Santa Cruz Scorpion

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Perched high above the Pacific on Santa Cruz Island, Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking true wilderness solitude. This primitive sanctuary rewards those willing to earn their views through challenging terrain, offering an authentic backcountry experience where self-sufficiency is essential. Without water sources or modern amenities, this remote outpost demands careful preparation but delivers an unparalleled connection with raw, untamed nature that few places can match.

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Perched on dramatic coastal bluffs, Anacapa Island Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic island escape. This intimate primitive campground features seven exclusive tent sites, each welcoming 4-6 guests into a world where ocean horizons stretch endlessly. Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride, followed by an invigorating half-mile trek from Landing Cove—including a memorable ascent up 154 weathered stairs carved into the cliffsides. Once settled, you'll find yourself immersed in raw natural beauty, with only essential amenities: sturdy picnic tables for sunset dinners, secure food storage boxes to protect your provisions, and basic pit toilets. This is true off-grid camping where self-sufficiency reigns—remember to pack every drop of water and all supplies for your island adventure.

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.

5361 Sixth Street, Carpinteria, CA 93013

Discover your perfect coastal retreat at Carpinteria State Beach, where over 200 family-friendly campsites await just steps from the Pacific surf. Celebrated as 'America's Safest Beach,' this treasured destination invites you to wake up to ocean breezes, spend sun-soaked days swimming in gentle waters, and create lasting memories around beachside picnics. Whether you choose a coveted beachfront spot or gather with friends at one of the spacious group sites, you'll find yourself immersed in the quintessential California beach camping experience.

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

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

5361 Sixth Street, Carpinteria, CA 93013

2211 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93035

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.