California RV Camping and Campgrounds

Recreational Vehicle 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 camping destination. 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.

Free RV camping, and public campground topographical and location maps follow California RV camping resources.

California Resources For RV Camping Information

RV Camping pages with more information

Free RV Camping & Boondocking Locations

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.

To find free RV camping sites, you need a good map. We recommend Benchmark Maps for California as a great paper recreation atlas. Put that together with DeLorme Topo 6.0 Software and you have a versatile set of research tools to find the best RV camping sites in California.

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 Section 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. This is only a partial listing of RV camping opportunities at 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 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.

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 sites 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

Not far from Mariposa is Yosemite National Park. RV camping with spectacular scenery is available. Reservations are available and required for some campgrounds.

MAMMOTH LAKES 

There are 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 & 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.