California

Overview

California offers an extraordinary range of camping terrain — from the granite cathedrals of the Sierra Nevada (Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon) to the Pacific coast (Big Sur, Lost Coast), the Mojave and Anza-Borrego deserts in the south, the redwood belt in the north, and the volcanic landscapes of Lassen and the Modoc Plateau. The state is managed by a patchwork of agencies: California State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service (18 national forests including Inyo, Sierra, Tahoe, Los Padres, and Klamath), the National Park Service (9 national parks), and the BLM (especially significant in the desert and far north). For an expert camper, the key planning realities right now: most popular Sierra and coastal sites are booked through ReserveCalifornia or Recreation.gov 6 months ahead, and Yosemite, Whitney, Half Dome, and many Sierra wilderness permits go through competitive lotteries. Wildfire is the dominant seasonal hazard May through November — closures, smoke, and burn-scar flash flood risk routinely shut areas with little notice, so always check the relevant forest's alerts page and Cal Fire before a trip. Fire restrictions (stage 1/2) usually start in early summer and frequently ban stoves outside developed campgrounds in dry years; a California Campfire Permit is required for any open flame or stove on federal/state land outside a developed campground. Bear canisters are mandatory in nearly all Sierra wilderness above the foothills. Snow lingers on high passes (Tioga, Sonora, Ebbetts) typically into late May or June, and at elevation isolated patches can persist into July after heavy winters. Drought and atmospheric river cycles in recent years have made trail and road conditions volatile — verify with the managing district office rather than relying on guidebooks. Dispersed camping is broadly allowed on most National Forest and BLM land subject to MVUM (motor vehicle use map) rules and local fire orders.