Hiking Campgrounds in California

Hiking Campgrounds in California

Discover the best hiking campgrounds across California. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.

20+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Whitney Portal
Star
4.6
(738)
Whitney Portal
Lone Pine
Inyo National Forest

The Mt. Whitney Trail launches just half a mile away, drawing summit-seekers to tackle the Lower 48's highest peak while day hikers find stunning alpine rewards at Lone Pine Lake.

Tents
RVs
2
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Star
4.4
(740)
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park

Trailheads radiate directly from camp, launching hikers toward alpine gems like crystalline Elizabeth Lake, the dramatic spires above Cathedral Lakes, and the cascading waters of Glen Aulin.

Tents
RVs
3
Point Reyes National Seashore Campground
Star
4.5
(493)
Point Reyes National Seashore Campground
Point Reyes Station
Point Reyes National Seashore

Trailheads depart directly from camp into a dramatic landscape where windswept coastal bluffs, towering cypress groves, and wild beaches create an unforgettable network of easy-to-moderate paths.

Tents

About Hiking Campgrounds in California

Hiking camping California offers unparalleled diversity, from the granite spires of the High Sierra to the windswept coastal bluffs of Point Reyes, creating a backpacker's paradise that spans 840 miles of varied terrain. California's hiking campgrounds range from alpine basecamp destinations at 9,000+ feet elevation to sea-level coastal sites where trails wind through ancient redwood groves and along dramatic Pacific shorelines.

Best Time

High Sierra hiking campgrounds typically open late May through October, with exact dates depending on snowpack levels—Whitney Portal and Tuolumne Meadows often don't become accessible until late June or early July in heavy snow years. Peak hiking season runs July through September when high-country trails are snow-free and wildflowers bloom in alpine meadows, but this period also brings maximum crowds and competitive permit processes.

Activity Highlights

  • Direct trail access
  • Mountain and forest settings
  • Backpacking base camps
  • Scenic wilderness views

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in California

Map of campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in California
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Map Key
1
Whitney Portal
2
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
3
Point Reyes National Seashore Campground
4
Santa Rosa Island
5
Mount Rose (Nv)
6
Big Pine Creek Campground
7
Lone Pine
8
North Pines Campground
9
Upper Pines Campground
10
Bridalveil Creek Campground
11
Pantoll Campground
12
Paso Picacho & Cabins
13
Cold Springs Campground (Ca)
14
Reds Meadow Campground
15
Onion Valley
16
Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry
17
Cibbets Flat Campground
18
Islay Creek Campground
19
Kennedy Meadows Campground
20
Mattole Campground
View all 990 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Day hiking on maintained trailsMulti-day backpacking expeditionsPeak bagging and summit attemptsWaterfall photography and viewingAlpine lake fishingWildlife observation and bird watching

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Secure wilderness permits well in advance for popular trails—Mount Whitney permits require a lottery system months before hiking season, and Half Dome cables permits sell out immediately when released.
  • 2Acclimate to elevation gradually when camping above 8,000 feet; spend a night at intermediate elevation before pushing to high camps like Tuolumne Meadows or Mount Rose.
  • 3Pack layered clothing systems for mountain campgrounds where temperatures can drop 40+ degrees from afternoon to night, and bring quality sleeping bags rated to 20°F for summer high-country camping.
  • 4Bear canisters are mandatory for backcountry camping and strongly recommended even at developed sites—rent them locally if you don't own one.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Hiking Campgrounds in California

Hiking Campgrounds in California FAQ

We've ranked 20+ hiking campgrounds in California based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
Permit requirements vary by location in California. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.
Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in California. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Availability Alerts

Popular California Campgrounds Book Fast

The best hiking campgrounds in California book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

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Whitney Portal
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