Here in Southern California, we are spoiled with beautiful weather all year long which is music to any nature lover’s ears. Camping is perhaps the best way to experience the Great Outdoors, and SoCal has a ton of beautiful campgrounds. But with so many campsites booked up months in advance, you may wonder where to find some of the best no-reservation campgrounds in Southern California. Well, read on! After doing some scouting, we found 10 incredible campgrounds in SoCal where you can show up without advanced reservations and book a campsite right on the spot. If you’re looking to spend the weekend on a fun last-minute camping trip and are looking for “no reservation camping near me,” you’ll definitely want to check out one of these scenic spots.

1. Buckhorn Campground - Angeles National Forest

Buckhorn Campground, California 93553, USA
Wojciech Olma/Google Reviews
For an iconic camping experience in the forest, nothing beats the Angeles National Forest. Buckhorn Campground offers 34 tent and RV sites, plus four tent-only sites. When you enjoy first come first serve camping in Southern California all the campsites are available for walk-up. For specific details on how to get to the Buckhorn campsite, please check out the US National Forest website. (Note: due to a forest fire in 2021 camping may be closed - check the website before planning your trip)

2. Holcomb Valley Campground - San Bernardino National Forest

Holcomb Valley Campground, Holcomb Valley Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA
David S/Google Reviews
Located approximately five miles from Big Bear, the Holcomb Valley Campground offers 19 single-family campsites that can accommodate up to eight people and one vehicle. All 19 sites are first-come, first-served, so this is a great spot for those who are seeking out a last-minute camping trip in SoCal! For detailed directions to Holcomb Valley Campground, please head to the US Forest Service website.

3. Oak Flats Campground - Angeles National Forest

Oak Flat Campground, Golden State Hwy, Forest Service, Rd 6N46, Castaic, CA 91384, USA
cat flores/Google Reviews
Oak Flats Campground is a heavenly spot tucked inside a woodsy grove of towering oaks. The best part? No reservations required. Select from 11 dedicated tent sites and 10 RV/tent sites. Each campsite comes equipped with a grill, so make sure to pack all your favorite camping foods so you can grill up a feast - and make some s'mores! More information can be found at the Angeles National Forest website.

4. Ryan Campground - Joshua Tree National Park

Ryan Campground, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA
A Martinez/Google Reviews
You'll find 31 campsites available at this scenic destination in Joshua Tree National Park. All camping spots are first-come, first-served -- so there's no advance reservation needed. This is a popular spot, so be prepared to get there early so you can stake your claim on your favorite campsite! Please note, there's no water at this campground, so please plan accordingly and bring your own.

5. Chilao Campground -Angeles National Forest

Chilao Campground, unnamed road, Palmdale, CA 93550, USA
Mauro Vieira/Google Reviews
With 83 sites available, it's highly likely you'll be able to snag a great place to camp at the last minute. You'll find picnic tables and grills at this rugged camping spot located in the Angeles National Forest. Enjoy some of the best first-come first-serve camping in Southern California. For specific details on how to get to the Chilao Campground, you can head to the US National Forest website.

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6. Big Pine Flat - San Bernardino National Forest

Big Pine Flat, California, USA
so cal traveler/Google Reviews
One of many beautiful campsites tucked inside the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Pine Flat is a great spot for a last-minute camping retreat when you find yourself without any reservations on a busy weekend. Located close to Big Bear, this is a great location with 19 spots available where you can camp virtually in the middle of nowhere, all while having close access to town. Be sure to check out the San Bernardino National Forest website for closures before planning your trip.

7. Horse Flats Campground - Angeles National Forest

Horse Flats Campground, Pearblossom, CA 93553, USA
moses Gilbert/Google Reviews
Set up camp in a forest surrounded by a canopy of towering trees. All 26 campsites are available without reservation. Each site offers a picnic table and a fire ring. You can find directions and more details right over on the Angeles National Forest website.

8. White Tank Campground - Joshua Tree National Park

White Tank Campground, 2 White Tank Campground Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA
Brad Betts/Google Reviews
For a campsite that's close to stunning hiking trails and surrounded by breathtaking rock formations, nothing beats Joshua Tree National Park. White Tank Campground features 15 no-reservation campsites in a scenic setting that will make your jaw drop.

9. Wildrose Campground - Death Valley National Park

Wildrose Campground, Death Valley, CA 98801, USA
John Moroz/Google Reviews
If you're up for camping at Death Valley during the hot season, you'll be delighted to know that most of the campsites in this national park do not require reservations! The Wildrose Campground is one of our favorites, with 23 first-come, first-served sites available. This campsite has it all: fire pits, picnic tables, and water, for the ultimate SoCal camping trip.

10. Crystal Lake Campground - Angeles National Forest

Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground, California 91702, USA
Cory Scott/Google Reviews
You'll find 36 campsites at Crystal Lake that are available for tent or RV camping. Some of the sites are quite large and can accommodate multiple tents. If you show up on the weekend, plan on arriving early to stake your claim at one of these no-reservation spots. For more info about the campground take a look at the Angeles National Forest website.

Sometimes we enjoy a spontaneous weekend in the woods. That’s the beauty of having the availability for no reservation camping. Have you ever visited these no-reservation campgrounds in Southern California? Which campground is your favorite?

And if you love heading out for the weekend for an outdoor adventure, you might also enjoy these 11 camping spots in SoCal that are positively delightful. Be sure to check out our ultimate hiking packing list before you hit the trails.

These 11 Amazing Camping Spots In Southern California Are An Absolute Must See

California National Parks offer amazing opportunities for backcountry camping. Take a look at a few of our favorite spots in this video:

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More to Explore

No Reservation Campgrounds In Southern California

Sarah | March 02, 2021

What are some of the best campgrounds in Southern California?

Some of the best campgrounds in Southern California include:

For the ultimate SoCal camping trip, we love El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara. This place takes your standard camping experience and takes it to the next level. El Capitan Canyon is a luxury campground that is pure rustic comfort -- it's glamping at its finest. You can choose from a variety of tents or yurts for an outdoorsy weekend of lodging, and each safari tent comes equipped with all the comforts of home -- a cozy bed, bedside lamps, and even a space heater for those chilly SoCal nights.  So you can enjoy the Great Outdoors... without roughing it in any way! That's a win-win in our book.

Is Southern California a good place to go camping?

Absolutely! Sometimes it seems that Southern California only has one season: summertime. There’s nothing more incredible than a night or weekend spent in the Great Outdoors, and the southern side of the state sure knows how to deliver! With our glorious weather, warm temperatures, and sun that sticks around all year, we can camp any time of the year, and know it will be amazing.

What are the most scenic campgrounds in Southern California?

There are so many scenic campgrounds in Southern California; it's really just a question of where your wanderlust is leading you. Here are a couple of the most scenic campgrounds in Southern California:

  • Looking for a night in the desert? Do yourself a favor and add Joshua Tree to your bucket list as it's an incredible place to experience. There are several campgrounds within this national park, but Jumbo Rocks is the most popular destination as it's centrally located, and easy to explore the entire park from this spot. Another bonus: the giant rocks are not only magnificent, but they also provide tons of privacy from other nearby campers.
  • Prefer to camp on the beach? Thornhill Broome Beach State Park is a perfect place to camp. Set up your tent right on the sand and the ocean is only steps away. It's one of the most beautiful campsites in all of SoCal. 

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