Here is a list of the top camping spots for winter camping in both Northern and Southern California. From bare deserts to lush national and state parks, there is a great choice if you’re looking for a winter adventure.
As temperatures begin to drop, the California wilderness provides an enchanting setting for outdoor winter adventures. Winter camping in California offers a memorable experience with peaceful environments and scenic views.
While California does not experience extreme winters like Alaska and Minnesota, you’ll need to prepare for the snowy mountains. For a more comfortable stay, it’s best to pack your favorite hiking boots and a heated pair of socks.
The Golden State is home to breathtaking beaches, woodlands, and deserts that offer ideal locations to pitch a tent. Whether you’re looking to camp out on the beach or in the desert, California boasts diverse environments to fit every kind of camper.
However, camping options are more limited during the colder seasons. Wondering where to camp in the winter? We’ve compiled a list of the best winter camping locations for a cozy cold adventure in California.
6 Best Spots for California Winter Camping
In California, winter camping from December to March is perfect for a relaxing getaway. It offers a calming silence with snow blowing down the high mountains and the sounds of a crackling campfire.
Here is a list of the top camping spots to explore in California this winter.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is the hottest and driest national park in the country. It is the lowest point in North America and spans across California and Nevada. The park comprises more than three-million acres of designated wilderness and around 1,000 miles of backcountry roads.
Death Valley is a famous desert camping California destination. You’ll find spectacular dunes, colorful rock formations, unique wildlife, and diverse plant life like mesquite trees and desert holly. It is home to the renowned Titus Canyon and Badwater Basin.
With scorching summer temperatures, it is best to experience desert camping in the fall and winter seasons. At Death Valley, you’ll find several campgrounds that include:
- Furnace Creek – 136 sites
- Sunset – 270 sites
- Texas Springs – 92 sites
- Stovepipe Wells – 190 sites
- Mesquite Spring – 30 sites
- Emigrant – 10 sites
- Wildrose – 23 sites
- Thorndike – 6 sites
- Mahogany Flat – 10 sites
When it comes to Death Valley camping, winter offers unforgettable adventures. Our top pick would have to be Mesquite Springs campground. You’ll experience fewer crowds and cooler temperatures than the sites at sea level or below.
Mesquite Springs campground is at the north end of the valley and sits around 1,800 feet above sea level. It is open all year with a fee of $14 or $7 for those campers with a lifetime pass.
Joshua Tree National Park
For the best winter camping Southern California has to offer, head to Joshua Tree National Park. The park is best known for its twisted Joshua trees, massive rock formations, excellent hiking trails, and awe-inspiring desert landscapes.
You’ll find a few famous formations like the North Horror Rock, Old Woman Rock, Skull Rock, and Giant Marbles. Joshua Tree National Park encompasses 800,000 acres of magnificent land with three varied ecosystems: the lower Colorado Desert, higher Mojave Desert, and San Bernardino Mountains.
There are several campgrounds open all year with roughly 500 sites. Most of the campsites are available by reservation with a fee ranging from $20 to $25 per night. These campgrounds include Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Ryan, and Jumbo Rocks.
If you’re seeking a more spontaneous adventure, there are a few campgrounds that do not require bookings with a $15 cost per night. The first-come, first-served campgrounds include the Hidden Valley, Belle, and White Tank.
Note: As the park is a popular spot with campgrounds filling up from October through May, we recommend making a reservation in advance to enjoy the epic views.
Mojave National Preserve
The Mojave National Preserve is a 695,200 acre park in the Mojave Desert. It provides an excellent spot for some of the best camping in Southern California. At the park, you’ll come across captivating mountains, canyons, volcanic cinder cones, and rose-colored dunes.
The park supports an abundance of wildlife with more than 300 animal species. From spotting a soaring golden eagle to following a roaming desert tortoise, you’ll have plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Two main developed campgrounds are the Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid Hills campgrounds. Both spots are open year-round and operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a fee of $12 per night. For those with an America the Beautiful pass (Lifetime Senior Pass, Annual Senior Pass, and Access Pass), the cost per night is $6.
The Hole-in-the-Wall campground supports sculptured volcanic rock walls and boasts thrilling hiking experiences. It is set at 4,400 feet above sea level with 35 campsites. The Mid Hills campground is at an elevation of 5,600 feet above ground and offers 26 sites filled with pinyon pine and juniper trees.
The Mojave National Preserve shows off many exhilarating hiking trails with spectacular views of towering volcanic rock walls. It is certainly a must-visit destination for winter and fall camping in California.
Yosemite National Park – Snow Camping California
If you’re looking for a scenic spot for winter camping in Northern California, Yosemite National Park is the place to be. It is set in the Sierra Nevada mountains with 750,000 acres of snow-covered land in winter.
It is home to massive, ancient sequoia trees, deep valleys, grand meadows, and many cascading waterfalls. Notable attractions at the park include the Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
At Yosemite National Park, you are required to book in advance with a daily fee of $26. There are 13 popular campgrounds in the park, and four are ideal for the best snow camping California has to offer.
The campgrounds in Yosemite Valley that remain open during winter include Upper Pines, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona. For the best winter adventure, make your way to the Upper Pines campground. It is open all year at an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level with 137 sites.
If you’re seeking a glamping experience, there are several lodging options available. From simple tent cabins to deluxe rooms, there are plenty of accommodations with a rustic-luxurious feel. Some of the top choices include The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and Glacier Point Ski Hut.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Nestled in the breathtaking Napa Valley in northern California, the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park offers exhilarating activities like camping, summer and winter hiking, and picnicking.
The 1,900-acre park, with elevations ranging from 300 to 2,000 feet high, is surrounded by coastal redwood trees. You’ll encounter splendid hiking trails that weave among countless redwood, maple, oak, and madrone trees.
There are several wildlife species found in the park. Keep an eye out for deer, gray squirrels, foxes, and coyotes wandering in the forest. You’ll also come across diverse birdlife species like woodpeckers and owls.
The park offers the perfect location for outback campgrounds in California. The Bothe Campground has around 50 sites with over 10 miles of walking trails. The park is open all year round with a cost of $35 per night.
If you’re traveling in a group, consider booking a group campsite for 10 cars at $125 per night which holds a maximum of 30 individuals.
If you’re not looking to pitch a tent, there are historic cabins and comfy yurts in the park. And with Napa right on your doorstep, it’s an ideal spot to explore the famous wine region on a road trip.
Note: If you’re camping in December, you’ll experience some wet weather, but snow is infrequent in the area.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park is a 6,300-acre state park in Northern California. It features the notable 2,571 foot Mount Tamalpais and fun activities like wildlife watching, picnicking, and hiking.
If you’re seeking scenic hikes and nature outings for wildlife viewing, we recommend heading to the Mount Tamalpais Middle Peak Loop. It is a moderate, 5.3-mile hiking trail that is accessible year-round.
You can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Farallon Islands, Marin County hills, Mount Diablo, the East Bay, San Francisco Bay and the city. Fog is common in winter, so it is always best to be extra careful during outdoor activities for a safe camping experience.
The park is open year-round with several campsites and lodging options. The reserved areas include Alice Eastwood Group Camp (at $110 per night) and Steep Ravine Environmental Campground ($25 per night and $100 per night for cabins).
You can book these rustic cabins and seaside campsites up to six months in advance. If you’re heading on a last-minute trip, the Pantoll and Bootjack campground do not require reservations. There is a $25 nightly fee for both camps.
Note: At Mount Tamalpais State Park, you are not allowed to fly drones. But, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking vistas and memorable moments.
Final Thoughts on the Best Winter Camping in California
Whether you’re heading on a well-deserved getaway or winter backpacking, California offers plenty of winter camping spots for every kind of adventurer. The state’s magnificent mountains and vast desert landscapes provide scenic settings, ideal for a tranquil trip.
From stargazing to wildlife viewing, the natural settings offer awe-inspiring views with a calming silence that’s perfect for winter camping in California. Ready for your next exhilarating camping trip this winter? Book your tickets and pack those thermals – your winter escape awaits.
Have you done winter camping in California?
Let me know where in the comments below
Feature image by Joseph Starbuck on Unsplash
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Jeff McGuire
Wednesday 6th of December 2023
I experienced outdoor camping and survival adventures in the Santa Barbara and Goleta area. From there are various directions you can explore! Use Google maps.