Tent Campgrounds in California

Discover the best tent campgrounds across California. Get back to basics with traditional tent camping. From established sites with amenities to secluded wilderness spots.

14+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: May-September (peak season)

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Pet-Friendly With Showers Potable Water Flush Toilets Reservable Under $15/night

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.8

(137)

Bishop Park Campground (Ca)

Bishop
Inyo National Forest

Walk-in tent sites nestle directly beside Middle Fork Bishop Creek, where grassy meadows cushion sleeping pads beneath towering Sierra pines. The rushing creek water lulls you to sleep, then morning brings crystal-clear stargazing skies and trout rising in pools just steps from your tent door.

Placerville
Eldorado National Forest

Spacious sites nestle beneath a towering hardwood canopy at 5,300 feet, where the creek's gentle murmur lulls you to sleep each night. The motor-free reservoir and pristine mountain wilderness create a tranquil backcountry atmosphere rarely found in developed campgrounds.

Kit Carson Campground

Markleeville
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

Tent campers nestle between canyon walls and the West Fork Carson River, where level sites on soft forest floor offer genuine seclusion in the Sierra Nevada high country. Wake to the river's constant murmur and cast your line directly from camp into prime trout waters.

Tents

RVs

About Tent Campgrounds in California

Tent camping in California offers an unparalleled diversity of wilderness experiences, from the towering granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada to ancient redwood cathedrals along the misty coast. Whether you're seeking alpine meadows beside crystalline creeks, riverside sanctuaries beneath pine canopies, or primitive sites in the shadow of volcanic peaks, California's tent camping destinations deliver authentic outdoor experiences that connect you directly with nature's rhythms.

Best Time

Peak tent camping season in California varies dramatically by elevation and region, requiring strategic planning for optimal conditions. High Sierra campgrounds like Bishop Park, Gerle Creek, and McBride Springs typically open late May through October, with July and August offering the most reliable weather but also the heaviest crowds and mosquito activity.

What Makes It Great

Designated tent pads and flat ground
Fire rings and picnic tables
Varying levels of amenities
Scenic natural settings

More Tent Campgrounds in California

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4.6

(32)

Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Albion
Navarro River Redwoods SP

Towering second-growth redwoods create a cathedral-like canopy over 26 intimate sites where the Navarro River's gentle flow provides your nighttime soundtrack.

Mcbride Springs Campground

Mt. Shasta
Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Ten secluded campsites nestle among ponderosa pines on Mt. Shasta's lower slopes, offering tent campers generous spacing and mountain solitude without crowds.

Lassen National Forest

Tall pines surround each tent-only site at this secluded reservoir camp, where level ground and natural spacing between spots create genuine backcountry solitude.

Tom's Place
Inyo National Forest

Spacious sites nestle among towering pines and granite boulders along rushing Rock Creek, offering tent campers genuine Eastern Sierra wilderness with well-maintained facilities.

Dorst Creek Campground-Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Park

Three Rivers
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Towering sequoias shade spacious sites at 6,700 feet, where bear-proof lockers and flush toilets blend wilderness immersion with practical comforts. Step from your tent directly onto trails leading to Muir Grove, where ancient giants await discovery in the high Sierra.

Cattle Camp Campground

McCloud
Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Towering conifers shelter 27 spacious sites along the pristine Upper McCloud River, where level ground and thoughtful spacing create natural privacy between camping spots.

Truckee
Tahoe National Forest

Towering Jeffrey pines create a cathedral-like canopy above your tent, while Prosser Reservoir's shoreline sits just steps away for morning paddles and fishing.

Susanville
Lassen National Forest

Tucked among ponderosa and lodgepole pines, 17 well-spaced sites provide natural screening along pristine lakeside shores where tent campers wake to mirror-still water views.

Sierraville, CA
Tahoe National Forest

Tent campers discover generous privacy among towering pines and firs, where the reservoir's gentle lapping replaces the usual campground chatter. Level, needle-cushioned ground and ample spacing between just 20 sites create a backcountry feel with front-country conveniences like potable water.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 14 campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in California

Map of campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in California

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Map Key

Bishop Park Campground (Ca)

Gerle Creek

Kit Carson Campground

Paul M. Dimmick Campground

Mcbride Springs Campground

Philbrook Campground

French Camp

Dorst Creek Campground-Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Park

Cattle Camp Campground

Prosser Ranch Group

Crater Lake

Woodcamp Campground

Convict Lake Campground

Goose Meadows

View all 1122 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Tent camping and backpackingTrout fishing in alpine streams and riversStargazing and night photographyDay hiking to alpine lakes and waterfallsWildlife viewing and bird watchingSwimming in mountain lakes and rivers

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve campsites six months in advance through Recreation.gov for popular destinations like Bishop Park and Gerle Creek, as weekend sites fill within hours of becoming available.
2Pack four-season sleeping bags rated to 20°F for high Sierra locations, even in summer, as temperatures regularly drop to freezing overnight above 7,000 feet.
3Bring bear canisters or use provided bear boxes religiously—California black bears are highly food-motivated and campground closures occur when bears become habituated to human food.
4Coastal campers should pack layers and rain gear regardless of season, as Mendocino weather changes rapidly with fog rolling in without warning.

14 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Tent Campgrounds in California

Tent Campgrounds in California FAQ

California offers 14+ tent-friendly campgrounds. We've ranked them based on site quality, natural setting, amenities, and user reviews.

Tent camping in California typically costs $15-35 per night at developed campgrounds. Some national forest and primitive sites may be free or under $10 per night.

Essential gear includes a quality tent, sleeping bag rated for California conditions, sleeping pad, camp stove, and appropriate clothing. Check weather forecasts and pack layers.