• Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Francis Beach Campground ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Ron/stock.adobe.com

2. Moro Campground, Laguna Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Unique Accommodations
© bilanol/stock.adobe.com

3. Bullfrog Pond Campground

Category: Unique Accommodations
© stock.adobe.com

4. Reyes Peak Campground

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Kate/stock.adobe.com

5. Joshua Tree National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Scottiebumich/stock.adobe.com

6. Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Ilya/stock.adobe.com

7. Kirk Creek Campground

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Syda Productions/stock.adobe.com

8. Mill Creek Resort

Category: Unique Accommodations
© kopitinphoto/stock.adobe.com

9. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© David Prahl/stock.adobe.com

10. Pianetta Ranch and Winery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

11. Pinnacles National Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Elena/stock.adobe.com

12. Emma Wood State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Cesar/stock.adobe.com

13. Dogwood Family Campground

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© auremar/stock.adobe.com

14. Sonoma Coast State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© khomlyak/stock.adobe.com

15. Summerset Farm

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Jacob Lund/stock.adobe.com

16. Tuolumne Meadows

© straystone/stock.adobe.com

17. South Carlsbad State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© sherryvsmith/stock.adobe.com

18. Cerro Alto Campground

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Photographee.eu/stock.adobe.com

19. North Beach Campground

Category: Unique Accommodations
© WavebreakmediaMicro/stock.adobe.com

20. Riverside Campground and Cabins, Big Sur

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Riverside Campground and Cabins

21. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park(TM) Camp Resort, Lodi

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

22. Casini Ranch Family Playground, Duncan Mills

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Casini Ranch Family Playground

23. Inn Town Campground, Nevada City

Category: Unique Accommodations
© Inn Town Campground

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Over 110 state parks and beaches dot California's landscape, many located directly along the state's amazing Pacific Ocean coastline. Many of the state's lovely parks offer excellent opportunities for overnight camping, ranging from primitive backcountry camping to glamping experiences in modern Airstream trailers or rental cabin facilities. Gorgeous national parks like Yosemite National Park are also home to modern campground areas and rustic lodge-style accommodations.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.