Free Camping in California
California has 2414 free camping spots in the Camphive database. Every listing on this page has a $0 fee. Most are dispersed sites on BLM land and in national forests; some are no-fee developed campgrounds. The highest-rated are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1-10 scenic rating, and every listing links to a full page with location and details.
Back to all campgrounds in California.
Of the 40 top-rated spots listed below, 40 score 8 or higher on the Vistas scenic scale. Listings concentrate around CA, Eastern Sierra - Lone Pine.
Top free camping spots in California
- Alabama Hills BLM — Eastern Sierra - Lone Pine · Free · Vistas 9.5
- Alabama Hills BLM - Lone Pine — Eastern Sierra - Lone Pine · Free · Vistas 9.5
- Doc Moyle's Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9.4
- Camp 4 — CA · Free · Vistas 9.4
- Sunrise High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9.4
- Whitney Portal Group Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9.4
- Upper Pines Campground — Upper Pines Campground · Free · Vistas 9.3
- Big Pine Canyon - Palisade Glacier Group Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9.3
- Upper Pines Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9.3
- Little Yosemite Valley Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9.3
- Vogelsang High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9.2
- Lower Pines Campground — Lower Pines Campground · Free · Vistas 9.2
- Housekeeping Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9.2
- May Lake High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9.1
- Pfeiffer Big Sur — CA · Free · Vistas 9.1
- Buckeye Flats Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Dorst Creek Campground-Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park — Dorst Creek Campground-Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park · Free · Vistas 9
- Onion Valley Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Mahogany Flat Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Twin Lakes Tract — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Sespe Hot Springs — Ventura - Los Padres NF · Free · Vistas 9
- Saddlebag Lake Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Thomas Yellow Post Sites — Riverside - Garner Valley · Free · Vistas 9
- POTWISHA CAMPGROUND — POTWISHA CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 9
- Upper Lake Mary Tract — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Kirby Cove — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- Twin Lakes Tract — CA · Free · Vistas 9
- SANTA ROSA ISLAND BACKCOUNTRY BEACH CAMPING — SANTA ROSA ISLAND BACKCOUNTRY BEACH CAMPING · Free · Vistas 9
- Sequoia High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 8.9
- Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 8.9
- Elam Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 8.9
- Cold Springs Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 8.9
- Rock Creek Lake Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 8.9
- Merced Lake High Sierra Camp — CA · Free · Vistas 8.8
- Abalone Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 8.8
- Sugar Pine Point Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 8.8
- Richardson Grove State Park — CA · Free · Vistas 8.8
- OH RIDGE — OH RIDGE · Free · Vistas 8.8
- Sawmill Walk-in Campground — CA · Free · Vistas 8.8
Open the interactive California camping map on Camphive to browse all 2414 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.
California camping FAQ
Is camping really free in California?
Yes. Every spot on this page lists a $0 fee: mostly dispersed sites on BLM land and in national forests, plus some no-fee developed campgrounds. Rules can change seasonally, so confirm with the managing agency linked on each spot's detail page before you go.
How long can you camp for free in California?
On most BLM and national forest land the limit is 14 days within a 28-day period at one location, after which you must move. Exact limits vary by district, so check locally.
What should I expect at a free campsite in California?
Most free sites are primitive: no water, no trash service, and often no toilets. Pack in your water, pack out your trash, check fire restrictions, and download an offline map since many of these spots have no cell coverage. 40 of the spots listed below score 8 or higher on Camphive's 1-10 Vistas scenic scale.
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