Lakeside camping in California with fishing

Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.

94% (17604 reviews)
94% (17604 reviews)

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12 top lakeside campgrounds in California with fishing

97%
(100)

Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

109 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Joshua Tree, CA
Welcome to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your go-to destination for a unique and memorable camping experience in Joshua Tree. This family-owned and operated park offers breathtaking views from its 2,300 ft elevation, showcasing the beauty of the Mojave Desert and the surrounding mountains. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the area or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground has something for everyone. With panoramic views of the North face of Joshua Tree National Park, the ancient Copper Mountain Hills to the North and East, and exceptional desert vistas, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes wherever you look. Office Hours: 8:30 - 8 Sunday - Thursday 8:30 - 9 Friday and Saturday Check-in Begins at 12 PM. Checkout is at 11 AM. The campground is situated on the southern edge of the Mojave Desert and boasts some of the best stargazing opportunities in the region. With clear, unpolluted skies, you can enjoy the magnificent night skies and immerse yourself in the beauty of the stars. We want to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, so please take note of the following guidelines: Swimming is not permitted in the fishing lake and there is no swimming pool available. Pet owners will be pleased to know that their furry friends are welcome, but there may be an additional fee added to the reservation. Wi-Fi is provided by a third-party company and a separate service fee applies. Please note that we cannot guarantee the speed, rate, or troubleshooting of the Wi-Fi service. For your convenience, a wash station for dishes is available on-site, and the Joshua Tree Laundromat is located 9 miles away in downtown Joshua Tree. For campfires, it is important to keep them contained inside the designated burn barrels and never leave them unattended. In the event of high winds, campfire, and BBQ use may be suspended for safety reasons. So, pack your gear and head to Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, your favorite place to stay while you play in Joshua Tree. Experience the magic of the Mojave Desert and all its natural wonders, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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$15
 / night
98%
(201)

Musick Creek Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Shaver Lake, CA
Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres and lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 4800 feet (1.46 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including, but not limited to, hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, stargazing, and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, is still a dirt and gravel road. There are a few potholes and water bars. If you've rented a new Lamborghini, you should probably park on the asphalt, or use the Helicopter pad. The spigot provides excellent spring water. The water is flown in daily, condensed against Musick Mountain and filtered through acres of underground granite aquifers, where the minerals are added, raising the PH to around 9. The high PH helps rid the body of pollutants. I feel it is essential to the whole Musick Creek experience. We want you to leave here healthier and happier than when you arrived. There is trash and a composting outhouse on site. My wife and I stay here on site as long as the dog will allow it. We are at your service serve out heaping amounts of privacy or hospitality as we know how to read the room. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all three waterfalls and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and the sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here, and it is undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweatshirt is perfect most nights and not too hot during the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option compared to campgrounds and cabins in the area, which are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents, camping gear, blankets, etc. if you forget something. Musick Creek borders on a Nature Conservancy, The Musick Creek Confluence. Since nearly all proceeds from your support go to the preservation of the area and its ecosystem, It is crucial that we respect our downstream neighbors. Unfortunately, there was an incident where a large family had trash blowing downstream. I know that this is not the norm for Hipcampers. As we are the most respectful and best looking of all the camping crowd. Though some are better at the leave no trace policy than others. It is critical that we deposit all trash into the receptacle. There are garbage bins for your use next to the shipping container, and one can be put at your site upon request. Sasquatch has been known to rip the limbs clean out of the sockets of campers he/she/it has suspected of littering. I scolded the squatch one year bravely, I mustard up the courage to look him is his glowing eyes and demand he return those arms immediatly but when he/she/it tried handing back the arms to the campers... well Im sure you can see the problem there. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we are thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be careful during your stay. Rocks can be slick in the water, and when the moon is small, it is very dark. Some nights can be cold, and there are timber rattlers. Timber rattlers get huge and are green. Now if you've ever seen a pissed off rattlesnake coiled up and ready to strike, these are not them. They are not responsible for any bites dog or human year in and year out. I steped on a big one at night and it looked at me like it could not believe how rude and clumbsy I was to the point I took my hat off and apologized red cheeked and ashamed Now The Golden Bears or these new hybrid species that are caused from big bears having to migrate south due to environmentalism and bigger bears are mating with smaller bears making new species They will eat your skin first while the rest of you watches! Lol Im so only totally mostly kidding Please be advised that in the winter months of December through April, there will be no host on site, and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, visit https://musickcreekfalls.com. I just have to add, for anybody still reading, that Hipcampers are truly an amazing group of people. Maybe it's just that I get to meet you when you're on Vacation and down for anything, but I have not met a single Hipcamper I didn't like, which is incredible as I live out in the wilderness because I don't like people. You all have given me a renewed sense of community, and I am grateful for you all. There is absoloutly nothing I wouldnt do for you, and while you are my guests you are under mine and the forest protection. Protection from bordom , cold, hunger ,danger , mechanical mishap and Dick Cheney ,If you are friends of the falls, then you are my family. What's mine is yours, and the Falls is ours. The responsibility of preserving this place and this planet belongs to all of us as well. Thank you for your support, and thank you for being you, exactly as you are.
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$60
 / night
99%
(793)

Walden Ranch

2 sites · Tents300 acres · Linden, CA
Walden Ranch began with the purchase of a neighboring 20 acres. Couple that with the inspiration of Thoreau's lines and life at the real Walden Pond, the ranch has grown to nearly 300 acres and the small ranch pond has grown to a 5-acre lake with a 3-acre forest and home. Scouts, family and church groups use the site for gatherings. Available are canoes, bonfire, and exploring the ranch's 300-head cattle, llamas, poultry and wildlife. Pitch your tent in a forest setting alongside a lake on a working cattle ranch. Watch wildlife or hike to smaller lakes on the ranch. Other animals include dogs, llamas, geese, chickens, and  horses. The ranch is within a 20 minute drive to either Stockton or Lodi, CA and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and pastures.  Outdoor flush toilets, sink, tables and fire ring available. Forested area is set amidst grazing lands.  This "Walden" even has willow trees slipped from Walden Pond, MA. Owner looks forward to sharing this peaceful, special spot! 
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$30
 / night
98%
(571)

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA
Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.
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$40
 / night
95%
(2027)

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA
ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). These vehicles will not fit and can not cross over the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. Use caution - twisty narrow country road. If it's your first time you might want to check out the route ahead of time. From Sacramento on Hwy 50: At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road. Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday- Sunday. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents and Fire Station. The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, "Smoke on the Water" Diner. Open on weekends only. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay. Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. Sites are from post to post. Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions. Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions. Diner: https://www.facebook.com/smokeonthewaterplacervilleca 530-622-1060. The diner is only open Saturday and Sunday. NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
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$40
 / night
93%
(434)

Arber-Moore's Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Oak View, CA
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
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$69
 / night
97%
(263)

Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Somerset, CA
A six acre organic vineyard & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard. A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet. Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider! We welcome guests year round! Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do! Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons! Come relax☮️ March - May 🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers June - September 🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake September - December 🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest, apple picking and alpaca petting December - March ❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm. Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting. We have running water on the side of the winery building. Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show. We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours. We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests. We do not permit live fires or generators.
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$31.50
 / night
94%
(388)

Ascension Ranch

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Pilot Hill, CA
Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities. Family owned and operated, we want to be that breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life that everyone needs. With a serene environment, a healthy mix of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, there's a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. Some of the things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, ranch dogs, chickens, equestrian activities, hiking, biking, camping, archery, lake activities, amazing views, access to endless trails around Folsom Lake, grass-fed meats, fresh produce and of course, good company. Staying on the ranch can be as social, or as rural as guests choose. Camp alone, or bring others, whether it be your 4-legged companions or friends and family, we welcome all campers who respect and enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.
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$49.50
 / night
97%
(174)

Garden Goddess Farm

8 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Grass Valley, CA
Garden Goddess Farm is located in the Sierra Foothills on 6+ acres of organic edible gardens, manzanita, pines and oaks. The gardens and land help to support guests to unplug from business, bond with nature, explore homesteading practices, herbs and get inspired to learn how to grow your own food! (We can host up to 20 guests for reunions, anniversaries, birthdays and special celebrations. Message us to inquire! 100% of proceeds go to our youth program run by Honey Bee Foundation) Individuals, Couples and Families love the farm because of the quiet surroundings, great food and opportunity to learn about sustainable living. Farm is conveniently located 20 minutes from Auburn, Nevada City and Grass Valley. You do drive through a residential neighborhood to get to this unique location that has views of the forest, valley and Sierras. We are 60-90 minutes from Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Truckee and ski resorts. We have an on-site Personal Chef that is available to create Farm-Fresh Gourmet Meals, Culinary Homesteading Classes, Private Garden and Foraging Tours. We love celebrations and many guests come here to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, personal retreats and special occasions. Most guests opt in for farm-fresh meal samplers, but feel free to bring your own camp stove, ice chest and food to cook. Privacy and what to expect: Property is usually very quite and overlooks hundreds of acres of forest looking toward the Snow-capped Sierras in the Winter and Spring. We are located in a neighborhood (Alta Sierra- in between Auburn and Grass Valley). We ask that everyone uses soft voices since we are in a canyon and sound travels to a few neighboring houses. There are 5 Hipcamp sites on property, so we could have up to 20 guests in a weekend. There is a main farmhouse where the manager and culinary students reside. Chef Susan mentors teens at the local highschools and homeschools and loves to share her knowledge about the land. There is a Culinary Classroom, Upper Deck and Gardens to enjoy. If you have teenagers, they love it here! 1/2 Basketball court, cooking and foraging classes. Accommodations 1. The Enchanted Meadow Love Shack (sleeps 3) (190 square feet) 1 King Bed and 1 twin. It's about 200 feet from main farm house and traditional bathroom. The path to and from this unit is steep and a dirt path with many stairs. If you have a 4 wheel drive you can drive right up to the unit. Bring your own sleeping bag or sleeping gear. 2. The Love Shack Tree House and Tent site (sleeps 2) 1 queen bed and balcony that overlooks garden. There is a tree growing inside this unit. There are table and chairs so you can cook on the balcony or the bbq area about 30 feet from unit. So cool! Bathroom and cool shower are 50 feet down a dirt path. Additionally, there is an area to pitch a tent. For example if a family of 4 wanted to split up and 2 in treehouse, 2 in the tent area. There is an additional $18 per guest if you want to use the campsite in addition. Please bring your own sleeping bag or sleeping gear. 3. The Sunrise Suite (sleeps 2) 1 loft twin bed (must climb a ladder ) and 1 couch futon. There an area in front of the unit for 2 people to eat and sit. Common bathroom and shower are 20 feet away. 4. Enchanted Meadow with 3 Serenity Tent sites (max capacity 6) This beautiful spot is great for groups, couples and families. To access this serene, private, nature-rich area, be prepared to walk down a steep path. It only takes 5 minutes to walk down which is the easier part. Walking back up the trail you may feel winded since we are at 2,250 elevation. Best to pack a backpack with your gear if you don't want to make too many trips back and forth to your car unless it's part of your workout :) . There is an activity Teepee / Tipi and we encourage you to participate in the writing, arts and crafts projects! We have wildlife and bears may visit if you have accessible food. So bear-proof your food if at campsite or best to leave in car or farmhouse kitchen. When available, farm-fresh meals can be ordered and delivered to campsites. Otherwise you can prepare cooked meals up near main farmhouse. Other guests may be passing through on the nature trail during your stay but you have the ability to reserve the area as "Private" so no other guests will be visiting. $150/night for the 3 sites or $200/night to block off the entire meadow area for privacy. 5. The Big Deck Experience! (sleeps 2-4 adults. No children due to the height of deck and hot/cold tub) Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierras, valley and forest from the balcony. Couch turns into a comfortable bed for 2. For additional adults, you need to bring sleeping pads for on the deck. Enjoy meals at 1 or both of the large dining tables. Play the gong and do some sound healing! This space is part of the main farmhouse (owner's residence) and has a beautiful 75 x 15 foot redwood deck with views of the Sierras. This area can be blocked off for privacy from 7pm-10am. At 10 some other guests may come to the area for brunch. Manager and 2 other guests live in the main farmhouse, so this area is considered "semi-private" Other guests may access deck during the day (this is negotiable depending on situation) $ 225/night includes up to 4 adults and 1 Farm-fresh Happy Hour. Sample appetizers and beverages from the farm! Upper Deck/Balcony: If not reserved for a private party, you may enjoy the gongs, meals and play a game in the shaded sitting areas. There are 2 large tables for dining and a couch that seats 8 for relaxing. When not raining we have a rug out for yoga. Deck overlooks the organic demonstration gardens and fruit orchard. If available, you can book an educational or foraging tour with one of the farm volunteers. Fresh chicken eggs are usually available for purchase. Garden Goddess Farm is a great place for kids and adults to learn about nature, cooking, culinary arts, foraging, growing your own food, medicinal / culinary herbs and sustainable living. Manager, Chef Susan-Executive Director of the Honey Bee Foundation, is usually on-site is available to prepare meals. She graduated from UC Berkeley, is a Master Gardener and has additional certifications in Creating Sustainable Communities and Permaculture Design. She mentors teens in the culinary arts and entrepreneurship and is the author of 2 books available on Amazon. Nopales-No Problema - The Joy of Cooking with Cactus and Recipes from the Garden Goddesses for Cuisine, Health and Beauty. Nearby Attractions to research: Historic Empire Mine, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee and Auburn. Wine-tasting and local wineries. The beautiful South Yuba River or Bear River is a must-experience with their granite rocks and emerald pools. Scott's Flat Lake and other Fishing Lakes off of Hwy 20 (30-60 minutes), Trails for Mountain Biking and Hiking. Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Donner Lake (1 hour 15 min drive). What to bring to all accommodations: *If you are interested in ordering farm-fresh meals prepared by Chef Susan or assistant chefs you can reserve or let us know when you arrive and we can bill your Hipcamp account. Gluten-free, Vegan and Plant-based options available! If you plan on eating in town or cooking your own food bring: *Camping Stove with pan and cooking utensils *Sleeping bags and/or bedding *Ice chest with ice and food Pet Policy: - If you'd like to bring along your pet, we are happy to accommodate. Please add on the "pets" extra when you are completing your booking. This covers our pet cleaning fee. This is a must in order to bring your pet. - Please keep your pet(s) on a leash at all times - we have chickens and don't want them harmed or bothered. - Please bring your own bedding for pets Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to your stay!
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$55.20
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in California with fishing guide

Overview

Golden coasts. Redwood forests. Fiery desert canyons. Alpine lakes framed by snowy peaks. But the best memories are in the details—seeing a gray whale breach off the rugged north coast, feeling the sun on your face on a Southern California shore, or maybe enjoying s’mores beside the crystal waters of Lake Tahoe. Trails climb from campgrounds to immense granite domes in Yosemite while Joshua trees beckon for attention in the eastern deserts. The best part? There’s somewhere amazing to camp year-round.

Where to go

North Coast

Camping beneath redwoods—the tallest trees in the world—is a hard-to-beat highlight of the north coast. The majestic groves scattered across Redwood National & State Parks are an excellent choice for first-timers. Further south, from Eureka to Mendocino and eventually San Francisco, you’ll find a string of private and state park campgrounds tucked along rugged coastlines marked by bluffs, coves, dunes, and tidepools.

Central Coast

Stretching from Monterey south to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast scores points for scenery and variety. Plus, it’s a convenient escape from the urban hassles of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Redwoods, waterfalls, and windswept bluffs border Highway 1 in Big Sur, while waves crash beside state parks north of Santa Barbara. For a remote camping experience, campsites at Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Santa Barbara can oblige.

SoCal Beaches: Los Angeles to San Diego

The golden beaches of Southern California are the stuff of lazy days and pop songs. And fantastic camping for those inclined. The best campsites line-up beside the coast between Newport Beach and Dana Point in Orange County, with a few more perched on coastal bluffs north of San Diego. Not surprisingly, these oceanfront sites fill fast, so book early.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

Granite domes and lush Alpine meadows border campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, while enormous sequoias are the draw in Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. Campgrounds beside alpine lakes and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe are always postcard-pretty.

Southern Deserts

For surreal sunsets, striking rock formations, restless sand dunes, and spring wildflowers, head east. Nine campgrounds and plenty more right outside await at Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest spot in the U.S. Joshua trees and picturesque boulders keep Hipcampers happy at Joshua Tree National Park while Anza-Borrego Desert State Park serves up fantastic desert hiking outside San Diego. High season is late fall through spring, when temperatures are pleasant.

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