Camping in California with climbing

Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.

94% (4109 reviews)
94% (4109 reviews)

Popular camping styles for California

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

12 top campgrounds in California with climbing

97%
(3337)

Salmon Creek Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Bodega Bay, CA
Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$96
 / night
95%
(560)

DABUDAGE

8 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · CA
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the soul of California, where the ocean lies in wait to heaving mountains. Experience the true spirit of nature encapsulating your being as you are set free from distractions. A Place to Stay in southern Big Sur with Camp Sites and Accommodations. please make sure to read listings entire written description before requesting to book.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$60
 / night
98%
(565)

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

13 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA
Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$40
 / night
99%
(518)

Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Wofford Heights, CA
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, & a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink, & shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private. We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 15 campsites. No Pets, No Smoking ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding. Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road. All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$54.28
 / night
96%
(156)

Blue Moon Orchard Retreat

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Lemon Cove, CA
This place is our sanctuary, our own private slice of heaven.  There is an abundance of love and peace here on the farm...even the animals are full of love and affection.  Some of the Olive Trees in our Orchard have been here for over 100 years!! The soil is rich and healthy. We use no fertilizers or pesticides preferring to let nature do her thing.Learn more about this land:Camp in our Orchard!  We are a small Olive and Citrus orchard and ranch.  There are lots of Olives & Citrus during their seasons. Olives Sept-Dec Citrus Dec-May. The Ranch consists of Chickens, Sheep, Goats, Cats, and our ranch dog Merlin.  2 miles to Kaweah Lake with fishing boats, patio boats available to rent from the marina. 15 miles to the quaint town of Three Rivers...River Rafting, fishing etc. 20 miles to the Visitor Center of Sequoia National Forest. Near Mineral King hiking trails. 37 miles to The General Sherman.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$34.20
 / night
99%
(1154)

Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

7 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Murphys, CA
Thank you Hipcamper's for many great years of support. The sculpture garden and campground features, continue to grow. We will be closed for the winter, October 28 through April 4. New art installations and outdoor shower will be completed, while closed. Historic Brice Station 100 acres, was a horse stop on the Ebbetts Pass stage line. Horses were fed, watered and swapped here, over 100 years ago. Today, Brice station hosts a ceramics gallery and school, vineyard and tasting room, Blacksmith school, Concert series, Shakespeare performances and Master artist, Michel Olson's, Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden and campground. Born in Berlin, Germany, he has spent much of his life performing, guiding, studying, while travelling and becoming an accomplished artist in wood, stone and iron. Two of his gypsy rigs and several large art installations, are in the meadow next to the forested 6 site campground. Installation include, 100 ft sacred circle, yin/yang, sun dial and calendar. Quadruple Branch Arch. Avenue of art. Glass and Brass over Grass. Stone stage with two bell racks. Wheels of time. Florence the Freightliner. Glass henge. Chain henge. Family altar. Double sand box. Stone spiral Each, of the 6 campsites, have art installations as well. Site 1 is spacious with multiple tent sites, art Steel TeePee, and nice shade oak. Picnic table and some chairs. Parking for 4 cars. Sites 1 and 6 together, with kitchen area, makes a great group site. Site 2, is our largest single site. Multiple tent sites. 2 tables. Branch arch way. Parking for 6 cars. Hammock friendly trees. Site 3, is our cozy site. Multiple tent sites. Wood wizard and frog carving. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars Site 4, has our second metal TeePee, with melted bottle suncatchers. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars Site 5, has Wood Henge, made from one enormous tree. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars. Site 6, has a burningman bicycle fence, and ski lift chair swing. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars. Brice Station Winery, tasting room. Open Fri. - Sun. 12 to 6pm .Quyle Kilns Pottery Gallery, School and ceramic art studio Wed thru Sunday 10am to 6pm Paul Quyle Blacksmith school. C.B.A. member. First and third Sat 9am. Brice Station Vineyard, tasting room and concerts bricestation.com Simply put, art, nature camping, with a hint of history, at its best. Children are full price and must be attended to. No trailers over 14 ft. No campsite open fires June thru Oct. Communal kitchen/crafts area with large tables, BBQ and cook top available. Propane fire rings and counter top stoves allowed in campsite. Leashed dogs welcome, please pick up after. Please no extra loud music or voices.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$59
 / night
97%
(207)

Bayside Cabin

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Arcata, CA
Come stay in our cozy little cabin tucked in an alder forest. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Arcata, it’s like being in the middle of the woods, right in town. This is a quiet neighborhood and is bike-friendly for getting around town. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on places to eat, get a drink, or find an adventure in Arcata and surrounding areas. We are located less than 40 minutes from Redwood National and State Parks where you can find incredible hiking trails!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$80
 / night
100%
(413)

Running Springs Ranch

2 sites · Lodging51 acres · Ukiah, CA
Welcome to the 2024 Season! The skies are blue, the lavender is blooming and we're looking forward to seeing you! If you're checking the temperatures in Ukiah, please know that due to our elevation of 2,400' we're always 6 to 10 degrees cooler than the valley. It's rarely too hot up here to enjoy the always gorgeous great outdoors! If you're planning on bringing a dog, we're happy to welcome them as well. With 15 fenced acres, it's a slice of Dog Heaven. Just look at the "Extras" section and click on it to add your furry family member to your reservation. Because of the ban on outdoor fires, we're currently unable to offer an evening campfire. That said, the mountains, the stars and the lavender are always the main attraction and thankfully that never changes! Warmest Regards and Happy Summer! Steffny, Brodie, Sophia and Ranger -------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay in one of our private, beautifully furnished platform tents and enjoy the gorgeous mountain views from your own front porch while you breath in the fragrant lavender scented air. Orr Hot Springs is just up the road or take a very special hike through a protected redwood forest at Montgomery Woods. Settle into the peaceful surroundings and see stars like you've never seen them before. Our fur babies will happily greet you with some dog kisses while we show you to your tent. Fresh, pure spring water is also provided at no charge. We're a working lavender farm and you're welcome to participate in whatever we're doing during your stay, just let us know. Please plan on checking-in before 8pm, we work hard and really need our sleep. : ) Thanks so much, we hope to see you soon! Please Note: We strongly suggest that if you're visiting with children, you book Site 1. It's nearer the bathroom facilities, but more importantly it's on flat ground where as Site 2 is on a hill. Also you may see some photos of twin beds uploaded by campers, but this is no longer the case. BOTH sites now have one queen bed.  💜 💜 💜
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$130
 / night
93%
(15)

The Starlight Ranch

2 sites · RVs, TentsSquaw Valley, CA
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic many services are not available. Only primitive campsites are available. Please ask about any additional services. Near Sequoia National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Starlight Ranch is where the savvy camper goes for comfortable heated tents or affordable primitive sites. Whether you're looking for a shared tent hostel or a heated and air conditioned RV, you can't go wrong here. Join the hundreds of campers from all over the world who have already discovered the joys of worry free dining at our Home Kitchen and Grill while camping for a day, a weekend or a week! Learn more about this land: Near Sequoia National Park, The Starlight Ranch allows you to bask in the sun during the day and gaze at the stars at night. Enjoy your primitive campsite on 5 private acres. Spring water at your campsite will also be provided. Plenty room to stay socially distanced and enjoy nature. Catch up and just be together with your group. No other campers will be on the property during your stay.  Oh yeah, and Sequoia National Park has some of the largest and oldest trees in the world if you're into that sort of thing. We are! Stay safe during covid with our contactless checkin and checkout services.
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
$21.60
 / night
87%
(51)

Starry Views on Anahata Lake

2 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Vallecito, CA
Anahata Lake has peaceful dark campsites (2 ) with outstanding views of the stars. A beautiful pond that is swimmable during the early summer season. You are welcome to use the canoe or rowboat to paddle on the pond. Hang out in the shade of the oak trees. Our hill at the back of the property has a hike with a gorgeous view of the mtns and hills both up the Sierra and down to the central valley. On a clear day one can see some Yosemite mtns. Our garden produces delicious produce which is for sale. Ask us.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$38.25
 / night
97%
(117)

The Redwood Stumphouse

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Eureka, CA
Similar to a treehouse, The Stumphouse sits on an elevated deck wrapped around an old growth Redwood stump and is surrounded by large Redwood trees. The site is a short walk uphill from the parking area. Please feel free to ask about access before booking or review the photos section for pictures of the path if you need more details. The Stumphouse is large enough for 2 sleeping pads inside and there is space on the deck for one more, however please note that the deck is not covered. A quick walk downhill brings you to our family's farm (where farm products are available for purchase, see below) and above the stump house are logging roads and acres of forest land. Neighbors are nearby but not visible due to the lush environment and large neighboring acreages. The air is clean and fresh as we are 5 miles from the ocean and surrounded by forests. As far as history, our land was logged in 1915 and several old growth stumps are scattered on the property as evidence. Since then the forest has regrown and the young trees are already hundreds of feet tall. A twenty minute bike ride or five minute car ride will bring you to one of two nearby towns, and spectacular beaches are also close by.  Eureka, just minutes to the south and Arcata just minutes to the north offer dining and entertainment of all kinds. Farmers markets, movie theaters, live music, boat tours of Humboldt Bay, breweries, wineries, cider companies, roller-derby and more, there is always something fun to do in the area. Outdoor walks and hikes in both the forest and along beautiful beaches and coastline are abundant. Patrick's Point State Park and the town of Trinidad 15 to 20 minutes drive north offer some of the most breathtaking coastal views and beaches in the country. With 6 rivers, 3 lagoons, Humboldt Bay and the ocean nearby there are almost always opportunities for great boating and fishing. If gambling is your thing there are 3 casinos just a 10 to 20 minutes drive away. If you would like directions or advice on things to do please feel free to ask us! Fresh eggs, cream top cow milk and yogurt can be purchased in the barn when available as well as soaps, salves, tinctures and hydrosol, all produced right on the farm! We hope you will consider staying at the Redwood Stumphouse on your next trip to Northern California.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$75
 / night
95%
(196)

Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch

10 sites · Lodging8 acres · Boulder Creek, CA
Are you looking for a serene getaway surrounded by the majestic redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains? Our rental is perfect for adults seeking tranquility in a peaceful setting. Our peaceful eight-acre parcel is 13 miles from Santa Cruz, CA, and within walking distance of downtown Boulder Creek. While we enjoy the liveliness of children, we've decided to host mature guests in our quiet neighborhood for a restful retreat. Before booking, please review all the information we provide to avoid any confusion upon your arrival. Have a fantastic time at our place, whether you're Gen X or Z, we dig all Hippies! Pool area officially opens May 27th!
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$145
 / night

Star Hosts in California

Under $50

Value Prop
Value Prop

Camping in California with climbing guide

Overview

Golden coasts. Redwood forests. Fiery desert canyons. Alpine lakes framed by snowy peaks. But the best memories are in the details—seeing a gray whale breach off the rugged north coast, feeling the sun on your face on a Southern California shore, or maybe enjoying s’mores beside the crystal waters of Lake Tahoe. Trails climb from campgrounds to immense granite domes in Yosemite while Joshua trees beckon for attention in the eastern deserts. The best part? There’s somewhere amazing to camp year-round.

Where to go

North Coast

Camping beneath redwoods—the tallest trees in the world—is a hard-to-beat highlight of the north coast. The majestic groves scattered across Redwood National & State Parks are an excellent choice for first-timers. Further south, from Eureka to Mendocino and eventually San Francisco, you’ll find a string of private and state park campgrounds tucked along rugged coastlines marked by bluffs, coves, dunes, and tidepools.

Central Coast

Stretching from Monterey south to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast scores points for scenery and variety. Plus, it’s a convenient escape from the urban hassles of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Redwoods, waterfalls, and windswept bluffs border Highway 1 in Big Sur, while waves crash beside state parks north of Santa Barbara. For a remote camping experience, campsites at Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Santa Barbara can oblige.

SoCal Beaches: Los Angeles to San Diego

The golden beaches of Southern California are the stuff of lazy days and pop songs. And fantastic camping for those inclined. The best campsites line-up beside the coast between Newport Beach and Dana Point in Orange County, with a few more perched on coastal bluffs north of San Diego. Not surprisingly, these oceanfront sites fill fast, so book early.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

Granite domes and lush Alpine meadows border campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, while enormous sequoias are the draw in Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. Campgrounds beside alpine lakes and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe are always postcard-pretty.

Southern Deserts

For surreal sunsets, striking rock formations, restless sand dunes, and spring wildflowers, head east. Nine campgrounds and plenty more right outside await at Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest spot in the U.S. Joshua trees and picturesque boulders keep Hipcampers happy at Joshua Tree National Park while Anza-Borrego Desert State Park serves up fantastic desert hiking outside San Diego. High season is late fall through spring, when temperatures are pleasant.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.