North Beach Campground

928 Pacific Blvd, Oceano, CA 93445

Experience the freedom of primitive beach camping at Oceano Dunes Campground, where endless stretches of sand meet the Pacific Ocean. This unique destination welcomes adventurers seeking an unrestricted camping experience with no designated sites—just you, your gear, and miles of pristine coastline. Renowned as a premier destination for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, the campground combines the thrill of dune riding with breathtaking ocean vistas and the simple pleasure of falling asleep to crashing waves.

555 Pier Ave. Oceano, CA 93445

Nestled between rolling sand dunes and a serene freshwater lagoon, Oceano Campground welcomes both RV enthusiasts and tent campers to experience coastal California at its finest. Wake up to the sound of waves and spend your days exploring pristine beaches, while enjoying modern comforts including well-maintained restrooms, token-operated hot showers, and shaded picnic areas perfect for sunset dinners.

Los Padres National Forest

Escape to Hi Mountain Campground, where ancient oak groves create a natural cathedral in the heart of Los Padres National Forest. This secluded primitive camping haven offers an authentic wilderness experience beneath a canopy that filters 90% of the sunlight, creating dappled shadows perfect for afternoon relaxation. The journey here is part of the adventure—rugged roads wind through the mountains, demanding a high-clearance vehicle but rewarding you with increasing solitude at every turn. Once you arrive, you'll find thoughtfully placed fire rings and BBQ grates at each site, sturdy picnic tables weathered by countless camping stories, and clean vault toilets maintaining the site's rustic charm.

Islay Creek Campground, Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos, CA 93402

Tucked behind the historic Spooner Ranch House in Montaña de Oro State Park, Islay Creek Campground offers a genuine back-to-nature experience that feels worlds away from civilization. This peaceful retreat features 47 primitive campsites welcoming tents, trailers, and motorhomes seeking an authentic outdoor adventure. While you won't find modern hookups or shower facilities here, the campground provides everything you need for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for sunset dinners, fire rings for evening storytelling, fresh drinking water, and convenient vault-style toilets. What truly sets Islay Creek apart is its perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness—you're just steps from spectacular hiking trails and breathtaking coastal vistas that remind you why California's Central Coast is legendary.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in a cathedral of ancient oaks at the edge of the Machesna Wilderness, American Canyon Campground offers 12 intimate sites for those seeking true backcountry solitude. This primitive campground provides pit toilets but no water or trash services, and motorized access through the Avenales Ranch gate is available only during deer hunting season via rec.gov reservation—making this a seasonal sanctuary for adventurers who come prepared.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Los Padres National Forest, American Canyon Seasonal Campground serves as your gateway to authentic wilderness adventures. This rustic retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with prime access to the untamed Machesna Mountain Wilderness, where hunting expeditions, horseback riding trails, and backcountry exploration await. Whether you're saddling up for a dawn ride through canyon trails or setting off on foot into the wilderness, this campground offers the perfect basecamp for those seeking genuine connection with California's wild landscapes. Please note: The campground is temporarily closed. Check with forest service for current status.

3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402

Escape to the Environmental Campground at Montaña de Oro, where adventure begins with a scenic hike from the parking area to your secluded wilderness site. This primitive camping experience strips away modern distractions, offering pure connection with nature. Leave your expectations of running water and evening campfires behind—this is camping at its most authentic, where the sound of crashing waves replaces crackling flames and starlight provides your evening entertainment.

Montana De Oro SP

Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Horse Campground, a hidden gem within Montaña de Oro State Park where equestrian dreams meet coastal splendor. This specialized primitive campground caters exclusively to riders and their four-legged companions, offering a rare opportunity to explore California's dramatic coastline from horseback. With dedicated horse facilities and exclusive trail access, it's a haven where the rhythm of hoofbeats mingles with the crash of Pacific waves.

State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Nestled between the shimmering waters of a protected lagoon and the dynamic natural bay, Morro Bay State Park Campground invites you to experience coastal camping at its finest. Choose from 134 thoughtfully positioned campsites that welcome both tent enthusiasts and RV adventurers (up to 35 feet). Wake up to the sound of seabirds and enjoy modern conveniences including flush toilets, token-operated hot showers, and convenient dump and water-fill stations. Your days here can be as adventurous or relaxed as you wish—trek scenic hiking trails, paddle through calm waters in a kayak, spot rare coastal birds through your binoculars, or take a fascinating journey through time at the Museum of Natural History, just a pleasant walk from your campsite.

State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Nestled along California's stunning Central Coast, Morro Bay State Park Campground offers an unforgettable escape where ocean breezes meet ancient eucalyptus groves. With 134 thoughtfully designed campsites accommodating everything from intimate tent spots to spacious RV setups and group gatherings, this coastal haven provides the perfect basecamp for your adventures. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with nature, featuring token-operated hot showers, clean flush toilets, crackling fire rings for evening storytelling, and sturdy picnic tables for memorable outdoor meals under towering trees.

Los Padres National Forest

Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area beckons to the adventurous spirit, offering a gateway to 45 miles of exhilarating off-road trails that wind through the rugged California backcountry. This no-frills basecamp welcomes riders of all skill levels, from families on their first ATV adventure to seasoned dual-sport motorcyclists seeking technical single-track challenges. Here, the rumble of engines mingles with the whisper of wind through ancient oaks as riders gather to share stories and plan their next trail conquest.

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Escape to La Panza Campground, where the spirit of authentic wilderness camping thrives in the heart of Los Padres National Forest. This back-to-basics haven beckons adventurers seeking solitude among sprawling sites designed for tents and smaller RVs under 16 feet. Here, you'll craft your own off-grid experience—there's no electricity or running water, just you, the stars, and the crackling warmth of your campfire in designated rings. Five vault toilets serve the campground, but otherwise, you'll need to arrive fully self-sufficient. The reward? Direct access to thrilling OHV trails, secluded hiking paths, prime hunting grounds, and scenic horseback riding routes that wind through untamed California countryside.

11156 Red Hill Rd, Santa Margarita, CA

Tucked away in the rugged wilderness, Navajo Flat Campground beckons adventure seekers with its promise of untamed trails and authentic outdoor experiences. This intimate, back-to-basics retreat serves as the perfect basecamp for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, offering immediate access to an impressive network of 45 miles of marked trails that wind through diverse terrain. While amenities remain purposefully simple to preserve the natural experience, the campground provides everything needed for those who appreciate the freedom of self-sustained camping and the thrill of exploring California's backcountry on wheels.

Los Padres National Forest

Hidden within a sprawling canopy of ancient oaks, this secluded campground offers a true escape from the crowds. Vehicle barriers preserve the peaceful atmosphere, ensuring tent campers can immerse themselves in nature's tranquility. The site features three or more fire pits scattered throughout, complemented by picnic benches perfect for outdoor meals under the oak branches. Previous visitors often find themselves with generous amounts of space, creating an intimate camping experience where the only sounds are rustling leaves and crackling campfires.

Yerba Buena and Highway 1, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Wake up to the rhythmic sound of Pacific waves at Morro Strand State Beach Campground, where more than 70 thoughtfully positioned tent and RV spaces bring you as close to the California coastline as camping allows. While the sites may be cozy neighbors and embrace a back-to-nature simplicity, each offers its own slice of coastal paradise with sweeping ocean vistas and the iconic silhouette of Morro Rock standing sentinel in the distance. Choose between dry camping for the purist adventurer or full-hookup sites for those seeking modern conveniences, all while enjoying spotlessly maintained restrooms that make roughing it a little less rough.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in a lush canyon corridor connecting Morro Bay's coastal charm to Atascadero's inland beauty, Cerro Alto Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking an escape from the ordinary. This secluded sanctuary has earned its reputation as a cherished destination where morning birdsong mingles with rustling oak leaves, and winding trails lead adventurers through sun-dappled forests. Whether you're a mountain biker craving challenging terrain or a hiker drawn to panoramic vistas, this Central Coast treasure offers the perfect basecamp for your California adventures.

Islay Creek Campground, Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos, CA 93402

Los Padres National Forest

555 Pier Ave. Oceano, CA 93445

928 Pacific Blvd, Oceano, CA 93445

State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442

State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442

11156 Red Hill Rd, Santa Margarita, CA

Los Padres National Forest

Montana De Oro SP

3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402

Los Padres National Forest

Yerba Buena and Highway 1, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

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.