California is one of the most expensive places to live especially in city's like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Surprising you can find places for free to camp in California... YES... FREE. Today I am going to give you a couple resources and 50 free camping sites and also I will put a list to of sites I found online as well as the GPS coordinates were you can copy and paste them into GOOGLE maps.
This is how you can find places to camp... the tools and boondocking locations camping.You can camp on public land provided there is no additional signage for up to 14 days on BLM land before having to move to another area. There are different apps but here is one that I found that works on your desktop
BOONDOCKING IN OPEN AREAS
1. Two websites to check out are FreeCampsites.net and Campendium.com These are resources that have been reported by people that have been there, what conditions the sites are in, what size rig will accommodate and often times you can even tell you how the cell service is going to be.2. Use a app called US Public Lands for Android and iPhone and is $2.99 (one time) it finds your location and then shows you the BLM land / US Forest Service / National Park Service and other agencies... you can use this app when you are "Dispersed Camping" (Free primitive camping on certain public lands)
3. Google Earth and Google Maps to just get away and find remote areas..you can get the layout of the land and find down to the road and look for spots along the road you can camp in you might just go to a area and drive around and just go with the flo and check out the area...
I want to share some camp in California not only are these places free but there is 50 of them to choose from
Discounts for Camping:
Free or Reduced Camping Fees in California State Parks:California State Parks offers several discounts for reduced or waived camping fees for several groups of people:
If you are a member of the California State Park Association you can save on both camping and parking at any state park or beach.
If you are over the age of 62 you can save $1 on parking at any state park or beach.
Permanently disabled individuals can park for only $3.50 with a disabled lifetime park pass.
Low-income families can apply for a Golden Bear Pass to reduce the cost of any California State Park entrance fees. Seniors are also encouraged to apply for a Golden Bear Pass for reduced fees.
Distinguished veterans can get free entrance to any California State Park by applying for a Veteran’s Pass.
Free or Reduced Rates for Campground Hosts:
If you have more flexibility in your schedule if you are retired, homeschool, etc – being a campground host might be an option for you.Typically you can get free (or reduced in some cases) rates to camp in exchange for being available to help & answer questions for the campers.
The minimum stay is typically one month, though, but this might be a fun option for the summertime if you plan ahead.
You can find available campgrounds that need hosts by searching this website for National Parks & Forests all around the country.
I found a number of locations in California, so definitely check that site out to see if there’s an option that will work for you. I would think you’d need to schedule this out far in advance though.
Let us know if you have other ideas of ways to get discounts or free passes for camping in California!
Things to Keep in Mind when Camping in California:
Many sites offer dispersed camping. Dispersed camping is where you find a place within the area to camp that does not use a specifically developed campground. Many of these sites require a “no trace” policy be followed. You are responsible for all trash and waste and are to leave the area uninterrupted.- Never litter.
- Don’t disturb rocks or plants.
- Make sure to supervise your fires at all times.
- Whatever you bring in to camp needs to be taken out.
- Take the proper tools for dispersed camping such as a shovel, bucket, and maps of the area.
- Maintain the proper campfire permit as many locations require it for camping.
Often times there are no bathroom facilities and nothing more than a place to pull over so don't expect too many amenities with FREE camping.
I have not personally stayed at any of these I did do a Google search on each one and then check the GPS coordinates to each one that they "actually exist" If I am wrong please reach out to me so I can correct the error.
I have not personally stayed at any of these I did do a Google search on each one and then check the GPS coordinates to each one that they "actually exist" If I am wrong please reach out to me so I can correct the error.
Northern California:
Alabama Hills – Lone Pine, CA 36.611066, -118.099313 -Stay up to 14 nights here and there are up to 29 campsites available. It is known for its hiking and amazing granite boulders and is a true climbers paradise. You can bring horses her for trail riding and camp for up to 14 nights. No water or bathrooms available here.No Man’s Trailhead– Kalamath National Forest, CA 41.7289, -123.5353 – Located in Kalamath National Forest there is no permit required to camp here. No water or garbage access so bring enough water for your stay and be prepared to take your trash. If you plan on using a camp stove or campfire a permit will be required. There are also no bathrooms available at this location.
Lower Salt Creek Shoreline – Lakehead, CA 40.842825, -122.354188 -Camp here for free without the use of facilities with the exception of restrooms and trash use. The park is open year-round for camping. It is near water also.
Ramhorn– Litchfield, CA 40.707364, -120.252287– Camping with 6-15 campsites. The park has a public restroom, hiking trails, picnic tables, and use of trash disposal. This park is known for being very well maintained and you have the option to stay for up to 2 weeks using the facility.
Laufman Campground – Milford, CA 40.135268, -120.346703 – This is a small campground with only 6 sites available for use. Each campsite does have a fire ring and picnic table. There is no water or trash service available but there is a vault restroom.
Mariner’s Point– Redding, CA 40.754221, -122.253089 – This is one of the few accessible campgrounds by car near the lake. The campsites do have picnic tables and reservations are required for camping. Hiking, fishing, and boating are a few activities for this area. No restrooms available.
Modoc National Forest– Modoc, Lassen and Siskiyou counties, CA 41.620663, -121.226320 – Campgrounds are available in a developed setting as well as primitive sites. For dispersed camping a campfire permit is required to a camp stove or fire. You may primitively camp for up to 14 days and you must leave the area uninterrupted. No restrooms available.
Cherry Lake – Tuolumne County, CA 37.984785, -119.915801 – Dispersed camping is available at least 100 feet from water and above the high water mark only. Fishing, swimming, and hiking are common activities for the area. There are vault restrooms available.
Mud Lake Trailhead-Lassen National Forest, CA 40.703483, -121.402344 – 2 sites have fire rings and vault toilets but no water access is available. This location is dispersed camping only.
Doe Flat Trailhead– Six Rivers National Forest, CA 41.814113, -123.706847 – This is a small location for primitive camping with only 3 sites available at no charge. Although no water is available there is a vault toilet at the trailhead. This is a great location for anyone interested in hiking.
Steiner Flat Primitive Campgrounds– Redding, CA 40.659616, -122.966155 – There are 8 primitive campsites available here. You can camp here either in a tent or a small camper. There are vault toilets available but no potable water to use. This is a great spot for paddling, hiking, swimming, and nature watching.
Cow Mountain Recreation Area – Ukiah, CA 39.119093, -123.117265 – This is a great spot for recreational vehicle trail access. Many sighting so bears, wild turkey, and other upland animals have been seen. Camping here is primarily primitive.
Deny Campground – Burnt Ranch, CA 40.933119, -123.394647 – Located in the Trinity National Forest this campground has 5 sites for tent camping or RV camping. If you plan to camp in an RV your RV can be no longer than 22 feet. There is water access and vault restrooms available for use. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. This is an ideal spot for fishing.
Big Sage Campground – Alturas, CA 41.579966, -120.629784 – Camping here is available seasonally from May to October. There are 11 campsites and you can stay a maximum of 14 days. If you are bringing an RV it can’t be any longer than 22 feet. Campsites have fire rings, picnic tables, water, and there are vault restrooms on site. There is a boat ramp for fishing as well.
Butte Creek Campground – Susanville, CA 40.610980, -121.296040 – This campsite is located in the Lassen National Forest. You may camp here on any one of the 10 sites in a tent or 22 foot RV camper. There are no amenities for this site.
Deanes Valley Campground– Quincy, CA 39.890300, -121.024290 – This campsite is another seasonal site in the Plumas National Forest. There are 7 sites without amenities other than fire rings and picnic tables. There are vault restrooms available as well.
Biscar Reservoir – Litchfield, CA 40.545735, -120.331612 – If you are a fisherman this site is perfect. There is fishing access and water access but camping is dispersed only.
Cedar Pass – Alturas, CA 41.559305, -120.293774 -Open from May to October camping here is available at any of the 17 sites. There are fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water. Vault restrooms are on site as well. This is another great spot for fishing.
Central California:
Clover Meadow Campground– North Fork, CA 37.528918, -119.280489 – Open between June and October with several sites to choose from. They are a first come, first served basis with access to a water spigot, picnic table, and fire ring. There is also bathroom access with vault toilets. No handicap accessibility.Eldorado National Forest – Placerville, CA 38.793976, -120.304701 – Most of the open land within the Eldorado National Forest is open for camping and is a walk in camp option only. You can not drive your vehicle off the road to camp. Your campsite has to be at least 100 feet from any natural water source and above the high water mark. You may have a campfire with a permit only. No amenities are available so “no trace” standards to apply.
Lake Tahoe Basin– South Lake Tahoe, CA– Camping for this area is restricted to the following areas: Mt. Rose Wilderness 39.358704, -119.931869, Desolation Wilderness 38.950731, -120.148883, Echo Chalet 38.835017, -120.044227 Meiss Country Roadless Area 38.76265, -120.01053, Mokelumne Wilderness 38.582873, -119.979735 and Granite Chief Wilderness 39.159718, -120.289619.This is primitive camping only with no amenities and a leave no trace policy. You may have a fire with a permit.
Willow Creek Trail – Big Sur, CA 35.900966, -121.425558 – Stay up to 14 days here with campsites scattered all along the area. There is no water or bathroom access but the views are really amazing.
Alabama Hills Recreation Area – Lone Pine, CA 36.609939, -118.099402 – There are no restrooms or water access for public use but you may camp here in a tent or an RV. This is a great spot for views and is a location most well know for the views both night and day.
Picnic Grounds Road – Lee Vining, CA 37.972196, -119.106359 – This site is accessible by a dirt road. No water, restrooms, or electricity and only a few campsites for tent camping. Overall, this location is close to the highway and has stunning views.
Laguna Mountain Campground – Paicines, CA 36.348105, -120.852942 – This site is a gravel road entrance with a maximum stay of 14 days. There are vault restrooms on site with a fire ring and picnic table for each campsite. This site has really amazing views too.
KCL Camground – Santa Margarita, CA 35.090442, -119.735058 – This campsite has a dirt road entrance and is a great option for tent camping. This site has vault restrooms to use but no water use available. There is a recreation trail in this campground and each site is equipped with picnic table and fire ring.
Jerseydale Campground – Mariposa, CA 37.545025, -119.838327– There are 10 sites available for either tent camping or RV camping. If you plan to camp in an RV it can be no longer than 24 feet. This campsite is open seasonally with water, vault restrooms, and trash disposal on site. Campsites also have a fire ring and picnic table.
Fossil Falls Dry Lake Bed– Little Lake, CA 35.972799, -117.911660 – Camping here is accessible by dirt road. This location is for primitive or dispersed camping only. There are no water amenities or restrooms. You may bring your pets but be prepared to take all trash out when you leave.
Green Cabin Flat Campground – Squaw Valley, CA 36.859260, -119.102308 – This small campground has a total of 8 camping spots. You can stay up to 14 days here and tent camp. There is water access for camping and pets are welcome. This is a great spot for fishing.
Holiday Campground – Mammoth Lakes, CA 37.552449, -118.676001 – This one is located in the Inyo National Forest. There are 35 campsites available for camping. There are vault toilets on site and water for public use. The campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. Pets are welcome and if you plan to camp in an RV it can be no longer than 16 feet.
Cherry Gap Camping Area – Hume, CA 36.783942, -118.968439– This is a tent campsite with dispersed camping options. The sites do have a fire ring and picnic table to use but no bathrooms or water access. Maximum stay here is 14 days.
Redinger Campground – North Fork, CA 37.146107, -119.449723 – This camping location has dispersed campsites. You may camp in an RV as well. There is access to water for fishing.
Dove Springs OHV Area – Kern, CA 35.423559, -118.011293 – There are miles and miles of trail riding at this campground. This is an ideal place for off-road vehicles and especially interesting if you are interested in desert camping. The only amenities available are vault toilets.
Herring Reservoir Campground – Pinecrest, CA 38.249055, -119.935150 – There are 9 campsites available with water access for fishing and some awesome trails to check out. Campsites do have fire rings. Bring your pets to camp too. Vault restrooms are on site.
Upper Sweetwater Campground – Paicines, CA 36.360464, -120.850983 – This location has really nice scenery. There are 6 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Access with an RV is appropriate as well. Vault restrooms for public use are available but you will need to bring in water.
Grant Lake – June Lake, CA 37.832671, -119.121473 – There are only 2 sites available for camping on Grant Lake. The road is extremely narrow so small RV’s are only appropriate. There are no trash services, water, or restrooms available, but an amazing spot for fishing.
Southern California:
Mojave National Preserve– Kelso, CA 35.011810, -115.649133 – Free dispersed camping available on a first come first served basis. A great spot for viewing wildlife. Some of the roads are narrow and not ideal for large vehicles or campers. It is first come first served for camping all over this area.Mahogany Flats Campground – Death Valley National Park, CA 36.229959, -117.068363 – This campground is open from November to March with up to 15 campsites available. Total stay time here is no more than 14 days. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and there are restrooms available for use on site. This is a good location for biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Rose Valley Campground – Ojai, CA 34.532298, -119.182938 – You may camp for free here but a permit is required. There are vault toilets available. The campsites do have fire rings and picnic tables too but no water access. This is a spot ideal for hikers and enjoying the scenic wildlife.
Alder Creek (Alta Sierra) – Glennville and Wofford Heights, CA 35.719841, -118.611855 – This location is used primarily for dispersed camping only. You may camp here in an RV that is not longer than 20 feet. Public restrooms are available. No reservations are required but you must take your trash with you when you leave.
Ocotillo Wells SVRA– Borrego Springs, CA 33.150178, -116.113354 – This park is open from 10/1- 5/31 and you can stay for up to 14 days. There are showers available and a public restroom. This area is a great area if you have a four wheeler, dune buggy, or off-road recreational vehicle. Bring your own water for your campsite.
Amboy Crater – Amboy, CA 34.544093, -115.791066 – Here you can camp both in a tent and there are a few spots for RV’s as well. There are two vault toilets on site for use as well as picnic tables with shade and a parking lot. Plenty of places to hike in and around the crater for sightseeing.
Means Dry Lake – Landers, CA 34.412752, -116.515096 – This area is primitive camping with no water or restroom access available. It is a great spot for ATV’s and other off road vehicles.
Box Canyon West – Mecca, CA 33.589695, -115.961820 – There is a paved road to access this campsite with RV camping and tent camping available. You have the option to stay up to 14 days here. No water or restrooms for public use.
Jawbone Canyon– Cantil- CA 35.314173, -118.041839 – This camping location is really ideal if you are the off-roading type. There are restrooms available for public use. This spot is open all year with some great wildlife viewing.
Trona Pinnacles – Ridgecrest, CA35.617875, -117.368109 – Tent and RV camping is available here. There are vault restrooms on site. Traveling in to camp is a little rough so a larger vehicle is preferred. Take in water and pets are welcome.
Miranda Pine Campground – Santa Barbara, CA 35.035254, -120.037386 – Camping here requires you to bring in your own water and take your trash with you. There are vault restrooms on site to be used. The terrain is somewhat rocky for traveling in to camp. Pets are welcome.
Sunrise Rock – Cima, CA 35.315202, -115.550853 – Camping here does not have water access and is a dry campsite. Bring in your own water and be prepared to take out your trash and anything else you bring in. The trails for traveling are dirt and there are some good spots for exploring trails. There are picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite.
Painted Gorge Road – Ocotillo, CA 32.787635, -115.951300 – This site is great for off-roading or ATV’s. There are dispersed camping here with no water or restrooms but campsites do have a fire ring.
Tool Box Springs Campground – Mountain Center, CA 33.611845, -116.661488 – There are 6 sites for tent camping here. There are tons of big trees that provide great shade and there are vault restrooms on site. Access to this site is rough so a truck is ideal.
Big Black Mountain – Ramona, CA 33.156989, -116.809291 – The scenery at this campsite is enough. If you love the outdoors this one is perfect. It is a dispersed camping location with no water or restrooms but the views are worth it. There is a recreational trail for checking things out.
I would like to hear your reports of where you have found the best free camping sites & if you have any reviews of any of these locations or need to correct something I have listed let me know!
