California is home to some of the nation's most dramatic and beautiful landscapes, from mountains to deserts and the sea. It's a treasure trove of 110 state parks and sparkling beaches where you may spend the night within an old-growth redwood forest next to roaring waves, beside expansive views, and close to enormous boulders.
In addition to some of the most untamed mountains on the continent, this region is also home to beautiful beaches, old-growth redwood forests, endless dunes, impossibly colossal granite walls, and various other natural wonders.
California has several fantastic sites to camp in the winter, but there are even more options now that spring and summer are just around the bend. Here are our top recommendations for discovering the best camping in California. Remember to use a Jackery Solar Generator to charge your camping appliances with solar energy.
Top 10 Places to Camp in California
Camping by the beach in California will allow you to experience breathtaking sunsets over the water, redwood tree canopies, and hundreds of brilliant desert stars. All alternatives provide excellent camping opportunities in California.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, California is a mecca. There are many beautiful spots to camp in California, so it makes sense. Check out the top 10 places for the best camping in California.
1. Yosemite National Park
Location: Tuolumne, Mariposa, Mono & Madera Counties, California
Phone: 209-372-0200
Website: Yosemite National Park
When to Visit: June to September
Best Campsites: Tuolumne Meadows, Upper Pines, High Sierra Camps
Yosemite National Park in California is a symbol of the spectacular natural grandeur of America. Every year, it receives millions of people lured by its impressive waterfalls, enormous sequoia trees, a profusion of wildlife, and jaw-dropping cliffs like Half Dome and El Capitan.
You can find your place in Yosemite whether you're seeking the trip of a lifetime filled with adventure and tranquility or wish to camp, climb, backpack, or ski in one of the most breathtaking settings on Earth.
Newcomers will value the year-round Upper Pines campground, which forgoes isolation in favor of a desirable location on the valley floor, close to popular tourist destinations. The 304-site Tuolumne Meadows campground, located outside the valley at an elevation of 8,619 feet, features vistas from "The Sound of Music" and paths leading to Elizabeth Lake and the Cathedral Lakes. At the park's southernmost point, Wawona offers spacious campsites scattered along the Merced River with quick access to Mariposa Grove's enormous sequoias.
"What a place. If you like the outdoors and hiking, this is your place! I've been to dozens of National Parks, and this is as good as it gets. Clean, easy hiking and road access."
2. Channel Islands Park
Location: Santa Barbara County & Ventura County, California, United States
Phone: 805-658-5730
Website: Channel Islands
When to Visit: Fall
Best Campsites: Scorpion Canyon
Five great islands and the surrounding seas are included in the Channel Islands National Park, which preserves and guards a richness of natural and cultural elements. In that order, the islands are San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. Near the California mainland in proximity. More than 2,000 plant and animal species, including 150 unique to the Channel Islands, can be found there.
The islands, commonly called "The American Galapagos," have a viewing tower from which you can observe 445 bird species or engage in world-class diving, snorkeling, trekking, kayaking, and sea cave exploration. On all the islands in this haven of preservation, camping is also permitted, but you must first reserve boat transportation if you intend to stay the night.
"Very remote and quiet even though it is close to all the people in Southern California. We like the island and the hiking, but the boat ride over and back was probably the best part."
3. Joshua Tree National Park
Location: 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms , CA 92277-3597
Phone: 760-367-5500
Website: Joshua Tree National Park
When to Visit: March to May, October to November
Best Campsites: Jumbo Rocks, White Tank
Joshua Tree National Park is the world's most spectacular natural desert gem, boasting approximately 800,000 acres of mysterious splendor. In Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems are two separate desert ecologies that collide.
In a landscape shaped by powerful winds and sporadic downpours of rain, a remarkable array of flora and animals call it home. A rich cultural history, ominous geological features, and starry nights all contribute to the wonder of this enormous wilderness in southern California.
The variety of things to do at Joshua Tree National Park is almost as large as the park itself. Arrive for a few hours to go hiking on various trails, ideal for walkers of all skill levels, or arrange an exhilarating rock climb among unique boulder outcroppings. Several campsites are available in nature's most appealing desert retreats for those with more time.
"Unlike anything else I have ever seen! This California section of the Mojave desert is fascinating, with all sorts of plant life unique to the desert's arid, hot, and dry climates."
4. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Location: Shasta, Lassen, Plumas, and Tehama counties, California, United States
Phone: 530-595-4480
Website: Lassen Volcanic National Park
When to Visit: Summer or early Fall
Best Campsites: Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, Summit Lake South Campground
Lassen Volcanic National Park, home to hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots, is tucked away in Northern California's serene forests and wildness. The southernmost volcano in the Lassen Peak, Cascade Range, is the world's largest plug dome volcano.
In the Lassen Volcanic National Park, the land is genuinely alive. This park in the northeast of California indeed bubbles, steams, and roars since it has all four types of volcanoes: shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome.
One of the seven seasonal campgrounds is a great place to set up camp. Famous Manzanita Lake has tent sites and posh camping cottages, and Butte Lake has the most privacy. With magnificent views and easy access to the lake, Summit Lake South Campground is in the center of the park on Summit Lake's southern shore.
"This is a national park I didn't know existed until two weeks before I went there. And it was SO worth the visit. The drive on Highway 89 was beautiful, and the park is breathtaking."
5. Redwood National and State Park
Location: Humboldt County & Del Norte County, California, US
Phone: 707-464-6101
Website: Redwood National & State Park
When to Visit: Summer
Best Campsites: Elk Prairie Campground, Jedediah Smith Campground
Redwood National Park and State Parks contain some tallest and oldest trees. Old-growth coast redwoods can be found in Redwood National Park, founded in 1968 and situated in northernmost coastal California. These magnificent trees have a 2,000-year lifespan and can reach more than 300 feet.
Summer is the perfect season to explore Redwood National Park since the weather is warmer and the redwood trees are cozier. The tallest trees on Earth are found in Redwood National Park, in case you weren't impressed by the tall timbers in Sequoia.
Backcountry glamping allows you to bring your dogs and make it a family event; however, you may need to obtain a few permits before you leave. Check the air quality before you go because local seasonal fall fires can impact it.
"One of the most amazing national parks out there. Pictures do not even come close to describing how big those trees are. Check out the beaches nearby, too."
6. Crystal Cove State Park
Location: Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651
Phone: 949-494-3539
Website: Crystal Cove State Park
When to Visit: Summer
Best Campsites: Moro Campground
In contrast to the spotless, new homes and perfect greens of the Pelican Hills Golf Club that overlook this wilderness sanctuary, Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach, California, is best recognized for its rustic environment. A 1,140-acre underwater park near Crystal Cove Beach is perfect for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Crystal Cove is a state beach park in Orange County with quaint coves off Pacific Coast Highway. It is situated between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach. This location offers some of the best open spaces along the coast for beachcombing, swimming, surfing, scuba diving, and skin diving. Suppose you want to ride a mountain bike with the same breathtaking seaside vistas and head inland. Primitive camping choices are accessible along the hillside canyon, but you'll also be near the historic Crystal Cove neighborhood's charming white cottages and rentals.
"Crystal Cove State Park Historic District, at the Crystal Cove State Beach, was a pleasant surprise. We didn't know much about the area and dropped in on a lark."
7. Sequoia National Area
Location: Tulare County, California, United States
Phone: 559-565-3341
Website: Sequoia & Kings Canyon
When to Visit: June to August
Best Campsites: Lodgepole Campground, Wuksachi Lodge
At least 40 redwood groves may be found in Sequoia National Park, with the Giant Forest—home to the 275-foot-tall and 36-foot-wide General Sherman sequoia tree—being the most well-known. Sequoia National Park, home to some of the giant trees in the world, is a sobering site to visit. You may feel little compared to the beautiful trees that soar hundreds of feet above you at the park.
It is a terrific place for whitewater rafting, cave exploration, and waterfall walks if you're looking for enormous trees and a wild adventure close to the towering redwoods of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The three-mile-distance seasonal riverfront Lodgepole Campground provides easy access to park attractions, including the Giant Forest and the Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant, while being adjacent to the visitor center with free shuttle service.
"The trees of the giant forest are something to marvel at. Also, take advantage of the spectacular views from Moro Rock. So breathtaking!"
8. Van Damme State Park
Location: 8001 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456
Phone: 707-937-5804
Website: Van Damme State Park
When to Visit: Summer
Best Campsites: Van Damme State Park’s Campground
Van Damme State Park features a beautiful beach, a thick fern-filled woodland, and year-round camping. It is located three miles south of Mendocino on Highway One. But it's unquestionably worthwhile to go, especially if you enjoy taking quiet nature strolls. It has a tiny beach, fern canyon, pygmy forest, coast redwoods, camping, and picnic areas.
South of the town of Mendocino, along the Mendocino coast, you'll find Van Damme State Park Campground. With campsites along the Little River and some higher up on a ridge in an area known as Highland Meadow, Van Damme State Park offers some of the most excellent camping in the region.
There are 68 campsites at Van Damme State Park Campground. Only tents are permitted at five sites near the campground's eastern end; trailers, RVs, and tents are allowed at the remaining sites.
"If you love to hike in a beautiful setting, this is the place. There is camping also. For hikers, park across the road at the beach to avoid paying an entrance fee."
9. Russian Gulch State Park
Location: CA-1, Mendocino, CA 95460
Phone: 707-937-5804
Website: Russian Gulch State Park
When to Visit: Summer
Best Campsites: Russian Gulch Campground
This one is one of the few parks along the coast with a section of the east forest. Evidence of a significant logging operation over its three miles suggests that a mill was operational here. The Park spans 1,162 acres and has 7,630 feet of ocean beachfront.
The state park features breathtaking topography, including windswept headlands, a three-mile-long lush canyon, a dazzling beach, and a 36-foot waterfall that flows into a stand of redwoods at Devil's Punch Bowl.
On the northeastern edge of the park, campers can choose between 26 conventional sites, one group site, and four horse sites, all equipped with corrals, staging spaces, and water troughs. But regrettably, camping is only an option during the summer.
"Enjoyed a short hike in the park. There are good cliff views and picnic tables with many trees and shade. We went on a weekday and could find parking, though I suspect it may be a challenge on weekends as the parking lots are quite small."
10. Emerald Bay State Park
Location: 138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Phone: 530-541-3030
Website: Emerald Bay State Park
When to Visit: Summer
Best Campsites: Eagle Point Campground, Lake Tahoe
Activities: Hiking, biking, camping, water sports
Emerald Bay, located on the lake's western shore and surrounded by a breathtaking mountain backdrop, is Lake Tahoe's crown treasure. Emerald Bay is the ideal location to take in the full sight because of Lake Tahoe's extraordinary clarity and depth, which cause the lake's hues to appear otherworldly.
The park may provide some of the best Lake Tahoe views, but if you travel back nearly 150 years, you'll discover that the region offers much more than just a picture. What is a better location for trekking, exploring a stone castle, taking Instagram from a boat excursion, or diving in?
Summertime visitors can rent kayaks to Lake Tahoe's lone island, Fannette Island. Pack your kayak with camping supplies and paddle to the secluded lakefront boat camp on the bay's northern banks for more adventure and seclusion.
You may also use the bay as a terrific destination once you want to rent a boat at South Shore. For a significant indulgence, reserve a private yacht tour where the captain explains the area's history along the route.
"No expectations prepared us for the view from this unbelievable overlook! There was no other place as amazing during our trip to Napa and Lake Tahoe. This was #1 in terms of beauty and nature. DO NOT MISS IT!"
Camping in California Essentials
Due to its abundance of camping paths and a large amount of space where campers can commune with nature, California is regarded as one of the most well-liked camping destinations in the entire country. Of course, everyone has their perfect camping location in mind. Still, with all of the California camping essentials available to make your trip more enjoyable while spending less, it has never been simpler.
- Campsite Essentials: tent, sleeping bag, table & chair, flashlight, firewood;
- Portable Power Generator: Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus & 500
- Camp Cooking Essentials: cooking grill, stove, knife, cutting board, coffee maker, food
- Camping Clothes: water-proof jacket, hiking pants, boots, gloves
- Cleaning Essentials: hand sanitizer, toothbrush, shower kit, suncream, towel
- First Aid Kit: personal medication, bandages, finger splints, eye drops
For more details, see this list of camping must-haves checklist. A portable solar generator is a necessary tool to pack when going camping. A portable solar generator is a great way to guarantee power wherever you need it, even if there is no nearby power grid. Pack plenty of spare batteries; a charger in your emergency kit is also a good idea.
Jackery Solar Generators for Camping in California
It might seem easy to go outside and enjoy nature. You get a cooler and a tent and go elsewhere. Everything is good, but you need a solid way to contact people back home or get help in an emergency.
How to solve it? Get a small solar generator to keep your essential things charged. Why use a solar generator? Solar generators are cheaper, lighter, and easier to move around than other types. It also doesn't make any noise or give off any fumes. Jackery Solar Generators are always reliable when camping, anywhere, or anytime you go.
The parts that make up a Jackery Solar Generator are solar panels and a portable power station. The Portable Power Station can be recharged in several ways, including solar panels, AC outlets, and carports. This means that power can be made even at night or when it's raining. Jackery Solar Panels entirely use sun energy with a conversion rate of over 25%. We will discuss the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus and 500 for camping in California.
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Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus |
Jackery Solar Generator 500 |
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Capacity |
288Wh |
518Wh |
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Life Cycle |
3000 cycles to 80%+ capacity |
500 cycles to 80%+ capacity |
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Battery Cell |
LiFePO4 |
NMC |
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Recharging Methods |
Explorer 300 Plus + SolarSaga 40W: 9.5H; AC Adapter: 2H; Car Adapter: 5.5H; USB Charging: 2.8H |
Explorer 500 + SolarSaga 100W: 9.5H; AC Adapter: 7.5H; 12V Car Adapter: 7.5H |
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Output Ports |
1*AC Output: 120V, 60Hz, 300W (600W Peak); 1*USB-A Output: 15W Max 5V⎓3A; 1*USB-C Output: 15W Max 5V⎓3A; 100W Max, 2*USB-C Output: 5V⎓3A (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Car Port: 12V⎓10A |
1*AC Output: 110V, 60Hz, 500W (1000W Peak); 2*DC Output: 12V⎓7A; 3*USB-A Output: 5V⎓2.4A; 1*Car Port: 12V⎓10A |
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Input Ports |
1*AC Input: 100V, 60Hz, 15A Max; 1*DC Input: 12-27V⎓5A, 100W Max |
1*DC Input: 24V⎓3.75A |
Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus
There is a portable solar generator on the market called the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus, which is very small and looks good. It has a capacity of 288Wh and a power output of 300W, thanks to the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station and the SolarSaga 40W solar panels.
With two PD ports that can output up to 100W of power each, it lets you charge multiple devices quickly simultaneously. For instance, it can charge a portable fan and a projector at once, making your camping trip more fun.
It only weighs 11 lbs, which makes the Explorer 300 Plus easy to take on any outdoor journey, like camping, climbing, or wildlife spotting. The SolarSaga 40W is a small, movable option that can be used anywhere. The fact that it folds up makes it easy to store and move, and it fits perfectly in your bag.
The Explorer 300 Plus has a strong LiFePO4 battery that lasts long and a self-developed BMS that adds extra security. Our improved technology lets you charge efficiently, giving you faster charging times and longer battery life. Stay charged and linked, Whether at the campsite or on the go. You can count on the 300 Plus to power your outdoor activities because it has easy charge options.
Jackery Solar Generator 500
Jackery Solar Generator 500 is the small and easiest-to-carry lithium rechargeable battery generator. The Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station and the SolarSaga 100W solar panels are being sold together.
The Jackery Solar Generator 500 is a compact, highly portable lithium rechargeable battery generator. The Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station and the SolarSaga 100W solar panels are available as a bundle.
If you enjoy camping or staying at campsites without electricity, you'll likely need a reliable method for generating, storing, and utilizing electricity. These SolarSaga 100W solar panels efficiently convert solar energy into electricity, which can be conveniently stored in the Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station for future use. This solar generator provides a secure and environmentally friendly solution for accessing power during camping, RVing, or off-grid living.
The Jackery Explorer 500 comprises a lithium-ion battery, an MPPT solar regulator, and a pure sine wave inverter. The screen displays power input, output, and the state of charge with multiple charging ports. The unit is equipped with a convenient handle, allowing for easy mobility.
With an impressive 518Wh capacity, this device can efficiently charge various camping essentials such as phones, cameras, portable fans, and more. It comes equipped with a 500W PURE SINE WAVE AC plug capable of powering a wide range of AC-powered devices. It comes equipped with three USB ports, an AC outlet, a DC output, and a carport to conveniently charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Camping in California Tips
California is one of the most diverse places on Earth, and camping there offers an unending supply of beautiful things to see and do. Here are some recommendations for camping in California.
1. If you're traveling to California by plane and won't have access to your vehicle, renting a campervan is a fantastic choice. Campervans are a flexible and cost-effective alternative between driving a big RV and using a tent for camping.
2. Depending on the campground, amenities at campgrounds in California can vary substantially. Some have basic campsites without running water, while others are fully furnished with showers, restrooms, and a camp store. Be careful to review all of the information and guidelines for the campgrounds before making a reservation.
3. The phrase "June Gloom" refers to the gloomy, overcast sky and colder air that occasionally visit coastal locations towards the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Comfort should be your top priority when camping because there isn't a walk-in closet, so don't overpack.
4. Make a reservation without a doubt if you intend to go camping in California during the busy season, the summer, or a holiday weekend, especially if you want to set up camp in a beach campground or a national park.
Final Thoughts
One of the most stunning states in the United States is California. California's natural beauty comes in various forms because it is one of the most extensive and environmentally diverse states in climate, geography, and topography. You may learn about the best camping in California from this article.
A portable generator can charge large amounts of power and improve outdoor living. The Jackery Solar Generator converts solar energy into electrical power and stores it for later use. As a backup power source in case your electricity goes out for RVs and campers. Your camping in California will have a consistent and healthy power supply thanks to a solar generator.
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