The 5 Best Places to Camp in California this Summer

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When it comes to variety, California really does have it all. If you are looking to camp in the mountains or fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean waves, California is the place to go. There are National Parks, State Parks and private campgrounds that offer everything from riverside campsites to hike-in only sites overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. In reality there are hundreds of fabulous places to camp in California but here are 5 of the best places to camp in California this summer.

1. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is visited by more than 3 million visitors a year. They come to see the beauty of Yosemite Falls, El Captain and Half Dome. Some come just to enjoy the views while others come to hike, bike and climb, a little something for everyone. Staying right in the park at one of the many campgrounds is a wonderful way to enjoy the park. There are 13 different campgrounds including some that have large RV sites and others with smaller tent pads. A few of the Campgrounds are closed due to the Covid closures, but there are still plenty to choose from. Visit the Yosemite National Park Campground website for all the details about each campground. Here are the basics:

2. Lake Tahoe: Nevada Beach Campground

The beautiful Lake Tahoe is a favorite vacation spot for many. There are several campgrounds on the shores of the lake, but Nevada Beach Campground is one of the best places to camp in California this summer. Sitting on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, you know you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets over the lake, right from the campground. You might even get to see a bald eagle fly over your site. Some of the sites have lake views while others are nestled in the woods for more privacy. The campground is a National Forest Service campground so you know the hiking and wildlife will be amazing.

3. Redwood National Forrest and Park

You can look at photos of the Redwood National Forest, but until you stand next to an enormous redwood you can’t fathom their actual size. If you want to camp among the redwoods there are four different campgrounds at the Redwood National Forest and Park. Each campground has sites with picnic tables and fire rings as well as restrooms and showers. The Jedediah Smith Campground is right on the banks of the Smith River and the Gold Bluffs Beach one has access to a secluded beach. They all have amazing hiking trails, but be sure to make a trip to the “Big Tree” an area with several of the tallest, biggest trees in the park. It is located in the Prairie Creek State Park.

4. Golden Gate National Recreation Campgrounds

Do you want to sleep under the Golden Gate Bridge? The Golden Gate National Recreation area is right next to the Golden Gate Bridge just outside of San Francisco. There are four different campgrounds located in the Marin Headlands along the coast on the north side of the bridge. The Kirby Cove Campground has access to Kirby Beach overlooking the bridge. All of the campgrounds are small and some require a hike to get to so plan ahead. You also need to bring in your own water, but the seclusion and the views are worth it.

5. Big Sur: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Big Sur is about half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, right on the coast. The Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has hiking, biking, fishing and swimming. There are multiple riverside campsites for RV’s and tent camping. Make this your homebase so you can enjoy hiking to the Pfeiffer Falls or take a short drive down to Pfeiffer beach to swim and see the arched rock formations. You can drive up the coast to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to see the Elephant Seals when they come ashore between late November to mid-February. You may also be able to spot dolphins, sea otters and killer whales!