California Coastal Camping

If you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent for the evening, this campground is well developed and spacious. Each site has its own picnic table and fire pit. There are flush toilets. Most sites feel private-ish with trees around them. This is a great spot to camp if you’re just looking to spend a night outdoors, or if you are exploring the coast, or Big Sur. Reservations can be made on ReserveCalifornia.com.

Located on the western side of Catalina Island, this is the most picturesque campground that is accessible by vehicle. Campsites can be reserved on ReserveAmerica.com. There are multiple sites with picnic tables, bathrooms, and fire pits. You can have wood delivered to you for an extra fee.

You won’t quite be camping on the beach, but almost. This one books up quick! So make sure you reserve early, as this spot is super popular and fills up fast. Reservations can be made on ReserveCalifornia.com 6 months in advance. This campground offers easy access to some great trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, and is across the street from a dog friendly beach.

The Channel Islands aren’t easy to get to, but that’s what makes the camping so rewarding. There are seven campsites on the island, each with space for 4-6 people. Each site has its own picnic table and food storage box. Pit toilets are available at the campground. You’ll have to hike a half mile, including 154 steps from the dock to get to the campsite, so keep that in mind while packing for your trip. You can get to the island either by hiring a private charter, or by booking a seat on an Island Packers Cruise. Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Hot tip: if you want to kayak and don’t have your own, rent kayaks ahead of time at Channel Islands Kayak Center, and reserve room on the boat to take them over. Hot tip #2: Summer might seem like the best time to visit, but between May and August, it’s nesting season on the island, so be prepared to be dealing with a lot of birds and their guano.

One of the only places in California where you can drive your vehicle directly onto the beach. 4x4 or AWD is highly recommended. Campgrounds can be reserved on ReserveCalifornia.com. During the day, when the beach is open, the area can get a bit rowdy with off-roaders. But the benefit of camping here is that you’ll get the beach to yourself when its closed to day-use visitors.

You’ll be camping with views of Morro Rock, just steps from the beach. This is a great campground for surfing, exploring Morro Bay, or just stopping through for the night. Sites can be reserved on ReserveCalifornia.com. This campground is fully developed with picnic tables, toilets, and fire pits.

Like Sycamore Campground, this one isn’t on the beach, but it’s across the street from Leo Carrillo State Beach, and is truly one of the nicest state campgrounds in California. The campground has a wooded feel, making it feel like a real escape. If you’re wanting to surf, or just go to the beach, you can easily access Leo Carrillo across Hwy 1. There are flush toilets and fee showers. Each site has its own picnic table and fire pit. There is also a small camp store in case you forget anything. Campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on the weekends, so it’s a good idea to book well in advance. You can reserve your site on ReserveCalifornia.com 6 months in advance.

This campground might be one of the most scenic campgrounds in California. Perched at the top of the bluffs overlooking the Big Sur coastline, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more idyllic coastal campground anywhere. There are 40 reservable sites available, as well as 7 first-come-first-serve sites. This campground is incredibly popular, so it’s a good idea to book as far in advance as you can. Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov (link provided). Most sites are drive-up, making them optimal for car camping with your Luno gear. There are also pit toilets available. There is no water or cell service, so make sure that you come prepared. Each site has its own picnic table and fire ring. This campground is located in a pretty central area, giving you easy access to most of what Big Sur has to offer, such as McWay Falls, San Vicente Flat Trail, Sand Dollar Beach, and more.

This beautiful campground located in Mt. Tamalpais State park is located on one of the most beautiful areas of coastline that you can camp on in California. The campground is fully developed, with cabins and tent sites. Most of the sites are a short hike in from where you park, so come prepared for that. Reservations can be made at ReserveCalifornia.com