How to Find Available Campsites in California?

Finding available campsites in California can be challenging, especially during peak seasons. The state is so popular among outdoor enthusiasts that securing a campsite during peak seasons is really hard.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate California's camping reservation systems, uncover hidden gems, and increase your chances of landing a campsite.

Here’s how you can find available campsites in California, even if you’re booking last-minute.

1. Start with Popular Booking Platforms

California’s state parks and federal campgrounds tend to book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Your first stop should be the major booking platforms that allow you to reserve a campsite in advance.

1. ReserveCalifornia: This is the go-to site for booking campsites at California state parks. You can make reservations at over 300 state parks, including iconic locations like Big Sur, Yosemite, and Point Reyes. ReserveCalifornia allows reservations up to six months in advance, and you can search for available sites by date and location.

However, many popular spots fill up quickly, so be prepared to book well in advance if you're visiting during busy weekends or holidays.

2. Recreation.gov: This platform covers reservations for federally managed lands like national parks, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites. If you’re looking to camp in places like Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic National Park, or the Angeles National Forest, this is where you’ll need to search. Recreation.gov also features first-come, first-served sites, though snagging one of these requires flexibility and a bit of luck.

2. Use Apps for Last-Minute Availability and Cancellations

If planning ahead isn’t your style, don’t worry. There are several apps and websites that help spontaneous campers find last-minute availability.

RV Life: This app is a go-to for RV travelers, offering a vast database of campgrounds tailored specifically for RVers, including RV parks, resorts, and hidden gems on public lands. It’s especially useful for finding sites with RV-friendly amenities like hookups, dump stations, and large pull-through spots. You can filter by location, park features, user reviews, and even check road conditions to ensure easy access to your destination.
The Dyrt: Known as one of the largest camping databases in the United States, the Dyrt can help you find campsites near your location. They also offer a Pro version that includes a camping trip planner and an offline search feature. This is particularly useful if you’re heading to remote areas where you might lose service.
Campsite Tonight: This app specializes 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.

3. Look for First-Come, First-Served Campsites

Many campgrounds in California offer first-come, first-served sites, which can be a fantastic option for last-minute trips—if you’re willing to gamble a little. Some of the best first-come, first-served spots are tucked away in lesser-known parks and campgrounds.

National forests and BLM land are your best bet. Some great areas to consider are the Los Padres National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, and areas around Shasta-Trinity National Forest. These places offer breathtaking views and remote camping experiences, often with fewer crowds.

Just make sure you arrive early in the day to secure a spot during peak season or long weekends. If you’re aiming for a popular location, showing up on a Thursday or early Friday can increase your chances of finding a spot before the weekend rush.

Some of the best first-Come, first-Served Campsites in California:

Consider the Season

Timing is crucial when looking for available campsites:

Summer (June-August) is the busiest season. Book well in advance or consider shoulder seasons.
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
Winter camping can be a unique and fun experience, with fewer visitors competing for spots.

Explore Alternative Camping Options

If traditional campsites are full, you can consider these alternatives:

Dispersed Camping: Many national forests allow camping outside designated campgrounds. Check local regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Some of the best dispersed campsites in California are:

Private Campgrounds: You can find these through websites like Hipcamp, Campendium or Campsite Tonight.

Check Availability in Lesser-Known Parks

While Yosemite and Joshua Tree get most of the love, California has plenty of lesser-known parks that offer stunning scenery and a quieter camping experience. These parks often tend to have more availability.

Consider spots like:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: A perfect option for desert camping, especially in the cooler months. It’s the largest state park in California and offers campsites in scenic desert landscapes.
Mendocino Headlands State Park: This park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific without the crowds of more famous coastal parks.
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area: If you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside camping trip, this hidden gem in Northern California offers water activities like kayaking and fishing and stunning mountain views.

Be Flexible with Dates and Locations

When camping in California, flexibility is your friend. If your preferred campsite is booked, consider adjusting your dates or exploring other alternatives.

Mid-week trips offer better chances of scoring a spot, and some campgrounds that are packed on weekends may have availability from Monday through Thursday.

Conclusion

Finding an available campsite in California at short notice can be a challenge. But with the right tools and a bit of luck, you can discover stunning camping spots. Apps like Campsite Tonight can be particularly useful for spontaneous trips, while resources like ReserveCalifornia and Recreation.gov help with advance bookings. Cheers to finding that perfect spot under the stars!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are California campsites so hard to find?

Campsites in California are hard to find because of high demand especially in popular places like Yosemite, Big Sur and coastal areas. Most campgrounds are open year-round, and spots fill up months in advance. Limited availability, seasonal closures and high demand during peak times (weekends, holidays, summer) make finding a spot tough.

2. How far in advance can you book?

For state parks, you can book campsites up to 6 months in advance through ReserveCalifornia. For federal sites (national parks, forests, etc.) Recreation.gov also allows you to book 6 months in advance, but the window can vary by park or campground.

3. Can you camp for free on California beaches?

Free camping on California's beaches is limited. Most state beaches require paid reservations or permits, but there are some dispersed camping opportunities on public lands near the coast like BLM areas. Camping directly on the sand for free is rare and often restricted. Always check local regulations before you camp.

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