TL;DR Explore 10 of California's best RV camping destinations, from Yosemite and Big Sur to Joshua Tree, plus campground tips and unique Harvest Hosts overnight stays.
Imagine waking up beneath towering redwood trees, watching the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, or sipping a glass of local wine while overlooking a California vineyard.
That's the beauty of RV camping in California. You can experience completely different landscapes without ever leaving the state.
From the rugged coastline of Big Sur to the granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park, California offers some of the most spectacular camping destinations in the country. Whether you prefer full-hookup RV resorts, peaceful state park campgrounds, desert adventures, or unique overnight stays at local businesses, there's something for every type of RVer.
And with Harvest Hosts, you can make the journey just as memorable as the destination. Instead of simply driving between campgrounds, you can spend the night at participating wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and other unique locations throughout the Golden State.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Here are the best places to camp in California, plus tips for finding unforgettable RV stays along the way.
1. Yosemite National Park
Best for: Mountain scenery, hiking, waterfalls, and national park adventures
No list of the best places to camp in California would be complete without Yosemite National Park. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is famous for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, giant sequoias, and breathtaking mountain scenery.
For RV travelers, camping near Yosemite provides access to some of California's most recognizable natural landmarks.
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Spend your days exploring Yosemite Valley, hiking scenic trails, visiting waterfalls, and taking in views of El Capitan and Half Dome.
Where to RV Camp Near Yosemite
Yosemite has several campgrounds that accommodate RVs, including Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, and Wawona.
However, RV length restrictions vary by campground and individual campsite. Not all sites can accommodate larger motorhomes or travel trailers. Reservations are extremely competitive, especially during summer.
Just west of the park, you'll find Point Skyfall, a convienient stopping point with many nearby recreation points, Yosemite Guide Service, a business offering private sightseeing tours of Yosemite that welcome RVers to stay the night, and Indigeny Reserve Ciderworks and Distillery, known for their organic hard cider and apple brandy.
2. Big Sur and California's Central Coast
Best for: Ocean views, coastal drives, beaches, and scenic camping
If your dream camping trip involves dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur deserves a place on your itinerary. This stretch of California's Central Coast is famous for its rugged shoreline, redwood forests, ocean overlooks, and scenic Highway 1.
It's one of the most beautiful road-trip destinations in the country.
Where to RV Camp Near Big Sur
Popular camping options in the region include Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and other established campgrounds along the Central Coast.
Farther north and south, you'll find additional RV camping opportunities near Monterey, Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo. Be aware that some coastal campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs.
Highway 1 also includes narrow, winding sections that may not be appropriate for every rig. Always check current road conditions and RV restrictions before planning your route.
Harvest Hosts Locations in Big Sur
Unfortunately, there are no Harvest Hosts locations in Big Sur, Monterey, or Carmel. However, there are plenty of winery hosts in the Paso Robles area, and some winery and farm Hosts in the Santa Cruz area.
3. Joshua Tree National Park
Best for: Desert scenery, stargazing, hiking, and winter camping
For an entirely different California camping experience, head to Joshua Tree National Park. Located in Southern California, Joshua Tree is known for its distinctive desert trees, massive rock formations, wide-open landscapes, and spectacular night skies.
It's especially popular among RV travelers looking for an escape from colder winter destinations.
Some campgrounds can accommodate RVs, but vehicle-length restrictions vary significantly. Most campsites do not offer hookups, so prepare for dry camping.
The park's popular camping season generally runs from fall through spring, and reservations are strongly recommended at reservable campgrounds. Just outside of the park, Coachella Lakes RV Resort and Indian Wells RV Community are places you can stay with full hookups.
Harvest Hosts Locations Near Joshua Tree
Awesome Life, Eisel-Power, and Chiriaco Summit are all just a short distance from Joshua Tree National Park and offer great views, gift shops, and even RV accessories for sale.
4. Redwood National and State Parks
Best for: Ancient forests, scenic drives, wildlife, and peaceful camping
Few camping experiences compare to spending the night near California's towering coastal redwoods. Redwood National and State Parks protect some of the tallest trees on Earth, along with beautiful coastline, rivers, and forest ecosystems.
The region is ideal for RV travelers who enjoy hiking, photography, and exploring quieter natural destinations.
However, some state park campgrounds have strict RV and trailer length limits. Larger RV travelers may find more suitable options in nearby communities.
Research campground access carefully, as narrow forest roads and tight turns can create challenges for bigger rigs.
Harvest Hosts Locations Near the Redwoods
Camping within the parks amongst the Redwood trees is a magical experience we want everyone to experience. However, east of Klamath National Forest, you'll find Casa Condor, a luxury camping area with a sauna, The Gathering, a house of worship that has a with electric hookups that can be booked in exchange for a donation, and Natural Horse Way, a private horse sanctuary.
5. Lake Tahoe
Best for: Alpine lakes, mountain views, hiking, and summer recreation
Lake Tahoe is one of California's most iconic mountain destinations. Straddling the California-Nevada border, the lake is famous for its clear blue water, surrounding mountains, and outdoor recreation.
During summer, visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, hiking, and scenic drives. Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage in surrounding areas.
Where to RV Camp Near Lake Tahoe
Popular camping options include campgrounds around South Lake Tahoe, the west shore, and nearby mountain communities. Camp Richardson and several state park camping areas are worth researching.
Because the region is extremely popular, RV campsites can book quickly during peak season. Some campgrounds have limited hookups or RV length restrictions, so review individual site details carefully.
Best for: Desert landscapes, scenic drives, geology, and winter RV adventures
Death Valley might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a camping trip, but it's one of California's most remarkable destinations. The park features salt flats, colorful badlands, sand dunes, mountains, and some of the most dramatic desert scenery in North America. It's also a fantastic destination for RV travelers looking for warmer winter weather.
Where to RV Camp in Death Valley
Furnace Creek Campground is one of the park's main camping options and includes a limited number of RV sites with hookups. Other developed campgrounds offer more basic camping experiences.
Because Death Valley is extremely hot during summer, the cooler months are generally better suited for RV camping and sightseeing. Always check campground availability, road conditions, and weather alerts before visiting.
Best for: Winery stays, food, scenic countryside, and relaxing RV trips
Not every great California camping destination revolves around hiking or national parks. For travelers who enjoy food, wine, and beautiful countryside, Northern California wine country is an excellent choice.
Sonoma and Napa Valley offer rolling vineyards, charming communities, scenic roads, and opportunities to learn about California's winemaking traditions.
Where to RV Camp in Wine Country
Traditional RV parks and campgrounds can be found throughout the surrounding region, although availability may be limited in popular wine destinations.
Some travelers choose to stay outside the busiest wine-country communities and explore the vineyards during the day.
Harvest Hosts Locations in Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
This is where Harvest Hosts really shines. California has an extensive network of participating wineries, making it possible to build an RV trip around vineyard experiences.
Best for: Giant trees, mountain scenery, hiking, and national park camping
If you want to see some of the world's most impressive trees, add Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to your California RV itinerary. These neighboring parks protect enormous giant sequoias, rugged mountain landscapes, rivers, and deep canyons.
Visitors can explore scenic trails, photograph towering trees, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Sierra Nevada.
Where to RV Camp Near Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Both parks and their surrounding areas offer campground options, but not all are suitable for RVs. Some mountain roads have tight curves and restrictions that make them challenging or unsuitable for larger vehicles.
Before traveling, research the specific entrance route, campground access, and RV size limits. For larger rigs, staying outside the parks and exploring in a smaller vehicle may be the most comfortable option.
Best for: Desert camping, wildflowers, stargazing, and wide-open spaces
Located in Southern California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers a quieter alternative to some of the state's busiest national parks. The park features desert mountains, canyons, badlands, and expansive landscapes.
It's also known for seasonal wildflower blooms when conditions are favorable.
Where to RV Camp Near Anza-Borrego
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is a popular developed camping option. The surrounding region also offers private RV parks and additional camping opportunities.
Some areas permit primitive camping, but RV travelers should research current regulations, road conditions, and vehicle access before attempting dispersed camping. Desert terrain can be challenging, particularly for larger RVs.
Harvest Hosts Locations Near Anza-Borrego
In between Anza-borrego State Park, the Santa Rosa Mountains, and Ocotillo Welles State Recreational Area, you'll find Riviera Farms, a restored 23 acre farm with a lot of historical significance. In nearby Santa Ysabel, you'll find Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza and Julian Farm and Orchard.
10. Mendocino and the Northern California Coast
Best for: Coastal scenery, redwoods, charming towns, and quieter RV camping
If you love the California coast but want to explore beyond the busiest Southern California beaches, consider Mendocino. This Northern California region offers dramatic ocean cliffs, beautiful forests, coastal villages, and scenic drives.
It's a fantastic destination for travelers who enjoy photography, hiking, and exploring small towns.
Some campgrounds are better suited for smaller RVs, so check vehicle-length restrictions and access roads before reserving. Coastal fog and cooler temperatures are common, even during summer.
Harvest Hosts Locations Near Mendocino
There are no Harvest Hosts locations in the town of Mendocino, but there are a lot of winery Hosts in the Redwood City area.
Best Places to Camp in California FAQs
What are the best places to camp in California?
Some of the best places to camp in California include Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, Joshua Tree National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley, and the Mendocino coast. The best destination depends on whether you prefer beaches, mountains, forests, deserts, or wine country.
Where can you RV camp in California year-round?
California offers year-round RV camping opportunities in many coastal, valley, and desert regions. Southern California destinations such as Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego are especially popular during cooler months. Mountain campgrounds may close seasonally because of snow.
Can you camp for free in California?
Some public lands allow dispersed camping without traditional campground fees, but regulations vary by location. You must verify that overnight camping is permitted and follow all applicable restrictions.
Are there Harvest Hosts locations in California?
Yes. California has hundreds of participating Harvest Hosts locations, including wineries, farms, breweries, museums, attractions, and other unique businesses. Members can use the Harvest Hosts Discover Map to find overnight stays throughout the state.
Do California state parks allow RV camping?
Many California state parks offer RV camping, although amenities and vehicle-size limits vary. Some provide hookups, while others offer basic campsites without electricity, water, or sewer connections. Check the individual park's campground information before reserving.
Discover the Best Places to Camp in California With Harvest Hosts
California is one of the most diverse RV camping destinations in the country. You can wake up beside the Pacific Ocean, spend an afternoon exploring ancient redwood forests, hike through Yosemite's granite landscapes, or watch the sunset over the desert.
And with so many incredible destinations, there's always another California road trip waiting to happen.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, the best places to camp in California offer opportunities to experience nature, explore local communities, and create unforgettable memories.
With Harvest Hosts, you can make those experiences even more meaningful.
Stay at a family-owned winery. Visit a local farm. Discover a unique attraction. Support a small business. And turn an ordinary overnight stop into one of the highlights of your trip.
Start planning your California RV camping adventure today, and let Harvest Hosts help you discover unforgettable places to stay along the way.
Harvest Hosts is a unique RV camping membership that offers self-contained RVers unlimited overnight stays at 9,600+ unique locations across North America with no camping fees. Stay at farms, wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, attractions, and other one-of-a-kind destinations while enjoying memorable travel experiences and the peace of mind that comes with knowing a safe place to stay is always nearby.
