The Best Camping in California, From Beachfront Spots to Joshua Tree

"A headland hanging above the Sonoma Coast, Salt Point State Park boasts sandstone cliff formations and the mixed-evergreen pygmy forest, and is only 95 miles north of San Francisco. The park has two campgrounds, Gerstle Cove and Woodside, which give campers the opportunity to have ocean views from their tents, or opt for being tucked away in the thick of a pine forest. GirlVentures’s Coccia prefers Woodside for its quiet: “It’s easy to feel the peace of the forest and the expanse of the sea in the same place here.” All campgrounds come with a fire ring and access to bathrooms (but no showers), and are dog-friendly. Coccia suggests taking one of the several trails that begin in the campground and winding through the coastal forest into meadows and rocky bluffs for scenic exploration. For those looking for adventure, horseback riding and scuba diving in Salt Point are welcome additions to the agenda." - Ikya Kandula