Camping in California state parks
California the golden state, with so much to offer. visit some of the most famous city’s in the world and enjoy the incredible nature at the same time. The best of both worlds in one place. Going camping is a very popular thing to do here amongst the tourists and even locals. Get lost in the incredible state parks. Some of the best camping spots described for you down below.
Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite national park
Stay in the middle of nature in Yosemite national park, next to the Tuolumne river. This area is well known for its mountain climbing activities.
This campground is big and partly reservations only and partly ‘’ first-come first-serve’’ policy. A little bit tucked away from the busy center of Yosemite but still offers access to the glacial fed lakes and the valleys and meadows of the high Sierra Nevada mountains. Camping is from $26 dollars a night for tent and RV sites without power. Each campsite contains a fire ring, picknick table and a food locker. Drinkable water is available and also flushing toilets. Opens from July till late September.
Cold Springs campground, Sequoia National park
Surrounded by high green trees and groves of aspen. Pick a site in the shade of the aspen or next to the Kaweah river. A remote campground tucked away in nature with a ‘’ first-come first-serve’’ policy. It’s almost a two hours drive from the main entrance. Rv’s and trailers are not allowed in this campsite. Nature lovers and fit people will be pleased to find a lot of hiking trails from here. A camping site will cost $12 dollars a night without power and seasonal water supply. Each campsite has a large food locker to protect the bears. Opens from May the 20th till October 14th.
Prairie creek, Redwoods state park
Golds bluff beach campground. You don’t need a tent or RV to enjoy this beautiful nature spot with it’s old redwood tree’s. Prairie creek redwoods state park protects a large percentage of old growth redwoods as well as the Roosevelt elk who are often grazing or resting nearby. The park is right on the coast just an hour of Eureka. Enjoy nature with horseback riding or beautiful hikes. The prices are from $25 dollars and reservations can be made from may 22nd till september 28th, outside of these dates there is a “first-come, first-serve” policy.
Also a very recommended campground is the Elk Prairie Campground. This Campground is for tents only and offers a lot of hikes nearby. Sleep under the canopy of tall pine and fir trees in the middle of nature. Be aware this is a wet coastal area, so make sure you have some waterproof clothing with you. Camping is from $35 dollars a night. Opens all year round.
Butte lake campground, Lassen volcanic National park
Along the shores of the Alpine lake you will find this beautiful campground. A perfect place for adventure seekers and nature lovers. This campsite is tucked away from the larger and busier campgrounds but still close to different types of hikes. Hike up Cinder cone, or take a swim in Bathtub lake. Camping is from $22 dollars a night unpowered, suited for tents and RV’s. Opens from June till October and needs to be reserved online. Has no drinkable water or flushing toilets.
Nevada beach campground, Lake Tahoe
be amazed by the largest Alpine lake in north America, Lake Tahoe with it’s blue water against the backdrop of the mountains, campsites nestled underneath the pine trees. This is a great spot for the ones who enjoy water sports. This beautiful and popular spot can get quite busy so make sure you reserve a spot in time, especially in the high season. Campsites are from $35 dollars a night for tents and RV’s. Opens May 15th till October 10th. Drinking water is available and showers.
Crystal cove state park
Take a two hours drive from Los Angeles and find yourself in the middle of nature. The perfect getaway from the busy city life. A hidden gem for the ones who love a good hike. A gorgeous spot for camping if you want to stay at Moro campground, from $55 dollars a night for tents or RV’s with water and toilets. Or sleep underneath the stars with your tent on a bluff overlooking the pacific ocean or overlook the El Moro canyon. Opens all year round.
Pfeiffer Big sur state park
Along the banks of the river among the redwoods and lots of other incredible canopy, you will find a large campground with different types of wildlife around you like, bobcats, black tail deer and gray squirrels. Hikers will be pleased to find lots of incredible hikes and scenic trails. Book a campsite from $35 dollars for a standard tentsite or $55 dollars for a riverfront site. There is access to water, showers and toilets. Opens all year round.
Mount Tamalpais state park
Just north of San Fransisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the deep canyons of Mount Tamalpais state park are filled with redwood forests, open grasslands and breath taking views. In the heart of Marin county you can chose from different kinds of campgrounds, some “first-come, first-serve” sites, at Pantoli or Bootjack campground, from $25 dollars a night. You can also make reservations at the Alice Eastwood or steep ravine cabins from $25 dollars a night.
Haypress campground, Marin headlands
Nestled in the heart of Tennessee valley and close to San Francisco. A walk in campsite for about 1.5 kms from the Tennessee parking area. This is a free campsite with a maximum stay of 3 nights. Get lost in the beautiful nature and discover lots of wildlife like, Bob Cats, deer and different kind of birds. Enjoy a night in nature and wake up with the sound of birds. Has no water facilities, toilets are available but are non flush toilets. Bookings are required especially in the high season. Opens all year round.
