There are many great California camping options, whether you’re looking for an adventure in the great outdoors or a more luxurious stay. From national parks to state parks, you’ll find plenty of places to choose from.
Shasta-Trinity National Park
The Shasta-Trinity National Park is a national forest covering over two million acres. This area is home to hundreds of lakes, waterfalls, and trails. The park is also home to some of the best fishing in California.
The forest has five wilderness areas, including Trinity Alps. These wilderness areas are known for their hiking trails and access to Trinity Lake. The Trinity Alps section of the forest is also home to several dispersed campgrounds.
The Trinity River campground is located along the main Trinity River. Ponderosa Pine trees surround the campground. This campground is also home to some of California’s best fishing for steelhead and salmon.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Located in the southern Sierra Nevada region of California, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer exciting Sierra recreation. These national parks feature an ancient scale, rugged foothills, and dozens of canyons. There are 240 caves within the parks and more than 800 miles of trails.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are primarily wilderness parks featuring the world’s largest remaining sequoia tree grove. Its rugged landscape features canyons, waterfalls, and lakes. Throughout the park, there are many hiking trails and campgrounds.
The parks are managed by the National Park Service, which has been jointly managing them since 1943. The parks offer hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and skiing. There are several visitor centers and camping facilities within the parks.
Gerstle Cove Campground
In Salt Point State Park, Gerstle Cove Campground is a great place to spend a few days. The campground is located along the coastal bluffs, ideal for those who want to watch the waves roll in. It also has some amenities to keep visitors comfortable, including potable water and flush toilets. However, it does have a reputation for being more prone to traffic noise. It also has some sites that are handicap accessible.
Gerstle Cove Campground also has a day-use parking lot, which is excellent for those who do not want to deal with the hassle of finding a campsite. The park is open year-round so you can plan your trip accordingly.
D.L. Bliss State Park
DL Bliss State Park is one of the most scenic state parks in the Lake Tahoe area. It is home to a variety of beaches and hiking trails. It is open to visitors between May and September. It is located on the western shore of Lake Tahoe.
DL Bliss State Park is the second most visited state park in the Tahoe area. The park includes over two hundred acres and is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Lake Tahoe region. It also has plenty of hiking trails, including the Rubicon Trail. There are also several designated picnic areas at the park.
Doheny State Beach Campground
Doheny State Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists in Dana Point, California. It is a 62-acre park that features a wide sandy beach. The campground offers RV and tent sites and is open year-round. The campground is located on the south side of San Juan Creek.
Doheny State Beach Campground has a variety of campsites, including beachfront sites, premium ocean-front sites, and RV Trailer only sites. Most of the campsites are situated close to the beach. The campground offers hot showers, restrooms, and a dump station.
Wawona Campground
Located in southern Yosemite National Park, Wawona Campground is on the park’s south side near the Merced River. It is a popular, year-round campground. It is a short drive from Wawona, the visitor’s center, and the Wawona Hotel.
Wawona Campground is a secluded location with easy access to the Merced River. This is the preferred camping spot for Yosemite hikers. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails here. You can explore trails in the area, including the Swinging Bridge Loop, a short 4.8-mile trek. There are also several moderate-to-strenuous hikes, such as Chilnualna Falls.
Alabama Hills Recreation Area
The Alabama Hills Recreation Area is a popular camping destination in Southern California. This area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). You can enjoy various outdoor activities here, including hiking, bouldering, and rock climbing. It’s also the perfect stop on your Southern California road trip.
Camping in Alabama Hills is free, but there are rules you must follow. Ensure you follow the principles of leaving no trace and preserving the vegetation. It’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing.
Alabama Hills Recreation Area is a wilderness area with large rounded rock formations. You can enjoy hiking, bouldering, and horseback riding. The area is also home to numerous natural arches. You can also hike to scenic alpine lakes.