Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Explore California’s Iconic National Parks with Nearby RV Campgrounds
Camping near California state and national parks is easier with top-rated RV parks near Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Redwood NP—full hookups, Wi‑Fi, pools, and resort-style amenities make RVing simple and fun.
Overview
California is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. From granite domes and waterfalls in Yosemite to otherworldly deserts and towering redwood forests, the Golden State offers something for every kind of camper. But getting a campsite inside these iconic parks, especially in peak season, can be a challenge.
Fortunately, there are numerous highly-rated privately owned RV campgrounds located just outside the park boundaries. These "gateway" campgrounds offer easy access to natural wonders while delivering the amenities and availability that many RV travelers are looking for: hookups, Wi-Fi, swimming pools, clean bathhouses, and often resort-style extras like camp stores and family activities.
Here are three of California’s most beloved national parks and the best private campgrounds nearby that make excellent basecamps for your adventure.
1
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada and one of the most visited national parks in the country. Famous for its sheer granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan, Yosemite Valley is a must-see destination for hikers, climbers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Beyond the Valley, the park features over 750 miles of hiking trails, scenic byways like Tioga Road, and high-altitude meadows like Tuolumne. Wildlife abounds, with regular sightings of deer, black bears, and peregrine falcons. While campsites inside Yosemite book out months in advance, there are excellent RV parks within easy driving distance of park entrances.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes RV Resort (Groveland, CA): Just five miles from the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite, this year-round resort offers full hookup RV sites and rental cabins nestled along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. Onsite amenities include a camp store, mini golf, and access to fishing and hiking right from the campground.
Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging (Groveland, CA): Located about 22 miles from Yosemite Valley, this resort-style campground offers a mix of RV sites, tent sites, and unique retro trailer rentals for those looking to try out the RV experience. Families will enjoy the petting farm, gold panning station, and onsite deli. Full hookups and laundry facilities make extended stays easy.
2
Joshua Tree National Park
Known for its surreal landscape of twisted Joshua trees, massive boulders, and desert vistas, Joshua Tree National Park spans two distinct desert ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado. Visitors can explore scenic drives, over 8,000 climbing routes, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and stellar stargazing thanks to the park’s dark skies.
Summer temperatures soar, so the best time to visit is from October to April. RV sites inside the park are limited and without hookups, but excellent private campgrounds lie just outside the entrances.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Sky Valley Resort (Desert Hot Springs, CA): About 30 minutes from the park’s south entrance, this full-service resort offers large pull-through RV sites with full hookups, multiple mineral hot springs pools, tennis courts, and organized activities. It’s ideal for RVers seeking a comfortable retreat after desert adventures.
Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground (Joshua Tree, CA): Located 15 minutes from the park’s north entrance, this quiet desert campground offers spacious RV sites with water and electric hookups. The park is also home to the annual Joshua Tree Music Festival and features a catch-and-release lake, art installations, and dark sky views.
Twentynine Palms RV Resort (Twentynine Palms, CA): Just outside the park’s eastern entrance, this RV resort features full hookup sites, a heated indoor pool, fitness center, and a clubhouse with social events. It’s a great option for snowbirds or those looking for extra comforts during their desert stay.
3
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks, co-managed with California’s state park system, preserve the tallest trees on Earth—coastal redwoods that soar up to 350 feet tall. These parks also protect prairies, oak woodlands, wild rivers, and 40 miles of rugged Pacific coastline.
Visitors can hike among the towering giants on trails like Lady Bird Johnson Grove or the Fern Canyon Loop, explore scenic drives like the Newton B. Drury Parkway, and watch for Roosevelt elk. RV camping within the parks is limited, but there are excellent private campgrounds nearby.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Redwoods KOA Holiday (Crescent City, CA): This award-winning campground is just 10 miles from the southern entrance of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The park offers full hookup RV sites, camping cabins, and tent sites. Amenities include mini golf, a playground, dog park, and a cozy camp store stocked with local goods.
Elk Country RV Resort & Campground (Trinidad, CA): Located off Highway 101 and surrounded by protected redwood groves, this peaceful campground frequently hosts grazing elk and offers easy access to the beach. Full hookup sites, large pull-throughs, and proximity to Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach make it a nature-lover’s paradise.
Gateway Camping Near Iconic California Parks
Whether you're marveling at granite cliffs in Yosemite, wandering the alien landscapes of Joshua Tree, or craning your neck to see the tops of towering redwoods, California’s national parks are unforgettable. But navigating high-demand reservations for in-park camping can be tricky.
That’s where nearby private campgrounds come in. They offer flexible booking, modern amenities, and plenty of space to relax after a full day of adventure. From full hookups to hot tubs, dog parks to organized activities, these campgrounds turn your national park trip into a well-rounded RV getaway.
When you’re ready to hit the road, consider booking a site at one of these highly rated RV parks and make California’s natural wonders your backyard—without sacrificing comfort.
