California’s epic deserts, mountains and beaches—and some next-level national parks—mean it’s basically camping heaven. You can pitch a tent among the redwoods, hike to a scenic overlook, or camp right on the beach (with a sunset soak in the hot springs at Esalen, for example). Plus, it wouldn’t be California if camping wasn’t diverse: campgrounds here lean towards very rustic for a back-to-nature experience and others have a little more luxe.
You can camp in a tent or rent an RV, yurt, cabin or tipi. Some campsites are managed by the government, while others are privately owned. Depending on your location and your plans, you can also opt for dispersed camping—or boondocking—in areas outside of official campgrounds. This is legal as long as you stay within certain distances of springs, streams and water sources and follow the Leave No Trace principles.
Some campgrounds have amenities like flushing toilets and warm showers. Glamping, or glamourous camping, is another option that’s becoming increasingly popular with families and couples alike.
The demand for California’s campsites is high, and many of them are booked months in advance. The state’s large population and popularity as a vacation destination contribute to the limited supply. If you want to ensure a spot at one of California’s beautiful state and national park campgrounds, reserve your site early, and be sure to check that the campground has a reservation system. This will prevent you from getting turned away on your trip day if all the sites are full.
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