Where can I find ‘first come, first served’ campsites? See 15 in California
Get there first and get there fast. Camping season is on its way for the Spring and Summer and these California State Parks are ready for the rush of campers looking for that wonderful nature escape.
California parks have a variety of campsites on a “first come, first served” basis. We made a list of campsites from all over the Golden State and listed amenities such as water, types of site and whether flushable restrooms are available.
Campsites usually fill up by early Friday before a holiday weekend. All parks have piped drinking water and no shower facilities unless otherwise specified.
Camp at California’s North Coast
Humboldt Lagoons State Park
This state park is located on the land of the Ner’-er’nerh/Coastal Yurok People and lies on the sandy edge of ocean and forest, according to the California State Parks website.
Humboldt Lagoons State Park is home to the largest lagoon system in the United States and is about 30 miles north of Eureka.
What campers should know:
- Tables
- Fire rings
- Pit toilets
- Environmental sites
- No water
Manchester State Park
The park is named after the village of Manchester and has rich grazing lands, flocks of sheep and herds of cattle.
Manchester State Park features a beach, sand dunes and flat grasslands, with nearly 18,000 feet of ocean frontage, according to the park’s website.
What campers should know:
- 10 environmental sites
- 18 primitive sites
- Chemical toilets
- Fire grills
- Campers up to 30 feet
- Trailers up to 22 feet
Navarro River Redwoods State Park
The park features picnicking, swimming and camping and is popular with anglers, canoeists and kayakers, according to Navarro River Redwoods State Park’s website.
What campers should know:
- 25 developed sites
- Toilets
- Fire grills
- Campers up to 30 feet
- Trailers up to 24 feet
Visit the Shasta Cascade
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
The state park’s name translates to “where the waters come together…” used by the band of Pit River of Indians who still inhabit the area.
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is known for wilderness with extremely rugged lava rock.
What campers should know:
- Environmental boat-in sites
- No land access
Spend the night at Gold Country
Auburn State Recreation Area
The park is located in the heart of California’s gold country. Major recreational uses include hiking, river access, boating, fishing, camping, mountain biking and limited hiking.
What campers should know visiting Auburn State Recreation Area:
- 100 primitive sites
- Tables
- No drinking water
San Francisco Bay Area
Castle Rock State Park
The park is known for its sculpted sandstone, lush forests and sweeping vistas. Campers can enjoy hiking, backpacking and horseback riding, according to Castle Rock State Park’s website.
What campers should know:
- 23 primitive hike-in sites
- No drinking water
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Looking to get away from the busy city? This park welcomes visitors to picnic near the Aptos Creek or hike, jog or bike on the 30 miles of trails at this beautiful park.
What campers should know visiting the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park:
- Environmental sites
- No water
Mount Tamalpais State Park
This beautiful park rises from the heart of Marin County and includes deep canyons and sweeping hillsides are covered with cool redwood forests, open grasslands and sturdy chaparral.
Mount Tamalpais State Park offers hiking, picnicking and wildlife watching.
What campers should know:
- Developed, environmental sites
- Hike and bike sites
- Flush toilets
- Tables
California’s Central Coast
Andrew Molera State Park
The park encompasses almost 5,000 acres of largely undeveloped coast range terrain with 15 miles of trails. Andrew Molera State Park offers visitors great hiking and beachcombing as well as panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
What campers should know:
- Primitive hike-in (about a third of a mile) sites
- Flush toilets
- Tables
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
The park is located in the Gavilan Mountains and features over 6,800 acres and nearly 200 miles of trails in scenic and varied terrain, according to Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area’s website.
What campers should know:
- 125 primitive sites
- Water
- Showers at one campground
California’s Central Valley
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
The 46.5-acre park is home to various wildlife species. It’s offers activities for visitors including camping, picnicking, bird watching, swimming, river wading and kayaking.
What campers should know visiting the George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area:
- 21 developed sites
- 1 group site
- Tables
- Campers up to 32 feet
- Trailers up to 31 feet
Camping in Los Angeles County
Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Hungry Valley is the state’s third-largest unit of off-highway motor vehicle recreation area. The park offers 19,000 acres and more than 130 miles of scenic trails for motorcycle, All-Terrain Vehicles, dune buggies and 4x4 recreation.
What campers should know when visiting the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area:
- Primitive sites
- Tables
- Flush toilets
- No drinking water
Saddleback Butte State Park
Whether you are looking for desert, hiking or day-use facilities. The state park includes a table, BBQ grill and a fire ring for the 37 campsites.
What campers should know visiting Saddleback Butte State Park:
- 50 primitive sites
- Flush toilets
- Tables
- Campers up to 30 feet
- Trailers up to 30 feet
- Camping in California’s deserts
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
This park’s desert terrain is a motorcycle, four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle and dune buggy use area. The wash-and-ridge terrain includes dunes and a sand bowl.
What campers should know when visiting the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area:
- Primitive sites
- No drinking water
- No limit on camper/trailer size
- Pay showers
- Picnic tables
Picacho State Recreation Area
The Picacho State Recreation Area is located along the Colorado River on California’s southeastern border and is a beautiful location for year-round fishing and water sports.
What campers should know:
- Primitive sites
- No drinking water
- No limit on camper/trailer size
