Table of Contents
Introduction
California is known globally to have all you need on your ideal camping trip. From sunny rays to delicious food and spectacular views, camping California stype is for everyone and anyone. Especially if you want a vacation packed full of adventure, this location’s climate is perfect for an RV trip. Not only are there beaches, but also as you move away from the urban centers, the night skies in the national parks are a sight to see.
Something unique about the Golden State is the sheer diversity of camping grounds which we’re going to explore in this article. We will tell you about more luxury resorts as well as the more typical campground, so if adventure is on your bucket list, keep reading to find the Top RV spots In California.
5 Top Campgrounds in California
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Burney, CA
This state park is actually the second oldest state park in all of California, so you already know that there will be excitement as soon as you enter. The draw to this location is the 129-foot Burney Falls which has water flowing from the nearby underground springs as well as Lake Britton to create one of the most amazing waterfalls. There are also gorgeous mountain peaks that have formed from the volcanic activity leaving basalt covering the rocks. If you are interested in hiking, there are five miles of trails you can traverse. The primary trail is the Burney Falls Loop Trail which leads you directly to the waterfall. It is a well-maintained path with an accessible fishing landing.
The best time to visit would have to be from the spring to fall because of the temperate climate, and it gets fairly busy in the summer months because of tourists. However, if you wait until winter, you won’t be able to find your way to the falls. That being said, going mid-week would also help you avoid the crowds.
To make a reservation for 2023, you can visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275.
Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay, Watsonville, CA
This is one of the best campgrounds out there as the facilities are looked after and it is super close to Monterey Bay. In the summer months, the sun will be out and you can spend time at the beach getting your yearly tan. In fact, there are over 25 beaches to tour with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk having plenty of fun activities as well. There is also the Pebble Beach golf course for the putters out there, and the Napa Valley which houses more than 60 wineries. Furthermore, nearby is Elkhorn Slough which has five miles of trails, perfect for any bird watchers, since the oak woodlands are the perfect nesting spots for plenty of native species.
For those who want the chance to see what this area is all about, there are beach camping amenities available from bike rentals and volleyball to hot tubs and more. They really have it all! To check for availabilities and book your reservation, visit https://koa.com/campgrounds/santa-cruz/reserve/, but be quick before all the spots are taken.
Wawona Campground, Yosemite National Park, CA
The Wawona Campground is open all year round with different loops available. Since it is so far from the city, you have the opportunity to find yourself alone with nature. We would recommend booking a campsite closer to the river since there are multiple swimming and sunbathing spots available. With an elevation of 4000 feet, there are 93 sites total that each contains a fire ring, picnic table, food locker, and washrooms.
There are also plenty of activities that you can partake in. For example, there are 12 miles of paved bike trails with bikes available to rent if you don’t have one already. Since the site is near the river, there are fishing spots galore! The majority of the lakes are open all year round, and in particular, fly fishing is a Yosemite staple. Hiking is also a must! Some popular paths include Yosemite Valley, White Wolf and Glacier Point Road. The infamous Half Dome is 58,800 feet above sea level and has been a tourist destination for decades. If none of these pursuits interest you, don’t fret! There is also horseback riding, paddling, climbing and wildlife watching. This campground has a little bit of something for everyone!
Be sure to check out https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232446 if you wanted to book a reservation. Spots fill up quite quickly, so be sure to get a site before they all run out.
Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan, Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara is a top travel destination if you are in the area. Right next to the Pacific Ocean and Ynez Mountains, this lodge also has amenities such as a heated swimming pool and the Ocean Mesa Market. It is surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest which means that there are plenty of opportunities to go hiking. One of the best ones is the
Canyon and Ridgetop Trails at the El Capitan State Beach which take around 2 hours to complete.
This is a very family-friendly resort as well. Something unique is that this campground offers outdoor movies in the summer months! Especially as you camp underneath the stars far from the metropolitan areas, it will only make the experience that much better. For younger children, there is a huge playground for them to meet friends and enjoy their vacation.
To book your stay, visit here so you can plan ahead for one of the best vacations! https://www.sunoutdoors.com/california/sun-outdoors-santa-barbara/amenities
Paradise by the Sea, Oceanside, CA
Last, but not least, Paradise by the Sea is more of a luxurious stay for anyone who is a fan of glamping. As the name suggests, it really is a beautiful place to spend your summer days. Equipped with lovely beaches it is Southern California’s only Beach RV Resort. That being said, it has perfect access to not only the seaside but also theme parks such as LEGOLAND (10 minutes), the zoo (40 minutes), Sea World (30 minutes) and much more. Around are shopping centres and restaurants for those who wanted to treat themselves. In the more local area, there is the Oceanside Pier which is actually the longest wooden pier on the West Coast, Buccaneer Beach & Park, the harbour and wineries.
There is so much to see and do in this campground, so you should definitely pack your bags. It is safe for children as the coded gates surround the facility and the game room includes an Xbox with games. Many return year after year because of the friendly staff and clean space, so visit https://paradisebythesearvresort.com/reservations/ to learn more.
