Mountainous camping in California with wildlife watching
Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.
93% (39064 reviews)
- California
93% (39064 reviews)
Popular camping styles for California
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12 top mountainous campgrounds in California with wildlife watching
96%
(791)
Diamond Gulch
43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres · Groveland, CA
CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park.
We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite.
We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite.
There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour.
We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport.
When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful!
This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds.
Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite.
A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.
Pets
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Showers
from
$30
/ night
96%
(859)
Splitrock Farm and Retreat
52 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CA
About Splitrock Farm and Retreat
Far Away, Close to Home
For more information...
Visit our website www.splitrock.camp
Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome
Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431.
Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Splitrock Farm
Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers.
Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
Pets
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from
$17.16
/ night
90%
(1060)
Bridgeport Reservoir Campground
35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · CA
Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice!
About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town.
Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal.
Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.
Pets
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from
$27
/ night
92%
(557)
Kings Canyon Campground
21 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Wilsonia, CA
This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property.
Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California
Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access
The
Sequoia & Kings Canyon
area has a long history of being visited.
Even in the pioneer days, before
the road, people had heard tales
of the
majestic canyon, wild rivers
and of the
groves of
gigantic
trees, that many thought to be a hoax. Folks
would make the difficult trip up into
the mountain to see for themselves.
This site,
in the early 1900’s was
a farmstead
providing fresh
fruits and vegetables to the areas loggers, ranchers, hotels and
backcountry explorers.
During the construction of the new
highway
In the 1920’s the site was
used as
a
labor camp.
During the highway construction days
a lodge and gas station was built and was known as “Barton Flat”.
In
the 1950’s the property
was sold and became
the “Kings Canyon Lodge”.
In 2015 the historic lodge and some of the other cabins
were
destroyed in the
“Rough” fire, by a miracle the original 1928
visible
gas pumps survived the fire
and are still being used to this day. We are hopeful to eventually
rebuild a lodge to serve the many visitors.
Pets
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from
$21.25
/ night
99%
(4123)
Cuyama Badlands
30 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents164 acres · Cuyama, CA
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians at Painted Rock remind us of those who lived before us. **Read on for more details.**
Our Carrizo Camp is surrounded by the Carrizo Plains National Monument. This is truly a get away from it all camping. That's it. You, the coyotes and your own private moon.
Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets and amazing stargazing.
Our Ranch House and Glamp sites are available on occasion. This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side.
Our offerings include fresh air and sunshine, amazing night sky, endless views, and plenty of space and privacy to enjoy your moments in nature. You'll find our amenities and activities puposefully sparse here. Upon booking, there are about 5 miles of dirt road on the property that you are welcome to explore on foot or by bicycle. There is no shower, no wifi, and no electricity available, but you will enjoy your own private spigot and the cellular service is acceptable. Within a short drive, you'll find plenty of hiking/biking and adventuring, and if you enjoy exploring by car, definitely take a loop drive through Carizzo Plains National Monument, or Mount Pinos and Lockwood Valley. Enjoy a beautiful dinner at the Cuyama Buckhorn and take in the view of the Caliente mountain range.
The AllTrails app will give a pretty good birds eye view of hiking in the area.
Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. Be sure to check your dates for availability and site descriptions, and upon booking, you can look forward to an information packed email to help you make the very best of your trip!
We look forward to seeing you!
*This land was sparsely populated by the Chumash Indian and is evident by the numerous cave painting that remain here near the Caliente mountain. In the era of the California Missions, this land was a part of the Spanish land grants. Currently the property is privately owned and is adjacent to large sections of publicly held lands.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$40
/ night
92%
(427)
SMR Carmel Camping
34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · Carmel, CA
Welcome to Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground!
We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life.
PLEASE NOTE, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING. Our glamping stays are NOT pet-friendly aside from one of our luxury tents.
We charge $15 per pet and you can bring a maximum of 2 pets.
On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
*Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation*
On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months.
We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests.
Thank you!
Pets
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from
$98
/ night
97%
(435)
The Ranch at Cross Road
10 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA
Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is 15 minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us!
We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars.
Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from
$50
/ night
95%
(132)
Peace, Love and Sunset Ranch
11 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Watsonville, CA
Your cooking supplies, stoves, barbeque and dinnerwares are inclusive! Located in a serene oakwood grove area, our private campground offers a peaceful getaway with an abundance of bird varieties and occasional wild turkeys passing through. Take a stroll around our 5-acre property and catch a breathtaking sunset from the hillside. We're only 11 minutes away from Mount Madonna State Park and just 10 minutes from a local healthy grocery store and yoga studio. The beautiful Pajaro Dunes coastal area is just a 15-minute drive away, and the Santa Cruz Fairground is only two minutes away. Our location is surrounded by family friendly farms such as Gizdich ranch and nurseries, hence why it's considered the salad bowl of the United States. The Santa Cruz beaches are only 15-25 minutes away, while Monterey Bay Aquarium is just 30 minutes away and Gilroy Gardens is about 25 minutes away. The wine trail is also nearby.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy nearby, including horseback riding at Mount Madonna Stable, Mount Madonna Retreat Center, hiking at Mount Madonna State Park, wine tastings at various wineries with stunning views, kayaking at Elkhorn Slough or any beaches, yoga at Watsonville Yoga or onsite, swimming, scuba diving in Monterey, visiting the Hanoman temple at Mount Madonna retreat center, and attending any events at the Santa Cruz Fairground.
Julie, our campground manager offers horse lessons for anyone starting at age 8 + but not heavier than 180 lbs.
The property has 3 stalls for hot showers, 1 hand washing sink, 3 flushable toilette, 1 communal outdoor kitchen with supplies of cookwares, dishes, mugs, glasses, utensils, pots and pans, coffee mugs, and 1 sink with hot water, 3 fire pits (2 of them is fire burning and 1 of them is propane), camping stoves, 1 gas barbeque and there is an electricity in the communal kitchen area. Propane for fireplace is included and Firewoods are available for sale. No need to bring your cooking utensils. Salt and pepper are provided. No need to bring your own cooking supplies and dinnerware unless you prefer to do so. Board games as well as drawing paper and easel are provided as well.
Your parking spot is within a very short walking distance and there is a wagon for you to use to haul your belongings to your camp site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$62.10
/ night
98%
(2123)
Mill Creek Resort
48 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Mineral, CA
Welcome! We’re Jillian and Joe, along with our sidekicks Sonora + Ayla, the brains and the brawn behind Mill Creek Resort. Since 2017, we have been pouring every ounce of our love and energy into this landmark 1930’s resort. We take great pride in honoring it's rich history while creating a space for the next generation of mountain adventurers.
Nestled in 12 acres of cedars and towering pines on the south side of Lassen Volcanic National Park, we offer 9 cabins open year-round, along with 17 campsites, some featuring glamping tents and 8 RV spots, one featuring a vintage 70's trailer and 2015 modern RV.
We hope your path leads you here to experience all that Lassen has to offer. Miles of trails, pristine waters, dark skies, and wildlife abound, all awaiting to be discovered.
Find your Wild, be kind, and leave no trace.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
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Showers
from
$28
/ night
98%
(935)
Holcomb Valley Ranch
45 sites · RVs, Tents411 acres · Fawnskin, CA
Holcomb Valley Ranch invites you to kick back and relax on our private, 400+ acre ranch in the San Bernardino Mountains. Centered around a 100+ acre meadow, filled with horses in summer months and surrounded by thousands of acres of mountainous National Forest.
Just 15 minutes from Big Bear Lake - a large recreational, fresh-water lake for summer swimming, boating, skiing, fishing and other super fun water activities.
The Ranch feels remote and private. Yet is only four miles to the town of Big Bear with shopping and restaurants. Also in close proximity to incredible rock climbing at the Pinnacles, seemingly endless hiking and biking and some pretty epic off-roading 4x4 trails.
Each campsite is approximately one acre, and generously-distanced from neighboring campers. Amenities include its own fire ring with grilling grate and picnic table(s).
The campsites are both cozy enough for 2 or spacious enough for large groups and can easily accommodate a mix of RVs, camper vans and tents.
From June to October the 100+ area open meadow is filled with horses grazing and galloping about (please don't pet or feed!) A four-seasons destination, the Ranch has year-round experiences with warm summers and snowy winters. An excellent basecamp, within close proximity to the lake, ski slopes, Pinnacles, hiking/biking and off-roading trails.
After a day filled with adventure or ultimate relaxation, be sure to enjoy the breath-taking sunsets over the meadow.
The evenings blanket guests with a sea of stars. Toast up some s’mores and warm up some hot-coco over a beautiful, crackling campfire. Remember the s’mores and always follow the “Leave No Trace” principles. There are large trash bins by the entrance.
We look forward to hosting you at the Ranch!
Please note:
OHV’s are allowed. They count as one of the allowed vehicles per campsite and must adhere to the speed limit (10mph) and remain on established camp roads while on the property. They may not be driven from 8pm to 8am. It is strictly forbidden to ride your vehicles through the forest, meadow or off any established roads on or off property. Please research which of the surrounding forestry roads allow for your vehicle type to be driven on. Campsites on the west side of the meadow (F, G & H sites) are partially accessed by a forestry road that does not allow dirt bikes.
Horses: The horses which may be roaming the meadow during your stay are not property of Holcomb Valley Ranch. When horses are present, guests and their pets are prohibited from entering the meadow. Please do not approach, interact, feed or touch the horses. This is for your safety and the safety of the horses. Do, however, take lots of photos! They make a perfect backdrop:)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$85
/ night
95%
(1970)
Finnon Lake Recreation Area
39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA
ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). These vehicles will not fit and can not cross over the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road.
Use caution - twisty narrow country road. If it's your first time you might want to check out the route ahead of time.
From Sacramento on Hwy 50:
At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile.
Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road.
Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday- Sunday.
Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe:
make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions.
Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area!
Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.
The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky.
This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents and Fire Station.
The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website.
Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, "Smoke on the Water" Diner. Open on weekends only. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay.
Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. Sites are from post to post.
Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s.
PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions.
Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions.
Diner: https://www.facebook.com/smokeonthewaterplacervilleca
NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.
Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from
$40
/ night
93%
(1043)
Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch
22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CA
This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$54
/ night
Available this weekend
Under $50
Mountainous camping in California with wildlife watching 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.
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