California is a beautiful state with a diverse landscape and climate, and camping in California, as you can imagine, is a beautiful thing.
You may find almost anything here, from the beaches and deserts of Southern California to the woods and mountains of Northern California.
Visit one of these state or national parks for a thrilling experience and stunning scenery.
We are sharing the details of camping in California in this article.
Summary
| Guide | Camping In California |
|---|---|
| Things to bring | Flashlight, batteries, etc. |
| Best Places to Visit near California | Yosemite, Monterey, etc. |
| Campgrounds | Prairie Creek Campground, Redwoods State Forest, etc. |
| Situated | California |
Camping In California
1. White Tank Campground, Joshua Tree National Park
In Los Angeles, the Joshua Tree is a famous climbing spot. This Park is only a short drive away, making it ideal for a weekend vacation.
People frequently make reservations months in advance, so the campgrounds fill up quickly.
It has just 15 open campsites, making it one of the most peaceful places to camp.
Unfortunately, this is a first-come, first-served campsite, so arrive early if you intend to spend the night.
Address: White Tank Campground, 2 White Tank Campground Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
2. Thorndike Campground, Death Valley National Park
From March to November, you may camp here and participate in activities like bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, climbing, off-roading, swimming, and even snow sports.
This campsite is a hidden gem in the heart of Death Valley, but it has limited space.
This is the most fabulous campground, but it is first-come, first-served, and only accessible to high clearance vehicles—four-wheel drive may be required during the winter months. It’s also completely free.
Address: DEATH VALLEY, California, 92328
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3. Camp4, Yosemite National Park
Climbers will recognize Camp4 as a historical monument. In the 1960s and 1970s, famous climbers like Warren Harding and Royal Robbins camped here.
The history of this campground is so significant that you can find this camping ground on the National Register of Historic Places.
This campsite is among big pine trees and magnificent fauna in the center of Yosemite, near Yosemite Falls.
This campground is notorious for being a bit noisier, wilder, and even referred to as a party zone, so it isn’t for everyone.
Be prepared for lottery systems, lineups, and in-person registrations if you want to get a campground here.
Unfortunately, your canine companion can not enter the premises. The registration cost was ten dollars.
Address: Northside Dr., Yosemite National Park, Yosemite, California
4. Prairie Creek Campground, Redwoods State Forest
If you’ve never visited the redwoods, you should add it to your bucket list. If you believe it’s simply a tree, you’re mistaken, unfortunately.
These majestic trees are steeped in history and will astound you with their size.
Prairie Creek is a family-friendly campground located in the center of the Park.
It is also an hour away from the shore. It offers limited parking but extensive bathing facilities with showers and flush toilets.
This campground has lots of potable water and is wheelchair accessible. Biking, hiking, fishing, geocaching, and windsurfing are popular hobbies.
Camping costs $35, but the tall pines and fir trees that shine brightly beneath the stars are well worth it.
Address: 9300 N Park Rd, Rogers, AR 72756,
5. Cold Springs Campground, Sequoia National Forest
This campground is near the Kaweah River and is open to tent camping in the summer.
If you decide to camp here, you will wake up to thick evergreens and magnificent footpaths.
This campsite is nearly two hours behind the Park’s entrance; thus, it is calmer.
The route leading there is so windy that RVs and trailers can not travel on it, and they are banned from traveling there.
Pit toilets and seasonal potable water are available, and entry to this tent-only campsite is only $12 per night.
There are 40 spaces available, nine of which are exclusively accessible by walk-in.
This is a first-come, first-served campground, so get there early if you’re interested.
Address: Mineral King Rd, Three Rivers, CA 93271
Best Places To Visit near California
Yosemite
Yosemite National Park has one of California’s most challenging natural settings, and the Park spans roughly 1,200 square miles of utter awe.
The Park also has towering waterfalls, millennia-old Sequoia trees, dramatic, intimidating cliff faces, and some of the country’s most unusual rock formations.
Despite its massive size, Yosemite Valley’s 8-square-mile region hosts most visitor activity.
Half Dome and El Capitan, two of the Park’s most iconic features, are located here, as are good hiking paths through the natural wonders.
Yosemite is accessible to even beginner hikers, with local adventure outfitters offering guided tours and climbing courses.
Monterey
The Monterey Peninsula is unlike everywhere else in California.
Time slows down here, the architecture is simple (except Pebble Beach mansions), and the lifestyle is a beautiful blend of SoCal laid-back and NorCal refined.
The town of Monterey attracts the majority of visitors on the peninsula’s northern side, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts the leisurely rich on the peninsula’s southern side.
The high cost of real estate contributes to the small-town vibe along Monterey’s breathtaking coastline.
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Checklist Before Camping In California
It is essential to know what you should bring when camping, especially if you are camping in an area you do not know or have no experience of.
That is why it always has to have a checklist before you start your journey. Here are some things to have in your camping in California.
- Backpack with waist straps
- Sun Protection
- Insulation
- Flashlight and batteries
- First-Aid Basic Care Supplies
- Fire
FAQ
Do I have to pay for camping in California?
In most places, you do not have to, but there are some places that you need to pay, of course.
Is camping in California dangerous?
If you are not in the wild where it is unprotected, no, it is not dangerous.
Do I have to bring everything myself when I am camping in California?
Depending on where you camp, you might not need to bring everything, like if you are camping in an area where some things are provided by the owner, you do not have to bring them.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
