For those who love the thrill of spontaneity and the call of the wild, First Come First Serve Camping offers a unique gateway to outdoor adventures. Unlike reservation-based campsites that require meticulous planning months in advance, these campsites operate on a simple, straightforward principle: the early bird gets the worm—or in this case, the campsite. This approach opens up opportunities for last-minute getaways and embracing the unexpected, but it also comes with its own set of considerations.
First-come, first-served campsites are exactly what they sound like: campsites that are allocated to campers on a first come, first served basis. There’s no booking system, no reservations to be made months in advance. Instead, it’s a race to the campground, where the first to arrive and claim an available spot gets to set up camp. This system is particularly common in more remote or less developed campgrounds, often within state and national parks, offering a more rustic and immediate connection with nature.
However, the beauty of first come first serve camping is intertwined with a degree of uncertainty. Popular campgrounds, especially those in scenic locations or near urban centers, can fill up rapidly, particularly on weekends, holidays, and during peak seasons. To successfully navigate the world of first come first serve camping, a blend of preparedness, flexibility, and a dash of good luck is essential.
If you’re considering venturing into first come first serve camping, understanding the landscape is the first step. These campsites are often found in stunning natural settings, from redwood forests to desert landscapes and coastal bluffs, offering access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and breathtaking views. They cater to a variety of camping styles, from primitive walk-in sites for backpackers seeking solitude to more accessible sites for car campers.
To help you plan your next spontaneous camping trip, here’s a guide to some first come first serve camping locations in California State Parks. Remember to always check the official park website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on campsite availability and conditions. And crucially, always have backup plans in place, just in case your chosen campground is already full upon your arrival.
| Region 1: North Coast | Contact Number | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humboldt Lagoons SP | 707-488-2041 | Environmental sites. Pit toilets. Tables. Fire rings. No water. | Ideal for campers seeking a rustic, self-sufficient experience in a coastal lagoon environment. Be sure to bring your own water supply. |
| Manchester SP | 707-937-5804 | 10 environmental sites, 18 primitive sites. Chemical toilets. Fire grills. Campers up to 30 feet. Trailers up to 22 feet. | Offers a range of site types, from basic to slightly more developed, accommodating both smaller trailers and larger campers. Close to the coast. |
| Navarro River Redwoods SP | 707-895-3141 | Paul M Dimmick Campground: 25 developed sites. Toilets. Fire grills. Campers up to 30 feet. Trailers up to 24 feet. Navarro Beach Campground: 10 primitive sites. Toilets. No water. | Provides options for both developed and primitive camping experiences along the Navarro River and near the beach. The beach sites are more basic, lacking water. |
| Sinkyone Wilderness SP | 707-986-7711 | Developed and primitive hike-in sites. Pit toilets. No water. | Perfect for adventurous campers willing to hike into their sites and immerse themselves in a remote wilderness setting. Water is not available, so plan accordingly. |
| Westport-Union Landing SB | 707-937-5804 | 65 primitive sites. Chemical toilets. Fire rings. Tables. | A larger primitive campground near the coast, offering a good number of sites, but with basic amenities. Suitable for those who prefer a less crowded experience. |
| Region 2: Shasta Cascade | Contact Number | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahjumawi Lava Springs SP | 530-335-2777 | Environmental boat-in sites. No land access. | A truly unique camping experience accessible only by boat. Ideal for kayakers and canoers seeking secluded campsites in a volcanic landscape. |
| Region 3: Gold Country | Contact Number | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn SRA | 530-885-4527 | 100 primitive sites. Tables. No drinking water. | A large campground offering numerous primitive sites near the Auburn State Recreation Area, popular for river activities. Remember to bring drinking water. |
| Region 5: San Francisco Bay Area | Contact Number | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie SVRA | 925-447-9027 | 50 primitive sites. Flush toilets. Tables. | Located within a State Vehicular Recreation Area, this campground offers primitive sites with the convenience of flush toilets. May be noisier due to off-road vehicle activity. |
| Castle Rock SP | 408-867-2952 | 23 primitive hike-in sites. No drinking water. | Offers a more secluded camping experience with hike-in sites in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Known for rock formations and hiking trails. |
| Forest of Nisene Marks SP | 831-763-7062 | Environmental sites. Up to 6-mile hike to some sites. No water. | For dedicated hikers seeking deep wilderness immersion. Some sites require a significant hike, offering true solitude. |
| Mount Tamalpais SP | 415-388-2070 | Developed, environmental, and hike & bike sites. Flush toilets. Tables. | Offers a variety of camping options near San Francisco, from developed sites to hike-in and bike-in options. Popular and can be crowded. |
| Region 6: Central Coast | Contact Number | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Molera SP | 831-667-2315 | Primitive hike-in (1/3 mile) sites. Flush toilets. Tables. | A short hike-in is required to access these primitive sites along the Big Sur coast. Offers stunning coastal scenery. |
| Hollister Hills SVRA | 831-637-3874 | 125 Primitive sites, water, showers at one campground. | Another SVRA campground with a large number of primitive sites and the added bonus of water and showers at one location. Expect off-road vehicle activity. |
| Region 7: Central Valley | Contact Number | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| George J. Hatfield SRA | 209-632-1852 | 21 developed sites. 1 group site. Tables. Campers up to 32 feet. Trailers up to 31 feet. | Offers developed campsites suitable for larger RVs and trailers in the Central Valley. Good for river access and less rugged camping. |
| Region 8: Los Angeles County | Contact Number | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hungry Valley SVRA | 661-248-7007 | Primitive sites. Tables. Flush toilets. No drinking water. | Located near Los Angeles, this SVRA campground offers primitive sites with flush toilets but no drinking water. Expect off-road vehicle noise. |
| Saddleback Butte SP | 661-942-0662 | 50 primitive sites. Flush toilets. Tables. Campers up to 30 feet. Trailers up to 30 feet. | Offers desert camping in the Antelope Valley with views of Saddleback Butte. Suitable for RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. |
| Topanga SP | 310-455-2465 | 8 hike and bike sites. Pit toilets, water. | Closer to urban Los Angeles, Topanga State Park offers hike and bike sites with water available. Limited number of sites, so arrive early. |
| Region 12: Deserts | Contact Number | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocotillo Wells SVRA | 760-767-5391 | Primitive sites. No drinking water. No limit on camper/trailer size. | Vast desert camping in Ocotillo Wells SVRA with no restrictions on vehicle size. Ideal for large RVs and off-road enthusiasts. No water available. |
| Picacho SRA | 760-996-2963 | 59 primitive sites. Showers. Flush toilets. Campers up to 35 feet. Trailers up to 30 feet. | Offers desert camping near the Colorado River with the convenience of showers and flush toilets. Suitable for larger RVs and trailers. |
| Red Rock Canyon SP | 661-942-0662 | 50 primitive sites, campers & trailers to 30 feet, no shower. | Famous for its dramatic desert scenery, Red Rock Canyon offers primitive campsites suitable for RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. No showers are available. |
Tips for Nabbing a First-Come, First-Served Campsite:
Securing a coveted first come first serve camping spot requires strategy and timing. Here are some tips to increase your chances:
- Arrive Early, Especially on Weekends: Campgrounds operating on a first come first serve basis are busiest on weekends and holidays. Aim to arrive as early as possible, ideally mid-week or early Friday morning, to beat the rush. Many prime spots are claimed by Thursday evening.
- Check Campground Popularity: Research the popularity of the campground you’re targeting. Highly sought-after locations near major cities or popular attractions will fill up faster. Consider less well-known campgrounds for better odds.
- Go During the Off-Season: Camping in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or even winter (depending on the location) can significantly reduce competition for first come first serve camping spots. You’ll also enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds.
- Have a Backup Plan (or Two): It’s crucial to have alternative campgrounds in mind in case your first choice is full. Research nearby campgrounds, both first come first serve and reservation-based, as backups. Having a list of options will save you stress and time.
- Be Prepared to Be Flexible: Embrace the spontaneous nature of first come first serve camping. Be open to different campsites within the campground or even different campgrounds altogether. Flexibility is key to a successful and enjoyable experience.
- Talk to the Park Rangers: Park rangers are a wealth of information. Call the park directly or stop at the visitor center to inquire about campsite availability trends, peak times, and any tips they might have for securing a spot.
- Consider Weekdays: If possible, plan your first come first serve camping trip for weekdays. Campgrounds are significantly less crowded during the week, offering a much higher chance of securing a site.
First come first serve camping is an excellent option for those who appreciate flexibility and spontaneity in their outdoor adventures. While it requires a bit more planning in terms of timing and backup options, the reward is often access to beautiful, less crowded campsites and a deeper connection with nature. So, pack your gear, embrace the adventure, and get ready to experience the joys of first come first serve camping!
