Camping season has officially arrived in California, and the state’s breathtaking natural landscapes offer some of the most unforgettable camping experiences in the country.
Hipcamp just released its list of ’50 Favorite Places to Camp in America Right Now’ for 2025, and these 6 standout California campgrounds made the cut.
From coastal cliffs to forested hideaways, these spots showcase the best of what the Golden State has to offer.
How did Hipcamp choose the best campgrounds in America?
Hipcamp is a website used for booking a wide range of camping options, from tent sites and RV spots to glamping stays and private-land retreats. Their mission is to get more people outside. And with that goal in mind, Hipcamp “analyzed data for more than 500,000 campsites in every U.S. state and narrowed down their favorite spots across private land, public parks, and RV parks.” The list was selected based on a variety of criteria, such as:
- Positive camper reviews and ratings.
- Regional trends.
- Cultural shifts.
- Editorial debate.
Which California campgrounds made the 2025 list?
- Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch – Loma Mar, San Mateo County, CA
- Boulder Creek RV Resort – Lone Pine, Inyo County, CA
- Campo Nopalito – Valley Center, San Diego County, CA
- Slide Ranch – Muir Beach, Marin County, CA
- Timber Cove Campground – Jenner, Sonoma County, CA
- Twisted Branch – Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, CA
Here’s what to know about each campground.
Each campground has its own unique atmosphere and environment, so it’s important to know what to expect before you go. Here’s all the information you need to make the best choice for your camping adventure this summer!
Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
Tucked away on a 350-acre working ranch owned by the Peninsula Open Space Trust, the Audrey Edna Cabin is a true hidden gem. This beautifully restored 1930s cabin offers sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and a serene, wide-open atmosphere.
Boulder Creek RV Resort
Located off Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra, Boulder Creek RV Resort is perfect for road trips. It’s a convenient home base near Mt. Whitney and the Alabama Hills. And it’s ideal for hiking, scenic drives, and catching unforgettable sunrises in one of the most stunning parts of the country.
Campo Nopalito
Nestled in the hills about 30 minutes inland from Oceanside, Campo Nopalito is a tranquil organic farm. Set on 15 acres of native plants and ancient oaks, it features a handful of carefully spaced campsites with each offering privacy and a peaceful atmosphere.
Slide Ranch
Nestled on a wild stretch of California coastline just north of San Francisco, Slide Ranch is an extraordinary oceanside farm that offers a hands-on escape from the everyday. As both a working ranch and an educational space on national park land, it offers a rare camping experience deeply rooted in the connection to land and sea.
Timber Cove Campground
Perched on a bluff overlooking one of the Sonoma Coast’s most picturesque inlets, Timber Cove Campground offers exceptional oceanfront camping. It’s conveniently located just three miles south of Salt Point State Park and three miles north of Fort Ross State Historic Park.
Twisted Branch
Central California is a camper’s paradise, and Twisted Branch crowns a hill right in the heart of Paso Robles wine country. With unforgettable sunset views and abundant wildlife roaming its 30 oak-dotted acres, it’s a truly special spot.