RV travel and destinations

24 Campgrounds That Prove California is the Best Place to Camp

Posted on May 19, 2023

24 Campgrounds That Prove California is the Best Place to Camp

Looking to camp in California?

You’re in luck.

This guide has California’s best RV camping spots, all located within the state’s most popular points of interest.

Whether you’re RV camping for a few days or a few weeks, this article has everything you’ll want to plan your perfect California road trip.

Let's get started!

Do you need an RV rental for your road trip? With RVezy, you can drive, tow, or get your RV rental delivered directly to your favorite campsite.

Campground categories

Map of the campgrounds

Best beachfront campgrounds

Doran Regional Park

201 Doran Beach Road
Bodega Bay, CA 94923

80 sites | full hookups | $50 to $90 per night

Why you should camp here

Doran Regional Park is located on the Sonoma Coast and is one of the only beachfront campgrounds in Northern California. This simple park is a local favorite because of its views of Bodega Bay, colorful sunsets, and easy beach access.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Dry campsites.
  • Potable water filling stations.
  • Restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated showers.
  • Dump station.

Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

165 S. Dolliver Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449

400 sites | full hookups | $70 to $95+ per night

Why you should camp here

Pismo Coast Village RV Resort has many of the amenities you'll need to have fun and feel comfortable during your stay. The resort has campsites with an ocean view, easy beach access, a heated swimming pool, a general store, a restaurant, an arcade, bike rentals, and much more. Plus, it's within walking distance of downtown Pismo Beach.

Best casino and RV resort campgrounds

Black Oak Casino Resort

19400 Tuolumne Road North
Tuolumne, CA 95379

75 sites | full hookups | $60 to $75 per night

Why you should camp here

Black Oak Casino Resort has something fun for the whole family. You can try your luck in the casino, take the kids bowling on the family-fun floor, play golf, and have top-notch amenities at your campsite. Black Oak Casino Resort truly lives up to the stay-and-play concept because once you're parked, you can ride the courtesy shuttle to and from any of the resort's attractions.

Pala Casino Spa RV Resort

11042 CA-76
Pala, CA 92059

100 sites | full hookups | $90 to $125 per night

Why you should camp here

Feel like relaxing? Book an RV site at Pala Casino Spa RV Resort, and you can pamper yourself and unwind. Pala Casino Spa RV Resort is an all-in-one casino, spa, campground, and hotel complete with restaurants and live entertainment.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Heated pool and spa.
  • Laundry, clubhouse, showers, and restrooms.
  • Proximity to the casino, restaurants, and entertainment areas.

Best campgrounds next to a river

Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground

1661 Klamath Beach Road
Klamath, CA 95548

47 sites | full hookups | RV sites start at $48 per night

Why you should camp here

Kamp Klamath RV Park and Campground is the closest RV park to Klamath River Beach, sandbar, and river mouth. The park's location makes it the perfect base camp to visit some of California's outdoor spaces, like Redwood National and State Parks, Fern Canyon, and whale-watching viewpoints.

  • Reservations are required.
  • Back-in or pull-through sites with full hookups, TV, and Wi-Fi.
  • General store.
  • Staff concierge recreation services.
  • Dog friendly.

Clio's River's Edge RV Park

3754 CA-89
Clio, CA 96106

200 sites| full hookups| $45 to $65 per night

Why you should camp here

Clio's River's Edge is located along the Middle Fork of the Feather River and is close to over 100 lakes and fishing streams. You'll find spacious sites inside the campground, an off-leash dog park, a playground, and family-fun activities like horseshoes, corn hole, and bocce ball.

  • Open from April through October.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Back-in and pull-through sites have various features and amenities.
  • Dog friendly.
  • Monthly discounts are available.

Best campgrounds with a spa

Sam's Family Spa and RV Resort

70875 Dillon Road
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241

200+ sites | full hookups | $60-$70 per night

Why you should camp here

There isn't a better way to relax after a long day of driving or towing an RV than to soak in a hot mineral bath or book a massage at Sam's Family Spa and RV Resort. Sam's RV Resort is located 14 miles from Palm Springs, and it's the ideal location to set up camp and rejuvenate your body and soul. Plus, it has something for the whole family to enjoy. You can sit quietly by the koi pond or play games at the horseshoe pit, grass volleyball court, or playground.

Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort

1500 Spa Road
Niland, CA 92257

Why you should camp here

600+ sites | dry and full hookup sites | $30-$130 per night

Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort, located at the base of the Chocolate Mountains near the Salton Sea, is the desert oasis you've been dreaming about. The RV resort is more than a place to set up camp. Fountain of Youth offers planned activities, a pancake breakfast, on-site massages, natural springs, mineral baths, plus live entertainment.

  • Reservations are required.
  • RV and car wash facilities.
  • Tennis and pickleball courts.
  • Swimming pool, hot tubs, steam rooms, and mineral pools.
  • Extended stays are available.

Best luxury RV campgrounds

Emerald Desert RV Resort

76000 Frank Sinatra Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92211

255 sites | full hookups | $90-$100 per night

Why you should camp here

The Emerald Desert RV Resort is an RV resort with top-notch amenities for travelers of all ages. The resort is close to upscale retailers in the downtown shopping district and Joshua Tree National Park, so you have various options regardless of your camping style. In addition, the RV resort has planned events and activities all year, and outdoor activities like pickleball, bocce ball, and tennis.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Fenced-in dog parks with pampered pooch packs for your dog.
  • Pool cabana rentals, a heated pool and spa for families, and a separate pool and spa area for adults.
Visiting Joshua Tree National Park? Check out our guide, Things to Do Near Joshua Tree National Park.

Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay

825 E Street
Chula Vista, CA 91910

130+ sites | full hookups | $100-$150 per night

Why you should camp here

Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay is the perfect destination for RV lovers seeking a blend of comfort, adventure, and relaxation. This campground has luxury amenities, poolside cabana rentals, and a bistro. Plus, it's located near some of San Diego's popular attractions, like the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Standard, premium, and deluxe full hookup sites.
  • The campground has a laid-back atmosphere for relaxing, walking and biking trails, on-site basketball and pickleball courts, and corn hole.

Best campgrounds for families

Jellystone Camp Resort Tower Park

14900 CA-12
Lodi, CA 95242

200+ sites | full hookups | $130-$250 per night

Why you should camp here
Jellystone Camp Resort Tower Park is a fun-filled family destination with two heated swimming pools, a lazy river, a water playground, a mini-golf course, laser tag, gem mining, a jumping pillow, and much more. Even though the park caters to families, there are plenty of activities for adults, like arts and crafts, boat rentals, and proximity to Lodi Wine Country.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Deluxe campsites have a patio, fire pit, and outdoor furnishings.
  • Modern conveniences like golf cart rentals, an outdoor theater, a restaurant, a party room, and a snack shop.

Campland on the Bay

2211 Pacific Beach Drive
San Diego, CA 92109

500+ campsites | beachfront camping | $80-$520 per night

Why you should camp here

Campland on the Bay is an all-ages campground that blends fun family activities with elements of relaxation. Located on the shores of Mission Bay, Campland has some of the best campground views on the coast, plus it's close to attractions like SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and San Diego area beaches.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Sites have a picnic table, fire pit, and options for dry camping and partial or full hookups.
  • Playground, activities for kids, equipment rentals, a skateboard park, and miles of biking and walking trails nearby.
  • Ice cream parlor, cantina and bar, and live entertainment.

Best desert campgrounds

Furnace Creek Campground

Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, CA 92328

79 trailer and RV sites| some full-hookup campsites | $16-$36 per night

Why you should camp here

Furnace Creek Campground is located in Death Valley National Park, and it's an excellent place to stay if you want to visit Badwater Basin, Ubehebe Crater, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Even though Death Valley is known for being the lowest point in North America, you shouldn't ignore the high points, either. Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Association Gold-Tier Dark Sky Park and one of the best places in the country to stargaze.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required during peak camping season. All other times of the year, campsites are first come, first served.
  • Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire grates, and the campground offers well-maintained restrooms, potable water stations, and a dump station.
  • Cell phone service is available in the campground.

Jumbo Rocks Campground

Joshua Tree National Park
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

124 sites| no hookups | $20 per night

Why you should camp here
Jumbo Rocks Campground is one of the best desert campsites if you're looking for an unforgettable experience in an otherworldly landscape. The campground, located inside Joshua Tree National Park, is close to off-road and hiking trails, rock climbing areas, Skull Rock, and photography hot spots. Plus, it's one of the best spots in the park for stargazing.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring.
  • All campsites are dry, and there is no dump station or water available in the campground. Arrive with a full water tank.
  • Vault toilets.
  • No cell phone service is available at the campground.
Planning on staying at one of these national park campgrounds? Before you go, check out our complete guide for RV camping in the U.S. national parks.

Best campgrounds for golfers

Likely Place Golf and RV Resort

1255 Likely Place
Likely, CA 96116

55 sites| full hookups | $43 to $50 per night (golf packages available)

Why you should camp here

Likely Place RV and Golf Resort is the perfect mix of relaxation and recreation. This facility has an on-site golf course and activities for the whole family. During your stay, you can go fishing, birdwatch, bike, hike, and go off-roading if you have an all-terrain vehicle. Even though there is so much to enjoy at the campground, you won't want to miss the little town of Likely with its general store, saloon, quilt shop, and homemade gift store.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • All sites have 30- and 50-amp service, picnic tables, and fire rings.
  • Restaurant, laundry facility, clean restrooms, and showers.

The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course

2255 Di Giorgio Road
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

160 sites| full hookups | $49 to $150 per night

Why you should camp here

Experience a rejuvenating stay at The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course, a relaxing oasis amidst the Anza-Borrego Desert. This award-winning RV resort offers an impressive array of amenities, including a 9-hole championship golf course, and is just a short drive from the park's trailheads and visitor center. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort also features luxurious comfort amenities, such as mineral hot springs and soothing spa services, ensuring a memorable stay for campers.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required. Weekly and monthly rates are available.
  • Spacious campsites with full hookups and top-notch amenities.
  • On-site golf course, fitness center, swimming pools, and tennis courts.

Best campgrounds in the Napa Valley wine region

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

3801 St Helena Highway
Calistoga, CA 94515

30 sites| no hookups | $43 per night

Why you should camp here
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is the perfect escape for campers who want to camp in wine country. This serene campground is nestled amongst towering redwoods and picturesque vineyards and has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a swimming pool. Plus, it's only a short drive from world-class wineries, gourmet restaurants, and charming towns.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • All campsites have a grill, fire ring, and a picnic table.
  • Potable water, restrooms, and coin-operated showers near the campsites.
  • Planned activities and park events offered during peak season.

The RV Park at Napa Valley Expo

606 CA-121
Napa, CA 94559

28 sites| full hookups | $40-$70 per night

Why you should camp here
Stay at the Napa Valley Expo RV Park in the heart of California's famous wine country. At this campground, you'll be within walking distance of the wine train, downtown Napa's charming shops, tasting rooms, and exquisite dining options. The RV Park offers essential amenities to make your stay comfortable, and its location is ideal for exploring the area via the Silverado Trail.

  • Open most of the year.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Full-hookup campsites with 30- and 50-amp electricity.
  • Restrooms, showers, and a dump station on-site.

Best campgrounds in the Central Coast wine region

Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground

180 Avenue of Flags
Buellton, CA 93427

320 sites | full hookups | $100-$200 per night

Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground is located in the Santa Ynez Valley near award-winning wineries, restaurants, guided horseback tours, and Avila Beach. The RV resort is spectacular with its sparkling pools, splash pad, well-equipped gym, outdoor games, children's playground, and a designated dog walking area.

Why you should camp here

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Full-hookup RV sites with 50/30/20-amp service, water, and sewer connections.
  • Campsite amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Comfort features like clean restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities.
Want a unique camping experience? Become a Harvest Hosts member, and you can stay overnight in your RV for free at over 4,000 Harvest Host member wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, farms, and more.

Yanks RV Resort

1005 Yanks Way
Greenfield, CA 93927

110 sites | full hookups | $65 to $85 per night

Why you should camp here

Yanks RV Resort is a beautifully landscaped resort with luxurious facilities. The Olympic-sized pool, fitness center, game room, playground, and designated dog-walking area will help you feel at home on the road. One of the best features is this park's proximity to the Monterey Peninsula, Pinnacles National Park, and California's Central Coast world-class wineries.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Full hookup RV sites, including 30- and 50-amp electric service, water, and sewer.
  • Campsite amenities include picnic tables, a BBQ grill, and a fire ring.
  • Comfort features include bathhouses, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi access.

Best campgrounds in the South Coast wine region

Pechanga RV Resort

45000 Pechanga Parkway
Temecula, CA 92592

210 sites | full hookups | $75 to $160 per night

Why you should camp here

Looking for a luxurious outdoor experience with all the comforts of resort living? Pechanga RV Resort has top-notch amenities like a pool, spa, and an on-site gas station. Conveniently located in Temecula, this RV resort offers easy access to the wine country, Pechanga Casino, golf courses, and shopping venues. The resort is pet friendly with two fenced dog parks, and when you're not letting your furry friend play, you'll find a fitness center, horseshoe pit, and a pickleball court.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and 24-hour security.
  • Modern clubhouse with billiards and a big-screen TV.

Paradise by the Sea RV Resort

1537 S Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92054

90 sites | full hookups | $90 to $130 per night

Why you should camp here

At Paradise by the Sea RV Resort, you can enjoy a range of amenities designed to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The resort has a heated pool and spa, a clubhouse with a game room, and a fitness center. For families, there's a playground and a basketball court. There are also multiple pet-friendly areas for your furry friends. In addition to the resort's amenities, Paradise by the Sea is conveniently located near local beaches, Oceanside Harbor, Legoland California, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Full hookup sites with 30- and 50-amp electric service.
  • Premium sites with ocean views are available.
  • Paved roads and landscaped grounds.

Best California state park campgrounds

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Orick, CA 95555

Why you should camp here

Ancient redwood forests and serene meadows surround Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. When you stay here, you'll be close to the California coast, can hike through picturesque trails, and watch for wildlife like Roosevelt elk and various bird species. The park's most notable feature is Fern Canyon, a one-mile trail flanked by ferns and other greenery that sparkle when the sun hits the water droplets on the plants.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are recommended.
  • All campsites have a picnic table, fire ring, and food storage locker.
  • Coin-operated showers, restrooms, and potable water stations are available on-site.

Castle Crags State Park

20022 Castle Creek Road
Castella, CA 96017

76 sites| no hookups | $25 per night

Why you should camp here

At Castle Crags State Park, you'll have a chance to reconnect with the outdoors, explore the scenic hiking trails, and set up camp in a beautiful location. The park is best known for its proximity to the 6,000-foot-tall granite spires of the Castle Crags Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail, but the park itself is nothing short of spectacular.

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are recommended.
  • Sites have a picnic table, food storage locker, and fire ring.
  • Flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and drinking water are available within the campground.
What's it like camping in a state park? Check out our comprehensive guide on RV Camping at State Parks to find out!

Let's go camping

Ready to plan your California campout? Whether you plan an epic road trip or want to rent an RV in California and explore some of the best campgrounds in the state, we've got some helpful guides to get you started.

How to Use the RV Hookups in a Campground
How to Find an RV Dump Station Near You
The Best RVs for First-Time Renters and Owners
RV Must-Haves for a Successful Road Trip

Header photo taken by ©welcomia via Canva.com

Meagan Butler
Meagan Butler

Meagan is a glitter-loving, trailer-towing RV content writer. When she's not camping in her Winnebago Solis, she spoils her dogs, takes landscape photography, and supports the RV community.

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