California
Looking for the best camping in California? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around California. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Camping Spots in and near California
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Arnold, California
Hike the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees SP
5.01.7 mi / 40 ft gainWhen thinking of the iconic Sequoias of the Sierra Nevada, one usually thinks of Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. However, there is a often forgotten area of Giant Sierra Redwoods that gets far less traffic than the more popular groves. The North Grove Trail takes you through a grove of over 1...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Camp at Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree NP
5.0The Ryan Campground is but one of many beautiful campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located just south of the Hidden Valley use area. There are 31 sites as well as a horse camp. This campground does not have water, but does have pit toilets.For weekend trips into Joshua Tree, it is o...Read more -
Shaver Lake, California
Camp at Voyager Rock Campground
4.0The paved road ends at the Maxson Trailhead parking lot on the SE side of Courtright Reservoir. The adventure starts with a glance to the left, down a rock-strewn dirt track that leads off further into the wilderness. You're wondering, "Is that the trail?" and "Do I dare?"The Dusy-Ershim Trail of...Read more -
Lompoc, California
Camp and Surf Jalama Beach
4.3Take the 101 North out of LA and follow it till it meets back up with the 1 just south of Lompoc where you make a left turn onto Jalama Rd. If you forgot supplies, continue to Lompoc where you can buy whatever you need.Follow the winding road all the way to the beach, where your only option is th...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Hike to Pear Lake via the Lakes Trail
5.012.4 mi / 2300 ft gainThe Lakes Trail to Pear Lake can be done as either an overnight stay or a day hike. For overnight, you'll need to get a permit but there are beautiful camping spots available at both Emerald Lake and Pear Lake. As a day hike, plan to spend all day since you'll undoubtedly pause at each lake for...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Hike the Canyon Rim Route in Butano State Park
5.011.7 miLocated deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano S...Read more -
Orick, California
Explore the Prairie Creek Redwoods
4.1Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is located in Orick, CA about 50 miles North of Eureka, Ca and 25 miles South of Crescent City, CA. Take the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway exit off of Highway 101. Along this road there is a prairie where wild Roosevelt Elk can be spotted. They are wild so keep y...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack to Crystal Lakes
5.09.8 mi / 2200 ft gainThe trail to Crystal Lakes begins at the Timber Gap/Sawtooth Trailhead (7,800 feet elevation), which is located at the end of Mineral King Valley Rd. The trail immediately ascends through a meadow boasting dramatic alpine views and a roaring waterfall. Eventually you'll cross Monarch Creek and b...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Camp at Butano State Park
Butano State Park definitely flies under the radar. But for those who love quick escapes, small crowds, fun hikes, and beautiful redwoods, it's a favorite. The park features miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites. Restrooms with running water are provided. Drinking...Read more -
Garberville, California
King's Peak via Lightning Trailhead
5.04.79 mi / 1942 ft gainKing's Peak is the tallest peak in the King Range, the home of the famous and spectacular "Lost Coast". At an elevation of 4,000' and less than 3 miles from the ocean, King's Peak provides stunning views in all directions: of canyons, beaches, foggy valleys, and the many greenhouses that dot the ...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Rock Climb Locomotion in Joshua Tree National Park
5.0Locomotion is a great spot to set up for the day and enjoy the world class climbing that Joshua Tree has to offer. Camp at the nearby and coveted Hidden Valley Campground and you'll be within walking distance to Locomotion and a dozen other quality climbing spots. Joshua Tree really is a camping/...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Backpack to Garnet Lake
5.014 mi / 2030 ft gainAlthough this trip specifically describes how to get to Garnet Lake, there are several other pristine alpine lakes (Shadow Lake and Thousand Islands Lake) along this looped trail, only a few short miles away from each other, that are just as worthy if you have the time. A minimum of 3 days/2 nigh...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Seven Lake Loop in Lassen Volcanic NP
11.54 mi / 1545 ft gainThis hike is one of my favorites for when I only have a weekend to get my nature fix. To start off, visit either the Loomis Museum, Loomis Ranger Station, Butte Lake Ranger Station, Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Warner Valley Ranger Station, or Juniper Lake Ranger Station and pick up a wildern...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Buena Vista Lake via Chilnualna Falls Trailhead
24.64 mi / 5453 ft gainHiking and camping at Buena Vista Lake is a beautiful way to see the south side of Yosemite… the name says it all. With beautiful 360 degree views from Buena Vista Peak you get to look at the backside of Half Dome, up to Clouds Rest and all the domes and peaks in-between. You can reach the trail...Read more -
El Dorado County, California
Camp at Ice House Reservoir
4.01 mi / 1 ft gainDesolation Wilderness is just west of Lake Tahoe, a part of Eldorado National Forest. It's a very popular backpacking destination as the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail both run through the area. There are what seems to be endless amounts of mountain lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area w...Read more -
Madera County, California
Ediza Lake via Agnew Meadows
4.013.54 mi / 1804 ft gainStart at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. You will need to arrive before 7:30AM or take the Shuttle from Mammoth Mountain. Start out by heading north on the John Muir Trail. You will pass Shadow Lake; walk around the south side of the lake for mountain views. Then, follow the trail up Shadow Creek u...Read more