Top 10 Spots to Pitch a Tent in California

There are plenty of beachfront campgrounds to pitch a tent in Southern California, but San Diego is a favorite destination for its sunshine and warm weather. Top spots include Carlsbad, Cardiff, La Jolla and Coronado and campgrounds range from bluffs with ocean views to sandy oceanfront campsites.

A road trip along the Pacific Coast highway through California’s Central Coast is an unparalleled camping experience. From the sandy beaches in Santa Barbara to the rugged coastline in Big Sur, there are many scenic spots to pitch a tent. Big Sur is a favorite location on the Central Coast for its stunning views, outdoor adventures, sightseeing and hiking in the Los Padres National Forest. There are a variety of state park campgrounds and private RV parks for campers.

The country’s largest alpine lake is a stunning backdrop for camping. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in both California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe offers lots of camping options from beachfront campgrounds to forested campsites. There are campgrounds around the entire lake and nestled in the mountains. Lake Tahoe is also a favorite outdoor recreation destination and is a top spot for boating, kayaking, hiking and bicycling.

The Napa Valley isn't just for luxury travelers and wine enthusiasts. With two campgrounds at either end of the valley -- Bothe-Napa is one of our favorite campgrounds in California --wine country is accessible for campers on a budget. A camping trip to America's most famous wine region can produce opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, cycling, fishing, bird watching and nature loving! And there are culinary tours, historic sites and affordable wineries for campers.

Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Red’s Meadow has six campgrounds that are open only in the summer months. The valley provides multiple trailheads and endless miles of hiking trails in a wilderness area lined with tall mountains, pine trees, and wildflowers. Highlights include hikes to Devils Postpile National Monument, the Minarets and Ritter Range, and Rainbow Falls. It's a popular destination for not only camping but also fly-fishing, hiking, and sightseeing.

Voted as one of the top 5 favorite national parks for camping by the readers, Yosemite National Park is a geological wonder. With Half Dome and El Capitan looming over the valley, Yosemite Valley is not only picturesque for camping, but it’s also a great destination for hiking, climbing, and sightseeing. Tuolumne Meadows in the Yosemite high country has spectacular views of the glacial carved valley and is a great portal to the backpacking.

Death Valley is a national park of extremes. The below sea level basin is a land of record summer heat, snowy winter peaks, spring wildflowers and a diverse wildlife. Despite ​its morbid name, the national park is a top destination for outdoor recreation and seasonal camping. It’s one of the best winter camping spots in California, but if you want to feel the heat, check out Death Valley in the summer!

From lakes to rivers and mountains, the Shasta Cascade region is nothing short of an outdoor adventure. And with California’s fifth highest mountain, Mount Shasta, looming in the distance, the area is scenic for camping road trips and sightseeing.

Known for its giant sequoia trees, Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman tree, which is considered the worlds largest tree and arguably the largest living organism on earth. The national park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada on the west side of the crest. There are many popular campgrounds located within the park and numerous trailheads for endless miles of backcountry camping.

Home to the tallest trees on earth, Redwood National Park is our favorite camping and outdoors destination in northern California. With the towering Redwood trees and foggy ocean climate, the area is excellent for exploring trails and the coast.