A family-friendly campsite with stunning views, a tranquil spot amidst blossoming fruit trees on a working farm, these are just some of the California getaways named in this year's Hipcamp Awards.
Hipcamp, an application for finding and booking campsites in the state and around the world, compiled booking, reviews, and ratings data from its network of more than 7 million users across more than 500,000 U.S. campsites to identify the best Hipcamps in the United States.
In California, 15 campsites made the list. Located across the state from the redwood forests of Del Norte near the Oregon border to the golden hills of Ventura County, the selected campsites are as diverse and unique as the California landscape.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_i72adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_1272adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe“Hipcamp Award winners are some of the best campsites in the world, offering unforgettable experiences, incredible natural views, and magic for our campers," said Alyssa Ravasio, CEO and Founder of Hipcamp in a media release. "Whether you're a seasoned camper or planning your first trip, the Hipcamp Awards serve as your go-to guide for discovering the most exceptional camping destinations in the world.”
The best California campsites in 2025
It is not too late to pitch a tent or rev up the RV and hit the road. The state's best campsites, according to Hipcamp users, are situated in some of California's most remarkable settings, including a 100-acre ranch along the Cosumnes River and a hilltop location named after an old-growth oak tree.
The Hipcamp award-winners in California for 2025 are:
Cuyama Badlands, Cuyama, Santa Barbara
Salmon Creek Ranch, Bodega Bay, Sonoma
Walden Ranch, Linden, San Joaquin
Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch, Buellton, Santa Barbara
Ballard Walnut Grove, Solvang, Santa Barbara
SLO Country Camp, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo
The Deck and Cozy Container, Albion, Mendocino
Cosumnes River Ranch, Plymouth, Amador
Twisted Branch, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo
Finley Camp, Bodega Bay, Sonoma
Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping, Aptos, Santa Cruz
Cole Ranch, Waterford, Stanislaus
Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch), Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo
Mystic Forest Campground, Klamath, Del Norte
Camp RainDale, Santa Paula, Ventura
More people are camping now than ever before
In recent years, more people have discovered the great outdoors.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_m72adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_1672adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeIn 2024, about 12,160,000 people visited California's nine national parks, an increase of 7% from the previous year.
While a stroll amongst the trees or along the state's coastal bluffs is wonderful for a day out, many people decide to take it to the next level and go camping.
A 2024 report by KOA found that the number of active U.S. campers who have camped in the last year has grown by 68% or 21.6 million additional households. Moreover, the number of households that camp three or more times annually has increased by 98% since 2014.
While camping has gained in popularity, the supply of camping sites has stagnated, with 56% of campers in 2024 reporting difficulty in booking a site, according to Dyrt.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: These are the 15 best under the radar campsites in California
