Summer is here, and for many Americans, the great outdoors are calling it.
Camp website Dyrt released the annual ranking of America’s best campsites, with five California campsites being named the best rankings in the area.
The annual camp honours, divided into six specific categories, name one on the Central Coast, two in Southern California, and two in Sierra Nevada and surrounding California campsites as the five best California campsites in the Pacific region.
The rankings are based on reviews and ratings from community campers’ “spacious” sources, as well as reputation and well-known camping spots.
The award-listed campsites include a wide range of amenities and services, ranging from naked bones to luxurious ones in every corner of the country.
“Some of these locations are in the mountains, others are on southern islands. There are zero amenities that certain vehicles cannot reach, and campsites on vineyards and Berry Farm,” said Dyrt founder Sarah Smith. “That’s why so many people love camping because you can make exactly what you want.”
The California campsites named the best location for camping can be found below:
Alabama Hills Recreation Area – Inyo County
The Alabama Hills Recreation Area, near Lone Pine, was not only the highest ranked California campground, but also the number one place in camp in all of the Pacific region.
Part of the Sierra in the eastern Alabama Hills is an ideal location for people who enjoy unique rock formations, stunning views and pristine camping under the stars.
General Perspectives of Mount Whitney passing through the Mobius Arch in Alabama Hills near Lone Pine on September 22, 2024 (Getty Images)
“Instead of towering redwood, we have refined surge brushes, cacti and fossil forests. Instead of spending time climbers climbing the face of Yosemite, we have the bishop’s legendary bouldering alley.
Camping in Alabama Hills is free and there are 50 cam spots on site that allow pets and campfires. There are no RV spots on the site, but the campsite is “big rig-friendly,” the website says.
Camping sites previously provided dispersed camping, so campers were installed outside designated camping spots, but are now limited to camping at assigned spots.
Upper Pines Campground – Yosemite National Park
The Upper Pines Campground, heading from the East Sierra to the Sierra Nevada, is located in Yosemite National Park. It was ranked as the second-largest campground in the Pacific region just behind the Alabama Hills.
The Upper Pines is one of the most competitive camping spots to book in all of the National Park Systems, located in the heart of Yosemite.
The Upper Pines Campground camper van is surrounded by trees and granite monoliths in Yosemite National Park, California on June 13, 2023.
“Truly to its name, the campsite here is located under a towering canopy of pine trees. The site is a relatively close quarter, but it’s a small price to pay close to everything Yosemite Valley has to offer,” reads DYRT’s list.
If you can get a camping appointment, you can expect to spend around $36. Pets are permitted, similar to pit fires where there is no local restriction. There are 235 campsites, including RV spots.
Jumbo Rock Campground – Joshua Tree National Park
Located near Twentynine Palms, the Jumbo Rock is surrounded by vast, smoothed rocks, formed by wind and water for millions of years. It was the fourth largest campsite in the Pacific region.
“At dawn and dusk, they are known to turn bright pastel hues and come at night and provide otherworldly backgrounds for flickering campfire lights.
Hike a few times in front of Joshua Tree National Monument at night. (Getty Images)
The campsite is really far away with “non-existent” cell service. The 124 site has a campsite grill and fire pit, and numerous toilets nearby.
Pets are permitted. There is no RV site. You can expect to spend $30 to book your location at this Joshua Tree National Park campground.
Sawtooth Canyon Campground – San Bernardino County
Sawtooth Canyon’s beloved recreation area of rock climbers, also known as “New Jack City,” ranked seventh in the Pacific region for camping. It is a popular destination for winter climbing expeditions with mountain peaks showing uninterrupted views of the vast desert.
With 15 campsites, the popular campsites are limited in space.
It’s almost impossible to book at this California campsite
Located in the desert, it may not be the mildest campsite of a few months in the summer, but each campsite offers picnic tables and shaded canopies. Amenities are limited to pit toilets, but society is a short drive away.
Camping is free and pets can accompany brave owners in windy desert canyons.
Morro Bay State Park Campgrounds – San Luis Obispo County
To round out the top 10 best places for camping in the Pacific region, the campsite closest to the iconic volcanic plugs of the Central Coast has one of the most striking views on the list.
Morrolock in Morro Bay State Park can be seen in file photos. (istock/getty images plus)
Located in the background is Morro Rock, the National Estuary within walking distance, the Oceanfront Campground is the ideal place to enjoy birdwatching, beaches or one of California’s most important Native American and geological wonders.
The town of Morro Bay offers restaurants, harbor tours, museums and close encounters with some of their beloved animals native to the Central Coast.
There are 140 campsites on the property, with prices ranging from $35 to $165. Like pets and campfires, RVs are permitted.
Click here for more information on where to camp for DYRT’s 2025 best regional awards, including sites from other Pacific regions outside of California.
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