Best places to camp near national parks? See which California spot made top 10
From snow-covered mountain ranges to breezy coastal highways, California offers no shortage of scenic outdoor escapes.
California is home to one of the top 10 places to camp near a national park in the country, according to camping app The Dyrt.
“Camping near national parks offers a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors,” The Dyrt said. “But many national parks are highly sought-after and have limited availability - some being fully reserved many months or a year ahead of time.”
The Dyrt teamed up with Girl Camper - a community that connects women through outdoor experiences - to showcase sites that offer easy access to nature without the hassle of booking inside crowded parks.
“Staying at nearby campgrounds can provide an excellent, easier-to-book alternative for outdoor enthusiasts to visit an iconic park by day, and still have a fantastic setting to return to,” The Dyrt said.
Here’s which California destination made the list:
RV campers in April 2006 at Lower Pines Campground with a view of Half Dome in Yosemite Valley. Debbie Noda/Modesto Bee archive
What’s the best campground near a national park?
Along the Colorado River in Utah, the campground sits near both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, making it a great spot for campers “seeking both adventure and tranquility.”
“Visitors can enjoy kayaking or canoeing on the Colorado River, trails for mountain biking, and hiking trails offering stunning views,” The Dyrt said. “The welcoming vibe at Horsethief Campground enhances the overall experience, as the friendly staff and fellow campers create a sense of community.”
Campsites start at about $22 per night, with 88 sites available.
Recreational vehicles, campfires and pets are allowed, making it an accessible option for a wide range of travelers, The Dyrt said.
Located in the Sierra National Forest about 90 miles northeast of Fresno along Kaiser Pass Road, Mono Hot Springs was first inhabited by Native Americans and sat along a major trading route. The South Fork San Joaquin River is in the background. FRESNO BEE FILE
What’s the top campground close to a California park?
The site near Shaver Lake offers easy access to three popular destinations: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park.
“Mono Hot Springs is the hidden gem in the Sierra National Forest, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure,” The Dyrt said.
Campsite reservation prices typically range from $37 to $78 per night, with 36 sites available. RVs are not allowed, but campfires and pets are permitted.
Bear-proof lockers, a proven method to prevent bears from accessing campers’ food, are seen next to tents at a Yosemite Valley campground in Yosemite National Park, California on October 25, 2025, amid the ongoing US government shutdown. Thousands of adrenaline junkies including BASE jumpers are flocking to California's Yosemite National Park, as the US government shutdown leaves park rangers short-staffed to cope at the world-renowned climbing destination. The shutdown, which began on October 1 due to the budget impasse between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, has seen personnel levels plummet at this national park -- which is home to the imposing 3,000-foot granite wall known as El Capitan. "We're challenged," a park ranger told AFP, on condition of anonymity. "A lot of rangers have been furloughed" and those still working have had to contend with "an increase in illegal activity," he said. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
Which US campgrounds made the top 10 list?
The Dyrt said these campgrounds are the best bets for folks looking to stay near national parks:
- Horsethief Campground near Arches and Canyonlands national parks in Utah
- Big Creek Campground near Glacier National Park in Montana
- Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground near Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
- Smuggler’s Den Campground near Acadia National Park in Maine
- East Portal Campground near Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
- Maverick Ranch RV Park near Big Bend National Park in Texas
- Salt Creek Recreation Area near Olympic National Park in Washington
- Jacob Lake Campground near Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
- Atherton Creek Campground near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
- Mono Hot Springs near Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks
How did The Dyrt come up with its findings?
According to The Dyrt, the list is based on ratings and reviews of campgrounds across the country.
The company identified the highest-rated and most-reviewed campgrounds located close enough to popular national parks to make trips easier for visitors.
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