The best camping spots in California: from Yosemite to Big Sur
20 june 2026 в 19:37
The best camping spots in California include Yosemite with its granite cliffs, Big Sur with its ocean cliffs, Joshua Tree with its desert boulders, the National and State Redwood Parks with ancient forests, Emerald Bay with views of Lake Tahoe, and Catalina Island for coastal adventures. California offers a variety of camping styles: from beach and mountain to desert camping, camping in redwoods, by lakes, in RVs, primitive camping, and backpacking, all within one convenient travel-friendly state.
When planning a camping trip in California, it’s important to consider the region, season, and reservation system. Campgrounds in state parks typically open for reservations on ReserveCalifornia six months before the arrival date, while many federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and may have park-specific reservation timelines.
Yosemite National Park is one of the best camping destinations in California due to its stunning granite walls, waterfalls, access to rivers, forest campgrounds, and famous trails. The Upper Pines campground is particularly convenient for beginners, as it is located in Yosemite Valley and offers paved roads, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, food lockers, and shuttle access near the Curry Village.
Reservations for campgrounds in Yosemite require advance planning. Reservations for non-lottery campgrounds open at 7 AM Pacific Time, with many selling out within minutes. Major campgrounds in the valley, such as Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines, typically release spots five months before arrival on the 15th of each month.
The best campgrounds in Yosemite include: Upper Pines for convenience, Lower Pines for valley access, North Pines for scenic riverside settings, Wawona for access to Mariposa, Hodgdon Meadow for a quieter base on the west side, and Tuolumne Meadows for summer camping in the high country. There are no hookups at campgrounds in Yosemite, and overnight parking in vehicles is only allowed at registered campgrounds.
The best time for camping in Yosemite is from late spring to early fall for most visitors. Waterfalls are prominent in spring, summer access is full but demand is high, and fall brings cooler nights and fewer people. Food storage is a serious issue here: each campground has a food locker, and food, trash, and scented items must be locked away when not in use.
Camping in Big Sur is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy redwoods, scenic coastline, access to rivers, and views of the Pacific Ocean all in one trip. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is best suited for families and beginners, as it offers developed camping in a wooded area, while Kirk Creek campground is better for those wanting dramatic ocean views from an open cliff.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is extremely popular, and reservations can fill up six months in advance, even outside of peak summer. The park uses ReserveCalifornia, and campgrounds cannot be reserved online or by phone within 48 hours of arrival.
Kirk Creek campground is one of the most scenic coastal campgrounds in California, as it is located on an open cliff about 30 meters above sea level. The campground offers stunning ocean views, toilets, but no drinking water, and the number of sites is limited, so it’s important to bring water and reserve in advance.
The best time for camping in Big Sur is from spring to fall. Summer fog can appear, winter storms can affect roads and access, and fire restrictions can change quickly. Campers in Big Sur should always check road conditions, fire regulations, and campground notifications before traveling along Highway 1.
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best camping spots in California due to its desert landscapes, boulder fields, rock climbing, photography, and night skies. Jumbo Rocks campground is a classic choice for those wanting to sleep among massive rock formations, while Indian Cove is popular among climbers and campers looking to enjoy the dramatic desert surroundings.
Reservations are required at Indian Cove, Black Rock, and other campgrounds
When planning a camping trip in California, it’s important to consider the region, season, and reservation system. Campgrounds in state parks typically open for reservations on ReserveCalifornia six months before the arrival date, while many federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and may have park-specific reservation timelines.
Yosemite National Park is one of the best camping destinations in California due to its stunning granite walls, waterfalls, access to rivers, forest campgrounds, and famous trails. The Upper Pines campground is particularly convenient for beginners, as it is located in Yosemite Valley and offers paved roads, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, food lockers, and shuttle access near the Curry Village.
Reservations for campgrounds in Yosemite require advance planning. Reservations for non-lottery campgrounds open at 7 AM Pacific Time, with many selling out within minutes. Major campgrounds in the valley, such as Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines, typically release spots five months before arrival on the 15th of each month.
The best campgrounds in Yosemite include: Upper Pines for convenience, Lower Pines for valley access, North Pines for scenic riverside settings, Wawona for access to Mariposa, Hodgdon Meadow for a quieter base on the west side, and Tuolumne Meadows for summer camping in the high country. There are no hookups at campgrounds in Yosemite, and overnight parking in vehicles is only allowed at registered campgrounds.
The best time for camping in Yosemite is from late spring to early fall for most visitors. Waterfalls are prominent in spring, summer access is full but demand is high, and fall brings cooler nights and fewer people. Food storage is a serious issue here: each campground has a food locker, and food, trash, and scented items must be locked away when not in use.
Camping in Big Sur is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy redwoods, scenic coastline, access to rivers, and views of the Pacific Ocean all in one trip. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is best suited for families and beginners, as it offers developed camping in a wooded area, while Kirk Creek campground is better for those wanting dramatic ocean views from an open cliff.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is extremely popular, and reservations can fill up six months in advance, even outside of peak summer. The park uses ReserveCalifornia, and campgrounds cannot be reserved online or by phone within 48 hours of arrival.
Kirk Creek campground is one of the most scenic coastal campgrounds in California, as it is located on an open cliff about 30 meters above sea level. The campground offers stunning ocean views, toilets, but no drinking water, and the number of sites is limited, so it’s important to bring water and reserve in advance.
The best time for camping in Big Sur is from spring to fall. Summer fog can appear, winter storms can affect roads and access, and fire restrictions can change quickly. Campers in Big Sur should always check road conditions, fire regulations, and campground notifications before traveling along Highway 1.
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best camping spots in California due to its desert landscapes, boulder fields, rock climbing, photography, and night skies. Jumbo Rocks campground is a classic choice for those wanting to sleep among massive rock formations, while Indian Cove is popular among climbers and campers looking to enjoy the dramatic desert surroundings.
Reservations are required at Indian Cove, Black Rock, and other campgrounds
© Kolganov Andrey
