Your guide to reservation-free camping around California
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A creek runs through Yosemite National Park. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios
Finding a campsite in California during the late spring and summertime can be an uphill battle with reservations difficult to come by.
Yes, but: While the reservation system can be tricky to navigate, the state has an abundance of first-come, first-serve sites, backpacking and dispersed camping options to choose from.
The big picture: California's nine national parks, 20 national forests, 280 state parks, 15,000 campsites and 5,200 miles of trails make it one of the most expansive and diverse natural landscapes in the U.S.
- Dogs are allowed in some California state parks and national forest areas with restrictions. Check ahead of time to ensure bringing your pet is allowed since many trails and campgrounds prohibit dogs.
Driving the news: We put together a list of camping gems within driving distance from San Francisco that you don't need a reservation for.
First-come, first serve
These sites include all of the basic amenities found at most reserved campgrounds, though it's best to arrive early — especially on a weekend when competition is fierce.
Pro tip: Make sure to have a back-up plan orgo during the week when it's less crowded.
Mount Tamalpais State Park: Walk-in campsites available at Pantoll and Bootjack, which can fill up quickly. Arrive before 10am to secure a spot.
- 30-45 minute drive from the city.
Navarro River Redwoods State Park: Two campground sites — Navarro Beach and Paul Dimmick — with views of the redwoods and ocean.
- 2.5-3 hour drive from the city.
Check out the state's complete list here.
Dispersed camping
These car camping sites are located outside of designated campgrounds and are a great choice for people who don't want to pay a fee or secure a permit.
Mendocino National Forest: The vast and rugged expanse of the mountains in this part of the state offers various remote locations for a true escape into the outdoors since it's the only national forest in California without a major paved road or highway running through it.
- Top campgrounds include Atchison, Bear Creek, Green Springs and Pogie Point.
- 3.5-4.5 hour drive from the city.
- Check out the complete list here.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest: People looking for a true adventure can head into California's largest national forest, which spans 2.1 million acres.
- Top campgrounds include Algoma, Bailey Cove, Salt Creek and Hobo Gulch.
- 4-5 hour drive from the city.
- Check out the complete list here.
Backpacking
Backpacking is a great option for the most seasoned, self-sufficient and adventurous campers who don't mind hiking into a remote area with all of their gear.
Of note: Backpacking permits are required for wilderness areas in state parks and national forests.
Henry Coe State Park: Here you can find 80,000 acres of lush, rolling hills and more than a dozen sites to choose from in the western portion of the park alone. Site distances range from less than a mile to more than 20 miles from the park's headquarters.
- Top camps include Los Cruzeros, Frog Lake and Pacheco.
- 1.5-2.5 hour drive from the city.
Stanislaus National Forest: The Emigrant Wilderness, situated in the central Sierra Nevada mountains, offers stunning Yosemite-like vistas, alpine lakes and meadows while avoiding the crowds.
- Top spots include Upper Buck Lake, Bear Lake, Powell Lake and Gem Lake.
- 2.5-3 hour drive from the city.
Los Padres National Forest: The Barlow Flat and Sykes campgrounds are two of five located in the Ventana Wilderness near Big Sur that can be accessed by trekking along 12 miles of the scenic Pine Ridge Trail leading to the Sykes Hot Springs. In total, the challenging 20-mile trail takes about 11 hours to complete.
- 2-3 hour drive from the city.
Read more: What to pack for a California camping trip