The Best Camping in California

Posted Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Eric Karjaluoto

I’m one of the two people working on Campnab. I like to run, ski, bike, and camp with my family and friends. (I love saunas.)

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Camping in California is out of this world. You can camp under the world’s tallest trees, return to the deserts of the Wild West, dive into crystal-clear alpine waters, or simply marvel at those brave enough to ascend El Capitan. Me? I’ll probably head to the beach, crack a beer, and watch the sunset.

Folks camp year-round in California (admittedly, this happens more on the coast than up in the mountains). The mild southern oceanside temperatures are one thing; another is the wild diversity of geography, features, animals, and plants. From zebras (seriously) to Spanish missions, and a glass beach, California brings its share of surprises.

This past year, we asked Campnab members to share their thoughts on the best places to camp. Many of them shared their experiences about camping in California, in our Community. Here are the parks that currently top the list, ranging from California State Parks to national parks in California.

California’s best camping

Yosemite National Park photo credit: Jeremy Bishop

1. Yosemite National Park

With over 4 million annual visitors, Yosemite (originally known as “Ahwahnee”) is in extremely high demand. As such, you need to plan, be super flexible, and probably scan for canceled campsite reservations at Yosemite. If you get a spot, you can witness Yosemite’s granite cliffs, waterfalls, and famous landmarks (El Capitan, Half Dome) by day—while stargazing or spotting moonbows at night. In the morning, you can hike the 800+ miles of trails.

Yosemite holds great biodiversity. Habitats range from foothill chaparral to conifer forests to alpine settings. Over 7,000 species (~20% of California’s plant species) are in the park. There are 500 giant sequoias at Yosemite. These trees live for thousands of years. Over 500 species call Yosemite home, including the California wolverine, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, the Pacific fisher, and 300 – 500 bears. Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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San Elijo State Beach photo credit: Unseen Beaches

2. San Elijo State Beach

Originally home to indigenous peoples, including the Kumeyaay and Luiseño, San Elijo is easy to access, given its proximity to San Diego. Campers can enjoy surfing, kayaking, walking the beach, or lounging in this Mediterranean-like climate. In the evening, they can dine on seafood, pizza, or something fancy at the nearby seaside town of Cardiff. There are many notable attractions within driving distance of the park.

There are just 156 campsites at San Elijo State Beach—these range from basic campsites to premium oceanfront ones with hook-ups and 6 ADA campsites. The campground offers hot showers, restrooms with flush toilets, an amphitheater, and a gift shop. You can reserve San Elijo campsites up to six months before your arrival date. Keep your eyes peeled for seagulls, urchins, jellyfish, sea lions, and dolphins.

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South Carlsbad State Beach photo credit: Samantha Fortney

3. South Carlsbad State Beach

Family-friendly and extremely popular, Carlsbad State Beach is on a five-mile stretch in Carlsbad, where campers camp on a bluff with ocean views. A set of stairs leads down to a sandy beach perfect for running, surfing (at South Ponto Beach), fishing, and beach-combing. You can even watch whales during migration seasons.

The state park’s 215 campsites vary from inland campsites to oceanfront campsites—and a group campsite. Some of South Carlsbad’s campsites offer hook-ups. The campground offers bike trails, day-use areas, restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas, and a camp store and campfire center. Across the highway, you can watch the birds and enjoy the tranquility of Batiquitos Lagoon.

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Doheny State Beach photo credit: Guilherme Almeida

4. Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach (or “Doho”) was established in 1931 and is the first state beach in California’s state park system. Located in Orange County, Doho is near several surf spots and beaches, including Salt Creek Beach, Baby Beach, and Capistrano Beach. Visiting campers enjoy camping close to the beach and playing with their paddleboards and kayaks.

As one of the state’s most popular beaches, nearly 1 million people visit annually. Campsites sell out fast! Doheny is popular among surfers. Beginners appreciate the park’s smooth and gentle waves. The park also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, beach volleyball, and a visitor center with a world-class aquarium. You can enjoy the Festival of the Whales and the Surf and Art Festival in the spring.

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Carpinteria State Beach photo credit: Keara Turner

5. Carpinteria State Beach

Head 12 miles south of Santa Barbara , and you’ll find Carpinteria, established in 1932. This 62-acre park is famous for its tide pools, seal rookery, and nearby tar pits. Families love camping at this state beach for its mild climate (daytime averages between 60° – 80° F) and calm waves, where they can swim, fish, or saunter along the 4,685+ feet of beachfront. Perhaps take a short walk into the town of Carpinteria and explore.

Campers can choose from 211 campsites ranging from bike/hike-in sites to ones with full hook-ups. The campground offers restrooms, showers, picnic areas, a fire center, a visitor center, an interpretive play area, and numerous accessibility features. The park offers educational programs about the local area, flora, and fauna. Visitors often see seals, sea lions—and the occasional gray whale—crabs, octopi, and Snowy Plovers.

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Joshua Tree National Park photo credit: William Foley

6. Joshua Tree National Park

800,000 acres. That’s the size of Joshua Tree National Park, which is much more diverse than you might imagine. Aside from its iconic desert landscape and Joshua trees, the park encompasses three ecosystems: the Little San Bernardino Mountains, the Colorado Desert, and the Mojave Desert. The park’s clear skies come alive at night due to minimal light pollution, offering stargazers breathtaking views.

People have lived in the Joshua Tree region for over 5,000 years. By the mid-late 1800s, gold discoveries drew miners to the area. Cattlemen brought their cattle to graze on the park’s native grasses. Today, massive boulders attract climbers to the park. Hikers, too, visit to explore the over 191 miles of trails. Campers often stay for the sheer beauty of the park. Over 3 million people visited Joshua Tree in 2022.

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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park photo credit: Juliana Littig

7. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

After settling in the area, the Pfeiffer family welcomed travelers into their cabin, which evolved into a resort in 1908. John Pfeiffer later sold 700 acres to the state for preservation purposes, which led to the creation of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Today, visitors can enjoy the park’s redwood groves, hiking trails, waterfalls, river access—and dramatic coastline. Park inhabitants include bobcats, black-tail deer, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and birds.

Sometimes referred to as “mini-Yosemite”, the park has three campgrounds: Main Camp, Wayland Camp, and South Camp. Pfeiffer has 189 campsites; some can accommodate RVs up to 32' in length. Campsites contain a table, grill, and fire ring. Potable water, flush toilets, hot showers, a camp store, a laundromat, and a dump station are also available. Also in the park is Big Sur Lodge. Make your reservations early, as the park books up fast. (Please note that the park has no beach or ocean access.)

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Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit photo credit: Tim Peterson

8. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Established 50 years ago, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit covers over 156,000 acres. Visitors can take in stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains—and hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities. You’ll appreciate the access to beaches and mountain trails and the vibrant wildflowers in the spring and summer. Lake Tahoe is remarkably clear due to its geology. The lake reaches a depth of 1,645 feet.

Campers can apply for a wilderness permit to enter the backcountry or stay at one of the park’s established campgrounds. Campsites vary from tent facilities to ones suited to RVers. Full-service cabins are also available. No dispersed camping is available in this park, and year-round fire restrictions are in place.

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Los Padres National Forest photo credit: Mick Kirchman

9. Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres’ Kirk Creek Campground perches you on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. That said, some parks are so rich in offering that the camping almost seems secondary. Los Padres is home to diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, hot springs, scenic rivers, and seemingly endless (~1.75 million acres) backcountry. Its many trails (219 in total) allow for various ways to explore, ranging from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding.

The forest’s ecosystems include marine habitats, grasslands, semi-desert areas, and 18,900 acres of old-growth forests. More than 468 fish and wildlife species live in the forest. You might spot pigeons, doves, and marine birds in the park. There are also efforts to provide habitat and restore endangered species, including California condors, peregrine falcons, bighorn sheep, Southern California steelhead trout, and many endangered plants.

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Crystal Cove State Park Beach Cottages photo credit: Matt Artz

10. Crystal Cove State Park Beach Cottages

Originally built between 1920 and 1940, the cottages at Crystal Cove have been restored to reflect the 1935 – 1955 era. These historic cottages are right on the beach and have a unique charm. There are only a small number of individual cottages and dorm-style accommodations. So, cross your fingers, say a little prayer, and perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to book one for a night or two.

While visiting the park, you can enjoy the 3.2 miles of sandy beaches, tide pools, ocean vistas, and scenic hiking trails (the park offers 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness). Try snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, or mountain biking. Or check out nearby Laguna Beach, which is 10 minutes away by car. The on-site Beachcomber Cafe and Bootlegger Bar offer up eats and drinks.

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So, those are the best 10 parks in California according to folks in the Campnab community. How do you feel about their selections? Accurate? A bit off? Way out? Well, you needn’t keep your opinion to yourself. Review a park and your take will help inform updates to this article.

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The Best Camping in California

Eric Karjaluoto

Other recommended articles

California’s best camping

1. Yosemite National Park

2. San Elijo State Beach

3. South Carlsbad State Beach

4. Doheny State Beach

5. Carpinteria State Beach

6. Joshua Tree National Park

7. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

8. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

9. Los Padres National Forest

10. Crystal Cove State Park Beach Cottages

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