If you’re dreaming of a Fourth of July that’s more bonfire and beach sunsets than crowded fireworks shows, you’re in the right place. California’s coastlines, mountains, and deserts roll out the red, white, and blue in their own unforgettable ways—and you can claim a front-row seat just by pitching a tent or parking your RV in the right spot.
Picture this: kayak races instead of parades, campfire s’mores under towering redwoods, and fireworks reflected in glassy lakes. From waterfront festivities to mountain retreats, this guide covers some of California’s best Fourth of July camping experiences—no complicated planning, no endless scrolling.
Let’s map out where you’ll be making memories this Independence Day.
Mountain Majesty at Kings Canyon National Park
Soaring high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Kings Canyon National Park offers an inspiring Fourth of July destination at elevations between 6,500 and 6,700 feet.
You’ll find 14 spacious campgrounds near the majestic sequoia groves, with Lodgepole Campground providing full amenities and easy access to the legendary General Sherman Tree.
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Beachfront Celebrations at Crystal Cove State Park
Moving south from Big Sur’s rugged coastline, Crystal Cove State Park offers an exceptional Fourth of July camping experience along Southern California’s pristine shoreline.
History echoes through the cove where beach bonfires blazed nightly during the vibrant summers of the 1960s and ’70s.
There are 57 campsites at Moro Campground, featuring both RV hookups and tent spots with panoramic ocean views. The park encompasses 2,400 acres of wilderness perfect for daytime hiking before the evening festivities. While you can’t light fireworks, you’ll enjoy spectacular community displays over the water, plus access to 3.2 miles of scenic beach until 10 PM.
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Waterfront Festivities at Campland on the Bay
Leaving mountain heights behind, you’ll discover coastal charm at Campland on the Bay, where Mission Bay’s sparkling waters create an ideal Fourth of July retreat.
The 40-acre waterfront property offers family-friendly celebrations without fireworks, focusing instead on competitive tournaments, live entertainment, and festive site decoration contests.
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Best Coastal Views at Big Sur Campground
While Big Sur offers numerous camping options along California’s dramatic coastline, Kirk Creek Campground stands out as the premier destination for unrivaled ocean views.
You’ll experience breathtaking vistas from your tent or RV, perched 100 feet above the Pacific on a scenic bluff. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and grills for the perfect holiday cookout. Families can enjoy the refreshing Big Sur River where kids love to float on inner tubes during hot summer days.
With direct access to 323 miles of trails and Sand Dollar Beach, plus regular whale sightings between November and February, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable outdoor experience.
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Family-Friendly Fourth at Yosemite National Park
Nestled within one of America’s most iconic landscapes, Yosemite National Park offers families an unforgettable Fourth of July camping experience across its 13 well-maintained campgrounds.
There are essential amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and food storage lockers, while ranger-led programs and accessible hiking trails keep everyone engaged. Please, be aware that no hookups are available for RVs and trailers.
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Desert Stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park
For a completely different Fourth of July experience, Joshua Tree National Park offers visitors a chance to trade traditional fireworks for nature’s own light show. Please note that campfires are restricted to designated fire rings at established campsites only.
You’ll find exceptional stargazing opportunities across the park’s 500 campsites, with Jumbo Rocks and White Tank campgrounds providing prime spots. Be aware that White Tank sites operate first-come first-served, making early arrival essential for securing a spot.
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Lake Tahoe’s Patriotic Paradise at D.L. Bliss State Park
The pristine shores of Lake Tahoe set the stage for an unforgettable Fourth of July at D.L. Bliss State Park.
You’ll find 140+ campsites nestled among towering pines and granite cliffs, offering stunning views of the crystal-clear waters. Unfortunately, the park is closed for camping through summer 2025 due to infrastructure work, but when it reopens, you’ll need to reserve months ahead for this patriotic paradise.
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Redwood Retreat at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Majestic redwoods tower above Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where you’ll find a pristine wilderness retreat spanning over 1,000 acres along California’s iconic coastline.
You can swim in the crystal-clear river, explore historic trails, or stay in rustic lodge rooms with sweeping forest views.
For a budget-friendly option, book the $75/night cabin that sleeps four, perfect for celebrating Independence Day beneath ancient giants.
Lakeside Celebration at Fallen Leaf Lake
While the towering redwoods offer a shaded retreat, nature enthusiasts seeking a lakeside Fourth of July will find their perfect match at Fallen Leaf Lake Campground.
There are endless opportunities to enjoy prime fireworks viewing from your choice of 206 sites, just minutes from South Lake Tahoe’s festivities.
Desert Adventures at Death Valley National Park
For adventurous campers seeking a unique Fourth of July experience, Death Valley National Park offers an otherworldly backdrop across five distinct campgrounds.
While most NPS sites reduce capacity during summer heat, Panamint Springs Resort’s higher elevation provides cooler temperatures, offering full-hookup RV sites at $60 and tent sites at $15, with included shower access. Book early, as the 14-day maximum stays apply.
Urban Escape at San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA
Situated just 34 miles north of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA offers an ideal blend of urban convenience and pastoral charm.
For Fourth of July weekend, you can save on your fourth night while enjoying pool access, outdoor movies, and guided tours of Wine Country.
Coastal Charm at Morro Bay State Park
Nestled along California’s stunning Central Coast, Morro Bay State Park delivers an unforgettable Fourth of July camping experience with over 140 scenic sites.
The park’s amenities include token-operated showers, fire rings, and picnic tables, while nearby hiking trails showcase pristine lagoon and bay habitats.
Sierra Nevada Splendor at Mammoth Lakes Campground
Moving from the coastal breeze to alpine heights, the majestic Mammoth Lakes Campground welcomes Fourth of July adventurers at an elevation of 8,900 feet in California’s Sierra Nevada range.
There are well-equipped campsites with bear-proof storage and fire pits, plus easy access to hiking trails and pristine lakes. Don’t miss the area’s Independence Day festivities while enjoying the stunning mountain vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities.
River Recreation at Russian River Camping
Along the pristine waters of Northern California’s Russian River, you’ll discover a collection of exceptional campgrounds that blend outdoor adventure with wine country charm.
Whether you choose Camp Russian River’s redwood-shaded sites, Casini Ranch’s family-friendly mile of riverfront, or River Bend Resort’s active amenities, you’ll find perfect spots for swimming, kayaking, and celebrating Independence Day under the stars.
Ocean Views at El Capitán State Beach
While Southern California boasts numerous coastal campsites, El Capitán State Beach stands out as a premier Fourth of July destination on the central coast near Goleta.
For the best ocean vistas, you’ll need to reserve six months ahead, but you’ll be rewarded with pristine beaches and a spacious meadow perfect for celebrations.
Lake Life at Shasta Lake Campground
From the coastal serenity of El Capitán, Northern California beckons with the expansive waters of Shasta Lake Campground.
Prime spots at Ellery Creek and Hirz Bay campgrounds, where you can set up your Independence Day base camp. The lake’s pristine waters offer endless possibilities for boating, wakeboarding, and tubing, while stunning fireworks displays illuminate the night sky from multiple vantage points.
Beach Bliss at Refugio State Beach
Nestled along California’s Central Coast, Refugio State Beach offers an idyllic Fourth of July camping experience with 67 standard campsites and 3 group sites.
The campsites accommodate up to eight people, and you can make reservations up to six months in advance through ReserveCalifornia.com.
Fireworks and Fun at Benbow KOA Holiday
Situated along the scenic Eel River, Benbow KOA Holiday delivers a vibrant Fourth of July celebration that combines classic camping with festive entertainment.
The family-friendly parade features children riding their decorated bikes alongside the Benbow Barrel Train, adding to the excitement of the celebration.
When evening arrives, head to nearby Benbow State Recreation Area for a spectacular fireworks display, live music, and local vendors from 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
