From Coastal Cliffs to Alpine Pines: The Golden State’s Most Breathtaking Van Life Stops
California is a van life dream—and not just because of the weather. Within a few hours of driving, you can go from foggy redwood forests to sun-drenched beaches to high alpine lakes. Whether you're in a full-size Sprinter, a beat-up minivan, or something in between, California delivers endless possibilities for free camping, stunning views, and unforgettable roadside adventures.
After years on the road, here are my top 10 favorite van life and car camping spots across California—places I’ve returned to time and time again.
1. Big Sur (Nacamiento-Fergusson Road & Los Padres National Forest)
Region: Central Coast
Type: Dispersed and primitive camping
Big Sur is iconic, and for good reason. If you’re not camping at a state park, your best bet is the forest roads in the hills above the coast.
🌲 High-up ridge camping with ocean views
🚫 Narrow, steep roads—not great for big rigs
📶 Little to no signal, so download your maps first
2. Alabama Hills (near Lone Pine)
Region: Eastern Sierra
Type: Free BLM land
Camping among movie-famous rock formations with Mt. Whitney towering in the background? Yes, please.
🪨 Unique boulders and arches to explore
🌄 Unbeatable sunrises and sunsets
🛑 New restrictions—check for designated camping zones
3. Redwoods National & State Parks (Forest Roads & Paid Campgrounds)
Region: Northern California
Type: Free and paid options
Drive under trees the size of skyscrapers. This area feels like another planet.
🌳 Camp under ancient giants
🌧️ Can be rainy and damp—bring tarps and layers
📸 Unreal photo ops on every hike
4. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Region: Southern California
Type: Free dispersed camping
One of the few state parks in California where you can legally dispersed camp—just find a spot off the road and set up.
🌵 Dark skies, desert art, and quiet nights
🐍 Watch your step—rattlesnakes and scorpions
🌸 Spring wildflower blooms are legendary
5. Death Valley National Park (Outside the Furnace Creek Area)
Region: Eastern California
Type: Free and paid primitive camping
It’s the hottest place on Earth—but in the right season (late fall to early spring), it’s pure magic.
🌋 Otherworldly landscapes and solitude
⚠️ Temps can still spike—carry extra water
📷 Artist’s Palette and Badwater Basin are must-sees
6. Mendocino National Forest
Region: Northern California
Type: Free dispersed camping
Mendocino is a forested escape with remote camping spots and quiet forest roads. It feels like secret California.
🌲 Great for off-grid isolation
🔥 Campfire restrictions common—always check alerts
🚗 Rough roads—high clearance recommended
7. Joshua Tree National Park (BLM Land Outside Park)
Region: Southern California
Type: Free BLM camping
While camping inside the park can be tough to snag, the BLM land just outside is spacious, beautiful, and free.
🌌 Stargazing capital of the state
🎸 Arts, music, and desert weirdness in nearby towns
⛽ Stock up before arriving—limited services
8. Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Region: Northern California
Type: Free dispersed camping
With Mount Shasta towering over everything and pristine lakes below, this is a hidden gem for quiet, forested van life.
🏕️ Endless spots near creeks and rivers
❄️ Snow possible in shoulder seasons
🐟 Great fishing and swimming areas
9. Sequoia National Forest (not the National Park)
Region: Central California
Type: Free dispersed and designated sites
Unlike the nearby national park, the national forest has more relaxed camping rules and equally epic trees.
🌲 Less crowded than Yosemite or Sequoia NP
🦉 Rich wildlife and peaceful nights
🚫 Some roads close in winter—check access
10. Point Reyes National Seashore Area (Private and Stealth Options)
Region: Northern California Coast
Type: Paid/stealth/hipcamp
Point Reyes doesn’t allow vehicle camping, but nearby towns like Olema, Bolinas, and even areas along Highway 1 offer stealthy overnight options if you’re discreet.
🌊 Epic coastline and foggy mornings
🥐 Stop in Point Reyes Station for good eats
🔕 Be low-key—local enforcement is strict on obvious overnighters
Van Life Tips for California
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Fire restrictions are real. Many areas ban all campfires for months at a time—always check with local ranger districts.
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Avoid cities for overnight parking. Most major cities have strict “no sleeping in vehicles” laws.
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High gas prices. Budget accordingly, especially in remote regions.
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Wildlife awareness. From bears in the Sierras to scorpions in the desert—keep food sealed and gear zipped.
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Explore shoulder seasons. Spring and fall often mean fewer crowds and perfect weather.
Final Thoughts
California is one of the most diverse states in the U.S. for van life. You can park beneath snow-capped peaks one day, then catch waves the next. But the key is knowing where to go—because while the state is rich in beauty, it also comes with strict laws and high prices.
If you’re ready for coastal freedom, towering trees, and desert stillness, California’s backroads are calling. Just keep it clean, respectful, and adventurous—and this state will keep giving you new reasons to stay just one more night.
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