California’s hardest-to-reserve campgrounds

In California, the most arduous campgrounds to reserve are highly sought after due to the state’s rugged terrain and diverse range of natural attractions. From the Sierra Nevada to the Redwood Forest, the Golden State has a plethora of gorgeous locations for outdoor enthusiasts to explore, and securing a reservation can be a daunting task.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) is tasked with managing the state’s campgrounds, and there are a few that remain particularly difficult to book. For starters, the Yosemite Valley has long been a popular destination for campers, with its breathtaking waterfalls and towering granite cliffs. Consequently, it is usually the first to fill up, as reservations open up five months in advance.

Another particularly challenging site to reserve is the Big Sur State Park. Located along the California coast, the park boasts epic views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as a lush forest of redwood trees. Reservations open up six months in advance, but due to its popularity, the park is often fully booked within days.

For those looking for a more remote experience, the Lost Coast Trail in Humboldt County may be the perfect option. This rugged stretch of coastline is home to some of the state’s most beautiful beaches, but getting a reservation is often a challenge. Permits are required for overnight camping, and they are only available two months in advance, making it a difficult spot to secure.

Finally, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is another campground that is notoriously hard to reserve. This vast desert landscape is a unique and beautiful area, but due to its limited number of sites, reservations can be tough to come by.

In short, those looking to camp in California will have to act quickly to secure the most sought-after spots. Campers should plan ahead, be prepared to make reservations early, and keep an eye out for cancellations. With a little bit of luck and some perseverance, they may just find a place to pitch their tents in the Golden State’s most coveted campgrounds.