Camping › California
Camping in California
4,065 places to camp in California: 1,196 national forest and federal campgrounds, 46 state park campgrounds, 678 free dispersed and primitive spots, 2,145 private campgrounds and RV parks. The best camping months are May–Oct, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 85°F and lows near 55°F.
Best areas to camp
- Around Redlands230 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Truckee188 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Palm Springs175 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around South Lake Tahoe173 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Mammoth Lakes158 camps in the area within 25 miles
Questions
When is the best time to camp in California?
The best camping months are May–Oct, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 85°F and lows near 55°F.
Is there free camping in California?
Yes: 867 free or dispersed spots, mostly on national forest and BLM land.
Will I have cell signal camping in California?
At about 75% of camps, at least one carrier has 4G or better (FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous). Plan for no signal on trails.
Where are the darkest skies for camping in California?
1,497 camps sit under the darkest skies (class 1–2). See the stargazing page.
Filter by camp type, amenities and activities, fly over any camp in 3D, then plan your trip.
Open California in Find campsThis week's picks
A different handful each week. Tap a camp to see it from above, check the weather and plan the drive.
Mono CreekFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalMono Creek Campground is located in the High Sierras above Kaiser Pass. This quiet, remote campground is situated in a peaceful meadow near Mono Hot Springs at an elevation of 7,500 feet.…
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Wild Horse Equestrian FamilyFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalThe Wild Horse Equestrian Campground is one of a handful that is equipped for corralling horses in the beautiful pine-forested mountains of Southern California available by reservation and…
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BushytailFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalBushytail Campground is nestled in a grove of tall Douglas firs and Ponderosa Pines, just a short distance from Trinity Lake.
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Buckeye Flat CampgroundFederal campground · Reservable · No cell signalBuckeye Flat Campground is located in Sequoia National Park, in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The campground sits at an elevation of 2,800 feet, perched above the Middle Fork of the…
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Wheeler GorgeFederal campground · Reservable · No cell signalWheeler Gorge Campground is a great place for families to explore the Los Padres National Forest all year long. Informative tours of the area are led by forest rangers at the nearby visitor…
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Van Vleck BunkhouseFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalWinter guests take on a more challenging adventure and must traverse an approx. 6-mile trek with a 1,300-foot elevation gain to reach the bunkhouse. The route is marked by blue reflective…
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Wishon Bass LakeFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalWishon Campground is located across the street from Bass Lake. The camp is shady, due to dense stands of manzanita, oak, cedar and pine, and thick undergrowth provides ample privacy. Some…
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TanneryFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalTannery Gulch Campground offers four loops of sites shaded by a mix of conifer and deciduous trees on the shores of Trinity Lake. Three of the four loops offer scenic lake views.
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Free camping in California
867 spots cost nothing: dispersed sites on national forest and BLM land and free campgrounds. Most have no water or toilets, and stays are usually limited to 14 days.
- Sugar Pine Staging AreaFederal campground · Free · Cell signal
During the winter months, the American River OHV system may be closed after periods of heavy rain when soil moisture levels would likely result in trail damage if riding were to occur. For…
View camp → - Camino Cove CampgroundFederal campground · Free · Cell signal
Due to scheduled construction on North Union Valley Road, Camino Cove Campground will be closed for the 2019 camping season. Construction activities will cause the site to be inaccessible.…
View camp → - Thorn Meadows CampgroundFederal campground · Free · Cell signal
Jeffrey Pines and shaded camping area, high clearance vehicles recommended. Elevation: 5,000 feet. Facilities: 1 Pipe corral, No piped water, 4 stoves, 4 tables and 1 toilet. Location…
View camp → - Castle Lake CampgroundFederal campground · Free · Cell signal
Description: This small primitive campground is nestled in a thick mixed conifer forest approximately ¼ mile below Castle Lake. There are 6 sites with tables, fire rings and vault toilets.…
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