Carpinteria State Beach Campground

1901 Spinnaker Drive

Escape to Scorpion Canyon Campground, where primitive camping meets paradise on Santa Cruz Island, the crown jewel of Channel Islands National Park. Tucked into a sheltered valley embraced by towering eucalyptus groves and dramatic mountain peaks, this remote sanctuary invites adventurers to disconnect from the mainland and immerse themselves in island life. Just a short walk from pristine beaches and surrounded by a network of scenic trails, Scorpion Canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring California's Galápagos.

2211 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93035

Where the Santa Clara River meets the Pacific Ocean, McGrath State Beach Campground beckons nature enthusiasts with beachfront campsites and some of California's most spectacular bird-watching opportunities. This coastal haven draws birders from around the world to witness incredible migrations and rare species, though Mother Nature occasionally reminds visitors of her power when winter storms cause the Santa Clara River to swell, temporarily transforming portions of this beloved campground.

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground, Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

Where the Pacific meets the shore at Emma Wood State Beach, groups of adventurers gather to create lasting memories. This oceanfront group campground welcomes parties of up to 30 people per site, offering developed tent camping with all the essentials - restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables perfectly positioned for sunset dinners. Self-contained RVs can embrace the primitive camping experience here, falling asleep to the rhythmic sound of waves just steps away from their door.

Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

Where the Pacific meets the shore in its most untamed form, Emma Wood State Beach - North Beach Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic coastal camping experience. This pristine stretch of oceanfront offers self-contained RV enthusiasts the rare opportunity to fall asleep to crashing waves and wake to spectacular sunrises over the water. While you won't find modern conveniences like restrooms, water hookups, or electricity here, what you will discover is something far more valuable: unfiltered access to California's wild coast, where sea lions bark in the distance and dolphins play in the surf just beyond your campsite door.

1190 E. OJAI AVE, OJAI, CA 93023, USA

Escape to Wheeler Gorge Campground, where the gentle murmur of Matilija Creek sets the soundtrack for your outdoor adventure. Tucked away in the embrace of Los Padres National Forest, this beloved destination welcomes families, nature enthusiasts, and weekend warriors alike. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV, you'll find the perfect spot among the campground's thoughtfully arranged sites—some available by reservation for those who plan ahead, others welcoming spontaneous adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis.

1190 E. OJAI AVE.

Nestled in the heart of Live Oak Canyon, Holiday Group Campground beckons adventurers seeking a perfect basecamp for outdoor exploration. This secluded group site sits beneath a canopy of towering trees, offering natural shade and the soothing sounds of nearby Matilija Creek. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout expedition, or gathering of friends, the campground provides an ideal setting with its central kitchen area featuring a traditional Santa Maria-style grill for memorable outdoor cooking. Miles of surrounding trails invite exploration on foot, horseback, or off-road vehicle, while convenient vault toilets ensure basic comfort during your wilderness retreat.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled within the rugged beauty of Los Padres National Forest, Rose Valley Campground beckons adventurers with nine generously-sized campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and BBQ stands. The crown jewel of this wilderness retreat is the spectacular 300-foot Rose Valley Falls, cascading in two dramatic tiers just a short hike away. While embracing a back-to-basics camping experience without running water or shower facilities, the campground provides essential pit-style toilets and serves as your gateway to exceptional trail networks. As darkness falls, the absence of artificial light reveals a breathtaking celestial display, while days bring encounters with diverse wildlife and the ever-changing tapestry of seasonal foliage.

3505 Paradise Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Tucked away in the rolling foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountain Range, Sage Hill Campground beckons to groups seeking an authentic Western camping experience. This equestrian-friendly retreat features 12 spacious corrals and convenient hitching posts, making it a haven for horse enthusiasts. Beyond its equestrian amenities, the campground serves as your gateway to the meandering Santa Ynez River and a network of scenic hiking trails that wind through oak-studded hillsides.

5050 PARADISE ROAD, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105, USA

Nestled beneath the canopy of ancient oak trees in Los Padres National Forest, Los Prietos Campground welcomes adventurers seeking the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. Whether you arrive with a tent or RV, you'll find yourself immersed in a shaded sanctuary where modern amenities meet natural beauty. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line in crystal-clear waters, traverse scenic hiking trails, or take a refreshing dip in nearby swimming holes. Just a short drive away, the sparkling expanse of Cachuma Lake beckons with its own recreational treasures, making this campground an ideal basecamp for exploring the Santa Barbara backcountry.

5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USA 93105

Escape to Paradise Campground, a hidden gem tucked within the enchanting Los Padres National Forest where ancient oak trees create a natural cathedral overhead. This intimate retreat features just over a dozen thoughtfully spaced campsites, each offering a perfect blend of seclusion and community. Whether you're seeking a family adventure or a peaceful weekend immersed in nature, Paradise delivers an authentic outdoor experience where the only sounds are rustling leaves and birdsong echoing through the woodland canopy.

5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, USA

Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient oaks, Fremont Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the natural beauty of the Santa Ynez River valley. This welcoming retreat accommodates both tent campers and RV travelers, serving as your gateway to endless adventures. By day, explore winding trails on foot, bike, or horseback through the surrounding forest. When you're ready for aquatic pursuits, nearby Cachuma Lake offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities, making Fremont the perfect basecamp for land and water adventures alike.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled alongside a babbling creek, Middle Lion Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with its single-loop design that creates a close-knit camping community. This charming retreat welcomes tent campers and small RVs (under 20 feet) to settle into sites equipped with sturdy tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilets and no running water, it rewards visitors with an authentic wilderness experience where the sounds of the creek replace the noise of modern life.

5050 PARADISE RD.

Nestled in the heart of California's coastal mountains, Upper Oso Campground beckons adventurers seeking the perfect blend of outdoor excitement and family-friendly comfort. This versatile mountain retreat welcomes everyone from hiking enthusiasts to equestrian explorers, with dedicated facilities for horse camping and easy access to winding trails and babbling streams. Whether you're navigating mountain bike paths through oak-studded hillsides, exploring on horseback, or tackling off-road vehicle routes, Upper Oso serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures.

Forest Road 7N03C, approximately eight miles south of the Lockwood Valley Road

Nestled beneath the towering canopy of ancient Jeffrey Pines, Thorn Meadows Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude among fascinating rock formations and pristine wilderness. Following storm damage in July 2023, this rustic retreat has transformed into a walk-in sanctuary, where determined campers can still discover its hidden charms. The campground maintains its authentic backcountry character with essential amenities including a pipe corral for equestrian visitors, four cooking stoves with accompanying tables, and vault toilet facilities. Without piped water, visitors should come prepared for a true wilderness experience in this secluded mountain haven.

Los Padres National Forest

Perched majestically on a ridge at 7,000 feet, Reyes Peak Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude above the clouds. From this lofty vantage point, sweeping vistas unfold across the dramatic Cuyama Badlands, while the Pacific Ocean shimmers in the distance. On crystalline days, the Channel Islands emerge like ancient sentinels on the horizon. Six intimate campsites dot this mountain sanctuary, each thoughtfully appointed with a sturdy table, cooking grill, and stone fire ring where stories are shared under star-swept skies. Here, where eagles soar and the wind whispers through ancient pines, visitors discover the raw, untamed beauty that defines California's high country.

Los Padres National Forest

Escape to Pine Mountain Campground, where six intimate campsites form a welcoming circle beneath towering pines and rolling hills. This peaceful retreat invites you to disconnect from the world below, offering essential comforts like picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fire rings for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. With just one pit toilet and no water sources, Pine Mountain embraces a back-to-basics camping experience that rewards the prepared traveler with unspoiled tranquility.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in the shadow of the Sespe Wilderness, Reyes Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Here, where the babbling waters of Reyes Creek carve through ancient stone, you'll discover 24 intimate campsites perfect for tent camping and small RVs under 22 feet. Days unfold lazily as you string up a hammock between towering trees, cool off in crystal-clear swimming holes, or cast a line into the creek's promising waters. This is primitive camping at its finest—no running water means you'll need to pack in your own, but the trade-off is an undisturbed natural sanctuary where the only sounds are birdsong and rushing water.

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Discover a hidden gem where twelve thoughtfully spaced campsites nestle beneath a canopy of fragrant pinyon pines, creating natural privacy screens between each spot. This intimate single-loop campground embraces a 'pack it in, pack it out' philosophy, inviting responsible adventurers to experience pristine wilderness camping at the doorstep of the magnificent Sespe Wilderness.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in a serene grassy canyon, Rancho Nuevo Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This hidden gem features just two intimate campsites, ensuring a peaceful retreat far from the crowds. The journey here requires a capable 4-wheel drive vehicle navigating rugged terrain, making this destination a true adventurer's sanctuary. While winter conditions may temporarily close access roads, those who make the trek during open seasons are rewarded with an unspoiled camping experience that few ever discover.

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground, Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USA 93105

1190 E. OJAI AVE, OJAI, CA 93023, USA

Los Padres National Forest

2211 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93035

5050 PARADISE ROAD, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105, USA

5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, USA

Los Padres National Forest

5050 PARADISE RD.

1901 Spinnaker Drive

1190 E. OJAI AVE.

Los Padres National Forest

3505 Paradise Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

Los Padres National Forest

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

Modoc National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Campground offers three distinct camping experiences in one remarkable location. Equestrian enthusiasts will discover a dedicated horse camp complete with convenient stock water and pole stalls at select sites. The trailhead staging area beckons adventurers with ample parking and corrals, serving as your launching point into the wilderness. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy family camping loop awaits beneath a canopy of ancient fir trees. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, Pepperdine encourages visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in this pristine mountain environment.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Nestled in the heart of Reds Meadow Valley, Upper Soda Springs Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic San Joaquin River becomes your constant companion. This tranquil retreat features 28 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to pristine pit toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into the crystal-clear river waters, set out on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or venture to the nearby geological wonder of Devil's Postpile National Monument and the breathtaking cascade of Rainbow Falls.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Doran Regional Park

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Mendocino National Forest

Tucked into a peaceful inlet at Lake Pillsbury's northwestern corner, this campground offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and easy water access. Just a short stroll from your campsite, the shimmering waters of Mendocino National Forest's largest lake beckon with endless possibilities for adventure. Whether you're launching your boat from the nearby ramp at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or taking an afternoon swim, this scenic basecamp puts you at the heart of one of Northern California's most beloved recreational lakes.

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott CA 95571

Escape into the cathedral-like sanctuary of Hamilton Barn Environmental Campground, where primitive hike-in campsites nestle beneath towering old-growth redwoods. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls with unparalleled privacy and profound solitude, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms.

CA-108, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California

Nestled along the scenic Sonora Pass on CA-108, Sonora Bridge Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 22 tranquil sites carved into a landscape of towering Jeffrey pines and aromatic sagebrush. Here, where the melodious West Walker River flows just steps away, anglers cast their lines into pristine waters while hikers set off to explore the dramatic high country. This rustic mountain retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures, complete with firewood available on-site to fuel evening campfires under star-studded skies.