It’s incredible to think that in just one state, you can camp up high in the snow, down low in thick green forests, in deserts or at the beach. California has it all. In this blog, I’ll show you some of the best free, cheap and expensive campsites that you can visit in California. Quick note, the Bureau of Land Management is a government agency charged with basically creating laws to manage the natural and wildlife in the country. If a campsite is BLM approved, rest assured that you can go there and camp anywhere. Here we’ll explain an area and do our best to offer the best campsite, whether that’s an actual site or maybe somewhere you should visit yourself. Remember, it is so important to leave no trace of your camping trip. Pick up your trash.
Desert Campsites
1. The Alabama Hills
The Alabama Hills are located south of the Sierra National Forest and West of the Death Valley. Visitors here can enjoy incredible sights and entertainment including touring movies sets and going horseback riding. The peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the Inyo mountains were formed 100’s of millions of years ago and they are truly a sight to behold. You have the choice here to camp slightly off road for a night staring at the mountains and the sky or to camp at dedicated campsites along ‘Movie Road’. Some of the campsites, which are BLM approved, include Tuttle Creek and the Inyo National Forest Lone Pine campground.
2. Sawtooth Canyon Campsite, Mojave Desert
Camping in the desert is a unique experience. Located in the Lucerne Valley off of Highway 247, Sawtooth Canyon looks like a scene straight out of a Western Film. The best time to try this is in the cooler times of the year because of the extreme dry heat, but the vastness of the desert and the reflection of light from the sand into the sky makes a camping trip to the desert something truly unique. It is so quiet and peaceful. Sawtooth Canyon has a number of BLM approved campgrounds and they are mostly located near a climbing wall named ‘Boy Scout Wall’. They have brilliant amenities such as firepits and ready-made BBQ grills. Hunting, rock climbing and hiking are very popular in this area.
3. The Pads at Death Valley
The Pads at Death Valley are a unique BLM approved camping spot in the world’s hottest area. They are just off highway 190 and very close to the East Side of the Death Valley National Park entrance. Originally a small mining town, it was deconstructed and only the foundations of homes and buildings are left now. These foundations have become The Pads. Blocks of flat concrete where you can pitch your tent or park your RV. Again, due to the vastness of the desert around here, the night sky is outstanding. People regularly see other planets and shooting stars. Another must see if you want a unique desert experience.
Mountain Campsites
4. Keysville, Lake Isabella
Moving away from the desert a little, Keysville is a small area east of Bakersville on highway 178. In Keysville, there is a small lake called Lake Isabella and lots of BLM approved camping sites including the Recreation Site and the Sandy Flat campground. You can swim and fish in the lake while looking at the snow covered mountains of the Sierra Nevada. There is so much to do here including visiting hot springs and white water rafting. The climate is far more manageable than the humid desert air.
5. Williams Hill, Big Sur
Just south of the ‘Big Sur State Park’ is the Williams Hill recreational area. This is a free, BLM approved campsite right on the edge of a mountain. While the drive up may be a bit nerve wrecking, the views and peace will all be worth it. You can go up to about 2,700 feet in altitude and the whole valley is below you. Biking and horseback riding are some of the activities you can get up to while during your down time.
6 .Yosemite National Park
There are many different sites in Yosemite. It is such a big area and wild camping isn’t fully legal or recommended. It can very difficult to get a ticket for any Yosemite National park campsite but if you do you have some of the best camping sites available to you. They all range on the spectrum of things to do because of the sheer size of Yosemite National Park. The Upper Pines campground has some incredible views of the valley and has quick shuttle buses to the best sites around. While at the south of the park, ‘Roomy Sites’ has some family friendly campsites and cabins for you and your family to explore the Sequioa trees. This area is great for those who want to explore the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
7. Ventana Campground, Big Sur
Located 30 miles south of Carmel, this campsite is one of the best in America. You camp right under the redwood trees and can choose to pitch your own small tent or go all out glamping. You can only camp here with tents and not RV’s but you can park the RV right down the road. The Big Sur is where the huge redwood trees meet the sea. There’s just so much to do around this area including hiking and following the wildlife. The very popular Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is just up the road with lots of things to do. Ventana is relaxed and you feel like you are staying right in the middle of nature because of the forest around you. There are lots of small shops around the area too.
Beach Campsites
8. Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe
Located south of the lake on highway 89, Emerald Bay State Park is truly a place that you need to see to believe. It is absolutely breathtaking. You have these amazing views of the lake and the mountains. A hikers paradise, with some interesting historical sites to visit including waterfalls, a castle and a beautiful beach. There are kayaks and paddle boards available for rent if you feel the need to get out in to the lake itself. Eagle Bay campground and Emerald Bay Campground are two campsites that you can reserve a spot.
9. Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach
We’ve talked about camping in the desert, forests and mountains. Now let’s move right beside the coast. To the beach! Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway between Laguna and Newport, Crystal Cove State Park’s Moro Campground is based right on the cliffs beside the sea. The campsite overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has lots of fun water activities available right there. You can do everything from surfing and kayaking to catching a tan or playing frisbee. Laguna Beach is a beautiful little town so there’s at lot to do here if you want to get away from the campsite and the water.
10. El Capitan State Beach Camping, Santa Barbara
There are many campsites along the coast of Santa Barbara. This area is a must see spot for campers because of the environment located off Highway 101, about 17 Miles north of Santa Barbara. In this area, you can camp in the forest and make a short hike down to the beach. They are right beside each other and this makes for an amazing camping trip. The water here is stunning and you can explore tidepools, surf or kayak around. The beach offers BBQ opportunities for you and some friends and then you can return to your campsite in the woods just a short walk away. El Capitan is an extremely unique Ocean view campsite.
Final Thoughts
It has some of the most amazing viewpoints in the state and gives a feel of what the coast must have looked like hundreds of years ago. So there you have it 10 of the most diverse, beautiful camping spots in California with a little bit of everything thrown in hot deserts, cold mountains, fresh forests and golden beaches. It’s time to root out your tent or fix up that old van and go on an adventure again.