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KOA Journey - Gateway to Adventure

KOA Holiday - Basecamp for the Great Outdoors

KOA Resort - The Destination for Recreation

Great weekends to camp and save at KOA. KOA Care Camps Big Weekend and KOA Rewards Weekend.

Pull-thrus, back-ins, patio sites and great locations. Relax, you're with friends.

4,000+ Deluxe Cabins and Camping Cabins are camper friendly, even for the novice.

Tent camping made better, because KOA amenities are right down the path.

Airstreams, cabooses, tepees, and other unique places to lay your head.

Get affordable RV coverage, top-notch service, and peace of mind for your journey ahead.

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Hundreds of KOA campground job opportunities for those who love the RV camping life

Information and education on camping at KOA with an electric vehicle (EV)

Each month, direct to your email inbox, we'll send the best camping news, tips, recipes and more, to enhance the camping lifestyle that you love so much. Learn More

KOA Campgrounds in California

Campgrounds in California

Camping in California

When you want to get outdoors and explore natural America, campgrounds in California are some of your best options. Kampgrounds of America offers several places and a variety of ways to camp in California. Plan your inexpensive, exciting adventure today when you search for areas to camp in California at KOA.

Want to explore the great state of California in depth? Register for the KOA Rewards program to save on your next adventure.

Find Your California Campground

Choose a Variety of Ways to Stay

The idea of camping in California means different things to different people. You’ll find plenty of different ways to camp when you choose to camp at a KOA campground. Your options include:

No matter how you choose to camp in California, you will enjoy clean and convenient lodging and a customer-focused experience when you decide to make your camping reservations at KOA.

Camp Near Popular California Attractions

Camping will be an enjoyable experience for the whole family, no matter where you choose to stay. It's even more exciting when you're close to California attractions — places where you and your whole family can see something interesting, experience history or otherwise make memories and have fun.

California has many popular attractions for families to visit, including Lake Tahoe, Joshua Tree National Park, the renowned golf courses of Palm Springs, Monterey Bay and its world-class aquarium, the San Diego Zoo, Hearst Castle and so many others.

Whether you’re interested in camping in southern California or northern California, choose KOA for an experience you and your family will never forget.

The Benefits of Staying at a KOA Campground in California

What makes KOA your best option for camping in California? At KOA campgrounds, you have access to an unmatched camping experience, including convenient amenities and plenty of activities. Some of the many features that you’ll find at KOA campgrounds include laundry facilities, playgrounds for the kids, clean bathrooms with hot water and much more.

Many people enjoy camping in California for a variety of different reasons. No matter your reason, you'll enjoy the best possible experience when you choose to stay at KOA. Let loose and have some fun when you select from among KOA's many campgrounds in California.

Make RV, tent, cabin or other camping reservations for your next camping trip in California today!

FAQs for Camping in California

Is California Good for Camping?

Enjoy the great outdoors while camping in California. The state is a wonderful place to go camping with family or friends. With the various landscapes, from forests and mountains to beaches, you can have fun traveling throughout the state to experience all the different campgrounds.

Is Camping Still Allowed in California?

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020, the state's government enacted a stay-at-home order. Following the order, camping became banned in California's national and state parks. As of January 2021, when the stay-at-home order was lifted, camping returned to the parks. You can camp throughout California.

What Is the Best Time to Visit California?

California has great weather year-round, but the best time to visit California is during the summer months, from June to September. The warm weather makes it ideal for travelers to sightsee and spend as much time outside as possible. March to May is also an excellent time to visit the state, but there can still be cooler temperatures in the northern parts.

Some of the summer months, like July, can get hotter, so be careful while camping or traveling.

How Do I Find a Campground in California?

Finding a campground in California for your next camping trip is easy at KOA. KOA has over 30 campgrounds throughout the state with wonderful campsites and amenities. Whether you're looking for a place to stay for a while or just overnight, there is a campground that has everything you need to be comfortable.

Browse online to find the campground that best suits your needs.

Why Is It Hard to Find Campsites in California?

Sometimes, you may have difficulty finding campsites in California. Camping is so popular that the demand for camping sites often exceeds the supply. Depending on the campground, you may have to reserve your campsite months in advance. If you know you're going on a camping trip within the next several months, ensure you have a campsite booked so you do not have to worry about finding a place to stay when it gets closer to your trip.

Reserving your campsite six months in advance is a good way to ensure you get to stay at the campground that best suits your travel plans.

Can You Camp for Free in California?

You can camp for free on public lands in California for up to 14 days within a 28-day cycle, whether consecutively or in separate visits. Once your 14 days are complete, if you want to continue camping on public land, you must move to a different area outside a 25-mile radius of your current location. Moving to other sites during extensive camping periods helps preserve the natural land.

Additionally, California's many national parks and forests offer dispersed, or free-of-charge, camping opportunities.

How Much Is a Campground in California?

The cost of your campsite while camping at a campground differs based on where you go. The method of camping, whether staying in an RV, tent or cabin, also factors into the price. Typically, the average cost of staying at a campground in California is about $60, with campsites ranging from $35 to $90 per night, depending on whether you're staying at private sites.

Can You Park an RV Anywhere in California?

If you want to park your RV in California, you must follow the local RV parking rules and regulations during your trip. Most counties have ordinances regarding where you can park RVs and how long. If you aren't planning to stay on a campground, ensure you check the regulations for the county you are traveling to before deciding where to park.

Typically, parking on public streets has restrictions, so check thoroughly to see if you're allowed to park on the road before doing so. The best RV parking solution is to park at a designated RV site or park.

How Much Does It Cost to Park an RV in California?

The average cost of parking an RV while camping in California differs depending on where you stay and for how long. Some RV parks could charge $30 to $100 per day. The cost depends on various factors, such as the amenities that come with staying on a campground and the time of year you plan to RV camp. Some places may offer discounts during the slower winter season.

What Are the Top Attractions in California?

California is a large state with plenty of fun attractions the whole family will love. From the Hollywood sign to Pasadena's Rose Bowl Flea Market, the things you can do are endless. Following are some of the top attractions in the state's different regions:

What Are the Top Outdoor Activities in California?

Enjoy the beautiful outdoors while spending time in the Golden State. The best outdoor activities in California that locals and visitors have fun doing include:

Which National Parks Are in California?

Whether you're camping in Northern, Central or Southern California, there are plenty of national parks to hike in when you want to get outdoors. Some of the best national parks in California include:

Which State Parks Are in California?

There are countless state parks in this state. Some of the best state parks in California that you could visit include:

Where Can You Find the Best Food in California?

Some of the best food in California comes from the melting pot of cultures in the state. Expand your tastes when visiting places such as:

California Campgrounds Map

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That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.

Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.

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