8 California campgrounds named among ‘Best in America’

California is home to an abundance of outdoor recreation areas and breathtaking vistas, but it’s also the place where some of the nation’s best campgrounds can be found.

A list of North America’s top campgrounds released Tuesday by Campspot, the largest online booking site for private campgrounds, named eight campgrounds in California among the best across multiple categories.

The third-annual list of top campgrounds was compiled using “more than 50,000 data points,” including demand, occupancy, reviews and the availability of park features.

The annual list features 15 categories, including the best in the U.S., best RV or tent campgrounds and top spots for large groups. One California campground was named the top spot for “Digital Nomads,” offering reliable Wi-Fi and providing an ideal environment for both remote work and outdoor adventure.

“Each Campspot Award winner offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay for all campers. From spacious sites to cozy accommodations, these campgrounds cater to various camping preferences,” the booking site said on its website.

Below are the eight best campgrounds in California for 2024, according to Campspot.

• Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort (Felton, CA) – #4 Top Campgrounds in the U.S.; #1 Top Campgrounds for Digital Nomads

  • “Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort offers a clean, family-oriented campground with full-hookup sites, a clubhouse, Wi-Fi, fishing, and access to nearby beaches, golf courses, and trails, making it a top RV resort in the California Redwoods.” Rates starting at $65/night

• Jackson Rancheria Casino & RV Resort (Jackson, CA) – #5 Top Campgrounds in the U.S.

  • “Jackson Rancheria RV Park offers top-tier amenities in Northern California, including level cement pads, fresh cut lawns, a pool and spa, a 9-hole putting green, dog park and walking trail, laundry facilities, a club house, and easy access to the casino’s 24/7 action, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.” Rates starting at $80/night

• Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort (Oceanside, CA) – #6 Top Campgrounds in the U.S.

  • “Paradise by the Sea offers resort-style amenities including a pool, hot tub, free HD Cable TV, Wi-Fi, and access to Buccaneer Park and Beach, making it the perfect place to enjoy Southern California’s North Shore.” Rates starting at $75/night

• Sun Outdoors Paso Robles (Paso Robles, CA) – #5 Top RV Campgrounds; #2 Top Large Campgrounds; #1 Top Campground for Groups

  • “This campground, nestled in the Paso Robles wine region, offers luxurious RV camping with pools, spas, fire pits, a wellness center, and dog parks. Enjoy wine tasting, outdoor movies, and more at this multi award-winning location.” Rates starting at $89/night

• Lake Nacimiento Resort (Bradley, CA) – #3 Top Tent Campgrounds

  • “Lake Nacimiento Resort, boasting 165 miles of pristine shoreline along California’s central coast, offers the ultimate family adventure with activities like fishing, hiking, and water sports on its 18-mile lake, complemented by a new marina and stunning views, making it the ideal destination for a fun-filled getaway.” Rates starting at $47/night

• Casini Ranch Family Campground (Duncan Mills, CA) – #4 Top Tent Campgrounds

  • “Casini Ranch Family Campground, a family-owned RV park and campground since 1965, offers a picturesque setting near the Sonoma County coastline, featuring a mile of riverfront property along the Russian River. Enjoy activities like paddling, horse-feeding, fishing, and fun on the jumping pillow, with Willow Creek State Park nearby for additional outdoor adventures.” Rates starting at $52/night

• Launch Pointe (Lake Elsinore, CA) – #2 Top Mid-Size Campgrounds

  • “Launch Pointe offers Southern California RV camping with seven unique spaces, including vintage trailers and yurts, and a range of amenities like a canopy court playground, splash pad, and more, catering to every camper’s desire for relaxation or adventure.” Rates starting at $60/night

• Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay (Chula Vista, CA) – #4 Top Campgrounds for Digital Nomads

  • “Experience California living at San Diego Bay’s newest upscale RV Resort, offering vacation rentals, RV sites, and luxurious amenities like a breakfast bar and private cabanas, just outside San Diego.” Rates starting at $119/night

Campspot estimates that domestic travel will be in high demand this year with as much of a 35% increase from last year, and almost all of the overnight stays at the winning campgrounds cost less than a similar booking at hotels or with short-term vacation rental services like AirBnB or Vrbo.

Erin Stender, chief marketing officer of Campspot, said camping continues to be an “accessible and enriching means of exploration” and the new best-of list shows the boundless options of camping experiences across North America.

“The 2024 Campspot Awards highlight the incredible efforts of campground owners, operators, and staff to provide exceptional experiences for their guests,” Stender said.. “As campers now look ahead to their spring and summer trip plans, these award-winning campgrounds provide travelers with exceptional outdoor experiences that stand out against more conventional and potentially pricier travel alternatives.”

For those looking to venture outside of the Golden State for an outdoor getaway, this year’s “best” campground in America is Verde Ranch RV Resort in Camp Verde, Arizona. Rates start at $50 per night for an RV site and $110 per night for a six-person cabin.

To view Campspot’s complete list of 2024 winners across all categories, click here.

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