7 Best California State Parks To Go Camping

California's 139 state parks are a godsend for outdoor lovers, especially those looking to immerse themselves in nature for an extended period. These locally-managed, modestly-developed ecosystems give residents and visitors of the nation's most populous state a chance to break free of the notorious traffic (that is as much a symbol of California as its beaches, mountains, redwoods, and deserts). There is a diverse range of camping opportunities spread across the Golden State, from its more rugged and isolated Northern reaches (where we'll begin our list) down to its city-centric Southern stretches (where we'll cap things off). These are seven of the best state parks to spend a few nights in. 

MacKerricher State Park

Northern California's MacKerricher State Park offers a laid-back stretch of coast to sprawl out on. Three separate campgrounds (Pinewood, Westpine, and Surfwood) foster over 140 individual sites open to both tents and recreational vehicles. Washrooms are available, and many sites have picnic tables, food storage lockers, and fire rings. There are also two group sites (tent-only) that welcome up to 40 and 60 campers, respectively. The Mill Creek-fed Lake Cleone divides the campgrounds, MacKerricher Beach and Laguna Point Beach are but a stone's throw away, the inspiring Laguna Point cliffside lookout is only a few minutes from the coastal parking lot, and the massive Ten Mile Beach connects to the North side of the park. 

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Another 75 miles or so up the coast, campers can sleep amidst the giant old and second-growth trees of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. At 53,000 acres, this is the third-largest state park in California, and 17,000 acres of its boundary are made up of ancient redwood groves. In fact, Rockefeller Forest is the most extensive contiguous old-growth forest on the planet. Numerous appealing campgrounds put up a combined 250 sites, ensuring plenty of availability for all interested parties (reservations can be made in advance, or visitors can try their luck on a first-come, first-served basis). During the day, campers can mix it up across the 100 miles of multi-use trails throughout the park or drive the stunning 32-mile Avenue of the Giants. 

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Exploratory dendrophiles should continue further North, nearly to the Southwestern Oregon border, to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Though smaller than Humboldt (10,000 acres), this forest still represents seven percent of the world's remaining old-growth redwoods. It caps off a cooperative string of parks constituting the California Coast Ranges International Biosphere Reserve. California's longest major free-flowing river also rolls through Jedediah, giving anglers, paddlers, and swimmers another happy place. There are also 20 miles of shaded hiking trails that are great for greeting primitive trees. The campground has 86 sites, 50 of which are multi-use, while 16 are reserved just for tents. There are also five hike/bike-in-only sites and a spot set aside specifically for large groups. 

Castle Crags State Park

Still in the Northern reaches but far inland this time, Castle Crags State Park blends coniferous forests with stark mountain formations to create a wild and immersive experience within the shadow of Mount Shasta. The Castle Crags and Riverside campgrounds feature 76 developed sites that all come with the tasteful trifecta of a picnic table, fire ring, and food locker, and though the limited RV spots are unserviced, there are flush toilets, showers, and potable water sources nearby. There are also six environmental tent sites located outside of the official campgrounds for those seeking a more primitive outing. Castle Crags State Park sports excellent rock climbing routes, 28 miles of hiking trails, and scenic picnic sites dot the adjacent Sacramento River. 

San Elijo State Beach

A quintessential part of the Southern California camping charm is setting up close to the sandy shoreline. San Elijo State Beach gives San Diego residents a chance to flee the city for a couple of nights and fall asleep to the sound of rolling waves. The 156 sites (some of which are exclusively reserved for RVs and trailers) sit atop a beautiful bluff – with steps leading down to the popular surf beach. While the rip tide might rule out swimming, the atmosphere alone is plenty. Another appeal of this place is that it takes the guesswork and pre-planning anxiety out of the equation. There is a convenience store and a Mexican restaurant to keep campers satiated, and hot showers are available to take the bite out of the early morning air. 

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

About two hours inland from San Elijo State Beach and only a smidge West of the Salton Sea, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park switches up the aesthetic. There is something soothing and even spiritual about the desert – all the more when you get to wash a few days down without retreating indoors. And since this is the largest of California's state parks (600,000 acres), visitors have an easier time carving out their own special place in this arid wilderness – amidst the succulents and maybe even wildflowers (in the spring). Anza-Borrego has four developed campgrounds for a total of 175 sites. There are also eight primitive campgrounds for anyone wanting the traditional desert experience. 

Mount San Jacinto State Park

The last state park camping gem sits immediately North of Anza-Borrego. Mount San Jacinto State Park delivers a special high-country experience amongst the granite peaks of the San Jacinto Range, including the 10,804-foot well-worn and eponymous high-point of the land. Visitors itching for panorama views may choose to hike the 11-mile (round-trip) San Jacinto Peak Trail or boot up to the Mountain Station via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The town of Idyllwild is the more amenity-rich option for park campers – with full-hookup and electric sites, flush toilets, coin-operated showers on-site, and shops/restaurants within walking distance. About five miles North, the Stone Creek Campground takes the rustic approach – with electric campsites but no hook-ups, vault toilets, and no showers (so pack a few wet wipes or splash around in the nearby creek). 

California is like El Dorado for campers. There are thousands of suitable sites spread across hundreds of government-run parks. The full spectrum of outdoor recreation comes into play, and almost every conceivable environment can be found somewhere between the Pacific Ocean and the High Sierra Mountain Range. These seven state parks not only highlight amazing aspects of the region but provide the infrastructure needed to support droves of enthusiastic campers.