r/CaliforniaCamping

I, and my dog, have had it with loud illegal fireworks going off. I tried visiting a nearby city (my city is hopeless) that supposedly enforced the ban on fireworks outside the sanctioned city show, but people were still setting them off all night anyway. I was thinking of getting out to the middle of nowhere next year... but people are such a-holes I wonder if even at campgrounds they'll be lighting fireworks. So if you were somewhere last night and didn't hear them at all, tell me where!

To add: I have kids and we're not up for dispersed camping (the obvious choice). I need to be somewhere with flush toilets ideally.

Has anybody been RV camping in Tahoe during the summer. My friend is looking to plan a trip for hopefully next summer. How far in advance do you book. I know spots are in high demand and limited. I’m also concerned about the price. Thanks!

Please don’t be rude. I’m new to camping. Wondering if there are any campgrounds that do first come first serve.

As many outdoor lovers know, there’s a special kind of magic when the stars align, you snag a last-minute reservation and realize you’ll soon be sleeping under the stars in a place you’ve never been.

But given the popularity of California’s campgrounds, is it really possible to book a campsite on short notice? 

In this edition of The Wild, our outdoors staff writer Jaclyn Cosgrove explains not only how you can book campsites last minute but also where you will be more likely to find open spots (even, if lucky, on a holiday weekend like Fourth of July weekend).

Here’s what to know. 

Hi! I want to take my girlfriend camping up North when she visits me in Sonoma. I have an old suburban that I think would be a blast to car camp in and I already have a few spots in mind, but was curious about any other spots I should know of. Ideally free and sorta private, but I’m not firm on that. Just curious!

Also wondering about any lesser known nature spots in Sonoma that anyone would be willing to share with me to take her to. She’s a New Yorker and I want to bring her to the most beautiful places I can. If you’d prefer not to post them, pm me! I have some in mind here too, but feel like I learn a lot from here.

Thanks so much!

Hi everyone! I’m in the North Bay and want to go on my very first camping trip this summer. I’ll be car camping with a tent and have basically no camping experience.

I’m looking for beginner-friendly campgrounds in Northern California, preferably within a few hours’ drive. One thing that makes me nervous is bears, so I’d really appreciate recommendations for campgrounds that feel safe for first-timers and any advice on bear safety.

I’d also love tips on:

Essential gear
Food storage and cooler tips
Easy camp meals
Campsite etiquette
Mistakes to avoid
Any camping hacks you wish you knew when you started

Thanks so much! I’m excited to try camping but definitely a little intimidated.

If anyone is looking for a one night stay - we will be leaving our campsite early. Figured if anyone wanted a last minute one night stay on a holiday weekend while everything else is sold out, this post could help somebody.

We have a site booked at Plaskett Creek Campground and will only be able to make 1 of our 3 reserved nights. Recreation.gov requires a 3 night minimum so I was forced to book Thursday-Sunday.

Thursday night and Saturday night will be open as we are only camping there Friday night while driving down the coast.

Feel free to message me if interested, first come first served.

EDIT: Saturday night has been taken

Hi all, unfortunately my family will not be able to make it to the family camp at Yosemite that I booked 6 months ago due to a conflict. I have canceled my reservation and now 4 spots are available online to book. Just wanted to let this community know in case anyone is interested. This is a great program that comes with naturalist guided hikes and stargazing program. Perfect for family with kids to get the best out of Yosemite. Registration includes park entrance and camp site at upper pines. Below is the link to book.

Im looking for any recommendations on areas near Mono Lake, June Lake, Crowley Lake for car camping? Anything in a like 50- 100 mile radius honestly lol. Im looking for dispersed campsites off of forest roads. Anyone know of any roads that have campsites?

Thanks!

Hello. I got accepted into a radiology program in Anaheim. Problem is, I live in San Diego. I was hoping to find somewhere not too far away from the school to park my trailer and live out of it during the week. I can’t find any even parks within 50 miles that has available space for like 3 years. Is there an app or community that would help find a spot. Like a harvest host for long term or something?

Hi y'all! I'm looking for some beautiful camping locations for car camping, I've seen people back the car up facing the ocean between trees and I loved that vibe. I'm looking for the spots that you can drive your car right up to where the view is preferably, so while a normal tent camping spot would work sleeping in the driveway of the site wouldn't be ideal. Are there any spots like this in Northern Cali that you'd recommend? Any further out that have a similar vibe as well? Driving from the Bay Area!

Thank you guys so much!

Hey everyone! This may be a long shot, buuut.. my fiancé and I want to take a camping trip next weekend (may be stupid cause it's 4th of July weekend..) to celebrate making it to 20 weeks with our first baby. Neither of us really enjoy actual camp grounds because usually you're faaaar too close to others for our liking.

We're both okay with some hiking, and I'd always prefer somewhere near water, but it's not necessary 🥰 Any recs?

First full week of July I’m doing one weeknight in Hearst San Simeon SP and then following night in Andrew Molera SP. in the middle of the week. Plus I’ve never been to Big Sur!!
I’m solo road tripping from east bay and want to leave myself option to also spend a third night somewhere around Big Sur or maybe a place with hot springs?

Tips for places to stop along the way down / back up?? Must do fairly easy hikes?

Super excited to be visiting the Channel Islands in September!

I will be backpacking to the Del Norte Campground and have two nights there from Sep 23-26 before continuing on to Scorpion.

I would really like to do a kayaking cave tour but theres currently no availability at Scorpion Campground for one night.😭

This is a long shot but wondering if anyone would add me to their group reservation?? I know there’s gotta be space. Just a have a small tent!

Or any other advice? I know sometimes people cancel.