Finding and Reserving a Campsite

Use one of the following to research camping options and/or reserve a campsite.

• California State Parks: Go to the California State Parks Website then use their Find A Park tool to enter criteria, pick a geographic area, or search for available dates. Each campsite that accepts reservations has a link to www.reserveamerica.com and a calendar to show available dates and sites. Read park descriptions carefully – some campsites are walk-in (non-reservation) only.
• National Park Service: Go to the National Park Service Website then use their Find A Park tool to enter criteria, pick a geographic area, or search for availability. There are links to www.recreation.gov for reservations. Read park descriptions carefully – some campsites are walk-in (non-reservation) only.
• U.S. Forest Service: Go to the US Forest Service Website then click the link for Web sites of the National Forests of California, parks of interest, then Recreational Activities and Developed Campgrounds. Reservations can be made through links to www.recreation.gov. Read descriptions carefully – some campsites are first-come (non-reservation) sites.
• Private Campgrounds through California Travel Parks Association (Camp-California): Go to the California Travel Parks Association Website then search through the lists provided. Usually direct communication with the campground is the only way to make a reservation.
• Search county websites for the county you are interested in. Parks and Recreation Services for the county may provide a list of parks and associated facilities. Calling the parks of interest may be the best way to get information about campsite availability, but many parks do not reserve sites – they are available on a walk-in basis.
• Search a detailed map or a camping book for the area of interest.
• Enter an Internet search with your region or county, and “camping.”
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce in the area you would like to camp in and ask for recommendations.

Keep in mind that even sites that take reservations may offer some first-come campsites as well. Call the ranger at the site to ask about this!

In all camping cases, call a ranger and mention that you will have an infant or toddler camping with you – rangers will know what areas are not safe for little ones, be it due to steepness or proximity to water hazards.

Camping Recommendation Chart

Use this chart to find a location that meets your needs. Got a great site that you’d like to recommend? E-mail a recommendation.

Making the Decision to Camp

• There are several types of camping. See Camping Defined to understand your options.
• What considerations should be addressed when camping with a baby? Read about these at Considering Baby Needs in Camping.

Packing and Reservations

• You’ve decided to camp, so now it’s time to put some gear together and pick your camping location.
  Read about things to pack at Camping Gear and Advice and our Backpacking List