Summer Camping in California
Discover the best summer camping across California. Experience the best of outdoor camping during the warmest months. Long days, starry nights, and endless adventure await.
Summer Camping in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Summer transforms the canyon into an alpine playground where hikers chase turquoise glacial lakes beneath 14,000-foot granite spires and anglers cast lines in crystal-clear mountain streams.
Inyo National Forest
Middle Fork Bishop Creek rushes past your tent while trout rise in crystal-clear pools just steps from camp, making every morning an invitation to cast a line.
Sierra National Forest
Huntington Lake's crystal-clear waters lap right at your doorstep, inviting swimmers, kayakers, and anglers to dive into endless summer adventures. Miles of shoreline trails wind through pine forests before opening to the Kaiser Wilderness, where peak season brings warm days of sailing...
About Summer Camping in California
Summer camping in California offers an unparalleled diversity of outdoor experiences, from the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Sierra to the pristine beaches of the Pacific Coast. The Golden State's summer season transforms its varied landscapes into a camper's paradise, with high-alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, crystal-clear mountain lakes reaching perfect swimming temperatures, and coastal campgrounds offering cool ocean breezes as respite from inland heat.
Best Time
The prime summer camping season in California runs from late June through early September, though timing varies significantly by elevation and region. Coastal campgrounds like Upper Moro and Russian Gulch offer excellent conditions from May through October, with July and August bringing the warmest, sunniest weather and the least fog.
Season Highlights
- Warm weather and long days
- Swimming and water activities
- Full amenities and services
- Family-friendly activities
Campground Locations
Showing top 13 campgrounds near Summer Camping in California
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Book your summer California camping reservations exactly six months in advance when the Recreation.gov window opens, as premier destinations like Eagle Point and Reds Meadow fill within minutes for peak July and August dates.
- 2Pack layers regardless of your destination—even hot summer days in the Sierra Nevada give way to chilly nights requiring warm sleeping bags rated to at least 30°F, while coastal campgrounds need wind-resistant jackets for evening fog.
- 3Bear-proof food storage is mandatory throughout the Sierra Nevada and many other California campgrounds; use provided bear boxes religiously and never leave food, toiletries, or scented items in your vehicle overnight.
- 4Bring your own firewood from local sources near your campground rather than transporting it from home, as California strictly regulates wood movement to prevent invasive pest spread.
Summer Camping in California FAQ
Popular California Campgrounds Book Fast
The best summer camping in California book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Big Pine Canyon
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