Free RV Camping In California: Top 8 Locations

Free RV camping in California is abundant, if you know where to look. Learn about the best spots, book them, and get out into nature.

Looking for a fun, exciting, and cost-effective way to go on vacation this year? Then taking an RV camping in the US is just the way to go. 

You have your pick of unique and beautiful places to explore in the state of California, and the best part is you can even camp in your RV for free. Also known as boondocking, you can easily find lots of areas that allow for free RV camping so that you can make the most of your trip. 

Here are some of the best free camping sites in California, so start planning out that trip now. 

1. Black Rock Campground – Lassen National Forest

There are six first-come, first-served campsites here that are perfect if you’re coming with a few friends. They come fully equipped with grills and tables, perfect for eating and hanging out late into the night. If you’re an angler, you can fish in the Deer and Mill Creeks, and hikers have their pick of low or high mileage trails to explore. As for facilities, there are vault toilets here if needed. 

In the national forest itself, you can check out horse riding, mineral prospecting, and water activities on Lake Almanor. There’s so much to do here, and you’re going to want to try it all. 

2. American Girl Mine

This location is right on the border of California, Mexico, and Arizona, so you have many options as to what to check out here. American Girl Mine used to be a gold mine and was discovered in 1776. 

As you’re in the desert, you can easily enjoy the warm weather available to you here. There’s also lots of room where you can drive off-road vehicles if that’s your thing. As you’re in the middle of the desert, it’s one of the best places to see the night sky, too. 

Surprisingly, there is good cell service from all major carriers, so you aren’t cut off. You’ll also most likely have some neighbors when you’re camping, but there’s lots of room, so you’ll be able to spread out. 

3. Furnace Creek Road

This is located 7 miles outside of Shoshone, CA, and is in a great location if you visit Death Valley National Park. This national park is home to natural hot springs, old mines, and off-roading trails. 

In the summer, it’s going to get scorching hot, so be aware of that when you’re driving your RV down those dirt roads. The roads are well kept though, so you shouldn’t have any problems. 

4. Scott Flat Campground

Located in Northern California, this is the best place to be if you want to switch off truly. There’s no cell service here, so if you need to get away from it all, you’ll want to come here. It’s a good spot for anglers and hikers in particular. 

There’s also lots here for nature lovers. The campground itself features lots of trees and a river, so you can live in nature, even if just for a little while. There are some creature comforts, too, such as vaulted toilets, tables, and fire pits. 

5. Needles Point Dispersed Camping

This is another excellent spot to switch off your phone and get off social media for a little bit. There’s no cell service here, just lots of shade under the trees. It’s a wonderfully quiet place to relax. 

As a hiker, you’ll love that the site is only ¼ mile from the Needles Lookout trail, which has fantastic views that you’ll want to see. Be aware that the spot can only be accessed by high clearance vehicles during the warmer season, so keep that in mind when planning your journey. 

6. Yaqui Well Camp

This is located in the Anza-Borrego Desert, and in the spring, it’s alive with wildflowers. Of course, you’ll also have the chance to indulge in stargazing here too. There’s a vast range of off-roading and hiking options here too, so there’s something for pretty much anyone. 

There are lots of quiet spots to camp here, and there are some excellent amenities too. There’s a playground, a vaulted toilet, and some limited AT&T cell service. 

Be aware that the site says they can accommodate rigs up to 35′, but the road is loose sand, so it may be challenging to get a big rig up there. 

7. Whiskey Falls Campground

If you’re looking to visit the Sierra Nevada mountains, then you’ve got to try out this campsite. The site here is located by some gorgeous pine trees and a waterfall. It’s undoubtedly picturesque if you want to take some pictures. 

There are nine spots available, and they’re reached via a rough dirt road. There’s no cell service here, but there some vaulted toilets, fire pits, and tables. 

Be aware that the site is only available in warmer weather. Spots fill up during weekends, too, so you’ll need to plan ahead. 

8. Willow Creek Road Dispersed

Finally, there’s this campsite, located in Big Sur. If you want to camp somewhere with an ocean view, then you’ll want to check out this spot. As a bonus, in the spring there are lots of wildflowers too. 

There are no amenities and minimal cell service, so this is one camp spot where you’ll have to rough it. It’s well worth it though, thanks to the fantastic views. Of course, if you need cell service, you can always pick up a cell booster for your RV.

Free RV Camping In California: Final Thoughts

There you have it, the top sites for free RV camping in California. It’s always a good idea to start planning your trips in advance, as these are popular spots and they can fill up fast. However, if you get ahead, you can take advantage of some fantastic free locations. Book your trips now, and get out in nature. There’s so much that California has to offer, and you can see it all.