Barbara, offers a rare chance to camp just steps from the Pacific. Its 66 campsites line a sandy cove shaded by palms, providing direct access for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. The area is also a hotspot for marine life viewing, with frequent sightings of dolphins and migrating gray whales. The park is part of the California Coastal Trail, connecting campers to scenic biking routes.
Alpine Adventure at Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake, situated at 6,700 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, is Southern California’s most accessible mountain camping destination. Serrano Campground, with 132 sites, is the only one directly on the lake’s shoreline, offering kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The area receives over 100 inches of snowfall annually, making it popular for winter camping and snowshoeing, in addition to summer water activities.
Gateway to Mount Whitney at Whitney Portal Campground
At 8,360 feet, Whitney Portal Campground serves as the trailhead for the 22-mile round-trip hike to Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S. (14,505 feet). With 43 campsites surrounded by granite cliffs and waterfalls, it’s both a destination for high-altitude camping and a staging ground for summit attempts. Due to heavy demand, permits are required not only for camping but also for the hike, with lotteries often filling months in advance.
