23 Best California RV Parks in 2023 (By a Local)

California RV parks are the best way to experience new California destinations. Save money on hotels by traveling with your own house on wheels, most of which are equipped with their own bathroom, shower, and tv.

As a passionate RV owner and a California local, I’ve stayed at tons of CA RV parks and want to fill you in on the best of the state. Here’s what I found on my various California road trip adventures:

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23 Best California RV Parks

Upper Pines Campground

Camp among the pines and next to steep granitic walls at this Yosemite National Park campground.

🗺️ Distance from Fresno: 2 ½ hours | Google Maps | Upper Pines Campground Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire ring, food storage locker

For a true California experience, camp among the pines in Yosemite National Park. Upper Pines Campground is one of the most popular in the national park due to its close proximity to Yosemite hiking trails like Vernal and Nevada Falls and Half Dome.

Because this Yosemite National Park campground is so popular, it’s advised to reserve a campsite up to six months in advance. 

Cancellation reservations are also released on Recreation.gov at 7 am so if you don’t get lucky with a reservation the first time around, be sure to stalk the website. It’s your best chance to stay at one of California’s most famous campgrounds.

Bonelli Bluffs RV Park

A Southern California RV park overlooking a leisure recreation lake.

🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 1 ½ hours | Google Maps | Bonelli Bluffs RV Park Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: laundry facilities, restrooms, family pool, adult pool, market

One of my personal favorite RV parks in Southern California, Bonelli Bluffs RV Park gives campers an incredible leveraged view of Lake Puddingstone below.

For the best views of the lake and surrounding San Gabriel Mountains, I recommend staying in either Area B or Area C during your stay at this San Dimas RV park. This park is also dog-friendly and boasts a scenic loop trail around the lake.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re staying at a site with full hookups or a dump station, you will want a good hose and rubber gloves so the dumping process runs as smoothly as possible.

Malibu Beach RV Park

Camp right on California’s “Hollywood Beach”.

🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 50 minutes | Google Maps | Malibu Beach RV Park Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: fire pits, laundry, horseshoe pits, convenience store, restrooms, propane, dump station

Few things beat camping within earshot of crashing Pacific Ocean waves. Staying overnight at Malibu Beach RV Park allows for such a commodity as well as close access to saline ocean waves.

The Malibu Beach RV Park is the perfect place to set up a home base while you explore the magical California beach town. I love making a trip to Point Dume Malibu Beach to rock climb right above the ocean waves.

San Clemente State Beach Campground

A campground with one of the best aerial views of the Pacific Ocean.

🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 1 ½ hours | Google Maps | San Clemente State Beach Campground Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: restrooms, showers, trash facilities, beach access

Another personal favorite California RV park, San Clemente State Beach Campground is open for all types of campers – from motorhome owners to tent campers and sprinter van lifers. This beachy campsite sits right on the edge of the ocean on the outskirts of town and has full cell service, making it the best place for productive digital nomads to hang out for a few days.

There are various trails from this RV park that lead down to the beach, complete with a scenic running/walking trail and one or two eateries. I recommend heading to the San Clemente Pier to catch the sunset. Or, watch the sun disappear behind the horizon from your clifftop campsite fire ring.

Agua Caliente County Park

A desert hot spring resort with surrounding cacti-laden hiking trails.

🗺️ Distance from San Diego: 2 hours | Google Maps | Agua Caliente County Park Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: restrooms, showers, hot springs, trash facilities, dump station 

Camp under millions of desert stars at this San Diego County hot springs campground. Tents, RVs, and vans are all welcomed at the most popular campground in the famous Anza Borrego Desert State Park.

The Agua Caliente County Park offers naturally-fed warm thermal pools in the middle of the biggest state park in California. Go for nearby hikes among desert palms and burrowing rodents during the day before you catch the sunset from a thermal pool in the evening. 

Each campsite has picnic tables and fire rings and full or partial hookups are available at various prices. There’s no cell service at this Anza Borrego campground so be sure to tell your loved ones you’ll be off-grid for a bit. 

👉 Pro Tip: The hot springs are clothing mandatory, so don’t forget your bathing suit!

San Onofre Bluffs Campground

Camp at a lesser-known SoCal surf beach.

🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour, 45 minutes | Google Maps | San Onofre Bluffs Campground Website | Reservations: first-come, first-serve | Amenities: firepits, ocean views, groupsites, picnic tables, grills, restrooms

Camp above the ocean at the San Onofre Bluffs Campground. One of the most low-key surf beaches in Southern California, San Onofre retains a small-town beachy feel and offers seemingly untouched beaches.

The campsite doesn’t break the bank and has seven trails leading from the bluffs directly to the beach. San Onofre Bluffs Campground is the best way to experience a quintessential beach camping experience more enjoyably – it’s way less frequented than other surrounding beach campsites.

Mountain Gate RV Park

A campground amid the Cascade Mountains.

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 4 hours | Google Maps | Mountain Gate RV Park Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: restrooms, showers, water, electric, sewer, tv, Wifi

Camp among the redwoods at this Northern California RV park just outside of Redding, California. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains and the corresponding hiking trails near the RV park.

This is one of the best full hookup campsites to stay on the way to Mount Shasta. Just 1 hour outside of town, be sure to bring your fishing rod to enjoy the surrounding Shasta Lake drainage creeks.

Alabama Hills

A free Eastern Sierra desert campground oasis.

🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 3 hours, 45 minutes | Google Maps | Alabama Hills Website | Reservations: first-come, first-serve | Amenities: primitive camping

Technically more of a “boondocking” spot than an RV park, the Alabama Hills is my absolute favorite place to camp in California. The Alabama Hills is a Joshua Tree of Central California, bringing rock climbers and scramble fanatics to its desert boulder fields.

This is the best place to stay if you plan on hiking Mt. Whitney the next day, one of the best hikes in California. 

The maximum time campers can stay is 14 consecutive days. The park used to be free-range BLM land but recent regulations have limited overnight campsites.

Idyllwild State Park Campground

An affordable state park campground nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains.

🗺️ Distance from Redlands: 1 hour | Google Maps | Idyllwild State Park Campground Website | Reservations: first-come, first-serve | Amenities: restrooms, electric, trash facilities

Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, the Idyllwild State Park Campground is within walking distance of the main downtown village but is still surrounded by towering pines for a true nature experience. With so many things to do in Idyllwild, this campground is one of the top mountainous areas to stay the night.

The dry state park campground also offers RV sites, as long as the trailer is less than 30 feet. Don’t forget to stop by the state park visitor center informative exhibit on your way out!

Klamath River RV Park

The closest RV park to Redwood National Park.

🗺️ Distance from Humboldt: 1 hour, 45 minutes | Google Maps | Klamath River RV Park Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: hot showers, laundry room, back-in sites, Wifi

Located near the Northern California- Oregon border, Klamath River RV Park is swallowed by dense redwood foliage. Fisher folk readily flock to this green RV park because it sits scenically right on the Klamath River.

Wake up to the aroma of coffee from the on-site cafe before you head over to the game room for a round of ping pong or to the playground with the kids.

Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground

A desert oasis with a man-made lake for fishing within the campground boundaries.

🗺️ Distance from San Bernardino: 1 hour, 45 minutes | Google Maps | Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: restrooms, showers, electric, water, sewer

Only 20 minutes from the Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance, the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground park is one of the best places to stay in Joshua Tree. It’s one of the only places to stay in town with full hookups. 

Campers can enjoy fishing from the man-made park lake, tackle nearby hiking trails, or go vintage shopping in town. Non-campers can also take a 30-minute shower at the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground spot for $10 – a popular option among rock climbers and backpackers. Don’t forget your shower towel!

Zephyr Cove RV & Campground

A small pine tree resort right across from Lake Tahoe.

🗺️ Distance from South Lake Tahoe: 25 minutes | Google Maps | Zephyr Cove RV & Campground Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: laundry, showers, vending machines, picnic tables, fire rings

One of the most popular RV parks in Tahoe, Zephyr Cove RV & Campground is technically just across the California border in Nevada. Zephyr Cove also offers an on-site gift shop, restaurant, and cabins.

Beach access is only a short walk across the street from this campground – I recommend it as one of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe. Winter rates are far more affordable at this NorCal RV park but the summer rates are still some of the most affordable in the area. 

McCloud RV Park

Mount Shasta’s premiere RV park.

🗺️ Distance from Sacramento: 3 hours, 40 minutes | Google Maps | McCloud RV Park Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: laundry, fish-cleaning stations, hot showers, BBQ areas

Planning a trip to Mount Shasta? Then why not bring your trustee ol’ RV along? The 14,000+ foot Mt. Shasta looms over the entire town, making this California mountain town a top Northern California tourist destination. 

The McCloud RV Park lies only 11 miles outside of town and is one of the more affordable parks in the area. Although they are open year-round, I would advise visiting in the summer for the best experience unless you’re comfortable in below-freezing temperatures.

👉 Pro Tip: Mount Shasta has famous hiking trails so be sure to bring your best hiking boots!

June Lake RV Park 

Camp around the most famous alpine lake of the sierras.

🗺️ Distance from Mammoth Lakes: 1 hour | Google Maps | June Lake RV Park Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: restrooms, showers, cell service, trash facilities

One of the coolest places to visit in California, June Lake is an alpine paradise. Only 1 hour north of Mammoth Lakes, June Lake is a must-see destination after hitting the deep powder slopes of Mammoth Mountain, one of the top ski resorts in California.

June Lake RV Park is a short walk to the waterfront and main downtown June Lake area. This less-touristy destination remains uncrowded even in the summer months, making it the ideal destination for fishing, hiking, or a romantic California getaway.

Big Bear Shores RV Resort

A campground surrounded by one of the most famous lakes in CA.

🗺️ Distance from: 1 ½ hours from San Bernardino | Google Maps | Big Bear Shores RV Resort Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: tennis court, pool, water, electric, sewer

Big Bear Lake is one of the top California lakes. With so many things to do in Big Bear, this is the perfect place to stay for a while and explore the forest town in depth. 

The Big Bear Shores RV Resort rests right on the banks of the lake, giving campers easy lake access for fishing, kayaking, and nearby hiking trails.

Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

A campground lost between thick pine forests.

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour, 15 minutes | Google Maps | Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: waterfront camping, water, electric, sewer

Camping among redwood giants is one of my favorite things to do in California. The Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort provides Northern California travelers with the perfect stop along an ultimate California road trip.

This Santa Cruz Mountain RV park is near top attractions like beaches, golf courses, rock climbing, and bike trails. 

Furnace Creek Campground

One of the hottest campgrounds in the summer booms with life in the winter.

🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 5 hours | Google Maps | Furnace Creek Campground Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: electric, restrooms, group sites

Enjoy camping under the stars in Death Valley, one of the coolest California national parks. This is the only campground in the park with both dry RV sites and full hookups.

Reservations are required from October-April, the park’s peak season, but is first-come, first-serve during all other months. Where Furnace Creek Campground lacks in cell service, it excels in stargazing opportunities.

Marina Dunes RV Park

A Northern California coastal campground with easy beach access.

🗺️ Distance from Fresno: 2 hours, 20 minutes | Google Maps | Marina Dunes RV Park Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: clubhouse, playground, Wifi, fitness center, laundry, showers

Marina Dunes RV Park is one of the closest RV parks to both Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. This picturesque seaside resort offers romantic yurts, cabins, and RV camping.

As one of the premiere campgrounds on the Monterey Peninsula, Marina Dunes provides happy campers with beachside access and is within driving distance of Downtown Monterey, one of the best day trips from San Francisco.

Sequoia RV Ranch

One of the best places to stay near Sequoia National Park for full hookups.

🗺️ Distance from Fresno: 1 hour, 15 minutes | Google Maps | Sequoia RV Ranch Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: water, electric, river access, picnic tables, fire rings

Sequoia RV Ranch is situated in Three Rivers, California, the gateway town of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This Central California RV park rests right on the Kaweah River, providing chances for soothing morning meditation.

Sequoia RV Ranch is open year-round but frequently reaches below-freezing temperatures in the winter months, so plan accordingly. The park is also only a few minutes from downtown Three Rivers. I recommend visiting Three Rivers Brewing Co., one of the coolest breweries in California.

Westport Beach RV Park

A NorCal campground right on the sandy ocean banks.

🗺️ Distance from Sacramento: 4 hours | Google Maps | Westport Beach RV Park Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: Wifi, firepits, water, sewer, power

The Golden State is internationally notorious for its year-round sunny beaches. If you find yourself wanting to camp in California in the wintertime, then beach destinations are your best option.

The Westport Beach RV Park is one of the best coastal Northern California parks located in the Mendocino National Forest. This unique park allows RVs to park right on the sandy beach within steps of the ocean.

With limited cell service available, Westport gives campers a sense of true coastal redwood serenity.

Waterfront RV Park

A campground right across the street from the most famous surf competition in the U.S.

🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour, 15 minutes | Google Maps | Waterfront RV Park Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: clubhouse, pool, restrooms, showers

Bring your motorhome to Huntington Beach, also known as “Surf City USA” – arguably the most popular beach in California. This RV park is the best place to stay in Orange County if you’re looking for a casual environment close to prime surfing spots in California.

Waterfront RV Park is located near the Huntington Beach Pier and is one of the few RV parks that allow up to 30 days of accommodation at a time.

San Francisco RV Resort

An affordable campground within minutes of the big Bay Area city.

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 15 minutes | Google Maps | San Francisco RV Resort Website | Reservations: online reservations | Amenities: pool, showers, restrooms, BBQ, picnic areas, store, laundry

The San Francisco RV Resort is one of the most affordable places to stay in San Francisco. The park sits on a bluff right above the SF Bay waterfront and receives a coastal breeze year-round.

Just 15 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge and most of the top attractions in San Francisco, SF RV Resort is one of the top RV parks in California. Enjoy a hot tub, swimming pool, hot showers, laundry, and a BBQ area at this top Bay Area campground.

Campland on the Bay 

A pet-friendly San Diego campground right on the water.

🗺️ Distance from San Diego: 15 minutes | Google Maps | Campland on the Bay Website | Reservations: | Amenities: Wifi, restrooms, showers, laundry, beach access

San Diego is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., so save some money while exploring the beach town by staying at the Campland on the Bay RV Resort. 

Camp on the shores of Mission Bay at this pet-friendly RV park. Campland has more amenities than most surrounding RV parks like a gym, volleyball court, basketball court, skatepark, cantina, live entertainment, and ice cream parlor. 

FAQs About California RV Parks

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You’re now ready to embark on an awesome California RV park adventure! Be sure to check out the best tent camping in California to mix up your outdoor camping experience.