Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Calaveras Big Trees State Park adventure.
Camp among ancient sequoias in this Sierra Nevada park.
As the name suggests, this state park in the Sierra Nevada range protects gargantuan giant sequoia trees, some of which are believed to be up to 2,000 years old. While the trees are among the park's biggest draws, it's also an amazing spot for hiking, with a variety of trails ranging from quick-and-easy jaunts to more strenuous treks. Other popular activities include birdwatching, fishing for rainbow trout, and—of course—camping. The park features 120 campsites spread across two campgrounds, both of which can accommodate tents and RVs up to 30 feet in length, along with four two-bedroom cabins with kitchens and private bathrooms.
If you like warm weather, July and August are the best months to visit the park, when temperatures are at their highest and rainfall is rare. September is a close contender, with slightly cooler weather and generally fewer crowds. While the park is open throughout the year, camping is only available from March through November. Most winter visitors come on skis or snowshoes, as much of Highway 4—which connects the park to Sacramento—is closed due to snow.