Discover RV parks in California where ocean breezes, forest shade, and desert stars meet. Find your perfect site before you hit the road.
California packs beaches, deserts, forests, and granite peaks into one road‑trip–friendly state. An RV lets you hop from surf to sequoias without unpacking twice. This guide sorts the RV parks in California by nightly cost and highlights parks that earn steady praise for service, scenery, and hookup quality. Use it to match your budget and travel style before you fire up the rig and point.
Why Choose RV Parks in California for Your Next Road Trip
The Golden State’s parks aren’t just places to park your RV; they’re a real find for travelers. Thanks to the mild climate, they’re open almost year-round. Convenient highways — I-5, U.S. 101, and CA-99 — connect coastal areas, mountains, and valleys, turning your trip into one beautiful route. Most parks are close to stores and service stations, so restocking supplies, fixing equipment, or filling up your propane tank is easy, even in the backwoods. The state also has strict sanitation standards, so clean restrooms are not uncommon but standard. This makes camping in California comfortable, safe, and convenient for long trips.
Price Categories at a Glance
Camping prices vary by amenities, location, and season, so whether you’re financing out of pocket or getting help with money in CA, it’s important to understand the rates and choose the right option:
- Budget segment (up to $70 per night): usually includes everything you need — full hookups (water, electricity, sewer), Wi-Fi, and laundry access. A great choice for practical travelers.
- Mid-range ($71–$110): You’ll get larger sites, on-site amenities, and reliable cell service.
- Premium ($110 and up): campgrounds with a resort-style atmosphere — near the water, with pools, well-maintained grounds, and even concierge service.
Budget‑Friendly RV Camping in California
If you’re traveling in an RV and looking for comfortable, affordable places to stay in California, here are three tried-and-true options. All offer basic comfort, good locations, and reasonable prices:
Fresno Mobile Home & RV Park
Spacious 55-foot sites with 50-amp hookups, a pool, and 24-hour laundry are $55 to $70 per night. The Fresno Mobile Home & RV Park is conveniently located just two miles from CA-99, but away from much traffic noise. Yosemite’s south entrance is 90 minutes away, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon are about an hour away. Wi-Fi coverage is solid, even for streaming, and the gravel sites are flat and easy to park.
Riverbend RV Park
Riverside 30- and 50-amp sites cost $70-$85, with discounts available for longer stays. The campground offers a fish pond, play areas, Starlink internet, and a safe dog park. Riverbend RV Park’s location off CA-180 makes it a great hub between Fresno’s urban amenities and nature trails to the giant redwoods.
Bakersfield River Run RV Park
For $60 a night, you get concrete pads, a year-round pool, cable TV, and proximity to the Kern River Bike Trail. It’s just five minutes from the intersection of I-5 and CA-99, making it ideal for those traveling between southern and northern California and wanting a convenient overnight stop without any detours.
Best Northern & Southern California RV Parks for a Mid-Range Budget
If you want to combine an RV vacation with natural beauty, activities, and amenities, California has plenty of great parks. From family-friendly campgrounds to oceanfront locations, here’s a list of sites to suit every budget and travel style.
Discover RV parks in California where ocean breezes, forest shade, and desert stars meet. Find your perfect site before you hit the road.
Casini Ranch Family Campground
Spacious sites with 30/50 amp hookups are located right on the banks of the Russian River. Summer nights are $74, and off-season nights start at $54. Kayak rentals, an outdoor movie theater, a camping store, and trails through redwood groves are all available on-site, making it a great, family-friendly option.
Clio’s Rivers Edge RV Park
Clean mountain air, fishing on the Feather River, and golf courses within walking distance. Prices are $42-$56 per night for two, with each additional guest being $5. The sites are gravel, so leveling the car is easy. Laundry is token-based, which is convenient for long layovers.
Malibu Beach RV Park
Stunning ocean views, a beach just steps away, and a true resort atmosphere. Prices start at $80 in winter and reach $300 in summer. All sites are equipped, and there are picnic tables and a direct path to the Pacific Coast Highway – for those who want to combine camping with surfing or dinner by the sea.
Enjoy the sunsets at the beach. Photo by Wirestock via iStock by Getty Images
Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort
This Borrego Springs campground is a good choice for the winter season (from $95 per night). On-site: two swimming pools, a Wild West-style saloon, a starry sky without light pollution, and quick access to the picturesque canyons of Anza-Borrego Park. It suits active travelers and those who want peace.
Sequoia RV Park
The sites, shaded by tall pines, cost $60 (30 amps) or $75 (50 amps). Sequoia RV Park has everything you need: an on-site market, a fish cleaning area, and even a shuttle stop to Kings Canyon. The sites are suitable for large RVs, with driveways up to 70 feet long.
Premium Resorts for Luxury RV Travel in California
If you are looking for places with maximum comfort and a real vacation atmosphere, California offers premium RV resorts that easily compete with luxury hotels:
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Paved sites along the lagoon start at $135 in the winter and can exceed $370 in the summer. The private beach offers family-friendly amenities, including boat rentals, outdoor dining, and supervised kid play—all within minutes of Newport Beach’s shops and cafes.
Motorcoach Country Club
An exclusive club for Class A RVs only. Prices start at $105 for a walled lot and go up to $180 for canal views. Nine-hole golf, fine dining, a manicured waterfront, and a gated community in sunny Coachella Valley create an elite country club atmosphere.
AutoCamp Sequoia
Glamping at the foot of the redwoods with Airstream rooms and large tents. Prices start at $290 per night. Guests enjoy a spacious clubhouse and a riverside pool, rent bicycles, and enjoy modern bathroom accessories and amenities. This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a stylish mountain getaway.
The Springs at Borrego RV Resort
High-season rates range from $81 to $126 per night. The property offers everything you need for a comfortable stay: mineral hot tubs, a golf course, pickleball courts, and evening excursions under the darkest skies in California.
Inspiration Viewpoint. Photo by Judy Karnia
Seasonal Considerations and Reservation Tips
Wildflower blooms (March–April) and autumn foliage (late October) quickly fill Northern California RV parks. Coastal parks peak in June through August when inland temps soar. Desert resorts flip the calendar; prime weather stretches from November through March. Use park apps or ReserveCalifornia.com to lock spots six months out. If you need last‑minute space, mid‑week vacancies often pop up Sunday night after weekend campers roll home.
Essential Tips for RV Travel in California
A little prep goes a long way toward a smooth trip.
- Confirm early. Summer occupancy often tops 95 percent in coastal counties. Book as far ahead as reservation systems allow.
- Measure twice. Write down your RV’s total length and height. Bridges along Highway 1 drop to 13’ 6” in spots.
- Plan fuel stops. Prices can jump by $1 a gallon between inland truck stops and remote coastal towns.
- Watch wildfire alerts. Use Cal Fire’s “Ready for Wildfire” app for live updates. Closures can happen fast between July and October.
- Respect drought rules. Many parks ban vehicle washing and ask guests to limit showers to five minutes.
- Carry cash for dump stations. State‑run dump sites charge $10‑$20. Private parks often restrict them to registered guests.
Following these simple habits keeps fines, delays, and stress off your itinerary.
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Final Thoughts
RVing in California is an adventure that will be appreciated by seasoned travelers and those who are just acting on inspiration. To find the perfect destinations, start with your budget, then consider the route, natural scenery, and availability of necessary hookups.
Before you leave, check out RV Life Trip Wizard for the latest reviews and information on overnight accommodations. Don’t forget to pack a few useful items.
Plan well, drive far, and let RV parks in California be the chapters in your road-trip story you’ll want to relive again and again.
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