With gorgeous mountains, beautiful bays, city life and warm beaches, California is just as diverse geographically as its population is. The Golden State is the second most populous state in the union and has plenty of RV parks to cater to residents and tourists.

I’ve looked all over the Left Coast and whittled it down to my top five choices for California RV parks.

Big Flat Campground: Six Rivers National Forest

Big Flat Campground is your wilderness campground, dropped in the primitive grounds of Six Rivers National Forest.


 

Fair warning for RVers wanting to get into Big Flat: The roads leading to it will not be kind to large rigs or those that may struggle with off-roading. There are no hookups or facilities. It is pure dry camping should you choose to stay at Big Flat. 

The reason it made my list is because it’s truly a Californian wilderness experience. 

You are in the middle of untouched forests, springs, streams and wildlife. You can access Hurdygurdy Creek within walking distance or South River Fork within half a mile. Choose Big Flat when you are tired of the rat race.

San Francisco RV Resort: San Francisco

San Francisco is known for its rolling hills, bay views and easy going lifestyle. The San Francisco RV Resort is your home base to experience this city by the bay. 

San Francisco RV Resort is situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean to give all 162 sites an excellent view. Most sites come with water, sewer, cable and electrical hookups. If you want a site right on the ocean, prepare for dry camping as these sites have no hookups.

There are laundry facilities, showers, a heated pool, hot tubs and a general store. 

The resort is only 15 minutes from downtown San Francisco and public transit is close, so you can leave your RV at the site. The friendly staff at San Francisco RV Resort will help you plan out a fun day in San Francisco. 

Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park: Tahoma

There are many great RV grounds available on Lake Tahoe but I picked Sugar Pine Point, because it’s generally less crowded than many of the chain and corporate grounds around Tahoe 

Unless you have a generator or solar power, you will need to dry camp but there is just too much scenery and activities for this to known Sugar Pine Point off of our list. Showers, dump stations and restrooms are available with a fishing pier, beach and picnic area as well. 

You have the whole Lake Tahoe area at your command for some fun. In the summer, there is skiing, fishing, watersports and a nature center located close to the premises along with plenty of miles of hiking trails. 

In the winter, you have skiing, snowboarding, sledding and more. There’s a reason Tahoe was chosen for the Winter Olympics. Make sure to try one of Tahoe’s moonlit snowshoe tours along the Tahoe coast. 

Ocean Mesa at El Capitan: Santa Barbara

I’ve picked Ocean Mesa at El Capitan as your starting point for Los Angeles and all things southern California has to offer. 

There are both pull-through and back-in sites, Ocean Mesa can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet in length. Ocean Mesa provides full utility hook ups including 30 and 50 amp, water and sewer. Bonus amenities come in cable TV, Wi-Fi, grill and fire pit in every stop. If you want to stick around the campsite, there are hot tubs, pools, horseback riding and 15 miles of hiking trails.

The location is perfect for exploring southern California, Ocean Mesa is located right on the infamous 101. Journey into downtown Los Angeles, hit the world famous beaches and eat some fantastic food. We suggest stopping by the Santa Monica Pier for some carnival food and fun. 

Redwoods RV Resort: Crescent City

The California Redwoods are some of the largest living organisms on Earth, and the Redwoods RV Resort is a great starting point to experience these marvels of nature. 

Redwoods has sites to accommodate larger motorhomes or trailers with 50 amp electric, water and sewer. Laundry, free showers, Wi-Fi and even a dog bath are available to all campers at the park. 

The reason we’re making Redwoods RV Resort our number one pick is its proximity to some of the greatest natural experiences in the entire United States. You are just steps away from the northern Pacific coastline, Redwoods National Park, Klamath and Smith Rivers and so much more.

California is an RVers dream. It offers some of the best RV parks in the nation, along with plenty of things to do once you arrive.