Where can I camp without a reservation in California?

No reservation needed at these California campsites
  • Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur. Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur has beach access and a river. ...
  • Sunset Canyon in King's Canyon National Park. ...
  • Chula Vista Campground in Santa Barbara. ...
  • Topanga State Park.




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Camping is allowed on Public Lands in California for no more than a period of 14 days within any period of 28 consecutive days, unless otherwise identified. Dispersed camping is allowed on Public Lands in California for no more than a period of 14 days within any period of 28 consecutive days.

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If you're set on exploring a city that doesn't allow overnight parking, but you are nervous to risk stealth camping, some popular cities in California have public land close by. Los Angeles has the Santa Monica Mountains and Angeles National Forest close by, both of which allow dispersed camping.

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Unlike at most California beaches, you can actually spend the night on the sand at Thornhill Broome Campground in Point Mugu State Park just north of Malibu. The 69 primitive campsites here see a mix of tent campers and RV campers.

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Free beach camping in California is quite rare, as most beach campgrounds are managed by state parks or other organizations that charge fees.

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You can camp for free for up to 14 days in a national forest, similar to BLM land. However, you may find a “no camping” area in a national forest as well.

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In California, you can camp without a permit in areas designated for dispersed camping, usually found on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands. Here are some popular locations for dispersed camping without a permit: Inyo National Forest. Sequoia National Forest.

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No Overnight Camping Overnight camping, sleeping or parking is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.

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It is unlawful to construct, reconstruct or maintain, or to begin the operation of or to operate a house court or tent camp space upon any public or private property in the unincorporated area of the county, except as herein otherwise specified; and it is unlawful to occupy for living and/or sleeping purposes or to ...

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American black bears found in Yosemite National Park have long been of intense interest to park visitors and managers. Seeing one of the approximately 300 to 500 black bears in Yosemite can evoke excitement, awe, and fear. If visitors spot a bear while in the park, it is a black bear-not a brown or grizzly bear.

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