The Best Campgrounds Throughout California for Connecting With Nature

PUBLISHED October 21st, 2025 11:37 pm

Redwood trees and sparkling alpine lakes make California a must-visit destination. The Golden State has exciting recreational sites from San Diego to Smith River. Whether your first or 50th trip, there’s something for everyone. Consider visiting one of these top family-friendly campgrounds in California.  

What Are the Best Campgrounds for Families in California?

California campgrounds span beaches, forests and mountains, making your decision on which one to visit a challenging proposition. Here are the 11 best options for family camping in California. 

KOA Mount Shasta City

KOA (Kampgrounds of America) offers the most family-friendly experiences because it makes camping easier. The heightened accessibility lets you enjoy nature with family and friends while maintaining peace of mind. Head to northern California to visit Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday for year-round fun. Summers bring backpacking and fishing, whereas winter activities include skiing and snowboarding. 

This KOA campground is special because it’s near Mount Shasta and 3,500 feet above sea level. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a dog park, bike rentals and a basketball court. You can swim in the pool between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, when the temperatures are most comfortable. This campground stands out due to the nearby train route, which kids and parents enjoy. 

North Pines Campground

Yosemite is famous for biodiversity, natural beauty and granite monoliths. Among the massive sequoias, you’ll find North Pines Campground between the domes. It’s one of three places you can camp in the Yosemite Valley, making your national park trip more convenient. Paved roads, drinking water and free shuttle buses make it one of the most family-friendly campgrounds in California. 

North Pines Campground is conveniently located by the Merced River, so bring your canoes and rafts for aquatic fun. Its central location makes it terrific for families wanting to see Yosemite. Your campsite is close to the Mirror Lake Trail, the North Dome and the Royal Arches. If you need food, you can head to nearby grocery stores in Curry Village. 

Malibu Creek State Park

While camping is prominent in northern California, there are plenty of opportunities in the southern half. Check out Malibu Creek State Park for scenic hiking trails, volcanic rock formations and oak woodlands. The park features over 4,000 acres and 15 miles of trails, giving families more room to have fun.

It’s one of the best California state parks for camping in the Santa Monica Mountains. Take your family on a short drive from Los Angeles to experience the incredible views and outdoor activities. Visitors enjoy hiking, cycling and swimming in rock pools. Entertainment enthusiasts may enjoy the location’s history, as “M*A*S*H” and “Planet of the Apes” filmed at Malibu Creek State Park.

4. Giant Gap Campground

If you’re looking for camping near the capital, visit Giant Gap Campground. This site is northeast of Sacramento and an easy drive on Interstate 80. The established campground overlooks Sugar Pine Reservoir, where you can swim, hike and paddle. Giant Gap Campground is unique because it has off-highway vehicle trails, so you can take your ATV or UTV for a spin. 

Giant Gap Campground is in the middle of Tahoe National Forest, so take advantage of Mother Nature around you. This recreational area is popular for fishing, wildlife viewing and scenic drives. You’ll see stunning views as you drive on the interstate. Giant Gap makes camping easier for beginners by providing toilets, trash cans and pull-through sites. 

Black Rock Campground

Black Rock Campground is among the best family-friendly sites in Southern California. This location is in the northwest corner of Joshua Tree National Park and is terrific for fall and winter camping. It has 99 sites for campers and shops only five miles away in Yucca Valley. Primitive and RV camping are allowed here, giving you more options. 

The location stands out because of the nighttime views. Once the sun sets, you get clear views of the night sky and its stars. Besides stargazing, you can hike, bike and walk around Black Rock Canyon on the nearby trails. The park is naturally dry, so staff recommends only starting fires in small, designated areas. 

El Capitán State Beach

Camping at California state parks should include a visit to El Capitán. This location offers rocky tidepools, sycamore trees and sandy beaches. Families flock to the area year-round for swimming, surfing and picnicking. Between November and April, you may see whale and dolphin migration as the creatures travel to and from Mexico. 

El Capitán State Beach contains over 130 campsites and more for group camping. Each site provides a fire ring, a table and a grill to fulfill your camping needs. Families benefit from on-site drinking water, coin-operated showers and laundry facilities. While connecting with nature is the goal, campers feel more at home when camping at El Capitán State Beach.

Treebones Resort

Travel up the coast to Gorda, where you’ll find Treebones Resort. This site provides glamping opportunities on the California coast. Instead of traditional tents, campers stay in treehouses and yurts and bask in luxury. The location features pools, hot tubs and massages to help you feel relaxed year-round. Take a break from reality with weekly yoga classes at Treebones. 

Treebones Resort is a unique experience due to its on-site restaurant. The Lodge offers a breakfast buffet, lunch and a four-course dinner. From roasted vegetables to mushroom burgers, the chefs prepare excellent food daily. You may also enjoy The Wild Coast Sushi Bar, featuring local herbs and seasonings. Treebones is the premier family-friendly campground in California for outdoor and culinary adventures. 

Beals Point Campground

Camping in California may be more convenient if you’re near a city. Beals Point Recreation Area and its campground are not far from Sacramento. The location is best when water levels are high during the summer, though it’s open all year. Families travel to Beals Point for swimming, sunbathing and riding boats. 

While Beals Point is close to Sacramento, you can still connect with nature and enjoy camping. The sites include barbecue pits, shaded areas and sizable grassy sections for picnics. Cyclists travel to Beals Point to ride the American River Bicycle Trail, a 32-mile path to the capital city. Prioritise a trip to nearby Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park for an educational tour. 

Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach is another opportunity to be close to the city while still connecting to nature. The recreational area is a short drive from Laguna Beach and is close to the Pacific Coast Highway’s starting point. Locals and tourists know Doheny as the premier surfing spot in Dana Point. From volleyball to sunbathing, the campground has it all. 

Doheny State Beach has two sections, one for camping and the other for recreational use. Campers head to the southern area, which is close to the beach. Meanwhile, the northern region is where you’ll find surfers and fishers. The large five-acre lawn makes it one of the best campgrounds for California families, as you can enjoy picnics and ocean views.  

Manzanita Lake Campground

Manzanita Lake is secluded and terrific for quiet vacations. It’s located between Lassen National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park, providing stunning natural scenery. The area only allows non-motorised boats, so bring your canoe or kayak to ride the tranquil waters. Besides boating, you can enjoy swimming and fishing at Manzanita Lake. 

 The campground has a long open season and features helpful amenities. Families enjoy laundry services, potable water and an on-site amphitheater. In-season visits mean you can purchase ice and firewood to improve your camping experience. Check out the camp store to gather supplies while staying close to your campsite. 

Samuel P. Taylor State Park

Once you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, keep driving north on State Route 1 until you reach Samuel P. Taylor State Park. This area is famous for redwood forests, rolling hills and scenic grassland. Campgrounds are available for small and large groups, so all families can enjoy the natural beauty and picnic areas. You can even bring your dog to the campground and the nearby trail.

This state park is renowned for the Cross Marin Trail, a 10.6-mile path following old railroad tracks. Families enjoy the route because it rides along Lagunitas Creek with minimal elevation changes. Adventurous hikers can trek to Barnabe Peak, which offers unforgettable views of Marin County. If you want more aquatic activities, head to the nearby Point Reyes National Seashore. 

How to Decide on Family-Friendly Campgrounds in California

Deciding on where to camp in California can be challenging. How can you pick from the exciting options? Here are seven criteria to use in your decision.

• Proximity: California is vast, so choose campgrounds that are accessible on a day trip.
• Accessibility: Prioritise easy-to-access recreational areas that accommodate strollers and RVs.  
• Amenities: Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming pools are essential.
• Water activities: Numerous California parks are close to lakes and rivers for swimming and kayaking.
• Maintenance: Some parks have year-round maintenance staff, whereas others only have in-season personnel.  
• Trails: Find parks with easy trails for cycling and biking. 
• Availability: Research booking information to see when you can reserve a spot. Due to their popularity, some campgrounds fill up fast. 

Camping in California and Making Memories

California’s natural beauty includes mountain vistas, ocean breezes and lakeside serenity. The Golden State offers wide-ranging biodiversity and something for every family visiting. Southern deserts and northern redwoods blend natural beauty, recreation and comfort. Pack up your tent or load up the RV, as unforgettable adventures await.