The 10 Best Camping Sites In California

The 10 Best Camping Sites In California

It’s incredible to think that in just one
state, you can camp up high in the snow, down low in thick green forests, in deserts or
at the beach. California has it all. In this video, we’ll show you some of the
best free, cheap and expensive campsites that you can visit in California. Quick note, the Bureau of Land Management
is a government agency charged with basically creating laws to manage the natural and wild
life in the country. If a campsite is BLM approved, rest assured
that you can go there and camp anywhere. In this video, we’ll explain an area and
do our best to offer the best campsite, whether that’s an actual site or maybe somewhere
you should visit yourself. Remember, it is so important to leave no trace
of your camping trip. Pick up your trash. 10. The Alabama Hills. The Alabama Hills are located South of the
Sierra National Forest and West of the Death Valley. Visitors here can enjoy incredible sights
and entertainment including touring movies sets and going horseback riding. The peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the Inyo
mountains were formed 100’s of millions of years ago and they are truly a sight to
behold. You have the choice here to camp slightly
off road for a night staring at the mountains and the sky or to camp at dedicated campsites
along ‘Movie Road’. Some of the campsites, which are BLM approved,
include Tuttle Creek and the Inyo National Forest Lone Pine campground. 9. Sawtooth Canyon Campsite, Mojave Desert. Camping in the desert is a unique experience. Located in the Lucerne Valley off of Highway
247, Sawtooth Canyon looks like a scene straight out of a Western Film. The best time to try this is in the cooler
times of the year because of the extreme dry heat, but the vastness of the desert and the
reflection of light from the sand into the sky makes a camping trip to the desert something
truly unique. It is so quiet and peaceful. Sawtooth Canyon has a number of BLM approved
campgrounds and they are mostly located near a climbing wall named ‘Boy Scout Wall’. They have brilliant amenities such as firepits
and ready-made BBQ grills. Hunting, rock climbing and hiking are very
popular in this area. 8. The Pads at Death Valley. The Pads at Death Valley are a unique, BLM
approved camping spot in the worlds hottest area. They are just off highway 190 and very close
to the East Side of the Death Valley National Park entrance. Originally a small mining town, it was deconstructed
and only the foundations of homes and buildings are left now. These foundations have become ‘The Pads’. Blocks of flat concrete where you can pitch
your tent or park your RV. Again, due to the vastness of the desert around
here, the night sky is outstanding. People regularly see other planets and shooting
stars. Another must see if you want an unique desert
experience. 7. Keysville, Lake Isabella. Moving away from the desert a little, Keysville
is a small area east of Bakersville on highway 178. In Keysville, there is a small lake called
Lake Isabella and lots of BLM approved camping sites including the Recreation Site and the
Sandy Flat campground. You can swim and fish in the lake while looking
at the snow covered mountains of the Sierra Nevada. There is so much to do here including visiting
hot springs and white water rafting. The climate is far more manageable than the
humid desert air. 6. Williams Hill, Big Sur. Just south of the ‘Big Sur State Park’
is the Williams Hill recreational area. This is a free, BLM approved campsite right
on the edge of a mountain. While the drive up may be a bit nerve wrecking,
the views and peace will all be worth it. You can go up to about 2,700 feet in altitude
and the whole valley is below you. Biking and horseback riding are some of the
activities you can get up to while during your down time. 5. Yosemite National Park. There are many different sites in Yosemite. It is such a big area and wild camping isn’t
fully legal or recommended. It can very difficult to get a ticket for
any Yosemite National park campsite but if you do you have some of the best camping sites
available to you. They all range on the spectrum of things to
do because of the sheer size of Yosemite National Park. The Upper Pines campground has some incredible
views of the valley and has quick shuttle buses to the best sites around. While at the south of the park, ‘Roomy Sites’
has some family friendly campsites and cabins for you and your family to explore the Sequioa
trees. This area is great for those who want to explore
the Sierra Nevada mountain range. 4. Ventana Campground, Big Sur. Located 30 miles south of Carmel, this campsite
is one of the best in America. You camp right under the redwood trees and
can choose to pitch your own small tent or go all out glamping. You can only camp here with tents and not
RV’s but you can park the RV right down the road. The Big Sur is where the huge redwood trees
meet the sea. There’s just so much to do around this area
including hiking and following the wildlife. The very popular Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
is just up the road with lots of things to do. Ventana is relaxed and you feel like you are
staying right in the middle of nature because of the forest around you. There are lots of small shops around the area
too. 3. Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe. Located South of the lake on highway 89, Emerald
Bay State Park is truly a place that you need to see to believe. It is absolutely breathtaking. You have these amazing views of the lake and
the mountains. A hikers paradise, with some interesting historical
sites to visit including waterfalls, a castle and a beautiful beach. There are kayaks and paddle boards available
for rent if you feel the need to get out in to the lake itself. Eagle Bay campground and Emerald Bay Campground
are two campsites that you can reserve a spot at. 2. Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach. We’ve talked about camping in the desert,
forests and mountains. Now let’s move right beside the coast. To the beach! Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway
between Laguna and Newport, Crystal Cove State Park’s Moro Campground is based right on
the cliffs beside the sea. The campsite overlooks the Pacific Ocean and
has lots of fun water activities available right there. You can do everything from surfing and kayaking
to catching a tan or playing frisbee. Laguna Beach is a beautiful little town so
there’s at lot to do here if you want to get away from the campsite and the water. 1. El Capitan State Beach Camping, Santa Barbara There are many campsites along the coast of
Santa Barbara. This area is a must see spot for campers because
of the environment. Located off Highway 101, about 17 Miles north
of Santa Barbara. In this area, you can camp in the forest and
make a short hike down to the beach. They are right beside each other and this
makes for an amazing camping trip. The water here is stunning and you can explore
tidepools, surf or kayak around. The beach offers BBQ opportunities for you
and some friends and then you can return to your campsite in the woods just a short walk
away. El Capitan is an extremely unique Ocean view
campsite. It has some of the most amazing viewpoints
in the state and gives a feel of what the coast must have looked like hundreds of years
ago. So there you have it. 10 of the most diverse, beautiful camping
spots in California. With a little bit of everything thrown in. Hot deserts, cold mountains, fresh forests
and golden beaches. It’s time to root out your tent or fix up
that old van and go on an adventure again.

It’s incredible to think that in just one state, you can camp up high in the snow, down low in thick green forests, in deserts or at the beach. California has it all. In this video, you’ll see some of the best free, cheap and expensive campsites that you can visit in California.

Check out my other videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4QZareRwvvawbL7a4T1K8Q

Watch my last video about the 16 best stops when driving Big Sur:
https://youtu.be/8LUuemVfqYQ