San Miguel Island

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001, USA

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping offers one of California's most remote and challenging wilderness experiences, transporting adventurers to a pristine 55-mile coastline that remains remarkably unchanged since the days of the Chumash Indians and Spanish explorers. Available mid-August through December, this primitive camping experience is explicitly designed for seasoned backpackers and sea kayakers who are comfortable navigating rugged terrain, unpredictable ocean conditions, and complete self-sufficiency. After reaching the island via Island Packers boat service to Bechers Bay pier (private plane landings are prohibited), you'll embark on hikes of 10 miles or more across exposed mountainous roads, animal-created trails, and unmaintained routes with no shade, often requiring navigation down steep bluffs to reach your beach destination. This is not a casual camping trip—the National Park Service emphasizes that difficult weather, strong winds averaging 15 knots (sometimes reaching 40-50 knots), dense fog, and challenging surf conditions make this suitable only for experienced, well-conditioned outdoor enthusiasts. This is truly primitive, dispersed camping with zero facilities—no established campsites, no picnic tables, no toilets, no water sources at most locations, and absolutely no hookups of any kind. You must camp directly on sandy beaches (coastal bluffs are prohibited), and you're required by law to pack out everything you bring in, including all garbage and human waste using commercially available WAG bags. The only reliable water source during backcountry season is the Clapp Spring trough, located approximately 7 miles from the pier, which must be boiled, filtered, or treated before drinking. While ten canyons may carry intermittent water (often brackish or contaminated), you should plan to carry at least one gallon per person per day—a significant weight consideration at 8 pounds per gallon. Both digital and physical topographic maps are essential, as many trail intersections lack signage and routes often end above beaches, requiring you to find your own safe descent. The island opens for backcountry camping in phases to protect wildlife: from August 15-September 15, only the Southeast Quadrant (East Point to South Point) is accessible, expanding to include Southwest and Northwest Quadrants from September 16-December 31. Year-round closures protect sensitive areas between Lobo Canyon and East Point, around Sandy Point, and between China Camp and Cluster Point. Hiking distances are substantial—East Point sits 7 miles from the pier, Johnsons Lee ranges from 13.5 to 18 miles depending on your route, and Northwest Quadrant destinations like Dry Canyon and Arlington Canyon require 10-12 mile treks. Kayakers face equally challenging distances with powerful ocean currents, especially around Carrington Point where reflected waves create turbulent "washing machine" conditions with no emergency landing spots for five miles. The south side beaches often experience large summer swells requiring advanced launching and landing skills. Weather conditions are most favorable August through October with calmer winds and virtually no rain, though you should always prepare for strong northwest winds and the possibility of intense Santa Ana winds from October through January. Dense fog frequently rolls in, making compass and chart navigation mandatory for kayakers. Water temperatures range from the low 50s in winter to upper 60s in fall. Beyond the physical challenges, this backcountry experience rewards hardy adventurers with opportunities for wildlife viewing including seals, sea lions, and seabirds in their protected habitat, plus the profound solitude of camping on beaches that look much as they did centuries ago. Less experienced visitors should consider the frontcountry Water Canyon campground, which offers advance reservations and basic amenities including potable water, pit toilets, and picnic tables—a far more accessible introduction to Santa Rosa Island's remarkable beauty.

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Nestled in the protective embrace of Water Canyon, this primitive campground on Santa Rosa Island offers adventurers a rare chance to experience California's wild Channel Islands. Here, where the wind shapes every journey and the landscape tells stories spanning millennia, you'll discover a camping experience unlike any other. From ancient Chumash archaeological sites to sweeping vistas of untouched wilderness, Water Canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring an island where endemic foxes roam freely and six plant species exist nowhere else on Earth.

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001, USA

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

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.