Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground

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.

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.

35000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Nestled where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, Leo Carrillo State Park's Canyon Campground invites adventurers to experience the best of Southern California's natural beauty. With 135 thoughtfully positioned sites tucked among towering sycamores and winding canyon trails, this coastal gem serves as your gateway to both mountain adventures and beachside exploration. Whether you're gathering with family at one of the spacious group sites or seeking solitude in a secluded family spot, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where rugged canyons give way to pristine beaches just moments away.

35000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Discover your perfect group getaway at Canyon Group Campground, where towering sycamores create a natural cathedral in the heart of Leo Carrillo State Park. This hidden gem combines the best of California's coast and canyons, offering spacious group facilities sheltered by ancient trees that whisper stories of the Pacific breeze. Just moments from pristine beaches, you'll find modern amenities including restrooms with token-operated hot showers, all while being enveloped in the tranquil beauty of a shaded canyon sanctuary.

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Tucked away in a breathtaking coastal canyon where ancient sycamores create a natural cathedral, Sycamore Canyon Campground offers the perfect blend of mountain serenity and ocean adventure. This hidden gem invites you to explore winding hiking trails through dense, verdant foliage by day and fall asleep to the distant rhythm of Pacific waves by night. A convenient underpass beneath Highway One connects your mountain retreat to pristine beaches, making it easy to transition from forest shade to sun-soaked sand in minutes.

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Imagine falling asleep to the rhythm of crashing waves and waking to the golden glow of dawn over the Pacific – at Thornhill Broome Beach Campground, this dream becomes reality. This rare gem allows adventurers to pitch their tents directly on the sandy shore, creating an intimate connection with the ocean that few campgrounds can match. As evening approaches, the western sky transforms into a canvas of brilliant oranges and purples, offering front-row seats to nature's nightly spectacular.

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Perched along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, Point Mugu-La Jolla Walk-in Campground beckons adventurers with its spectacular coastal vistas and dual personality as both a beachcomber's paradise and a hiker's haven. This intimate walk-in camping experience places you at the crossroads of surf and summit, where morning fog gives way to golden afternoons and the sound of crashing waves serves as nature's soundtrack. Whether you're drawn to the sandy shores below or the winding hillside trails above, this campground serves as your basecamp for exploring one of California's most dramatic coastlines.

12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA, 90265, USA

Hidden within the rolling peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Circle X Ranch Group Campground beckons adventurers seeking a secluded mountain escape. This intimate group camping destination sits beneath sweeping Mediterranean coastal landscapes, where morning mists reveal stunning vistas and nearby trails lead to iconic landmarks like the towering Sandstone Peak and the mystical Grotto. Though currently closed indefinitely, this cherished campground remains a testament to the wild beauty of Southern California's coastal mountains.

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Nestled in the heart of Point Mugu State Park, Danielson Campground invites you to experience the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. This hidden gem provides all the essentials—running water, clean restrooms, and refreshing showers—while maintaining the tranquil atmosphere that makes it a favorite among families and groups. Whether you arrive through the scenic Sycamore Canyon trail or via Rancho Sierra Vista, you'll discover spacious sites perfect for stringing up hammocks between ancient trees and spending evenings beneath a canopy of stars that seem close enough to touch.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

5361 Sixth Street, Carpinteria, CA 93013

Los Padres National Forest

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

1901 Spinnaker Drive

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Los Padres National Forest

Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

2211 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93035

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

1190 E. OJAI AVE.

12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA, 90265, 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.