🏕️ KOA – Kampgrounds of America

KOA (Kampgrounds of America) has been welcoming road-trippers since 1962. With 500+ locations across North America, KOAs are the dependable “yellow sign” of camping: hot showers, friendly hosts, and plenty for kids to do. You’ll see three KOA flavors on the map: Journey (great for quick overnights), Holiday (perfect for long weekends), and Resort (mega-amenities and full-on vacation vibes).

Top 5 KOA Campgrounds in California

• San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA Resort — Petaluma, CA — (707) 763-1492
  A full-service resort KOA north of San Francisco in wine country. Pool, hot tub, dog park, cabins and RV sites make it an easy crowd-pleaser and a comfy base for Sonoma/Napa day trips. Visit campground website.
• Lake Tahoe KOA Journey — South Lake Tahoe, CA — (530) 577-3693
  Tucked in the pines near the lake, this KOA offers tent and RV sites plus a seasonal pool. You’re minutes from Tahoe beaches, ski resorts, and hiking — choose your own adventure. Visit campground website.
• Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA Journey — Manchester, CA — (707) 882-2375
  Rugged coastal setting on the wild Mendocino coast. Expect ocean views, cliffside walks, whale watching in season, and cozy cabins to retreat to after salty, windy adventures. Visit campground website.
• Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday — Watsonville, CA — (831) 722-0551
  A family favorite near Santa Cruz with a pool, jumping pillow, mini golf and easy beach access. It’s basically summer camp for kids and a sanity saver for parents. Visit campground website.
• Santa Margarita KOA Holiday — Santa Margarita, CA — (805) 438-5618
  Rolling Central Coast hills, lake views, cabins and RV sites create peaceful, scenic vibes midway between LA and SF. Perfect for road-trippers who want a slower, starry-sky kind of night. Visit campground website.

🍇 Harvest Hosts

Harvest Hosts is a membership-based network of wineries, breweries, farms, and unique venues that let self-contained RVers stay overnight for free with an active membership (around $99/year). You don’t pay a camping fee, but it’s good etiquette to support your host with a tasting, meal, or purchase. Think of it as “wine country boondocking” with way better views (and snacks).

Top 5 Harvest Hosts Locations in California

• Hillside Olive Mill Ranch Retreat (43 Ranch) — San Ardo, CA — (831) 627-2455
  World-class olive mill and ranch with tastings, an on-site shop, and hilltop camping that feels like your own private ranch. One of California’s most-booked Harvest Hosts for a reason. Check details on Harvest Hosts.
• Nelson Family Vineyards — Ukiah, CA — (707) 462-3755
  A sprawling 2,000-acre family estate with vineyards, olive trees, a tasting room, and a secluded RV area. Bring a camp chair, pour a glass, and let the Mendocino sunsets do their thing. Visit winery website.
• Belle Marie Winery — Escondido, CA — (760) 796-7557
  A family-owned 3.5-acre winery with citrus groves, many wine varieties, and a spacious paved RV lot. Friendly and welcoming, tucked into the scenic San Diego foothills. Visit winery website.
• Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill — Kelseyville, CA — (707) 279-2995
  Boutique wines and estate olive oils, level parking, and pastoral Lake County grounds. A quiet gem in the North Bay hills where you can sip, stroll, and then roll into bed. Visit winery website.
• Oak Farm Vineyards — Lodi, CA — (209) 365-6565
  Historic estate with century-old oak groves, covered tastings, live music events, and level grass RV parking. It’s the classic Lodi wine country evening — with your home on wheels just steps away. Visit winery website.

🌊 Top Private Campgrounds in California

These independent private campgrounds aren’t part of a big chain, but they’re legends in their own right. Think waterfront sites, redwood groves, glamping Airstreams, and plenty of “wow, we’re really here” moments.

• Campland on the Bay — San Diego (Mission Bay) — (858) 581-4260
  A massive waterfront RV and tent resort on Mission Bay with a marina, on-site dining, paddleboard rentals, and beachfront access. One of SoCal’s most iconic private campgrounds — the kids may refuse to leave. Visit campground website.
• Big Sur Campground & Cabins — Big Sur, CA — (831) 667-2322
  A private campground along the Big Sur River among ancient redwoods. Tent and RV sites, cozy cabins, laundry, and a well-stocked store make it easy to enjoy the magic of Highway 1 without roughing it too hard. Visit campground website.
• AutoCamp Russian River — Guerneville, CA — (855) 942-0792
  Upscale glamping with Airstream suites and cabins nestled in the redwoods near the Russian River. Expect boutique amenities, fire pits, and Sonoma wine country right at your door. Visit resort website.
• Pismo Coast Village RV Resort — Pismo Beach, CA — (805) 773-1811
  A large, full-service RV resort just steps from the beach. Pools, mini golf, full hookups, and easy access to the Pismo dunes and downtown make this a crowd favorite for families and friend groups. Visit campground website.
• Pismo Sands RV Resort — Oceano, CA — (800) 404-7004
  A family-oriented resort near Oceano Dunes with a heated pool, spa, clubhouse, and full hookups. It’s a beloved Central Coast classic where evenings are all about campfires, s’mores, and sandy feet. Visit campground website.

🐻 Jellystone Park™ & Thousand Trails

Looking for campgrounds with built-in activities and a ready-made community? Jellystone Park™ and Thousand Trails lean hard into fun: pools, themed weekends, game rooms, and neighbors who are just as excited about campfire nights as you are.

• Jellystone Park Tower Park — Lodi, CA — (209) 369-1041
  The only Jellystone Park in California and a full-on family fun zone. Yogi Bear™-themed activities, a water park, mini golf, a jumping pad, and full hookup sites mean kids go absolutely wild (in the best way). Explore Jellystone Park details.
• Thousand Trails Pio Pico — Jamul, CA — thousandtrails.com
  A member-based resort campground near San Diego in the rolling hills of Jamul. There’s a pool, clubhouse, hiking trails, and full hookups — all within day-trip distance of beaches and city fun. Visit Thousand Trails website.
• Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes — Menifee, CA — thousandtrails.com
  A serene lake-view resort in the Inland Empire with fishing, boating, swimming, and relaxed resort-style camping near Temecula wine country. Ideal for slow mornings and sunset strolls. Visit Thousand Trails website.
• Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes — Groveland, CA — thousandtrails.com
  A gateway to Yosemite with mountain air, river swimming, mini golf, and a general store. You’re close to the park’s west entrance, so you can tackle big hikes by day and soak in hot showers by night. Visit Thousand Trails website.