California RV Camping And Campgrounds

RV Camping and Campgrounds In California

California has perhaps the widest variety of RV camping sites of any state. From the desert to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Death Valley to the Pacific Ocean, you can find any type of RV camping location. RV parks are everywhere, and California boasts some of the nations most popular State and National Parks. There is abundant free RV camping throughout California on State, National Forest, and BLM managed public lands.

California Private RV Parks And Campgrounds

• Private RV Parks - Research tool for finding the best private RV parks and campgrounds in California.

Federal RV Camping Information

• National Park Service - NPS information about camping on National Park Service administered lands in California.
• US Forest Service - USFS information about National Forests in California. Great dispersed RV camping sites as well as many developed campgrounds.
• Bureau of Land Management - BLM information about BLM administered lands in California. LTVA (Long Term Visitor Area) information as well as dispersed RV camping and developed campgrounds.
• US Army Corps of Engineers - USACE/COE information about Corps lakes and campgrounds in California.
• US Fish and Wildlife Service - FWS information about National Wildlife Refuges in California.

State RV Camping Information

• California State Parks - Mountain, desert, and coastal campgrounds offer great RV camping sites.
• California Department Of Fish And Game - Information about California Wildlife Areas. Many allow RV camping. Clickable map.
• California State Tourism Website - Where to go, and what to do in California. Includes RV camping suggestions.

Campground Reservations

• Camping Reservations - Make your campground reservation at California State and Federal campgrounds and have your campsite waiting for you when you arrive.

California RV Dump Stations

• RVDumps.com - Places to dump in California.
• Sanidumps.com - California RV dumps listed by town.

California Free RV Camping And Boondocking

Free RV camping is available throughout California on public lands administered by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), and the USFS (US Forest Service). State parks, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service and more allow free RV camping as well. The following list is just a sample of free RV camping possibilities. Free RV camping locations are primitive which means there are no RV hookups.

Click On The Town Name Below For RV Camping Locations

BAKER
East of Baker is the National Park Service (NPS) administered Mojave National Preserve. Free dispersed RV camping (boondocking) for the more adventurous RVer is available throughout the preserve.

BORREGO SPRINGS
East of town are several locations for free RV camping. 6 and 8 miles east of town are two large areas with no hookups on State Land bordering the Anza Borrego State Park. The town has fuel and groceries, and the state park has RV dump and fresh water available for a nominal charge.

EARP
5 miles west of Earp along the western border of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation is BLM administered land available for free RV camping. Any size RV will fit in this area.

GLAMIS
Near the BLM administered Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area offers free RV camping with a motorized recreation backdrop. Fee camping and free RV camping is available in this desert area. Much of the Glamis area is sandy, so we recommend exploring before heading into unfamiliar country with your RV.

HOLLISTER
South of Hollister free RV camping is available at BLM campgrounds. The Clear Creek Management Area is nearby with vault toilets and trash.

LONE PINE
West of Lone Pine is the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Alabama Hills Recreation Area. Historic film locations and fabulous scenery make for a great RV camping experience. BLM and USFS developed campgrounds are available nearby for a nominal fee.

MAMMOTH LAKES
The INYO National Forest provides many developed and dispersed camping opportunities. There are three free developed campgrounds north of Mammoth Lakes, and BLM camping is available near Crowley Lake.

NEEDLES
There are free RV camping locations throughout BLM's Needles Field Office management area. The Turtle Mountains south of Needles have good gravel road access and numerous RV camping opportunities just outside the Wilderness Area.

NILAND
This town is home to an unusual free RV camping area east of town often referred to as "Slab City". This area is not for everyone, though we suggest you at least check it out. From "Resurrection Mountain" to the nudist colony, this free RV camping community may be just what you are looking for. The Slabs are located about 2 miles east of town down Main Street.

RAVENDALE
At Dodge Reservoir, BLM administers the Dodge Campground. This primitive campground offers the RV camper trash, fire ring, and pit toilet. Donations accepted.

RIDGECREST
Surrounded by BLM administered land, RV camping opportunities are easily available. Bureau of Land Management RV camping information near southern access to Death Valley National Park.

SUSANVILLE
North of Susanville, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) administers North Eagle Lake, Rocky Point, and Ramhorn campgrounds. These are primitive campgrounds with no fee.

UKIAH
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) has several free campgrounds available for RV camping. Verify campground suitability for your RV size.

VIDAL JUNCTION
Free RV camping on BLM administered land. Unlimited area for any size RV on the Southeast corner of the intersection.

Our Public Lands and Boondocking Section have more information about finding remote free RV camping locations, and our Free RV Camping has ideas about free camping and parking places you may not have thought about.

California Public RV Campground Locations

RV camping in California is great for RVers looking for varied outdoor experiences. Campgrounds managed by BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and California State Parks offer RV camping, and the same is true for most County and Community parks. USFS (US Forest Service) campgrounds offer cooler locations to escape the Summer heat. Amenities range from dry RV camping with only trash and pit toilets to RV camping sites with full RV hookups.

These are only a few of the great RV camping locations at California public campgrounds.

BAKER
East of Baker is the Mojave National Preserve. Offering RV camping in two campgrounds, and dispersed camping for the more adventurous RVer.

BARSTOW

• Located 8 miles north of Barstow is the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Rainbow Basin Natural Area. Offering RV camping sites and Pit toilets, fire rings and trash. May have water, see BLM web site for details.
• East of Barstow along I-40 is the BLM administered Afton Canyon Natural Area. This is remote desert RV camping with pit toilets, fire rings and trash.

BISHOP
Near Bishop is the BLM Horton Creek Campground. Well dispersed RV camping sites with pit toilets, trash, fire rings and picnic tables.

CANBY
Northwest of Canby is the Lava Beds National Monument. 40 non reservable campsites with water and RV dump.

CHINO

San Bernardino County has a wonderful park system available for RV camping. Prado Regional Park offers 50 full hookup campsites with an additional 25 with water and electricity only.

DEATH VALLEY

Beautiful desolate scenery awaits you at Death Valley National Park. RV camping is available at several NPS (National Park Service) campgrounds. Reservations available for some RV camping sites.

FALL RIVER MILLS
RV camping is available at BLM's Pit River Recreation Area. Picnic tables and fire rings. Lot's of shade for RV camping.

HESPERIA
San Bernardino County offers the Mojave River Forks Regional Park. RV camping is available at 50 campsites, 25 with water and electric.

INDEPENDENCE
A few miles from Independence is Goodale Creek Campground. Offering long term RV camping with LTVA (Long Term Visitor Area) permit.

LAKE CROWLEY
Between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop is the BLM Crowley Lake Campground. Well dispersed RV camping with pit toilets, fire rings, trash, and picnic tables. LTVA (Long Term Visitor Area) permits are available for this campground.

LONE PINE
West of Lone Pine is the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Tuttle Creek Campground. Good access and well dispersed sites for any size RV. Pit toilets, trash, fire rings, and picnic tables.

MARIPOSA
A short distance from Mariposa is Yosemite National Park. RV camping with spectacular scenery is available. Reservations are available and required for some campgrounds.

MAMMOTH LAKES
Click on the Mammoth Lakes town name above for over 400 campsites spread over 15 campgrounds in the Mammoth Lakes area. Links to every public and private campground, maps, town facilities, Devil's Pospile National Monument, Rainbow falls, and other outdoor recreation in the Mammoth Lakes area.

NEEDLES
Near Needles is San Bernardino County's Moabi Regional Park. RV camping available with water and electric sites, and some full hookup campsites. Extended stay rates as well for Winter RVers.

NEVADA CITY
BLM (Bureau of Land Management)s South Yuba Campground offers hiking and RV camping. First come first serve campground with fire pits, pit toilets and picnic tables.

ORICK
RV camping is available year round in the area surrounding Redwood National Park. State parks in the area offer RV camping as well, and information can be accessed through the NPS (National Park Service) web site above.

PORTERVILLE

To the East of Porterville is the Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Park. RV camping is available at numerous park campgrounds with dump stations and water available.

REDDING

• East of Redding is the Lassen Volcanic National Park offering RV camping in several campgrounds. Reservations are available for several of the campgrounds.
• Several improved campgrounds in the area are available for RV camping. The BLM Redding Field Office has information.

REDWAY
Near Redway is the King Range National Conservation Area. RV camping is available at several campgrounds.

SAN BERNARDINO
The county park system offers Glen Helen Regional Park. RV camping as well as fishing, swimming, showers, and ATV area nearby.

SANTA MONICA
Just outside the Los Angeles metro area is the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area. Click Here for information about RV camping.

TWENTYNINE PALMS
RV camping is available at Joshua Tree National Park. 10 campgrounds are available, but some accommodate only smaller RVs. RV camping reservations available at some campgrounds.

VICTORVILLE
San Bernardino County offers the Mojave Narrows Regional Park. With 85 RV camping sites, 38 with full hookups, this campground and park has a lot to offer the RV camper.

WEAVERVILLE
Year round RV camping is available at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The park has campgrounds that have reservations available, as well as first come first serve campsites.

YUCAIPA
The San Bernardino County Yucaipa Regional Park offers 26 full hookup RV camping sites along with fishing, boating, and a playground.

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Federal Public Land
RV Camping Information

USFS (US Forest Service) - Describes USFS policies and rules about RV camping. Information about dispersed camping, and tips on how to find great free RV camping sites.

NPS (National Park Service) - General information about RV camping and campgrounds in US National Parks. With campgrounds in the most historic and scenic places in the country, the NPS offers some of the best places for RV camping.

USACE/COE (US Army Corp of Engineers) - USACE (perhaps better know as COE) manages water recreation areas throughout the USA. Information about finding USACE lakes, RV camping possibilities, and rules and policies for use of these water based recreation areas is included.

BLM (Bureau of Land Management) - Located throughout the western USA, BLM managed lands offer great camping locations. Developed campgrounds, and almost unlimited dispersed camping opportunites await you.

Free Overnight RV Parking Ideas

Here's a list of places to consider when looking for a free overnight RV camping or parking location in California. We always recommend asking for overnight RV parking permission when looking for a free spot to spend the night. The smaller your RV, the better chances you will have finding places to stay if you choose not to ask permission. If you don't ask permission, you end up "sneaking" into places and hoping nobody bothers you or issues you a trespassing ticket before you move on.

Be smart and Be Safe...Ask Permission.

• Truck Stops - Asking permission is usually not a requirement Be considerate of the big rigs!
• Walmart - Not all stores allow overnight RV parking in California due to city ordinances. Check store for policy.
• Nightclubs - Had one too many or just pretending?
• Grain Elevators - Ask where you can park your RV out of the way for the night.
• Fraternal Organizations - VFW, Elks etc. may allow members free overnight RV camping.
• Cemetery - Sounds creepy to us, but we've also heard they may have water available.
• Fairgrounds - State and County facilities may allow RV camping when not otherwise in use.
• Parks - City, County, State, and Community parks often have free RV camping.
• Churches - You can almost make "reservations" by calling ahead for permission.
• Hotel Parking Lots - Assuming a nightclub/bar is inside, had one too many or just pretending?
• Truck Terminals - Parking areas for large trucks might allow you free RV camping permission.
• RV Dealers - Pretty brave to us, but you could fit right in.
• Cracker Barrel - These nationwide restaurants usually allow free overnight RV parking.
• Movie Theaters - Too tired to drive home after the late show?
• Highway Rest Areas - All rest areas allow a few hours of free RV parking, but noisy.
• Drive In Movies - Got a small RV, park in the back row and enjoy the show. Fell asleep by accident right?
• Vehicle Repair Shops - Need to see the repairman first thing in the morning?
• Big Box Retailers - Kmart, Best Buy, Sams Club often allow free RV camping.
• Roadside Parks & Picnic Areas - The early day version of the rest area.

As you can see, there are a lot of free RV camping and parking possibilities in California. If you are not asking permission, it's best to keep a very low profile. If your RV has slide outs, jacks and TV antennas, don't use them so as not to draw attention to yourself. Consider your surroundings carefully and if you feel uncomfortable with the area, move somewhere else.