First Come First Serve Campsites: Your Guide to Spontaneous Camping in California State Parks

For those who love the thrill of last-minute adventures and the flexibility of unplanned travel, first-come, first-served campsites are a fantastic option. Particularly within California State Parks, these campsites offer access to stunning natural beauty without the need for reservations months in advance. However, securing one of these coveted spots requires a bit of strategy and understanding.

These campsites operate on a simple principle: the first to arrive and claim a site gets to stay. This system caters to campers who thrive on spontaneity or find themselves planning trips on shorter notice. It’s important to note that especially during peak seasons and holiday weekends, first-come, first-served campsites are highly sought after and can fill up quickly. Often, popular locations are fully occupied by early Friday. Therefore, while embracing the freedom of this camping style, it’s wise to be prepared and have alternative plans in mind should your first choice be unavailable.

Understanding First-Come, First-Served Camping

First-come, first-served campsites are exactly what they sound like – campsites that are allocated to campers in the order of their arrival. Unlike reservation-based campgrounds where you can book a spot months ahead, these sites are available to anyone who arrives and claims them, on a “first come, first served” basis. This system offers a unique advantage for those who prefer not to plan far in advance or whose schedules are unpredictable.

However, the spontaneity comes with a degree of uncertainty. There’s no guarantee that a site will be available upon your arrival, especially at popular parks or during busy times of the year. This is why understanding the dynamics of these campsites and adopting a strategic approach is key to a successful camping trip.

Tips for Securing a First-Come, First-Served Campsite

To maximize your chances of snagging a first-come, first-served campsite, consider these helpful tips:

Arrive Early, Especially Mid-week: Weekends and holidays are the most competitive times. If possible, aim to arrive mid-week or early in the day, even on a Friday. Many successful first-come, first-served campers arrive on Thursday to secure a spot for the weekend.
Avoid Peak Season and Holiday Weekends If Possible: While these are often the times people want to camp, they are also when competition for campsites is fiercest. Consider shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for a less crowded experience.
Check Park Information in Advance: Before heading out, check the specific park’s website or call the park directly for any updates on campsite availability or specific procedures for first-come, first-served camping. Contact numbers for various parks are listed below.
Have Backup Plans: It’s crucial to have alternative camping options in mind. Research nearby campgrounds, including reservation-based ones, or even dispersed camping areas as a backup plan in case your first-choice first-come, first-served campground is full.
Be Prepared to Be Flexible: Be open to camping in a less popular area of the park or a different park altogether if your initial choice is full. Flexibility is key to successful spontaneous camping.

First-Come, First-Served Campsites in California State Parks by Region

California State Parks offer a wealth of first-come, first-served camping opportunities across various regions, from the coast to the mountains and deserts. Below is a region-by-region guide to some of these parks. Remember to always check the specific park’s website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on campsite availability and amenities.

Region 1: North Coast

This region boasts stunning coastal scenery and redwood forests.

Humboldt Lagoons SP: (707-488-2041) Environmental sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that there is no water available at these sites. Amenities include pit toilets, tables, and fire rings.
Manchester SP: (707-937-5804) Offers both environmental and primitive first-come, first-served sites. There are 10 environmental sites and 18 primitive sites. Chemical toilets and fire grills are provided. Suitable for campers up to 30 feet and trailers up to 22 feet.
Navarro River Redwoods SP: (707-895-3141)
- Paul M. Dimmick Campground: Features 25 developed first-come, first-served sites with toilets and fire grills. Accommodates campers up to 30 feet and trailers up to 24 feet.
- Navarro Beach Campground: Offers 10 primitive first-come, first-served sites with toilets but no water.
Sinkyone Wilderness SP: (707-986-7711) Provides developed and primitive hike-in first-come, first-served sites. Pit toilets are available, but there is no water.
Westport-Union Landing SB: (707-937-5804) Features 65 primitive first-come, first-served sites with chemical toilets, fire rings, and tables.

Region 2: Shasta Cascade

Known for its volcanic landscapes and pristine lakes.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs SP: (530-335-2777) Offers environmental boat-in first-come, first-served sites. Crucially, there is no land access to these sites.

Region 3: Gold Country

Rich in history and scenic foothills.

Auburn SRA: (530-885-4527) Provides 100 primitive first-come, first-served sites with tables. Note that there is no drinking water available.

Region 5: San Francisco Bay Area

Offering camping close to urban centers.

Carnegie SVRA: (925-447-9027) Features 50 primitive first-come, first-served sites with flush toilets and tables.
Castle Rock SP: (408-867-2952) Offers 23 primitive hike-in first-come, first-served sites. No drinking water is available.
Forest of Nisene Marks SP: (831-763-7062) Environmental first-come, first-served sites are available, some requiring up to a 6-mile hike to reach. No water is available.
Mount Tamalpais SP: (415-388-2070) Offers a variety of first-come, first-served options including developed, environmental, and hike & bike sites. Flush toilets and tables are available.

Region 6: Central Coast

Famous for its dramatic coastline and Monterey pines.

Andrew Molera SP: (831-667-2315) Primitive hike-in (1/3 mile) first-come, first-served sites are available. Flush toilets and tables are provided.
Hollister Hills SVRA: (831-637-3874) Features 125 primitive first-come, first-served sites. Water is available, and showers are located at one campground within the SVRA.

Region 7: Central Valley

Known for its agricultural heartland and rivers.

George J. Hatfield SRA: (209-632-1852) Offers 21 developed first-come, first-served sites and 1 group site. Tables are provided. Accommodates campers up to 32 feet and trailers up to 31 feet.

Region 8: Los Angeles County

Camping near the bustling metropolis.

Hungry Valley SVRA: (661-248-7007) Primitive first-come, first-served sites are available with tables and flush toilets. No drinking water is provided.
Saddleback Butte SP: (661-942-0662) Features 50 primitive first-come, first-served sites with flush toilets and tables. Accommodates campers and trailers up to 30 feet.
Topanga SP: (310-455-2465) Offers 8 hike & bike first-come, first-served sites with pit toilets and water.

Region 12: Deserts

Experience the unique beauty of the California deserts.

Ocotillo Wells SVRA: (760-767-5391) Primitive first-come, first-served sites are available. No drinking water is provided, and there is no limit on camper/trailer size.
Picacho SRA: (760-996-2963) Features 59 primitive first-come, first-served sites with showers and flush toilets. Accommodates campers up to 35 feet and trailers up to 30 feet.
Red Rock Canyon SP: (661-942-0662) Offers 50 primitive first-come, first-served sites. Accommodates campers and trailers up to 30 feet. No showers are available.

Important Note: Unless stated otherwise, all parks listed have piped drinking water and no shower facilities. Always call the park directly for the most current information and specific details about each campground.

Embrace the adventure of first-come, first-served camping in California State Parks, and enjoy the great outdoors!