Many California National Forests have cabins and fire lookouts they are no longer using available for rent. We have added a special section to California's Best Camping devoted entirely to these cabins and lookouts.

Many are rustic structures with limited amenities, but the locations are always wonderful, often overlooking miles of forest, mountains, and rivers. And the prices are reasonable, usually about $75 per night. If you are looking for unique lodgings away from busy campgrounds, Forest Service cabins and lookouts could be the answer. Check them out.

Looking for Something in Special?
Try Our Helpful Campground Indexes

Are you looking for a particular kind of campground? Perhaps you are trying to find equestrian group campgrounds or beach camping. Check out the campground guides below to narrow your search.

Total Campground Index

An index of more than 600 California campgrounds that rank as the Golden State's best.

Ocean-front Campgrounds

Coronado to Eureka - find a California campground that looks out on the ocean.

Favorite Camping Areas Index

A list of all the most popular California camping areas, with links to campgrounds in each area.

Best Family Vacation Campgrounds

Recommendations of wonderful California camping spots for families with children.

Equestrian Campgrounds

Individual or group campsites designated for people with horses.

Campground Ratings

Gold Star - The best of the best campgrounds. Not only are the campgrounds equipped with very good amenities and in beautiful settings, they are close to outstanding recreational opportunities such as natural wonders, waterskiing, beaches, or special attractions.

Green Star - Campgrounds with good facilities and located close to a variety of activities, whether its trails among redwoods, a beach-front location, or a beautiful mountain lake.

Green Triangle - Comfortable campgrounds equipped with basic amenities and near some worthwhile recreational attractions. These are sometimes smaller, more remote campgrounds which, nevertheless, may have exceptional views. Ease of driving access is sometimes a consideration.

Green Dot - Campgrounds we have not included in our reviews, either because much better campgrounds are nearby or because the facilities or available recreation opportunities are negligible.

Everyone is Different

Everyone's interests are different, so a perfect campground for one might be only mediocre for another. Use our symbols as a starting point on your quest to find the best campground for you.

Types of Campgrounds Included

Our reviews include publicly operated campgrounds such as Forest Service, National Park, State Park, BLM, and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. We also include many regional and county park campgrounds along with campgrounds offered by public and private utilities such as electric companies and irrigation districts. We do not include private RV Parks nor most privately operated campgrounds.

Campground Fees

Prices listed for campground stays are the basic campsite fee and do not include any reservation fees. Often there are discrepancies between the fee shown on the campground agency's website and the price listed by the reservation website. In those cases, we have displayed the higher of the two.

TOP