Free Camping California

Exploring the serene forests, majestic mountains, and picturesque lakes of California doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour, and whether you are seeking a secluded spot in the wilderness or a budget-friendly campground with essential amenities, California has something for everyone.

Here, you will find the ultimate guide to some of the best free and low-budget camping options across the state, making it easier than ever to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Are you ready? Let’s dive into some top recommendations for both free and affordable camping in the Golden State.

Free & Budget Friendly California Camping Spots

• Big Sage Campground
• Orr Lake Campground
• Corral Creek Dispersed Camping
• Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground
• Tuttle Creek Campground
• Mono Vista RV Park
• Belle Campground
• Merrill Campground
• Eureka Valley Campground

Each of the free and low-cost camping spots listed above is best visited using an RV or campervan, and at Travellers Autobarn, we have a range of options suitable for any trip. Contact us today to learn more about hiring a campervan or RV and let us help you get your Californian adventure started!

Free Camping Sites in California

Big Sage Campground

Modoc National Forest, California

Ideal if you’re heading to Modoc National Forest, Big Sage Campground is one of California’s most tranquil free camping spots and is surrounded by sagebrush and juniper trees, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. You’re limited to 14 day consecutive stay here, but keep in mind the facilities open as weather permits, which is usually from mid-May to late October.

This campground is equipped with basic amenities, including picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire rings, making it a perfect spot for a rustic camping experience. Just remember to pack enough supplies, as the campground does not have potable water or trash services. You’re also only 12 miles from the town of Alturas, so it’s an ideal location if you want to stay fairly close to shops, restaurants, and local attractions but rest surrounded by nature.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Vault Toilets
• Fire Rings

Orr Lake Campground

Klamath National Forest, California

Located in the Klamath National Forest, Orr Lake Campground is another excellent choice for free camping in California. As its name suggests, this serene campground sits on the shores of Orr Lake, offering stunning views and plenty of recreational opportunities. So, whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water, Orr Lake Campground provides the perfect setting for your outdoor adventures.

The campground is relatively small, and while this means there is limited space it does help create an intimate atmosphere for campers. You’ll find amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets here, and there is even a boat ramp! The surrounding area is also rich in natural beauty, with ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Just keep in mind that Orr Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak season is recommended to secure a spot.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Fire Rings
• Vault Toilets
• Boat Ramp

Dispersed Camping Sites in California

If you’re looking for a really wild camping experience or simply want to try and save as much money as possible, you can’t go wrong with dispersed camping. Put simply, dispersed camping, also known as free camping, pirate camping, boondocking, or just plain roughing it, is camping outside of designated campground areas on Forest Service Land. Here are a couple of the best dispersed camping sites you’ll find in California.

Corral Creek Dispersed Camping

Sequoia National Forest, California

Located within the scenic Sequoia National Forest and situated along the North Fork of the Kern River, Coral Creek Dispersed Camping provides a tranquil setting ideal for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. This site is free of charge and open year-round, which also makes it an excellent option for families or solo-explorers who love taking spontaneous camping trips.

One of the biggest draws of Corral Creek is its accessibility to various outdoor activities. Whether you’re casting a line into the river, exploring nearby trails, or simply enjoying the serene environment, this site caters to a range of outdoor enthusiasts. However, it’s essential to come prepared, as there are no amenities like water or restrooms on-site and you must also follow the rule of camping within 25 feet of the water’s edge.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• None

Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

Sequoia National Forest, California

Drive around 20 minutes North of Kernville and you’ll find Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground – another wonderful free camping spot located within Sequoia National Forest. This site is open year-round and provides a free, no-reservation-required option for campers seeking a rustic outdoor experience.

While this campground lacks modern amenities such as running water, it does provide portable toilets and trash bins during the summer months. It’s also important to note that campfires, barbecues, and camp stoves are allowed but you’ll need to obtain a California Campfire Permit, which is available online for free.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets (During Summer)
• Trash Cans (During Summer)

Budget Friendly Camping in California

California also offers several budget-friendly campgrounds that provide essential amenities and a safe place to stay at a reasonable cost. Below, you’ll find some campgrounds that are perfect for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors without spending a fortune.

Tuttle Creek Campground

Lone Pine, California

Situated an hour from Inyo National Forest, Tuttle Creek Campground offers a budget-friendly camping experience with some breathtaking views for the current price of $30 per night. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this campground provides a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are 83 campsites available with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets throughout.

Tuttle Creek Campground is a haven for hikers and rock climbers, with numerous trails and climbing spots nearby. The Alabama Hills, known for their unique rock formations, are also just a short drive away and offer excellent opportunities for exploration. The campground is conveniently located near the town of Lone Pine, too, where you can stock up on supplies and enjoy local dining options.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Fire Rings
• Vault Toilets

Mono Vista RV Park

Lee Vining, California

For RV and campervan travelers seeking budget-friendly camping, Mono Vista RV Park in Lee Vining is another excellent option. This well-maintained RV and campervan park offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including full hookups, clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, and since it’s a paid-for space, you aren’t limited to how long you can stay here. The park’s convenient location also provides easy access to Mono Lake, Yosemite National Park, and the Eastern Sierra’s many attractions.

This campground is one of the best family-friendly RV and campervan camping destinations you’ll find as well, with a playground for kids and a pet-friendly policy. The park also offers free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected during your travels if you need to. With its combination of affordability and convenience, Mono Vista RV Park is a great base camp for exploring the natural wonders of the Eastern Sierra.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Showers
• Laundry Facilities
• Playground
• Wi-Fi

Belle Campground

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Located within Joshua Tree National Park, Belle Campground offers a budget-friendly camping experience in one of California’s most iconic desert landscapes while still providing easy RV and campervan access. This small, 18-site campground provides a peaceful and scenic setting for campers, with stunning views of Joshua trees, rock formations, and is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets.

Belle Campground is one of the most popular spots for stargazing in California, thanks to its dark skies and minimal light pollution, and the campground’s proximity to popular hiking trails and climbing areas also makes it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts. This is a must-visit for budget-conscious campers exploring Joshua Tree National Park, and current prices are only $15 per night.

However, there are a couple of important things to keep in mind about this site if you’re planning a summer road trip. Firstly, the site closes from June 1st – September 1st each year, so it would be better for a fall, winter, or spring trip. Secondly, fire restrictions are in place from June 1st to October 1st, so while fire rings are available, you cannot use them between these dates.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Fire Rings
• Vault Toilets
• Trash Cans

Merrill Campground

Lassen National Forest, California

Set on the shores of Eagle Lake in the Lassen National Forest, Merrill Campground offers a budget-friendly camping experience with a variety of recreational opportunities. This spacious campground features 57 full hook-up sites, 64 partial hook-up sites, and 5 standard sites, so there is plenty of space regardless of what type of site you need. There are some excellent amenities here, too, including picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, and potable water points.

Eagle Lake is known for its fishing opportunities, and is a particularly good spot if you want to catch unique Eagle Lake rainbow trout. Other popular activities you can enjoy here include boating, swimming, and hiking, and the campground’s scenic location and affordable rates make it a favorite destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Fire Rings
• Flush Toilets
• Potable Water

Eureka Valley Campground

Stanislaus National Forest

Eureka Valley Campground offers a budget-friendly camping option for anyone looking to relax in a serene forest setting. This small campground features just 11 campsites, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter space, and amenities here include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets. Just keep in mind that spots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so you’ll need to get here in good time to grab a space.

Eureka Valley Campground provides more of a rustic camping experience than some other sites, and the peaceful surroundings and proximity to the Stanislaus River make it a perfect spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. You aren’t completely stranded, though, and the nearby town of Dardanelle offers essential services and supplies. You are, however, only allowed to camp here between April and October.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Vault Toilets
• Fire Rings

Camping in California doesn’t have to be expensive, and with a variety of free and low-budget options available, you can enjoy the state’s natural beauty without straining your wallet. From the tranquil forests of Big Sage and Orr Lake to the stunning desert landscapes of Joshua Tree and the serene shores of Eagle Lake, California offers diverse and affordable camping experiences for everyone.

But when planning your next camping adventure, make sure you’re fully prepared by renting a campervan from Travellers Autobarn. Our affordable and reliable RV and campervan rentals provide the freedom to explore California’s scenic campgrounds comfortably and conveniently, and we offer unlimited miles with all of our rentals, meaning you are free to explore without being charged any extra mileage costs. So, whether you prefer a rustic site or a full-service RV park, Travellers Autobarn has you covered! If you’re interested in more info about camping in California, check out Best Campgrounds in California.

DISCLAIMER: Any prices displayed are correct at the time of publishing. We highly recommend contacting any campsite or rv park prior to booking to confirm prices. Please ensure you review our Terms and Conditions before visiting certain campsites.