10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in California

April 18, 2023 Layne Dawes

California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Things to do in California

1. Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

180 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton, CA 93427-9501 1 (805) 628-4327
Excellent
69%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1352 reviews

Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

Travel the Highway West to Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground where you can unwind in unique accommodations such as vintage trailer and airstream rentals, cabins and cottages, luxury tents or your own RV or camping tent. Enjoy California's breathtaking central coast with a variety of on-site amenities including a swimming pool, resort playground and complimentary Wi-Fi. Flying Flags also allows guests to easily access many of the area's most popular attractions and destinations. Wine tasting at a local winery, the charming town of Solvang and the serene surroundings of Lake Cachuma and Los Padres National Forest are just a few of the points of interest situated just moments away from our resort. If you are looking for a memorable vacation experience in California's wine country, look no further than Flying Flags!

Great Location

Reviewed By bigmikejones

If you have 40 footer or longer, book premium pull thru sites. Roads are kind of narrow and closeness of sites may be an issue. Lots of work going on and I can see the improvements with tree trimming and constant attention to the grounds.

2. Redwoods River Resort & Campground

75000 Highway 101 N, Leggett, CA 95585-8910 1 (707) 827-9359
Excellent
68%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 728 reviews

Redwoods River Resort & Campground

Welcome to Redwoods River Resort, your place for family, friends, and fun in the Northern California Redwoods. Our Resort features a motel & cozy cabins both with kitchenettes and BBQs. You'll love our 2 bedroom, 2 bath + bunk room vacation rental with gas BBQ and fire ring. In addition to the rooms and cabins we have RV sites with full hookups, tent camping sites & 1 beautiful group site with brick BBQ. We offer a Clubhouse with a full kitchen that is also available for rent. In the summer of 2015, we added a beautiful Beer, Wine & Espresso bar that also serves hot food. There are two TVs so you don't have to miss your favorite sports event! Relax on the outdoor patio by the fire, play a game on our beautiful Bocce Court under the lights while the kids play on the adjacent GIANT outdoor checkers, twister, connect-four, and Jenga! We offer a variety of free fun activities for guests of all ages. Our Recreation Room has air hockey, foosball, ping pong, pool table, and satellite television. There are outdoor games such as Bocce Ball, giant Checkers & Twister board, giant Connect Four, giant Jenga, shuffleboard, volleyball, badminton, and horseshoes. Younger guests will enjoy their choice of our two playgrounds, Camp Jordan (toddler playground) and Fort McCaffison. Summer visitors will appreciate our heated pool and private access to the Eel River, which has two wonderful swimming holes. You also might love the Friday Night Movie's in the Clubhouse, Rock Painting, or Saturday night Ice Cream Social and Karaoke by the Campfire! (May-Sept) We offer visitors a wide variety of accommodations as well as indoor and outdoor activities, which makes our place a wonderful get-a-way for Family Reunions, Weddings, Retreats, or Corporate events. With our prime location on the Eel River, our proximity to several state parks, Confusion Hill, hiking and biking trails, and the abundance of our ancient giant Redwoods, we hope to be your next destination in the Northern California Redwoods!

Camping IN the redwoods with amenities

Reviewed By SparkydogEscondidoCA

We enjoyed our stay in the Redwoods at this very pleasant resort. The staff is exemplary and Harrison's Pub is a definite plus. This is an older resort but shows it's age graciously; it's setting among redwoods is beautiful, the grounds are well kept and the amenities clean. Our primary disappointment was the difficult access to the river. They mention a beach and swimming holes but don't describe the trail which numerous people described as a "total workout" especially coming up. We're older/semi-disabled and couldn't take advantage of the river, a large part of our decision to stay here. We were also unable to use the sewer hookup due to it's location and height in the premium camping site. If your rig has a low output be sure to request a site with a flat input opening.

3. Sierra Meadows

46513 Opah Dr, Ahwahnee, CA 93601 1 (833) 966-1999
Excellent
84%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 74 reviews

Sierra Meadows

Sierra Meadows is a new lodging and event facility located just 18 miles from the south gate to Yosemite National Park. With a growing number of brand new cabins in various shapes, sizes and styles and a peaceful, remote setting, Sierra Meadows is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the park. When the weather gets warm in the summer, cool off in our swimming pool after a walk or bike ride on the 140 acre former golf course. Check our website for details on our concert series, held September through May.

Tiny cabin in nature

Reviewed By riellemohr

It is exactly like in the description. There’s beautiful nature all around, we saw a deer from our patio. Check in was digital and easy. The cabin was clean and the toilets and showers were also pretty clean. It is a 35 min drive to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Only downside in my opinion is the price, since you don’t have your own bathroom at the mini cabins.

4. Virginia Creek Settlement

70847 Highway 395, Bridgeport, CA 93517
Excellent
49%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 390 reviews

Virginia Creek Settlement

Jimmy and Brinn Little have had the honor of keeping up the tradition of great food and lodging at the Virginia Creek Settlement since March of 2003. The main restaurant was originally built in 1927 Over the years it has seen many things such as a bed and breakfast, bar, and cafe, The 5 unit motel was added in 1954 and has hosted many road weary travelers, and the campground has seen teepees, wagons, cabin tents, to its current form today. We feature delicious Italian/American food and wines at their finest, as well as hearty, homestyle breakfast, lunch and dinner to delight the whole family. Our meals are carefully prepared and served in a pleasant rustic atmosphere by people who care about making your dining a pleasurable experience.

What a Gold Mine of a Place!

Reviewed By SpiritLilly

Our plan was to take a historical vacation, and visit places we had not been or had heard of. Virginia Creek was the perfect place to start - and we stayed 2 nights! It's evidently been in business for years, and is a quaint old west town theme place to stay - in fact you can choose to stay in a cabin (with rustic western decor) a private cabin set right in the old west, a covered wagon - yes seriously, or a gypsy wagon, or a cabin big enough for a family.. And the Virginia Creek runs through the entire resort. The owners have set up a Trout Farm that feeds the creek. Every place has a campfire spot with comfortable seats and there's a play area with CornHole, BBQ Pit, and pet paradise. Walk across the bridge and follow the easy trail along Highway 395 for a wonderful pet walk. Definitely will stay again. And a spectacular thankyou to Cindy who checked us in and took such great care of us. Oh - it's 1 mile to the turnoff for Bodie State Park, which was a MUST SEE for us.

5. AutoCamp Yosemite

6323 Ca-140, Mariposa, CA 95345
Excellent
67%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
6%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 108 reviews

AutoCamp Yosemite

AutoCamp Yosemite provides year-round upscale accommodations in Airstream trailer, luxury tents, and other suites at a beautiful mountain property a short drive from Yosemite National Park.

Exceeded expectations in every way

Reviewed By D5770MUkateb

Excellent experience. Stayed 4 nights in a airstream with other family members in an adjacent tent. The club house is awesome. Pool is perfect. Camper and tent very clean on arrival. Bonfire area was perfect. One tip is bring a big cooler and food. Refrigerator is small and bonfire area has a grill so you will want to cook out. Staff very helpful and friendly. Do not hesitate to stay here.

6. The Castle House Estate

64278 E Broadway Street, Joshua Tree, CA 92252-4408
Excellent
77%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
15%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 39 reviews

The Castle House Estate

Units designed to make the everyday extraordinary. The ULTIMATE "GLAMPING" experience! Featured on HGTV: The Castle House Estate brings Tiny Home living to another level, located in the heart of Joshua Tree and minutes from the National Park. This unique medieval piece of architecture blends indoor-outdoor living with an emphasis on entertaining. The Castle House Estate is situated on eight picturesque acres, surrounded by many more private undeveloped acres.

Quirky and totally cool!

Reviewed By ellynvb

This delightful campground offers more than just tenting. We stayed in a shipping container outfitted as a tiny house. It was delight! Had every amenity anyone could want. We ate on the roof deck under the stars! Minutes away from the Joshua Tree park North entrance it was the perfect spot!

7. The Pines Motel and Cottages

10845 Rough and Ready Hwy West Main St and Squirrel Creek Road, Grass Valley, CA 95945-8501
Excellent
84%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

The Pines Motel and Cottages

We are NOT a Campground as Trip adviser has us listed!! The Pines is a small country Boutique Motel a short walk from Historic Downtown Grass Valley, Ca. Most of our rooms have full kitchens with full size refrigerators and All include Daily Housekeeping. Our location is beautiful with large old growth trees with plenty of outdoor places to relax. All rooms have been tastefully updated with attention to details. Enjoy the evening with a glass of wine by the fire pit and let us be your home in the country.

A charming place

Reviewed By 373teresab

This inn was unique--it is not just another inn of a chain. Besides being clean and warm, our room had a full kitchen and, even cooler, the management gave us all the ingredients for a delicious omelet. The place is charming, with flowers in the yard, a flowering plant outside each room, a new tiny pond, lights on the trees, a family-type game on the grass, and a swing.

8. Blue Horizon Lodge

638 Edgemoor Road PO Box 1942, CA 92315 1 (909) 303-1209
Excellent
77%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Blue Horizon Lodge

Blue Horizon Lodge was built in the 1940's as a place for visitors to escape the summer heat from the local cities located in lower elevations. This lodge has been owned by 3 families before our family purchased it on December 29, 2017. It also had 3 names: Apache Lodge, Russian Village and Blue Horizon Lodge. We had very nice conversations with the Wood family members who owned and operated the lodge since 1977 at the transition. We then spent almost a year to remodel and modernize the lodge with tankless water heaters, new rain gutters, new draining system, replaced the wall gas heater with central heat and replaced the carpets with water resistant hardwood floors. We also put in brand new kitchen with quartz countertops for each and every cabin. We did it as a family project with lots of help with local Big Bear folks. It took a village, but we did it!!! We made gut changes to the lodge while having the goal to retain its original rustic charm. We hope you will come.

Great, would book this again

Reviewed By 273kristienv

The self check in worked perfectly. Received the instructions a few days before so that was convenient. The lodge was very clean, everything you need is available. There is parking next to the lodge so no need to worry about that. Would definitely book this again.

9. Johnson's Beach - Cabins and Campground

16215 First St, Guerneville, CA 95446-8809
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 10 reviews

Johnson's Beach - Cabins and Campground

Perfect for family vacations or group getaways, Johnson’s offers 10 rustic cabins dating back to the 1920s, and tent camping. Set on the banks of the Russian River yet located in the heart of town with easy access to Guerneville’s shops, restaurants and nightlife, it is the perfect place for fun in the sun and exploring all that beautiful Sonoma wine country has to offer.

Great simple cabin-great location

Reviewed By crumbles1234

Great.... nice cabin and simple.. minifridge and bathroom only.. A little warm but has fan. campground next store is awesome.. and you can walk to town for nice restaurants. Beach is a short walk and great. some cabins have double beds or some single beds.

10. Bear Creek Resort

40210 Big Bear Blvd, CA 92315
Excellent
45%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
6%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 175 reviews

Bear Creek Resort

Under new ownership as of August 2016! All cabins have been completely renovated and are like new. We are a pet-friendly facility.

HOW TO RUIN A VACATION

Reviewed By edwarda647

Where to begin. Rude PERIOD ! Not a clean place AT ALL. Unless of course you sleep on the street. Really. No Joke Intended Stained towels. U get 1 towel per stay Per person. Ur towel will be wet from the last shower. Shower is So dirty u can’t see in or out. Seriously Your neighbors Will sound like they are in your room even when they are in theirs!! U hear even a whisper. Joke. Floors are Dirty. Blinds are broken. Please don’t get me started ME started on the toilet ! Ewe. Really! Kitchen ! No. But they say they it’s a 4 star. It isn’t even close It is a -4 in the ratings. Nota 4 IT is a true scam. We could go on. Lights..... 40 watts. So u can’t see the filth

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