California is a large state with a wide variety of experiences for visitors. Travelers can have a completely different type of vacation from the northern part of the state to the southern.
From deserts to beaches to mountains, California has a little something to suit everyone’s interests. The state really lends itself to an outdoor vacation. Visitors can surf the waves at one of the numerous beaches along the miles of coastline. They can ski the slopes at Tahoe or Big Bear. If visitors want something a little more glamorous, there’s the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame.
California is ideal for an RV trip. California boasts the most national parks of any state in the country. It also has 280 state parks and over 1200 private campgrounds. In our other post, we selected the 35 best California campgrounds, def have a look!
Campers could spend many trips exploring the exciting experiences California has to offer.
Check out also: Best RV Parks in Texas
Read on for the 10 best RV parks in California:
Best RV Parks & Resorts in CALIFORNIA (On Coast & In Land)
Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort
Phone: 760-439-1376
Address: 1537 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Activities:
- Swimming pool
- Hot tub
- Beach
- Pool table and shuffleboard
- Cable TV and PlayStation
Located in Oceanside near sunny San Diego, Paradise by the Sea is a popular snowbird destination. It has all a luxurious RV resort should offer.
Apart from full hookups, restrooms, and a laundry room, there is 72-channel cable TV, PlayStation, pool table, and shuffleboard. On the other hand, wellness enthusiasts will appreciate the heated pool, hot tub, and relaxation garden. A small grocery store is also available.
What’s more, you will find a playground, a basketball court, shaded picnic tables, and a café in the adjacent Buccaneer Park, from which you can access the beach, too.
Getting tired of the resort is nearly impossible. But if you ever do, LEGOLAND California or San Diego Zoo can be reached within minutes.
Chula Vista RV Park
Phone: 619-422-0111
Address: 460 Sandpiper Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Located right in San Diego, lies Chula Vista RV Park, one of the most fantastic luxury RV camping places in the area to catch a breezy stay on the South Bay. Pack your bike because the park is full of walking and biking trails you can’t miss.
Rent or bring your boat to explore the ocean, or go swimming, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
Don’t leave your doggo behind because this park is extremely dog friendly. Also, the whole park is outstandingly clean!
At the resort, you can also endless activities and tourists venues such as
- A swimming pool
- A spa area
- A clubhouse
- A lovely restaurant
This RV park is probably one of the most luxurious in the area so keep in mind that prices can increase up to 25 percent during the high season. However, depending on the site you are parking and other details you can get a better deal. Just give them a call and they will help you for sure.
Campland on the Bay
Phone: 858-581-4260
Address: 2211 Pacific Beach Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Activities:
- Swimming
- Bicycling
- Skate park
- Restaurant
- Ice cream parlor
- Live entertainment
Located in the San Diego area, Campland on the Bay is an excellent spot for families who want a mix of outdoor activities and other tourist attractions. The camp has 568 campsites that are suited for tents and various types of RVs. There is also a gated supersite for those who want to camp in luxury accommodations.
The camp offers a variety of water sports on the Bay and has a swimming pool. There is a beach with a variety of activities for kids and teens. For kids, there’s an arcade, skate park, playground and daily organized activities. Adults will enjoy the live entertainment. The camp is also a short walk or bike ride to nearby shopping and dining.
Campland is also close to many San Diego attractions like Legoland, the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.
Check some must have camping gear!
Westport Beach RV Park and Campground
Phone: 707-964-2964
Address: 37700 CA-1, Westport, CA 95488
Activities:
- Surfing
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Fishing
Set in Mendocino County just off the scenic Shoreline Highway, this quaint seaside campground is a great spot for a family vacation, group get-togethers, as well as romantic getaways or weddings.
It offers RV sites and tent sites set either directly at the beach in the sand or in the grass along the creek. Log cabins and spacious cottages are available as well. Moreover, there are several group sites for birthdays, weddings, and other festivities. Amenities include a camp store, restrooms, showers, a playground, horseshoes, and volleyball courts.
Set off for a walk along the private beach, hike, surf, and rent a kayak. Or just stay at the campground and relax. Westport Beach RV Park and Campground has got you covered.
Ocean Mesa at El Capitan
Phone: 866-410-5783
Address: 100 El Capitan Terrace Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Activities:
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Playground
- Movie nights
- Wine tasting
- Live music
Ocean Mesa at El Capitan is located near the coast of Santa Barbara in the southern part of California. Ocean Mesa offers premium back-in and pull-through sites with full hookups for RVs and sites for tent camping. Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit.
Ocean Mesa is near El Capitan canyon and offers several private hiking trails for different skill levels, including a path through a llama and goat farm. Families can enjoy a movie under the stars and outdoor concerts during the summer, while the adults can participate in a wine tasting. Guests will not be far from the ocean, adventure activities, whale watching and several museums.
Ocean Mesa offers a bit of the “glamping” experience with a massage parlor, heated pool and jacuzzi, and a small market.
Marina Dunes RV Park
Phone: 831-384-6914
Address: 3330 Dunes Dr, Marina, CA 93933
Activities:
- Hiking
- Shopping
- Fitness center
- Volleyball
Marina Dunes RV Park is a premium RV resort set in Monterey Bay. It is located close to the beach and has plenty to offer.
Onsite, you will find a clubhouse, fitness center, playground, volleyball courts, horseshoes, as well as free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. You can either hook up your RV or stay in one of their luxurious glamping tents or vacation rentals.
Wanna explore the surrounding a bit? Set off to Fort Ord Dunes State Park, walk along the Marina State Beach, or enjoy a glass of wine in one of the many wineries nearby. Kids will appreciate Monterey Bay Aquarium which is just a short drive away.
Note that this RV park is very popular so we recommend you book your stay there well in advance.
Malibu Beach RV Park
Phone: 310-456-6052
Address: 25801 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Sunsets have always been romantic, inspiring, and now Instagram-able. That is exactly what you’re gonna find when parking your RV along the cliff between the mountains and the ocean at Malibu Beach RV Park!
But this park not only offers views. You can go for a swim or fishing and then cook your catch at your fire pit. In case fishing is not your thing, just pass by the convenience store and grab some food, beers, or wine if you are in that mood.
To make your stay the most comfortable possible, Malibu Beach RV Park also offers:
- Washers and dryers
- Fire pit and heaters
- Horseshoe pit
- Bathrooms with heated showers
- Propane service
- Dump station (for customers only)
- Limited Wi-Fi access
- Cable/TV hookup access
- Picnic tables on all sites
- Dish washing facility in the tent area
The sites at this park are not particularly big but we have plenty of room to open our awning and enjoy a couple of days with your fellow RV neighbors.
San Francisco RV Resort
Phone: 1-877-570-2267
Address: 700 Palmetta Ave., Pacifica, CA, 94044
Activities:
- Swimming pool
- Playground
- Surfing
- Beach
The San Francisco RV Resort is located just 15 miles from the heart of San Francisco, making it the ideal location for those wanting to vacation near the City by the Bay. The campground offers 150 campsites for just about every type and size of RV. They do not allow tents or truck camper shells.
The San Francisco RV Resort has several amenities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, playground, store and BBQ area. While it may not have as many activities as some of the other campsites on this list, it makes up for it with an incredible location. The site is located steps from the Pacific Ocean on a 60-feet bluff with a sunset that can’t be beaten.
The campsite is also a short drive from many of San Francisco’s most famous points of interest, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf and Half Moon Bay.
Some inland RV spots tips
Anaheim RV Park
Phone: 714-774-3860
Address: 200 W Midway Dr, Anaheim, CA 92805
Activities:
- Swimming pool
- Hot water spa
- Disneyland
If you are headed to Disneyland but don’t want to stay in a hotel, Anaheim RV Park is an excellent option for camping. The camp offers a few different options for back-in and pull-through RVs. Tent camping is not allowed.
The site has a heated swimming pool and water spa, a small cafe that serves a daily continental breakfast and full hookups for RVs.
Anaheim RV Park is only a mile from Disneyland and offers a shuttle to the theme parks every 20-30 minutes. Guests can also buy their Disney tickets at the campsite, avoiding long lines at the gate.
The campsite is located close to other attractions in Orange County, including gorgeous beaches, Universal Studios and Catalina Island. Visitors are a short drive to Los Angeles, San Diego and even Tijuana. Anaheim RV Park is a good central location if you want to see a lot of California.
McArthur Campground at Burney Falls State Park
Phone: 530-335-2777
Address: 24898 CA Hwy 89, Burney, CA, 96013
Activities:
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Scuba diving / snorkeling
The McArthur Campground is located at Burney Falls in the northern part of California. It is home to the majestic Burney Falls, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. There are several different ways for you to camp at the park, including 104 campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs – as long as the RV is under 32 feet.
There are also several cabins available. These are true wilderness cabins with no power or running water. It’s a perfect place to unplug and enjoy nature.
The campground is in the Cascades’ foothills between Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen is a short hike from Burney Falls. Lake Britton is also nearby and offers a variety of watersports, such as boating, fishing, windsurfing, and more. McArthur Campground is perfect for the campers who want an authentic outdoor experience.
Mountain Gate RV Park and Cottages
Phone: 530-275-4600
Address: 14161 Holiday Rd, Redding, CA 96003
Activities:
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Bonfire pit
- Watersports
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Caverns
Mountain Gate RV Park is located in a quiet wooded area near Lake Shasta. The campsite offers adorable one-bedroom cabins that accommodate up to four guests and even have RVs available for rent. There are 108 campsites, all with full-hookups.
This RV park has a swimming pool, playground, hot tub, nature trail and rec room onsite. They offer a complimentary continental breakfast each morning.
Mountain Gate RV Park provides a secluded, shady spot to camp, but its real beauty is its location. It is just a few miles from Lake Shasta, where fishing, boating and other watersports await. Guests can take a tour of the Shasta Dam or hike up one of the many trails on Mt. Shasta. Visitors who love architecture will want to check out the Sundial Bridge, while geology buffs will want to visit the Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Lake Shasta Caverns.
Upper Pines Campground at Yosemite National Park
Phone: 209-372-8502
Address: Yosemite National Park, CA, 95389
Activities:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Rock climbing
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Rafting
- Cross-country skiing
Upper Pines Campground is located within Yosemite National Park in central California. The campground has 238 sites that can accommodate tents, RVs under 35 feet and trailers under 25 feet. While there are no hookups, campsites do have fire rings, food lockers and access to toilets and water nearby. Groceries, dump stations and showers are not far away.
Upper Pines is for travelers who want a true nature experience and are not as concerned with luxury. While visitors may sacrifice some modern conveniences at Upper Pines, Yosemite more than makes up for it with breathtaking views and incredible adventures. The campsite is located in the valley, and campers can witness some impressive sights.
Hiking is a must. Visitors can explore miles of natural trails and climb mountains, all while encountering stunning waterfalls, granite cliffs and giant sequoias.
Ramblin’ Redwoods Campground
Phone: 707-487-7404
Address: 6701 Highway US-101 North, Crescent City, CA, 95531
Activities:
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Float and paddle
- Playground
If you want to tour the Redwood Forest, Ramblin’ Redwoods Campground is a great place to stay. The site lets you camp in three ways: tent camping, three different types of cabins, or RV hookups for pull-throughs, back-ins or big rigs. The cabins sleep from five to six and are fully furnished.
Ramblin’ Redwoods is especially pet friendly. It boasts a covered dog-washing space, a park for pets and an off-leash walking trail. If guests want to make sure their pets have a great trip, too, Ramblin’ Redwoods is a great choice.
The site is located near the Redwood National and State Parks, and once visitors have seen the majestic trees, there is still so much to do in the area. Guests can go for a hike or participate in any number of ocean watersports such as boating, fishing and swimming. If visiting in winter, travelers can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Tahoe Valley Campground
Phone: 530-541-2222
Address: 1175 Melba Dr, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Activities:
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Tennis
Explore Lake Tahoe and its surroundings by hiking, biking, or kayaking while you stay at Tahoe Valley Campground.
Whether you’re looking to accommodate the whole family, a group of friends, or just yourself, there are various campsites, cabins, as well as vacation cottages to choose from. Also, the campground boasts a number of superb amenities, such as a swimming pool, ping pong, tennis courts, sand volleyball, or basketball.
Tired of the great outdoors? The casinos of Stateline, Nevada, and some fabulous dining are just a stone’s throw away. Tahoe Valley Campground has simply got something for everyone.
RV Parks in California FAQs
With its 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California. It’s renowned for its wildflowers, natural palm oases, breathtaking landscapes, and other natural wonders. Also, it’s the driest state park in California.
The rates for RV camping in California can range anywhere between USD$ 30 and USD$ 100, depending on the season, location, and the park’s amenities. You can also check your selected campground for discounted weekly or monthly prices.
If you’re looking for free camping, you’re lucky. California features some fantastic free campgrounds. They can usually be found on Bureau of Land Management or United States Forest Service property, such as national forests. We recommend you check their websites for locations ahead of your trip.
The camping season in California starts in April and lasts through October. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend you come in April, May, September, or October. The weather during these months is usually pleasant.
Some beaches in California may allow RVs to park on the beach, but only in designated areas, and for a limited time. Other beaches may prohibit RV parking altogether. Additionally, there may be restrictions on the size of the RV, the type of vehicle, and whether or not it is permitted to stay overnight.
Conclusion
No matter what type of vacation travelers enjoy, California has something for just about everyone. Moreso, California has RV parks for just about every taste. Suppose visitors want to genuinely rough it and go without electricity so that they can get the full natural experience. In that case, California has many national and state parks campsites that offer just that.
If tourists would rather spend their time “glamping,” while sipping wine and going on bicycle tours, California has several luxury campgrounds.
If travelers visit California for the beaches and watersports, there are numerous resorts along the coastline. There are even RV sites perfect for kids or pets.
California has such a variety of attractions and campgrounds that a person could easily go from one vacation spot to the next and never have the same experience twice. A traveler can wake up by the beach one morning and in the mountains the next.
California is one of the nation’s most beautiful states with mountains, valleys, deserts, and waterfalls. There are so many natural wonders to see and things to do that a traveler could easily spend a lifetime trying to see it all.