Seacliff State Beach Campground

San Juan Canyon Road off Hwy. 156, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

Perched high above the coastal fog, Valley View Campground invites adventurers to experience camping the way it was meant to be—beneath ancient oak canopies and endless starlit skies. This collection of 25 primitive campsites within Fremont Peak State Park offers a rare combination of solitude and spectacle, where the Monterey Bay stretches out below like a shimmering canvas. Here, away from city lights, the Milky Way reveals itself in all its glory, making this a cherished destination for stargazers and nature lovers alike.

San Juan Canyon Road off Hwy. 156, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

Escape to Oak Point Campground, where 25 secluded campsites await beneath a canopy of ancient oaks, each offering breathtaking vistas of Monterey Bay stretching to the horizon. This pristine wilderness retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures. Each thoughtfully placed site comes equipped with a sturdy picnic table for memorable outdoor meals and a fire ring perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilet facilities, the primitive experience only enhances the authentic connection to the surrounding wilderness.

201 Sunset Beach Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

Nestled beneath towering Monterey pines, Sunset State Beach Campground offers a captivating blend of coastal wilderness and serene camping experiences. Here, dramatic sand dunes rise like ancient sentinels between your campsite and the rhythmic Pacific waves, creating a natural amphitheater of tranquility. While the pine-filtered sunlight and ocean breezes provide the perfect backdrop for memorable adventures, visitors should come prepared with tick protection and secure their belongings, as these natural surroundings can present minor challenges typical of wilderness camping.

205 Manresa Beach Road, La Selva Beach, CA 95076

Perched above the Pacific, Manresa State Beach Campground invites you to fall asleep to the rhythm of crashing waves and wake to spectacular coastal sunrises. This intimate walk-in tent camping destination combines the raw beauty of California's central coast with a refreshing escape from crowded RV parks. After leaving your car in the nearby designated parking areas, a short walk brings you to your secluded tent site, where dramatic bluff-backed beaches and endless ocean vistas become your backyard.

1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Saddle up for an extraordinary camping experience at Wilder Ranch State Park, where six exclusive equestrian campsites nestle within the grounds of a beautifully preserved historic ranch. Here, the legacy of California's ranching heritage comes alive as you explore miles of scenic trails that wind through coastal bluffs and redwood groves, all while staying in campsites designed specifically for horse enthusiasts. Beyond the corrals and pastures, discover breathtaking ocean vistas and fascinating historical landmarks that tell the story of this remarkable landscape.

1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

Perched dramatically on coastal bluffs above the sparkling waters of Monterey Bay, New Brighton State Beach Campground invites you to wake up to ocean breezes and the sound of crashing waves. With over 100 thoughtfully positioned campsites—including 11 full-service RV hookup sites—this beloved destination combines the rugged beauty of California's coastline with modern amenities. A welcoming visitor center serves as your gateway to adventure, while the communal campfire area beckons for evening gatherings under starlit skies. Accessible facilities ensure everyone can enjoy this slice of paradise, and wooden stairs lead directly from your clifftop perch to pristine sandy beaches below.

1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

Nestled in peaceful groves of towering Monterey cypress trees on the southern end of New Brighton State Beach, the Group Campground offers adventure-seekers and families alike a serene forest retreat with easy access to stunning coastal adventures. Each generously-sized campsite accommodates up to 25 people, creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable reunions, celebrations, and group adventures where the gentle whisper of wind through ancient cypress provides nature's soundtrack while the sound of crashing waves beckons from a short, scenic walk to the dramatic bluffs overlooking Monterey Bay.

2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95060

Nestled within a tranquil forest canopy where towering pines and ancient oaks create nature's own cathedral, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground offers an enchanting escape into California's wild heart. Here, campers discover a world where rare geological wonders meet centuries-old redwood giants, and winding trails lead through landscapes that have inspired generations of nature lovers.

The Forest Of Nisene Marks SP

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Davenport, CA

Saddle up for an unforgettable camping experience at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground, where the timeless bond between riders and their horses meets the raw beauty of California's coastal wilderness. This rustic equestrian haven offers everything the trail-riding adventurer needs: sturdy hitching posts for your four-legged companions, vault toilets, and traditional grills with fire rings for evening gatherings under the stars. Nestled within the coastal reaches of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the campground sits in a forest landscape that's writing its own comeback story, with young trees reaching skyward in dappled shade. When you need to refill your water supplies, a natural spring awaits just 3 miles down the trail—a perfect excuse for a scenic ride through this recovering woodland paradise.

Big Basin Redwoods SP

Nestled alongside a babbling creek just inland from the Pacific coast, Alder Trail Campground offers adventurous souls a true wilderness escape. This rustic, hike-in sanctuary serves as the crown jewel for backpackers completing the legendary Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, where weary hikers find solace in its primitive charm and the soothing sounds of flowing water. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the simple pleasures of campfire conversations and starlit nights.

Little Basin State Park

Little Basin State Park

Big Basin Redwoods SP

Nestled in nature's embrace, this campground offers an unforgettable escape where adventure meets tranquility. Whether you're seeking a weekend retreat or an extended wilderness experience, you'll find yourself immersed in pristine landscapes that refresh the soul. From sunrise hikes to starlit evenings around the campfire, every moment here becomes a cherished memory waiting to be made.

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Escape the crowds and discover Jay Trail Campground, a secluded hike-in sanctuary nestled deep within Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This primitive camping experience strips away modern distractions, offering only the essentials: a cleared space for your tent and the profound silence of the redwood forest. Without fire pits, BBQs, or grills, this back-to-basics site attracts adventurers who measure luxury in solitude and starlit nights rather than amenities. Here, the journey begins where the road ends, rewarding those willing to carry their gear into the heart of California's ancient forest.

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Nestled within the ancient groves of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Huckleberry Campground invites you to sleep beneath towering giants that have stood sentinel for over a thousand years. These magnificent coast redwoods, some of the tallest and oldest on Earth, create a natural cathedral around well-appointed campsites equipped with picnic tables and secure food storage lockers. Here, modern comfort meets primeval wonder in California's most storied state park.

Big Basin Redwoods SP

Nestled within the recovering wilderness of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Sequoia Group Campgrounds 1 & 2 invite adventurers to experience the resilient beauty of California's ancient coast redwoods. These twin group sites offer an intimate connection with nature's renewal story, where towering giants that have weathered centuries continue to inspire despite recent fire challenges. While amenities remain limited as the forest heals, the opportunity to camp beneath these magnificent sentinels creates memories that last a lifetime.

Big Basin Redwoods SP Tent Cabins

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Nestled within California's legendary Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Wastahi Campground offers an intimate encounter with some of Earth's most magnificent living giants. Here, ancient coast redwoods stretch skyward, their massive trunks bearing witness to centuries of Pacific storms and sunshine. Though the landscape still shows signs of renewal from the dramatic 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, nature's resilience shines through as the forest regenerates, creating a unique opportunity to witness the rebirth of this primordial ecosystem.

9000 E. Dunne Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Perched high above the valley floor, Manzanita Point Hike-In Group Camp offers an authentic wilderness experience for adventurous souls. This collection of 11 secluded group sites rewards those willing to trek beyond the trailhead with the kind of solitude that's increasingly rare in California. Each thoughtfully placed site comes equipped with essential comforts - a sturdy picnic table for gathering, a metal fire ring for evening storytelling (when fire season permits), and convenient access to vault toilets. It's primitive camping at its finest, where the journey to reach your site becomes part of the adventure.

Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California

Nestled within the legendary Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground offers an intimate gateway to one of California's most resilient natural wonders. Here, where ancient coast redwoods stretch skyward and nature writes its own story of renewal following wildfire, groups can gather beneath a canopy that has witnessed centuries pass. This tranquil retreat weaves together diverse ecological zones, creating a tapestry of experiences that range from hushed redwood groves to sun-dappled meadows.

Big Basin Redwoods SP

Step into a living cathedral of giants at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, where California's conservation story began in 1902. These ancient coast redwoods have witnessed centuries pass beneath their towering canopies, and today they stand as testament to nature's remarkable resilience. Though the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire transformed this landscape, visitors now witness an extraordinary chapter of renewal, where vibrant green shoots emerge from charred bark and wildlife returns to reclaim their ancestral home among these majestic titans.

9000 East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Perched dramatically atop a ridge at 2,600 feet, Coe Ranch Campground invites adventurers to wake up to breathtaking panoramas of rolling ridges, deep canyons, and the sprawling southern Santa Clara Valley below. This intimate mountaintop retreat features 20 thoughtfully positioned drive-in campsites, each furnished with picnic tables and campfire pits where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Choose between primitive sites with parking adjacent to dedicated tent pads or traditional spots perfect for your camping setup. While the nearby Visitor Center provides modern flush toilets for your convenience, the absence of showers encourages a true back-to-nature experience that reconnects you with the wilderness.

1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

Nestled deep within a secluded canyon where ancient redwoods touch the sky, Ben Ries Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of Butano State Park. Choose from 21 drive-in sites for easy access or venture to one of 18 walk-in sites perched along the hillside above Little Butano Creek Canyon for a more immersive wilderness experience. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with picnic tables, bear-proof food lockers, and fire rings where you can gather under towering canopies. While modern conveniences include flush toilets and fresh water taps throughout the grounds, the absence of shower facilities encourages a true back-to-nature experience in this redwood sanctuary.

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Tucked away along the legendary Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, Waterman Gap Trail Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic backcountry experience in Castle Rock State Park. This secluded haven offers six intimate primitive sites where the only sounds are rustling leaves and distant bird calls. While modern conveniences are limited to vault toilets and on-site water access, the simplicity is part of the charm. Pack your gas camp stove for warm meals under the stars, but leave the matches behind—open fires aren't permitted in this pristine wilderness sanctuary.

Big Basin Redwoods SP

Venture into the heart of Big Basin Redwoods State Park and discover Lane Trail Campground, a secluded hike-in retreat where adventure begins at the trailhead. This primitive camping experience welcomes up to six guests per site, offering the rare opportunity to sleep beneath towering redwoods far from the crowds. While you'll find secure food storage lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, this back-to-basics destination embraces simplicity—no running water, picnic tables, or campfire rings disturb the natural setting. It's pure wilderness camping at its finest, where the journey to your site becomes part of the adventure itself.

1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060

Deep within the heart of the redwood forest, Butano Trail Camp awaits those seeking true wilderness solitude. This collection of 8 primitive campsites requires a rewarding 5.5-mile journey from the Visitor Center, where the modern world fades away with each step along the trail. Here, towering redwoods create a natural cathedral overhead, while essential amenities like pit toilets and bear-proof food lockers ensure safety without compromising the authentic backcountry experience. Leave your expectations of running water and electricity behind—this is camping as it was meant to be.

15000 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Nestled deep within the enchanting Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock Trail Camp beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This rustic retreat combines the essentials of primitive camping—fresh piped drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, warming fire rings, and basic pit toilets—with the unexpected comfort of a weather shelter that stands ready when mountain storms roll through. Here, simplicity meets natural splendor in perfect harmony.

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Nestled within the ancient cathedral of Portola Redwoods State Park, four exclusive hike-and-bike campsites await adventurous souls in the charming Huckleberry Campground. These hidden gems operate on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the camping season, offering an intimate escape where towering old-growth redwoods serve as your neighbors and the only sounds are whispers of wind through centuries-old branches.

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Deep within Portola Redwoods State Park, the Family Walk-In Campground beckons visitors into a cathedral of ancient giants. This cherished retreat, nestled among towering old-growth redwoods, serves as a gateway to one of California's most pristine forest sanctuaries. Whether you're seeking a family adventure, planning a group gathering, or embarking on a solo hiking journey, this natural basin of evergreen splendor offers that rare gift—a secret escape where city stress dissolves into the whisper of wind through ancient branches.

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Escape into a cathedral of ancient giants at Portola Campground, where 55 family-friendly sites and four hike-and-bike spots nestle beneath towering redwoods in the heart of Portola Redwoods State Park. Here, the modern world fades away as you immerse yourself in nature's grandest living monuments.

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Deep within a secluded redwood sanctuary, Slate Creek Trail Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking true wilderness immersion. Six intimate primitive campsites await backpackers ready to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms. While campfires aren't permitted to protect this pristine environment, the gentle glow of backpacking stoves illuminates evening meals as twilight filters through towering canopies. The melodic babble of nearby Slate Creek provides nature's soundtrack, though wise adventurers pack their own water or come prepared with purification systems to safely enjoy this mountain stream's offerings.

1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

201 Sunset Beach Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95060

205 Manresa Beach Road, La Selva Beach, CA 95076

1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Davenport, CA

Big Basin Redwoods SP

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15000 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95030

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Big Basin Redwoods SP

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Big Basin Redwoods SP

The Forest Of Nisene Marks SP

Big Basin Redwoods SP

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Sky Meadow Group 1 & 2 Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California

Big Basin Redwoods SP

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.