17 Best Free and Cheap Camping Grounds in California
I live in San Diego, California, which can be busy, full of traffic, expensive, crowded, and stressful. Don’t get me wrong—I love my city—but when I take time off, I really want it to be time OFF. No phone, no laptop, and not even a single “low battery” notification to stress me out.
Camping is the perfect escape from the demands of everyday life, and part of its appeal is that it’s an inexpensive adventure that almost anyone can access. Even though California is one of the more expensive states in the country, when it comes to finding the perfect affordable spot to reconnect with nature, the West Coast has a lot to offer.
With free and cheap camping grounds scattered throughout the state, you can ditch the fancy resorts, unplug, and experience fresh air, sunshine, trees, and full relaxation.
1. Orr Lake Campground
There’s nothing like seeing Mount Shasta, California’s iconic volcano, up close and personal. Orr Lake Campground offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, with the majestic mountain as your backdrop. Camping, picnic tables, and vault toilets are all free here.
Enjoy fishing for trout, bass, and catfish, or take a swim in the lake. Adventure seekers can try tubing on the lake, but watch out for the winds. There are no reservations for campsites at Orr Lake, so arrive early to snag the perfect spot, especially during peak season.
2. Glass Creek Campground
Located in a pine forest north of Mammoth Lakes, this spot is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle and breathing fresh mountain air. Spacious campsites that can handle even the biggest rigs (up to 45 ft!), making it a dream for recreational vehicle (RV) campers.
It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the nearby Owens River Headwaters and Obsidian Dome—a volcanic wonderland with glassy black rocks! Enjoy free amenities like campsites, vault toilets, and fire rings for cozy campfires. Plus, there’s a double campsite option for larger groups, perfect for up to 12 people and four vehicles.
3. Willow Lake Campground
Nestled just south of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Willow Lake Campground is surrounded by stunning scenery. This area is famous for two things! First, there’s a one-of-a-kind floating bog on the lake—a spongy, plant-filled island bobbing around on the water.
Second, it’s a great fishing spot. Plus, the Terminal Geyser trailhead is right by the campground. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike to this geothermal wonder and see a geyser erupt up close!
4. Mendocino National Forest Dispersed Camping
The Mendocino National Forest isn’t exactly one specific campground but a choose-your-own-adventure for camping. It has a ton of wilderness areas, like the Yuki Wilderness and the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness, perfect for finding a secluded spot to camp.
Besides camping, there’s hiking, fishing, swimming, and mountain biking. You can also go wildlife watching—keep your eyes peeled for deer, bears, and mountain lions! Be sure to follow some basic rules, like leaving no trace and camping at least 200 feet away from any roads or trails.
5. Modoc National Forest Dispersed Camping
Camping in Modoc gives you a free pass to escape it all. Lace up your boots and hit up trails like Mill Creek Falls Trail for a refreshing waterfall or trek through the volcanic landscape of Devil’s Garden.
Try visiting Medicine Lake or exploring the Warner Mountains for hidden streams. There are no designated campsites, so you basically find your own little slice of paradise in the forest. There are some restrictions, but hey, free beats a hefty price tag, right?
6. Plumas National Forest Dispersed Camping
Forget expensive campgrounds! Plumas National Forest offers an epic, free camping experience with over 1,171,183 acres of wilderness. Who could say no to calm lakes, cascading waterfalls, wildflower meadows bursting with color, and hiking trails to keep you busy for weeks?
Take your pick from Lakes Basin Recreation Area, Middle Fork Feather River, Big Bald Rock, or Bucks Lake Wilderness—or you can check them all out!
7. Hermit Valley Campground
Hermit Valley Campground, nestled in Stanislaus National Forest, is a spacious retreat with 25 sites accommodating up to 50 people each. The surrounding area offers tons of fun things to do, like hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding.
The campground becomes a snowy wonderland in the winter, perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Although there are plans for a tiered fee system in the future, you can enjoy this beautiful spot for free at the moment.
8. Laguna Mountain Recreation Area
Just 40 minutes from Pinnacles National Park, Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is a great place to unplug and reconnect with nature. From rolling hills to oak forests and meadows, the views, especially at sunset and under starry skies, are simply breathtaking.
With two Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds, Sweetwater and Laguna Mountain, and a 14-day camping limit, there’s plenty of space to explore. Hike the trails, including one to Laguna Falls, or trek up Sweetwater Road for panoramic views—all for free camping!
9. Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes, located on California’s Central Coast south of Pismo Beach, is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s the only spot in California where you’re allowed to drive your car onto the beach and camp right there! It’s a paradise for adrenaline junkies with off-highway vehicle riding and ATVing.
It’s also perfect for relaxing on the beach—sunbathing, swimming, surfing, or exploring tidepools. You can even go bird-watching for endangered Western Snowy Plovers. It’s not free, but it’s a steal at just $10 a night for oceanfront camping. Remember, reservations are required year-round and should be booked up to seven months in advance.
10. Hanning Flat Dispersed Camping
If you haven’t camped right on the shore of a lake with epic mountain views, you need to check out Hanning Flat Dispersed Area at Lake Isabella. Wake up to the gentle lapping of water on the shore and stunning mountain backdrops just steps from your tent (keep the 25-foot rule in mind!).
It’s a fisherman’s dream with rainbow trout and bass waiting to be caught. Remember, there’s no water or restrooms on site, so come prepared with supplies and consider bringing a portable toilet if needed.
11. Anza-Borrego State Park
Anza-Borrego State Park is a massive desert park in Southern California, just 90 minutes from San Diego. It’s known for its stunning landscapes—narrow slot canyons, wild badlands, and vast desert expanses. You can camp for free across hundreds of miles of backcountry, perfect for adventurous souls seeking desert solitude.
Want some facilities? Choose from several paid campgrounds with amenities like showers and flush toilets. If you’re lucky, you might catch the park during the spring wildflower bloom, transforming the desert into a colorful wonderland.
🏕 Insider tip: Yaqui Wells is a popular choice if you’re looking for a quiet, free spot.
13. Black Rock Campground
Imagine waking up peacefully to the sounds of Mill Creek in a serene oak woodland setting, all without spending a dime. That’s what you’ll get at Black Rock Campground—all completely free! Located on the edge of the Ishi Wilderness, this area is a paradise for hikers and anglers.
Explore the network of trails, or cast a line in Mill Creek or Deer Creek to catch some rainbow trout. If you plan fishing, ensure you have a valid California fishing license beforehand. There’s nothing worse than getting ready for a relaxing day of fishing only to realize you need a license!
14. Alabama Hills National Recreation Area
The Alabama Hills are a photographer’s paradise with unique rock formations, including the famous Mobius Arch, and plenty of easy-to-moderate trails to explore. This area also offers world-class rock climbing for all skill levels to gear up and hit the trails! For the best wildflower viewing, visit in the spring when the desert bursts into color.
While there’s no camping directly in the Alabama Hills, nearby campgrounds like Tuttle Creek, Lone Pine, and Portuguese Joe offer amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, most costing around $20 a night—a steal for this experience!
15. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, near the Nevada border, is the hottest, driest, low-lying national park in the United States! Unlike most national parks, Death Valley allows dispersed camping in designated areas, offering a secluded experience amid surreal desert landscapes and otherworldly rock formations.
You’ll feel like you’ve landed on another planet! Enjoy hikes ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, like exploring Badwater Basin or conquering Zabriskie Point for panoramic views. Don’t miss the Racetrack Playa, where mysterious moving rocks leave long tracks on the dusty surface—a phenomenon that baffles visitors!
16. Lassen National Forest
Craving breathtaking volcanic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and stunning wildflower meadows in spring? Lassen National Forest offers a variety of camping options, some free, depending on the season. The Southwest Parking area welcomes overnight stays in self-contained vehicles year-round.
Don’t miss the chance to swim in pristine lakes like Manzanita or discover hidden waterfalls. Visit in May-June or September-October to avoid crowds and potentially snag a first-come, first-served campsite at places like Juniper Lake, which is free during these times.
17. Lacks Creek Management Area
If mountain biking is your thing, put Lacks Creek Management Area on your travel list! This spot is famous for its awesome mountain biking trails, catering to all skill levels. Located in California’s northern Coast Range, about 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Lacks Creek offers more than just biking.
You can go horseback riding through the redwood trees, hike scenic trails, and camp under the stars in a secluded spot. It’s primitive camping, so pack accordingly and remember to leave no trace.
Have you camped at one of these spots before?
Tell us what you thought in the comments!
Source: The Dyrt, Cruise America, CRUA Outdoors
