These 15 unique campsites in California make list of best in the nation

A family-friendly campsite with stunning views, a tranquil spot amidst blossoming fruit trees on a working farm, these are just some of the California getaways named in this year's Hipcamp Awards.

Hipcamp, an application for finding and booking campsites in the state and around the world, compiled booking, reviews, and ratings data from its network of more than 7 million users across more than 500,000 U.S. campsites to identify the best Hipcamps in the United States.

In California, 15 campsites made the list. Located across the state from the redwood forests of Del Norte near the Oregon border to the golden hills of Ventura County, the selected campsites are as diverse and unique as the California landscape.

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“Hipcamp Award winners are some of the best campsites in the world, offering unforgettable experiences, incredible natural views, and magic for our campers," said Alyssa Ravasio, CEO and Founder of Hipcamp in a media release. "Whether you're a seasoned camper or planning your first trip, the Hipcamp Awards serve as your go-to guide for discovering the most exceptional camping destinations in the world.”

The best California campsites in 2025

It is not too late to pitch a tent or rev up the RV and hit the road. The state's best campsites, according to Hipcamp users, are situated in some of California's most remarkable settings, including a 100-acre ranch along the Cosumnes River and a hilltop location named after an old-growth oak tree.

The Hipcamp award-winners in California for 2025 are:

Cuyama Badlands, Cuyama, Santa Barbara

Salmon Creek Ranch, Bodega Bay, Sonoma

Walden Ranch, Linden, San Joaquin

Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch, Buellton, Santa Barbara

Ballard Walnut Grove, Solvang, Santa Barbara

SLO Country Camp, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo

The Deck and Cozy Container, Albion, Mendocino

Cosumnes River Ranch, Plymouth, Amador

Twisted Branch, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo

Finley Camp, Bodega Bay, Sonoma

Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping, Aptos, Santa Cruz

Cole Ranch, Waterford, Stanislaus

Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch), Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo

Mystic Forest Campground, Klamath, Del Norte

Camp RainDale, Santa Paula, Ventura

More people are camping now than ever before

In recent years, more people have discovered the great outdoors.

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In 2024, about 12,160,000 people visited California's nine national parks, an increase of 7% from the previous year.

While a stroll amongst the trees or along the state's coastal bluffs is wonderful for a day out, many people decide to take it to the next level and go camping.

A 2024 report by KOA found that the number of active U.S. campers who have camped in the last year has grown by 68% or 21.6 million additional households. Moreover, the number of households that camp three or more times annually has increased by 98% since 2014.

While camping has gained in popularity, the supply of camping sites has stagnated, with 56% of campers in 2024 reporting difficulty in booking a site, according to Dyrt.

This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: These are the 15 best under the radar campsites in California