Spring Camping in California

Spring Camping in California

Discover the best spring camping across California. Welcome the new season with spring camping. Wildflowers bloom, waterfalls surge, and nature awakens.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: March through May
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Canyon View Group Sites
Star
5.0
(34)
Canyon View Group Sites
Three Rivers
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Spring transforms Cedar Grove into a Sierra wonderland where waterfalls thunder from snowmelt and wildflowers blanket the canyon floor beneath towering granite walls.

Tents
2
Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground
Star
4.5
(160)
Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground
Barstow

Spring transforms the rainbow-striped badlands into a canvas of desert wildflowers blooming between ancient geological formations, while mild temperatures make hiking the scenic loop trail comfortable before summer heat arrives.

Tents
RVs
3
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Group Campground
Star
4.7
(71)
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Group Campground
Kenwood
Sugarloaf Ridge SP

Spring transforms the oak woodlands into a canvas of wildflowers while Sonoma Creek swells into a seasonal waterfall worth gathering the group to witness. Mild temperatures and fewer crowds during shoulder season mean your crew can claim the barbecue area and hiking trails without the summer rush.

Tents
RVs

About Spring Camping in California

Spring camping California offers an unparalleled diversity of landscapes and experiences, from the snow-melt waterfalls of the Sierra Nevada to the vibrant wildflower displays across desert basins and coastal headlands. As winter's grip loosens, California's campgrounds awaken with rushing rivers, blooming meadows, and perfect temperatures for outdoor exploration.

Best Time

The optimal timing for spring camping in California depends entirely on elevation and regional climate patterns. Desert destinations like Rainbow Basin and Ricardo Campground shine brightest from mid-February through April, when winter rains trigger spectacular wildflower blooms and temperatures hover in the comfortable 60-75°F range before summer heat arrives.

Season Highlights

  • Wildflower displays
  • Flowing waterfalls and streams
  • Mild, comfortable weather
  • Fewer crowds than summer

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Spring Camping in California

Map of campgrounds near Spring Camping in California
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Map Key
1
Canyon View Group Sites
2
Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground
3
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Group Campground
4
Buckeye Flat Campground
5
Stillwater Cove Regional Park Campground
6
Ricardo Campground
7
Camp Four And Half Cabin
8
Canyon Campground
9
Kirch Flat Group Campground
10
Cibbets Flat Campground
11
Enroute Campsites
12
Bitterbrush Campground
13
Wiley'S Well Campground
14
Kcl Campground
15
Selby Campground
16
Boulder Oaks Eqst
17
Circle Canyon Campground
18
Teleli Pulaya (Black Oak) Campground
19
Bear Wallow Camping Area
20
Dodge Reservoir Campground
View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Wildflower viewing and photographyWaterfall hiking and explorationRiver and creek fishingTidepooling and marine life observationBird watching and wildlife viewingScenic photography of spring landscapes

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve early for spring camping in California, as this season's mild weather and spectacular natural displays make it one of the most popular times to camp.
  • 2Most developed campgrounds operate on Recreation.gov's six-month rolling reservation window, so mark your calendar and book exactly six months before your desired dates.
  • 3For desert wildflower camping, monitor bloom reports from park services and wildflower hotlines to time your visit perfectly—blooms can vary by several weeks depending on winter rainfall.
  • 4Pack layers for spring's unpredictable weather, including warm base layers for chilly mornings, sun protection for midday heat, and rain gear for occasional spring storms.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Spring Camping in California

Spring Camping in California FAQ

We've ranked 20+ spring campgrounds in California based on wildflowers, weather, and accessibility. Top options feature blooming landscapes and rejuvenated waterfalls.
Spring camping season in California typically runs March through May, though opening dates vary by location and elevation. Mountain campgrounds may open later due to snowmelt.
California offers excellent spring camping with wildflower displays, flowing waterfalls, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds than summer. It's perfect for hiking and photography.
Availability Alerts

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Canyon View Group Sites
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