California Car Camping Guide
The most diverse car camping state in the US — desert, coast, mountains, and ancient forests all in one destination.
California Car Camping Overview
California has more diverse car camping terrain than almost any state: snow-capped peaks in the Sierra Nevada, iconic coastal redwoods, Mojave and Sonoran desert landscapes, and 840 miles of coastline. The tradeoffs: popular spots fill up fast (reserve 6 months ahead for summer), and permit requirements are expanding. The reward: some of the most stunning scenery in North America.
Year-round (varies by region)
Best Season
Required at NPS, recommended at SP
Reservations
ReserveAmerica / Recreation.gov
App
Top Car Camping Spots
Anza-Borrego Desert SP
Free (primitive) / $35 (hookups)
Nov–Apr
Southern CA
- Largest state park in CA — 600k acres
- Blooms wildflowers in Feb/Mar
- Dark sky preserve
- Cell service limited — plan ahead
Sequoia National Forest (Hume Lake)
$25–$35/night
Jun–Sep
Sierra Nevada
- Giant sequoia groves nearby
- Near Kings Canyon NP
- No reservations in dispersed areas
- Snow possible late May / early Oct
Big Sur (Los Padres NF)
Free (dispersed)
Year-round
Central Coast
- Coastal views and Pacific access
- Limited road access — high clearance helpful
- Kirk Creek Campground is a paid highlight
- Permit required in peak season
Joshua Tree (BLM Ryan Campground)
$15–$25/night
Oct–May
Inland Desert
- World-class bouldering adjacent
- Extreme temperature swings (plan clothing)
- No hookups in main area
- Cell signal limited