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California - The Golden State, where there are so many beautiful places to camp! But here is the real deal: Most of the scenic spots are so popular they now recommend a reservation for camping. Gone are the days when you could waltz into a prime campsite at 8pm on a Friday night. With population growing & tourist still flocking in, you best make your reservations or be prepared to 'rough it ' in the boonies.

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California Camp Destinations

 
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Everyone dreams of that stream side camp site with a meadow & towering pines. A quiet place to really escape from society, A perfect camp spot where you will not have any distractions from anyone else. Most people also want the flush toilet and a 2-3 hours drive from home. Welcome to the real world. This is ever popular California!

If you want seclusion, we can show you how & where, but you will do without all the amenities of a modern campground. Prefer toilets & showers at your camp? Then you are gonna pay a price - reservation, cash & give up privacy.

Below are the Total Escape 4 categories for California camping options:
RV Camping, SUV Camping, Car Camping, Backpacking

staying in style - larger campgrounds, RV park w/ hookups, store, laundry, local cabins, bed & breakfast inns, small hotels suitable & sufficient - regular campgrounds, 12 or more camp sites, RV spaces, reservations common roughin' it - primitive style campgrounds, under 12 camp sites, usually located on back roads, minimal to no faciilities primitive sites - bare minimum. a clearing for a fire ring. no toilet, no fees; dirt road access (or hike-in access). campfire permits required

Campgrounds, Cabins
RV Parks, Lodging

Campgrounds
RV Spots

Small Campgrounds
Lesser Known

Dispersed Camps
SUV BackRoads
(or Backpacking)

Cabins, Modern or Private Campgrounds, RV Parks
Reservations common.

Some people weren't made to rough it & that is where these modern camp grounds come in style. If you hafta geta shower daily, this is your place. Drive a half a million dollar chrome diesel pusher? - then you will most likely end up here.

Close to town, with golf course, internet connection, laundry or morning coffee -- are just some of the luxuries you can find within walking distance.

Guest ranches, fire lookouts & cabins will fall under this selection. Local accommodations - motels & cabins - can also be found under this heading.

Developed campgrounds with Reservations likely needed.

For the camper who wants a campground with a toilet & a level tent site. These campgrounds are in prime scenic spots, cost fee and most even accept reservations.

Typical family campground. Large spots to accommodate groups are common. Most full size RVs can call thisplace home for atleast 14 days.

Most of these campgrounds are located close to a popular recreation area & found along highways or main through roads. Fire rings, picnic tables & vault toilets are provided. Many have piped water. These places tend to fill up quickly on weekends.

Most National Park & State Park campgrounds are this category.

Secluded camp grounds with less than 10 sites

For the camper who wants a campground without the crowds. Most of these places are a low cost fee or even FREE of charge. Some are on narrow side roads, well off the highways & may require a good map. Fire rings, picnic tables & pit / vault toilets are often provided. Some have piped water. Nope, no reservations. These spots tend to fill up quickly on weeekends. Don't be bummed if you have to have a plan B ready. It is always nice to have another option to turn to in most cases.

Some dirt road driving may be required. A passenger car can easily make it to these spots.

National Forest will have most of these kinda campgrounds

Undeveloped areas. Remote Primitive camping. For a self- contained camper who wants some seclusion.

Back roads to privacy ! Many dirt roads lead an avid camper to the best out-of-the-way camp sites. NF & BLM Lands lrequire a fire permit. Sites may have picnic tables or just a fire ring, but usually NO toilets. Have the "No Bathroom Blues"? Don't sweat it. Solution: Camp Potty

Some sites as bare as a rock fire ring in a small clearing. A detailed backcountry map is advised. A high clearance vehicle may be needed to reach these spots. Permits & Passes may be needed. The "yellow-post" fire safe areas in So. Calif. National Forest lands are among these listed.

Look for these camping categories above on each National Forest & California State Park pages.


State Park / National Park / Forest
... What's the Difference?

California
Highway Restrictions

length limits & winter closures
Look for this RV symbol throughout our parks pages for alternatives to typical motorhome parks

Don't forget our CampHelp section to get you prepared. Or if you really have no idea where to begin, start off with Camp Clueless.

get your firewood


The true Total Escape "concept of camping" is about getting away from the crowds & really enjoying the solitude. Enjoying what nature has to give in a peaceful setting without the distractions of a typical campground. We offer you information on out-of-the-way spots that are sometimes hard to reach. Many of these may be time consuming to find, but you will be blessed with a nice small campground or a pristine primitive back roads camp spot. See text under Primitive when browsing.
Yellow post sites & primtive camps are located in remote secluded areas. They may require an SUV or high clerance vehicle to reach. You also need to obtain a free campfire permit

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