When it comes to summer camping California delivers like nowhere else — from sun-drenched beaches and alpine lakes to silent redwood groves and desert skies blazing with stars. With such diverse terrain, the Golden State offers more than just campsites; it serves up unforgettable escapes.
In this guide, we’ll spotlight five of the best places to camp in California this summer, each chosen for its unique setting, seasonal charm, and range of activities. Whether you’re an RV traveler, tent camper, or first-time explorer, you’ll find a destination that fits your adventure style perfectly.
California Dreaming: 5 Must-Visit Summer Camping Destinations
From oceanfront bliss to alpine escapes, California has no shortage of unforgettable places to pitch a tent or park an RV. But when summer hits its stride and you’re chasing sunshine, fresh air, and family adventure, the real magic lies in choosing the right destination. Whether you’re looking for resort-style ease, kid-friendly energy, or iconic wilderness, these five California camping spots offer something extraordinary for every kind of camper.
1. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina – Newport Beach
Tucked away in the heart of Newport Beach, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is the ultimate blend of beach camping and resort luxury. It offers everything you love about summer on the coast — soft sand, calm bay waters, and sunsets over the marina — all with the comforts of home just steps away.
Camp in style with full hookup RV sites or cozy beach cottages, each offering easy access to the private beach and a full slate of activities. Families love the massive inflatable water park (open seasonally), while couples enjoy paddleboarding in the afternoon or evening cocktails by the water. There’s no need to rough it when you have pools, hot tubs, and beachfront dining at Moe B’s Munchies just a short stroll from your site.
Why it’s great for summer camping:
- Calm bay waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and boating
- Onsite water sport rentals, marina access, and beach volleyball
- Full resort amenities: pools, spa, dining, and family-friendly activities
- Centrally located to world-class Newport Beach dining and shopping
If you want the joy of summer camping without giving up comfort, Newport Dunes is your golden-ticket getaway.
2. Campland on the Bay – San Diego
Just two hours south of Newport Beach, Campland on the Bay is where laid-back SoCal camping meets non-stop family fun. Set on the shores of Mission Bay, this iconic campground is a summer magnet for families, friend groups, and music lovers alike.
Campland is known for its packed calendar of events — from live Campland Rocks concerts to BINGO and beachside games — but what keeps people coming back year after year is the atmosphere. It’s a vibrant, kid-friendly community with every amenity you could need, including an onsite market, cafe, ice cream parlor, and arcade.
Whether you’re paddling through the bay, relaxing in the hot tub, or roasting s’mores after a concert, there’s always something happening here.
Why it’s great for summer camping:
- Direct beach access with calm bay waters for kayaking, swimming, and more
- Robust activity schedule with live music, kids’ programs, and family events
- Full hookup RV sites and spacious tent camping areas
- Onsite dining, store, bike rentals, and even a dog park
For families who want the energy of a summer festival with the ease of a waterfront stay, Campland is the ultimate California classic.
3. Mission Bay RV Resort – San Diego
For campers who crave sunshine and serenity in equal measure, Mission Bay RV Resort offers the perfect low-key coastal escape. Nestled along De Anza Cove in San Diego, this pet-friendly RV resort is all about slow mornings by the bay, breezy afternoons on paddleboards, and golden-hour walks along the water’s edge. It’s peaceful, polished, and just close enough to the action when you want it.
You’ll find full hookup RV sites, modern facilities, and easy access to biking trails, beaches, and world-class attractions like SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo. Whether you’re planning a weeklong getaway or a spontaneous weekend retreat, Mission Bay RV Resort makes summer camping feel effortless.
Why it’s great for summer camping:
- Quiet, waterfront location with easy access to Mission Bay’s scenic walking and biking trails
- Full 30/50 amp RV hookups, clean restrooms, hot showers, and a gated entrance for added peace of mind
- Pet-friendly policies, EV charging, and access to nearby beaches and paddle sports
- Just across the bridge from Campland on the Bay, giving guests access to additional activities and amenities
For those who want a calm, clean, and coastal basecamp with all the essentials, Mission Bay RV Resort is a reliable summer favorite.
4. Lake Tahoe – High Sierra Escape
If your idea of summer camping involves crisp alpine air, cool freshwater swims, and afternoons lounging by a pine-lined lake, Lake Tahoe belongs on your list. Straddling the California-Nevada border, Tahoe offers a totally different experience from California’s coast — one centered on high elevation, mountain beauty, and endless outdoor adventure.
The western shore is home to some of the region’s best campgrounds, including DL Bliss State Park and Meeks Bay Resort. Set right on the lake, these spots offer access to hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and paddleboarding or kayaking on Tahoe’s famously clear waters.
The best part? While the rest of California is baking in summer heat, Tahoe stays refreshingly cool — perfect for escaping triple-digit temps without sacrificing sunshine.
Why it’s great for summer camping:
- Beautiful alpine lake with opportunities for swimming, boating, and paddleboarding
- Miles of trails for hiking and biking, including the famous Rubicon Trail
- Family-friendly campgrounds with beach access and gear rentals
- Stargazing, campfires, and a relaxed, scenic vibe
Lake Tahoe offers the kind of high-altitude reset that only summer in the mountains can deliver.
5. Big Sur – Rugged Coastline & Redwood Canopies
Last but never least, Big Sur is the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a dream. Located along a rugged stretch of Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon, this iconic region blends dramatic cliffs, ancient redwoods, and Pacific views into one unforgettable camping destination.
Summer is the perfect time to visit Big Sur — the weather is clear, the trails are open, and the ocean breeze cuts through the heat. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Ventana Campground are popular spots, offering tent camping in the shade of redwoods and close proximity to waterfalls and ocean bluffs.
Days here are best spent hiking, exploring coastal lookouts, or soaking in the serenity of forested trails. Nights are for stargazing and falling asleep to the crash of distant waves.
Why it’s great for summer camping:
- Epic coastal views from cliffs, bluffs, and hidden beaches
- Access to world-famous spots like McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge
- Campgrounds nestled among redwoods, just minutes from the ocean
- Ideal for unplugging and reconnecting with nature
Big Sur isn’t a place you visit — it’s a place you feel. And in the heat of summer, there’s nothing cooler.
Best Time to Go: When Summer Shines Brightest
California’s diverse geography means that the best time for summer camping depends on where you’re headed — and what kind of weather you crave.
June is a sweet spot for most destinations. Crowds are lighter, wildflowers linger in the Sierra, and coastal fog begins to clear. It’s ideal for Yosemite or Big Sur, when trails open up and the scenery is fresh.
July brings peak summer energy. It’s perfect for water-centric escapes like Newport Dunes or Lake Tahoe, where swimming, paddleboarding, and beach lounging are in full swing. Expect warmer temps across the board, and make reservations well in advance — this is the most popular month.
August delivers heat in the lowlands and clarity in the high country. Yosemite’s higher elevations and Tahoe’s crisp mountain air offer relief from inland heat. Meanwhile, coastal camps like Campland and Big Sur benefit from warm ocean breezes and longer daylight hours.
No matter when you go, planning early is key — summer weekends and holidays book fast. And remember: each location offers a slightly different vibe as the season progresses, so consider what kind of experience you want most — solitude, adventure, or sun-soaked family fun.
Local Flavors: Where to Eat Near Each Campsite
Great camping memories aren’t just about the views — they’re also about the meals. Whether you’re grabbing a bite onsite or venturing out, each destination offers local flavors worth savoring.
Newport Dunes campers can enjoy casual beachside bites at Moe B’s Munchies, the resort’s own waterfront grill. Craving something sweet? Head to Balboa Island for saltwater taffy — a SoCal classic.
Campland on the Bay keeps it convenient with the Campland Cantina, serving tacos, burgers, and breakfast staples just steps from your site. Don’t miss the soft serve from the Ice Cream Parlor after a day in the sun.
Yosemite visitors can refuel at Curry Village Pizza Deck or the more upscale Mountain Room Restaurant in Yosemite Valley. If you’re staying outside the park, the Tenaya Lodge offers solid post-hike meals.
Lake Tahoe campers near the west shore will find local charm at Tahoe House Bakery or lakeside views with a cocktail at Lakeside Beach House.
Big Sur is a food lover’s paradise in the wild — grab brunch at Big Sur Bakery, sip wine at Nepenthe, or stock up at Big Sur Deli before hitting the trails.
Your Summer Starts Here
From coastal escapes to mountain majesty, summer camping in California is about choosing the experience that speaks to you — and letting nature do the rest. Whether you want luxury by the bay at Newport Dunes, family-packed fun at Campland, or wild beauty in places like Mission Bay RV Resort, Tahoe, or Big Sur, there’s a campsite that fits your style, pace, and sense of adventure.
Wherever you go, plan ahead, pack smart, and lean into the slower rhythm of summer. And if you’re looking for a seamless stay with waterfront views, resort-style amenities, and memories ready to be made, book your getaway at Newport Dunes today.
The trail is calling — and California is ready when you are.
