‘Extremely popular’ California park named best for camping in 2026. Where is it?
Looking for the best camping in California? Head to the Central Coast, according to the California State Parks Foundation.
The nonprofit organization recently named the winners of the 2026 Best of California’s State Parks poll.
The California State Parks Foundation is “dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all,” the foundation said in a news release.
The California State Parks system has 280 park sites with 15,000 campsites and 5,200 miles of trails, according to the Reserve California website.
Here’s where to go:
What is the best state park for camping in California?
The California State Parks Foundation named Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park the best park for camping in 2026.
Home to an “extremely popular campground,” the Big Sur park features “an exquisite mix of forest, waterfalls and coastal scenery in one place,” the nonprofit organization said.
The Big Sur River winds through redwood, oak, sycamore and willow trees, while the Santa Lucia mountains tower high over the gorge.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers a “peaceful, almost magical atmosphere, with scenic hiking trails, spacious campsites, and opportunities to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature,” the California State Parks Foundation said.
One person who participated in the California State Parks Foundation poll said the state park in Monterey County has “a distinct serenity that is only found where bright ocean mist meets dark evergreens ...”
“That’s what I found camping here: a lone dot atop one of infinite ridges over the Pacific blue,” the survey respondent, identified as Andrew S., said.
Reservations at Big Sur’s largest campground can be made up to six months in advance.
It costs $50 per night to stay at a standard campsite, while a premium riverfront site costs $60 a night to reserve.
In both cases, your reservation fee includes entry for one vehicle.
What are the other top spots for campers in California?
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Calaveras Big Trees State Park received honorable mentions as top camp sites according to the California State Parks Foundation.
The largest state park in California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has “500 miles of dirt roads, numerous camping opportunities, 12 wilderness areas and many miles of hiking trails,” spread over Imperial, Riverside and San Diego Counties, California State Parks said.
Campground reservations cost $20 to $45 a night.
In Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, Calaveras Big Trees State Parks serves as “a prime example of mixed conifer forest with two groves of giant sequoias,” the state parks website said.
Visitors can see rivers, creeks, meadows and ancient volcanic rock formations.
It costs $35 a night to camp at Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire rings, bear locker and room for one vehicle.
How did California State Parks Foundation determine ranking?
In 2026, the California State Parks Foundation recognized state parks in 24 counties across the Golden State, encompassing urban, desert, coastal, woodland and historical parks.
To determine the honorees, the California State Parks Foundation surveyed more than 2,000 members, supporters and the public, and asked them to vote for their favorite parks for 12 categories.
Voters picked the best state parks for camping, hiking, day trips and dog-friendly adventures, among other categories.
“Many of the survey participants also sent in photos and shared their personal stories and memories about why these parks are special,” the foundation said in its release.
