Best Campgrounds in California: 2026 Guide

No other state offers the sheer variety of camping landscapes that California does. In a single week-long road trip, you can wake up on a wind-swept island overlooking the Pacific, drive through the agricultural heart of the Central Valley, climb into granite-walled Sierra Nevada canyons, and descend into sunbaked desert. California's 440-plus reservable campgrounds span coastal rainforests, alpine lakes, volcanic highlands, and everything between — making it less a single camping destination than a continent compressed into one state line.

Why California Stands Out

Ecosystem diversity is the defining feature of California camping. The coast delivers fog-draped mornings and crashing surf. The Sierra Nevada offers granite peaks and sapphire lakes above 7,000 feet. Northern California's volcanic landscape around Shasta and Lassen feels almost otherworldly. And the southern deserts provide stark beauty and some of the clearest night skies in North America. This diversity means California has a campground for every season — when the Sierra is buried under snow, the desert blooms; when summer crowds pack Yosemite, the northern forests remain quietly accessible. With over 440 campgrounds to choose from, the hardest part is narrowing your list.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Anacapa Island Campground

Accessible only by boat from Ventura, this Channel Islands campground rewards the journey with clifftop sites and sweeping Pacific views. After scaling the stairwell from Landing Cove, campers find a bluff-top perch unlike anything on the mainland — pure island solitude with migrating whales visible from your tent.

Alpine View Campground

Nestled in the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area at 2,400 feet, Alpine View combines lake access with forested seclusion. The Trinity Alps Wilderness is nearby, offering backcountry exploration for those who want to push deeper into northern California's wildest terrain.

Almanor Campground

This large family-friendly campground on beautiful Lake Almanor near Chester provides direct lake access and room for groups of all sizes. Volcanic Lassen Peak looms to the east, and the surrounding Plumas National Forest offers miles of quiet trails through mixed-conifer forests.

Alpine Meadow Campground

Close to Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Reno but blissfully off the beaten path, this Martis Creek area campground offers hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking in a peaceful setting that feels miles from the nearest casino or ski lodge.

Ackerman Campground

A lakeside favorite among anglers in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Ackerman sits on the shores of Trinity Lake. The surrounding mountains and clear water create a stunning backdrop for fishing, swimming, and kayaking through the summer months.

Ahart Campground

Perched on the tree-covered banks of the North Fork of the American River near French Meadows Reservoir, Ahart provides riverside camping about 40 miles from Foresthill. The area is a gold rush history corridor wrapped in Sierra Nevada wilderness.

Appletree Campground

Nestled in a scenic canyon just off the Big Pines Highway near Wrightwood, Appletree provides a relaxing destination for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Angeles National Forest setting offers easy access from the Los Angeles metro area without feeling urban.

Acorn Campground

In the brush-covered Sierra Nevada foothills near Valley Springs, Acorn Campground delivers warm, dry conditions ideal for spring and fall camping. The rolling landscape and nearby New Melones Lake make this a versatile base for water sports and hiking.

Agnew Horse Camp

In the spectacular Reds Meadow Valley near Mammoth Lakes, this equestrian camp provides access to some of the eastern Sierra's most stunning backcountry trails. Even non-riders will appreciate the dramatic volcanic landscape and proximity to Devils Postpile National Monument.

Antlers Campground

Situated on a bluff above the Sacramento arm of Shasta Lake near Lakehead, Antlers offers beautiful lake views and serves as a launching point for exploring California's largest reservoir. Houseboating, fishing, and water skiing are all within minutes.

Planning Tips

Match the season to the region. Sierra campgrounds are typically open June through September; coastal and desert sites often shine in spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Reserve early for summer. California's most popular campgrounds book up six months in advance — set calendar reminders for reservation windows. Bring layers everywhere. Even in summer, coastal fog and mountain evenings can drop temperatures 30°F from daytime highs. Check fire restrictions. California's fire season can limit campfires and even close areas — always verify current conditions before your trip.

Find More California Campgrounds

Explore all California camping options on our California campgrounds page, or browse our full campground directory to plan your next Golden State escape.