7 California Campgrounds So Beautiful, You’ll Forget About Hotels Forever

California’s natural landscapes offer some of the most breathtaking camping experiences in America. From coastal bluffs to ancient redwood forests, the Golden State’s campgrounds showcase nature at its finest. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a first-time camper, these seven spectacular spots will have you trading room service for starlit skies and wake-up calls for sunrise over mountain peaks.

1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Big Sur

Perched on dramatic coastal cliffs where redwood-covered mountains meet the azure Pacific, this Big Sur gem offers camping with million-dollar views. The environmental campsites require a short hike in, ensuring a more intimate experience with nature.

Morning fog rolls through ancient redwoods while the famous McWay Falls plunges 80 feet onto a pristine beach below. The sound of crashing waves becomes your constant companion.

Reservations are notoriously competitive for these coveted spots, sometimes booking out months in advance. The effort is worthwhile – few places on earth combine such majestic forests with panoramic ocean vistas in one breathtaking location.

2. Manzanita Lake Campground – Mineral

Nestled in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Manzanita Lake Campground sits at the foot of an active volcano with surprisingly peaceful surroundings. The crystal-clear lake mirrors snowcapped Lassen Peak, creating postcard-worthy views from nearly every campsite.

Families particularly love this spot for its gentle hiking trails and excellent fishing opportunities. Rangers offer evening programs during summer months, teaching visitors about the park’s unique volcanic features and diverse wildlife.

Fall asleep to the gentle lapping of lake water against the shore and wake to misty mountain mornings that feel worlds away from civilization.

3. El Capitan State Beach – Near Santa Barbara

Sun-drenched coastal camping doesn’t get better than El Capitan. Located just 20 miles north of Santa Barbara, this beloved beach campground offers the perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty along Highway 1.

Eucalyptus groves provide welcome shade for campsites set just steps from a golden crescent beach. Dolphins frequently play in the waves visible from your campfire, while spectacular sunsets paint the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks each evening.

Tide pools teem with fascinating marine life, making this spot equally appealing to beach bums and curious naturalists. The nearby El Capitan Canyon offers glamping options for those wanting a taste of luxury with their outdoor adventure.

4. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park – Near Crescent City

Camping beneath the world’s tallest living things creates an experience bordering on spiritual. Jedediah Smith Campground sits along the wild Smith River, surrounded by an ancient forest that feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Sunlight filters through massive redwood canopies, creating ethereal beams that dance across the forest floor. The campground’s 86 sites are nestled among ferns and sorrel, offering privacy while remaining accessible.

Morning fog weaves through thousand-year-old trunks, creating a mystical atmosphere unique to Northern California’s redwood coast. Swimming holes in the adjacent emerald-green river provide refreshing relief on warm summer days.

5. Convict Lake Campground – Mammoth Lakes

Ringed by jagged Sierra Nevada peaks that reflect perfectly in its sapphire waters, Convict Lake offers high-altitude camping with extraordinary scenery. The dramatic mountain backdrop tells the story of its name – escaped convicts once hid in these rugged mountains in 1871.

Fishing enthusiasts flock here for trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout. A gentle 3-mile trail circles the lake, accessible to hikers of all abilities while providing constant jaw-dropping views.

The campground sits at 7,500 feet elevation, offering cool relief during summer months and spectacular star-gazing opportunities after sunset. Fall brings an explosion of golden aspen leaves that transform the landscape into a painter’s dream.

6. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground – Borrego Springs

Desert camping reveals its magic at this oasis nestled within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Surrounded by sculptural badlands and rugged mountains, Borrego Palm Canyon offers front-row seats to California’s largest state park.

The night sky here earns its International Dark Sky designation – billions of stars emerge with breathtaking clarity once the sun sets. During spring, wildflower super blooms transform the desert into a kaleidoscope of colors.

A moderate hiking trail leads from the campground to a hidden palm oasis fed by natural springs, where you might spot the elusive bighorn sheep that give the park its name. Winter and spring offer pleasant temperatures for exploring this fascinating desert landscape.

7. Refugio State Beach – Goleta

Palm trees sway above this rare beachfront campground, creating a tropical atmosphere along the Central Coast. Refugio’s campsites sit mere steps from gentle waves, offering an authentic California beach camping experience just 20 miles west of Santa Barbara.

Kayaking reveals hidden coves and kelp forests teeming with colorful marine life. The beach’s western orientation provides front-row seats to spectacular Pacific sunsets that paint the sky and water with vibrant colors.

The gently curving bay creates calm waters perfect for swimming and beginner surfing. A coastal bike path connects Refugio to nearby El Capitan State Beach, offering scenic pedaling along bluffs overlooking the ocean.