7 Off-the-Beaten-Path Camping Spots in California
California is packed with world-famous destinations like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Big Sur, but those big names come with big crowds. If you’re looking for quieter campsites where you can soak up the state’s wild beauty, these off-the-beaten-path spots are worth the trip.
All you really need is your favorite camping gear, a few easy camping meals, and a sense of adventure.
1. 🌊 Lost Coast Trail - King Range National Conservation Area
Best For: Rugged coastline, remote backpacking, and true solitude.
The Lost Coast is exactly what it sounds like… a stretch of California shoreline so rugged that Highway 1 couldn’t be built through it. Backpackers hike along black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs, often without seeing another soul for miles.
✅Tip: Since it’s a hike-in wilderness area, keep your camp cooking gear lightweight and stick to simple meals you can prep quickly after a long day’s trek.
2. 🌋 Butte Lake Campground - Lassen Volcanic National Park
Best For: Volcanic landscapes, cinder cone hikes, and quiet nights.
Tucked into Lassen Volcanic National Park, Butte Lake is far less visited than Yosemite or Sequoia. Campsites sit beneath ponderosa pines, with easy access to the painted dunes and the dramatic Cinder Cone hike.
✅Tip: Perfect place to relax with an easy camping meal after tackling a long day of steep hiking. The views from the top are unforgettable and very much worth it!
3. 🏔️ Trinity Alps Wilderness
Best For: Alpine lakes, mountain scenery, and escaping the crowds.
This Northern California wilderness often gets compared to the Sierra Nevada, but without the traffic. The granite peaks and turquoise lakes make it feel like a secret slice of the Alps.
✅Tip: Many campsites are hike-in only, so efficient camping gear and simple, one-pot meals go a long way in making the experience easier.
4. 🌿 Henry W. Coe State Park
Best For: Rolling hills, oak woodlands, and testing your endurance.
Just east of San Jose lies one of California’s largest state parks, but you wouldn’t know it from the visitor numbers. Henry Coe is rugged and vast, offering everything from backpacking loops to car-accessible campsites.
✅Tip: The terrain is tough, and the summer heat is real here. Bring solid hydration gear and keep meals simple so you can focus on enjoying the views.
5. 🌵 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - Borrego Palm Canyon
Best For: Desert solitude, wildflower blooms, and starry nights.
Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park and one of its quietest. Springtime brings carpets of desert wildflowers, while winter nights are perfect for stargazing. Borrego Palm Canyon is a favorite spot, with trails leading to hidden oases.
✅Tip: Camp cooking gear like foil packets or a Dutch oven works perfectly here with minimal cleanup so that you can spend more time under the stars.
6. 🛶 Lakes Basin - Plumas National Forest
Best For: Family-friendly lakeside camping and paddling.
Far less crowded than Lake Tahoe, the Lakes Basin area is dotted with dozens of small alpine lakes surrounded by granite peaks. It’s a dream for kayaking, fishing, and lazy afternoons by the water.
✅Tip: The relaxed vibe here makes it a great spot to enjoy easy camping meals by the shoreline with the family.
7. 🌊 Point Reyes National Seashore - Coast Camp
Best For: Remote coastal camping and wildlife watching.
North of San Francisco, Point Reyes feels worlds away. At Coast Camp, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake to ocean views. The hike in is short enough to keep things simple but long enough to discourage crowds.
✅Tip: It’s a great place to spend the evening exploring tidepools or watching for tule elk on the bluffs.
Wrapping It Up
California’s wild places go way beyond the big-name parks. From remote coasts to hidden alpine lakes, these off-the-beaten-path spots prove there’s always more to explore.
Pack your essential camping gear, prep a few easy camping meals, and let the adventure unfold.
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