When it comes to family camping, few places offer the natural diversity, beauty, and adventure California does. Imagine waking up to the gentle breeze rustling through the forest, the sound of waves crashing on the beach or the crisp mountain air of the Sierra Nevada range. California offers an array of family-friendly campgrounds that will help you create unforgettable memories and the chance to bond and reconnect with nature.
Here’s a list of California’s best family campsites, guaranteed to make your next camping trip unforgettable!
Yosemite National Park – North Pines Campground
North Pines Campground located in the heart of Yosemite Valley is a must visit for families. This campground offers access to family-friendly hiking trails, the Merced River for swimming and wading, and ranger-led educational programs. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and earning their Junior Ranger badges.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for warmer weather and open roads. Winter can be beautiful but requires more preparation due to snow.
- Total Sites: 81 campsites, including tent-only and RV sites.
- Pets Allowed: Yes, pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not allowed on trails.
- Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, and food storage lockers (bear-proof). No showers available at this campground, but they are available in Curry Village (nearby).
- Activities:
- Hiking: Easy access to family-friendly trails like Mirror Lake and the Valley Loop.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot deer, black bears (from a safe distance), and birds.
- River Activities: Swimming and wading in the Merced River (supervise kids closely).
- Biking: The Yosemite Valley Bike Path is perfect for families.
- Kid-Friendly Activities:
- Junior Ranger Program: Available at visitor centers for kids to earn badges while learning about Yosemite.
- Flat Trails: Easy trails like the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail are accessible and great for kids.
- Nature Programs: Ranger-led talks and activities tailored for children are available throughout the park.
- Booking Information: You can make reservations up to 5 months in advance via Recreation.gov. Sites usually fill up within minutes, especially during peak season. Recommended to log in early and be ready when bookings open on the 15th of each month at 7:00 am PT.
Here's a video of a camper sharing their experience as by North pines campground is the best in Yosemite National Park:
2. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is an excellent spot for families who want to camp among California’s majestic redwoods. The campground is spacious and offers access to easy hiking trails, perfect for kids to explore the forest and rivers. Families can enjoy ranger-led programs and peaceful walks in one of California’s most stunning coastal parks.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring.
- Campsite Information: 189 sites among redwoods
- Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash in the campground (not on trails).
- Amenities:
- Restrooms, coin-operated showers, picnic tables, and fire pits.
- General store for supplies.
- Activities:
- Family-friendly hikes, river swimming, and ranger programs.
- Wildlife watching: Deer and birds.
- Kid-Friendly Activities:
- Flat Hiking Trails: Easy trails like the River Path are perfect for little explorers, offering chances to spot wildlife.
- River Play: Shallow areas of the Big Sur River are great for wading and safe water play under supervision.
- Nature Programs: Rangers host kid-friendly talks and guided nature walks.
Booking Information:
- You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov. Advance booking recommended as sites fill up quickly year-round.
3. Lake Hemet Campground, Riverside County
.jpeg)
Lake Hemet Campground is a lakeside retreat perfect for family fun, offering fishing, kayaking, and even a seasonal water park for kids. Families can enjoy peaceful mornings by the lake, followed by easy hikes in the surrounding areas. With spacious campsites, a playground, and water activities, it’s an ideal spot to keep your kids entertained.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring to early fall.
- Pets Allowed? Yes, with a dedicated dog-friendly beach.
- Type of Camping: Tent, RV, and cabin rentals.
- Campsite Information: 300 sites, some lakeside.
- Amenities:
- Flush toilets, showers, fire rings, picnic tables, and BBQ grills.
- On-site store with camping and fishing gear.
- Playground for kids.
- Activities:
- Water sports: Fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
- Seasonal waterpark for kids.
- Hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
- Kid-Friendly Activities:
- Splashing Eagle Waterpark: Inflatable water park on the lake, a fun and safe activity for older children.
- Playground: On-site playground ideal for toddlers and younger kids.
- Shallow Beach Area: Perfect for safe water play under parental supervision.
Booking Information: You can make reservations up to a year in advance via Lake Hemet Recreation. Call directly for last-minute availability.
One happy camper shared their experience, saying:
"This is our 5th year in a row camping here. By far the best. Kids love the wilderness so close to home. Staff is always friendly."
4. Camp Richardson, South Lake Tahoe
Camp Richardson is a family-friendly destination located on the shores of Lake Tahoe. With access to swimming, biking, paddleboarding, and winter sports, there’s something to do year-round. The campground offers a fun blend of relaxation and outdoor activities, perfect for families with kids of all ages.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for lake activities, winter for snow sports.
- Campsite Information: Over 100 campsites.
- Pets Allowed: Yes, pets allowed in RV areas only.
- Amenities:
- Flush toilets, hot showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and bear-proof lockers.
- Restaurants, coffee shop, and ice cream parlor on-site.
- Boat and watersports rentals at the marina.
- Activities:
- Water sports: Boating, swimming, and paddleboarding.
- Biking and hiking trails.
- Winter activities: Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Kid-Friendly Activities:
- Beach Access: Calm water areas make swimming safe and fun for younger children.
- Bike Rentals: Family bike rentals available for scenic rides around the campground.
- Ice Cream Parlor: A hit with kids after a day of playing outdoors.
Booking Information: You can make reservations up to a year in advance via the official website. Book early for summer weekends.
Here's a video of a camper enjoying quality time with their family at Camp Richardson. It beautifully captures the essence of family camping, showcasing the fun and relaxation that comes with spending time in nature together:
5. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Crescent City
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offers a magical camping experience among some of the tallest and oldest trees on the planet. Families can explore the park’s easy, kid-friendly hiking trails, wander through ancient redwood groves, and enjoy activities like swimming and fishing. It’s an ideal spot for kids to learn about nature through the park’s Junior Ranger programs.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall.
- Campsite Information: 86 campsites near the Smith River
- Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash in the campground.
- Amenities:
- Restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings.
- Visitor center with exhibits.
- Activities:
- Hiking: Trails like Stout Grove Trail.
- Swimming, fishing, and seasonal kayaking in the Smith River.
- Junior Ranger programs.
- Kid-Friendly Activities:
- Flat Hiking Trails: Easy, flat trails through towering redwoods are great for family walks.
- Junior Ranger Program: Offers engaging, educational activities that kids will love.
- River Play: Shallow areas of the river allow for safe wading and supervised swimming.
Booking Information: You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance via ReserveCalifornia.
6. El Capitan State Beach, Santa Barbara
El Capitan State Beach is an ideal family beach getaway with stunning ocean views and easy access to the coast. Families can enjoy tide-pooling, swimming, and exploring scenic coastal trails. The campground’s proximity to Santa Barbara makes it a convenient option for day trips as well.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall.
- Campsite Information: 132 campsites, many with ocean views.
- Pets Allowed: Yes, on a leash in the campground but not on the beach.
- Amenities:
- Flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire rings.
- Camp store and potable water available.
- Activities:
- Beach activities: Swimming, beachcombing, and tide-pooling.
- Hiking and biking along the coast.
- Seasonal ranger programs.
- Kid-Friendly Activities:
- Tide Pools: Great for kids to explore during low tide.
- Family Hiking Trails: Easy trails with ocean views, perfect for young hikers.
- Nature Programs: Seasonal ranger talks and interactive nature programs for kids.
Booking Information: You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance via ReserveCalifornia. Recommended to book exactly six months ahead at 8:00 am PT during peak season.
7. Lodgepole Campground, Sequoia National Park
Lodgepole Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Sequoia National Park, located near the famous General Sherman Tree. Nestled among towering pines and the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, it’s an ideal destination for families looking to explore the giant sequoias and the surrounding natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for ideal weather. Snow is common in winter and the campground typically closes from mid-October to late May.
Campsite Information: 214 campsites, including tent-only, RV, and group sites.
Pets Allowed: Yes, pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on park trails or in wilderness areas.
Amenities
- Visitor Center: Located nearby with information, supplies, and exhibits about the park.
- Showers & Laundry: Showers and a coin-operated laundry are available at the Lodgepole Market.
- Store & Market: The Lodgepole Village includes a market for groceries, camping supplies, and firewood.
- Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Available at each campsite.
- Bear Boxes: Provided at each site for food storage to prevent wildlife encounters.
Activities
- Hiking: Easy access to family-friendly trails
- Wildlife Viewing: Expect to see deer, marmots, and a variety of birds. Black bears are also common in the area.
- River Activities: Kids can wade in shallow areas of the river (supervise closely due to varying water levels).
Kid-Friendly Activities
- Junior Ranger Program: Kids can engage with the park through the Junior Ranger program, which offers badges and certificates on completion of various educational activities.
- Easy Hikes: Family-friendly hikes like the Big Trees Trail (near the General Sherman Tree) and the Tokopah Falls Trail offer flat, scenic routes perfect for kids.
- Nature Walks & Talks: The park offers ranger-led programs focused on educating children about the natural world, wildlife, and the giant sequoias.
- Riverside Fun: The river near the campground provides a fun and safe place for children to splash around during warmer months, under adult supervision.
Booking Information : You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov. This is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park, especially during summer. Book as early as possible for peak season.
Check out this video of a family enjoying their stay at Lodgepole Campground. It perfectly highlights the fun and adventure that comes with camping:
Things to Remember When Booking a Campsite for Your Family:
1. Location & Proximity
- Distance from Home: How far is the campsite from your home? Traveling long distances with kids can be tiring, so pick a spot that’s within reasonable driving distance.
- Nearby Amenities: Is the campsite close to emergency services, grocery stores, and hospitals? Access to basic amenities and healthcare is crucial, especially if you have younger kids or babies.
2. Accessibility
- Ease of Access: Check if the campsite has drive-in or walk-in access, especially if you're bringing a lot of gear.
- Terrain: Camping on uneven, rocky ground might be difficult for small children.
3. Campsite Size and Layout
- Space for Families: You’ll need a larger campsite that can accommodate your tent and cooking gear. There should also be enough space for kids to move around without feeling cramped.
- Privacy: If your kids tend to be loud or active, or if you’re looking for peace and quiet, check if the campsites are situated far enough from each other.
4. Safety
- Wildlife: Are there wild animals in the area that could pose a threat? If you're camping in bear country, campsites with bear boxes are a must.
- Water Hazards: If the campsite is near a body of water, check if the current is too strong for safe swimming.
5. Amenities
- Playgrounds or Kid-Friendly Spaces: Some campgrounds have playgrounds, nature centers, or ranger programs specifically designed for kids, which can be a big advantage.
6. Activities
- Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails: Look for campsites with nearby trails that are easy for kids.
- Outdoor Adventures: Are there opportunities for canoeing, fishing, wildlife watching, or other family-friendly activities? Campsites near lakes or rivers often offer rentals for paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks.
- Interactive Programs: Many national and state parks offer junior ranger programs, educational tours, or guided nature walks that engage kids in outdoor exploration.
7. Campsite Regulations
- Pet-Friendly Sites: If you’re bringing a pet along, make sure the campground allows animals and check if there are designated areas for dogs.
- Quiet Hours: Some campsites enforce strict quiet hours, which can be a relief if your family prefers to wind down early, or a hassle if your kids are loud.
8. Weather Considerations
- Climate & Seasonality: Is the weather suitable for kids? Look for campsites that are not too hot or cold, and check if there's sufficient shade and protection from the elements.
- Backup Plans for Rain: In case it rains, check if the campground has sheltered areas for eating and relaxing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to camp with kids?
The best places to camp with kids are Doheny State Beach for beachside fun, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for redwoods and river play, and Lodgepole Campground in Sequoia National Park for easy hikes and exploring giant trees. All these campgrounds offer kid-friendly amenities, easy trails, and plenty of activities, making them perfect for family adventures.
Why is it so hard to find campsites in California?
Campsites in California are highly popular, especially during peak seasons like summer, weekends, and holidays. They tend to book out months in advance, particularly in national parks and coastal areas.
When should I book campsites in California?
For popular campsites, you should book 6 months in advance, especially for weekends and peak seasons (summer and holidays). Sites open for booking on platforms like ReserveCalifornia and Recreation.gov on the 15th of each month. Plan to log in early to secure your spot as many fill up quickly.
How do I find the perfect campsite?
Use CampsiteTonight to quickly find available campsites based on your family's needs. It aggregates available campsites from multiple platforms—covering national, state, county, and private parks—all in one place. Instead of hopping between different apps, CampsiteTonight simplifies your search and directs you to the right site to complete your booking.
