9 of the Best RV Campgrounds in California | Destination Guide
With endless coastlines, lush forests, immense deserts, and everything in between, the Golden State offers plenty of outdoor adventures. That’s why it’s no surprise that thousands of RVers travel to and within the state to visit classic destinations such as Yosemite, the end of Route 66, and Big Sur. If you’re planning a California RV trip but aren’t entirely sure where to go, we put together this guide of the top RV campgrounds you don’t want to miss. Grab your shades, fill the tank, and let’s drive.
1. Crystal Cove State Park (Southern California Coast)
Starting our list of RV campgrounds in California is a beachside state park in Orange County, CA: Crystal Cove State Park. With 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry forest, you’ll forget you’re beside one of California’s most populous counties when staying here.
Crystal Cove offers a variety of campgrounds, but you’ll need to head to the Moro Campground to find RV sites with full hookups.
Due to its beachfront location, the park’s busy season is during the summer months and it books up well in advance.
RV hookups: Yes.
Reservations: Yes (recommended).
Size restrictions: Limited sites that can accommodate rigs up to 38’. Standard sites can accommodate rigs up to 25’.
Price: $55-$75 a night.
2. Eagle Campground (near Lassen National Park)
Next on our list is a destination with a little bit of everything: water activities, hiking, and volcanoes. Located an hour from Lassen National Park in Northern California, Eagle Campground is a quiet oasis awaiting your arrival.
When visiting, you can spend your day along Eagle Lake, California’s 3rd largest natural lake filled with rainbow trout. There are only two sites that offer water and electrical hookups, but most sites can accommodate large RVs. Although beautiful, the area isn’t as popular as other RV campgrounds in California on our list, so booking a reservation shouldn’t be difficult.
Wait, but what about the volcanoes? When in the area, be sure to head towards Lassen National Park where you’ll find all of the four different types of volcanoes in the world.
RV hookups: Yes (limited).
Reservations: Yes.
Size restrictions: Can accommodate both large and small rigs.
Price: $25-$45 a night, depending on season and site.
3. June Lake RV Park (Inyo National Forest)
Nothing beats relaxing outdoors beside a calm lake. If you find yourself traveling north towards Yosemite, consider spending a day or two at the June Lake RV Park.
Located within the Inyo National Forest on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains, June Lake offers visitors a quiet escape filled with plenty of outdoor activities, including fishing and boating. The RV park isn’t directly by the water, but it’s only a short ten-minute walk away. If you aren’t feeling the lake, you can spend time in the shops and restaurants located in the small town adjacent to the park.
RV hookups: Yes.
Reservations: Yes.
Size restrictions: Can accommodate both large and small rigs.
Price: $56/night.
4. Kirk Creek Campground (Northern California Coast)
There are plenty of reasons why Kirk Creek Campground is a popular destination for outdoor adventurers. For one, every camping site in the campground has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Two, Big Sur’s largest sand beach, aptly named Sand Dollar, is just a short drive away. The sites here are for tent and RV camping, but no hookups are available at the campground.
To get to Kirk Creek, you’ll coast along California’s famous State Route 1, also known as Pacific Coast Highway. Kirk Creek Campground closed earlier this year due to winter storm damage. However, the campground is normally open year-round (while conditions are safe) for the most part.
RV hookups: No.
Reservations: Yes (recommended).
Size restrictions: Sites can accommodate both small and large rigs.
Price: $45/night.
5. Anaheim Harbor RV Park (Southern CA, near Disneyland)
Every year, millions of people travel to Southern California to visit Disneyland. If you’re coming from out of state and want to be near the magic, consider staying at the Anaheim Harbor RV Park. As the closest RV campground to Disneyland, you’ll only be a short shuttle ride away from the amusement park.
Although rates may be more expensive than other sites, especially if you have a larger RV, the park has plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable, such as full hookups, laundry services, and a heated swimming pool. Oh, and did we mention that you can see the Disneyland fireworks show from the park?
RV hookups: Yes.
Reservations: Yes (recommended).
Size restrictions: Sites can accommodate rigs up to 40’ in length.
Price: $55-$71 a night, depending on the site.
6. Jumbo Rocks Campground (Joshua Tree National Park)
If you’re looking for a desert escape, Joshua Tree has everything you could want. When visiting the national park, we recommend staying at the Jumbo Rocks Campground to immerse yourself in a sea of boulders. No hookups are available at Jumbo Rocks, but all sites do allow RVs.
Despite its beauty, you may want to hold off on this destination for a winter or fall trip when temperatures aren’t as high. Due to its desert location, Joshua Tree does experience extreme summer heat that can be dangerous without the proper precautions.
RV hookups: No.
Reservations: Yes.
Size restrictions: All sites allow RVs, but only a handful can accommodate large 35’ rigs.
Price: $20/night + $30 entrance fee
7. Wawona Campground (Yosemite National Park)
It’d be impossible for us to discuss California RV campgrounds without mentioning Yosemite. Known as California’s most popular national park, Yosemite is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Stunning waterfalls, endless trails, and large natural rock formations eagerly wait to be explored. If you’re looking for a calming stay beside the water, consider the Wawona Campground, which sits on the Merced River.
Due to its location on the park’s southern end, this campground isn’t as popular as other Yosemite sites. Still, you’ll need to plan ahead and secure a reservation due to the park’s large crowds. No hookups are available, but the RV sites allow motorhomes up to 35’.
RV hookups: No.
Reservations: Yes (recommended).
Size restrictions: RV sites can accommodate rigs up to 35’.
Price: $36/night.
8. Pinnacles Campground (Northern-Central California)
Have you ventured toward California’s newest (and smallest) national park? Pinnacles National Park is located about 80 miles south of San Francisco and is an otherworldly destination awaiting your arrival. The park is named after its eroded rocky spires, which are remnants of an ancient volcanic field.
Like Joshua Tree, summers here can get pretty extreme, so it may work best as a fall or winter destination. If you do decide to make the trek during summer, Pinnacles Campground has a pool where you can cool off after a day in the sun. As a bonus, most RV sites come with electrical hookups. This young national park is still building its reputation, so securing a reservation shouldn’t be too difficult.
RV hookups: Yes.
Reservations: Yes.
Size restrictions: Sites can accommodate both small and large rigs.
Price: $40-$59 a night, depending on the site.
9. Pioneer RV Park (near Tahoe National Forest)
Tucked between Lassen National Park and Lake Tahoe is the small town of Quincy, where you’ll find Pioneer RV Park.
Pioneer RV Park is rated as one of the top 300 parks in the country, and it’s no surprise why. With ample RV sites capable of hosting large RVs, a mild year-round climate, and abundant nearby attractions, you’ll have plenty to do when visiting the area. Plus, Pioneer is a great stopping point before or after a trip to other national parks and forests in the area.
RV hookups: Yes.
Reservations: Yes.
Size restrictions: Can accommodate RVs of all sizes.
Price: $40-$60, depending on the site.
Keep Your RV Protected on the Road
Whether it’s your first or last trip towards one of the RV campgrounds in California, ensure your rig is protected with specialized RV insurance. Additional coverages, such as RV roadside assistance, can come in handy in the event of a breakdown when traveling somewhere unfamiliar. If you’d like to learn more about your RV insurance options, our team of specialists can help. Contact us today by calling (866) 501-7335 to discuss available coverages.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.