Malibu Creek State Park

Campsite: Malibu Creek State Park Campground (click for reservations)

Why we love it: Fourteen-mile Malibu Creek is the principal watercourse of the Santa Monica Mountains that ends at Malibu Lagoon. There are 15 miles of stream side trail through oak and sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes. Following the trail along Malibu Creek, the visitor will be treated to spectacular vistas, including volcanic rock gorges, scenic pools, and breathtaking views of the Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon.

Facilities: 63 sites, offering picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, coin showers, drinking water, and a dump station.

Pets allowed: On leash & always attended. Not allowed on park trails.

Joshua Tree National Park

Campsite #1: Hidden Valley Campground (first-come, first-serve- click for more info)

Why we love it: Sites spread throughout massive rock formations with dotted Joshua Trees with easy access to many of the day hikes and climbing sites.

Facilities: 44 sites that come with picnic tables, fire rings, & vault toilets located centrally throughout the campsite. No drinking water.

Pets allowed: On leash & always attended. Not allowed on park trails.

Campsite #2: White Tank Campground (first-come, first-serve- click for more info)

Why we love it: Sites are well spaced and surrounded by rocks creating great privacy. Located away from most light making it one of the darkest places in the park, perfect for stargazing. Ideal spot for campers looking for a more quiet experience.

Facilities: 15 sites that each include Picnic tables, fire pits, grills, vault toilets and dumpsters/recycling on premises. No water available, no hook ups.

Pets allowed: On leash & always attended. Pets are allowed within 100 feet (30.5 m) of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Campsite #1: Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground (click for reservations)

Why we love it: On the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the peaks of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park tower high above the Big Sur River Gorge, where the Big Sur River enters this popular park. Walk along the banks of the river and among the redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows. A large campground accommodates hikers, bikers, car campers and RVers. Many campsites are located along the Big Sur River.

Facilities: 189 campsites that each includes a parking area for at least one car, a fire pit and a picnic table. No hookups are provided at any site. Fresh water, hot showers and toilets are located throughout the campground.

Pets allowed: Leashed dogs can walk with their people on all paved roads (no trails) in the Day Use Area and Campground.

Yosemite National Park

Campsite #1: North Pines Campground (click for reservations)

Why we love it: Set amid towering pines, granite cliff walls, and alongside a rushing river, North Pines Campground has a beautiful setting, a fantastic location, and a woodsy feel. Located at the far end of the Yosemite Valley, near Curry Village, you can walk right from this campground to some nearby hiking trails.

Facilities: It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker. Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops at the campground entrance.

Pets allowed: Dogs are allowed at North Pines Campground, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside your vehicle.

Campsite #2: Upper Pines Campground (click for reservations)

Why we love it: Upper Pines Campground is the largest of the three campgrounds in the Yosemite Valley. Divided into a number of individual loops, this doesn't feel like a huge campground, and finding your way around is easy. Clumps of large pines and cedars provide a mix of shade and sun, and in between are views to the surrounding valley walls. This campground is open year-round.

Facilities: It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker. Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance.

Pets allowed: Dogs are allowed at Upper Pines Campground, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside your vehicle.

Zion National Park

Campsite #1: South Campground (click for reservations)

Why we love it: Conveniently located near the south entrance, just outside of Springdale, this campground offers the advantage of staying within the park but close enough to town that you can run in and grab anything you may have forgotten. Camping inside the park also means you won't have to deal with the lineup to get into the park in the morning. Large, leafy trees provide some shade from the heat of the day. Campsites are large and spaced a good distance from each other, and the cliff walls in behind remind you that you are in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Southwest.

Facilities: The campground has 117 sites. The campgrounds come with a dump station, drinking water, and restrooms with flush toilets. Each campsite has a table, fire ring and grill. Laundry, groceries, and gas are all available within one mile of the campground.

Pets allowed: Welcomes leashed dogs of any size for no additional fee. Leashes must be no longer than six feet. Hiking with pets is only allowed on park roads and the Pa'rus Trail

Campsite #2: Watchman Campground (click for reservations)

Why we love it: Not far from South Campground, Watchman Campground is also conveniently located and scenic. Fewer large trees mean there is less shade, and most campsites are in full sun, but this also allows for better views of the surrounding mountains. This campground is open year-round and does take reservations. Reservations can be made six months in advance, and you should book well in advance if you want to secure a site.

Facilities: 176 RV and tent sites. There are flush toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, but no showers or electrical outlets. RVers will have access to dump stations and electrical hookups. Watchman Campground is open year-round, with reduced availability in winter.

Pets allowed: Your dog must always be on a leash, and dogs are only permitted to walk on the roads within the park -- the only dog-friendly trail is the Pa'Rus Trail.

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Author

Alec Zeman

Korey Kelly

Table Of Contents

A useful guide to our favorite campground at some of our favorite State and National Parks