Family Campgrounds in northern California offer travelers a wide variety of choice in terms of geography. Whether you are interested in coastal, mountain or lake camping, family-friendly sites are available that offer drive-up access and amenities such as restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Most family campgrounds also offer programs or attractions that specifically cater to children and teens.
Located along Highway 1, 26 miles south of Carmel, Big Sur offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean,several hiking trails, which range from easy, flat walks to strenuous inclines, and several State Park and U.S. Forest Service beaches that are open to the public. Some campsites in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are situated along the Big Sur River. RV camping is allowed for rigs with a maximum camper length of 32 feet. On-site amenities include showers, restrooms, a grocery store, a café and Wi-Fi access within 150 to 200 feet of the store. Big Sur Lodge is located in the park and runs a “Campfire Program” during the summer for children less than 6 years of age and children ages 7 to 12, The program features nature education, arts and crafts and story time six days a week.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur Station No.1
Big Sur, CA 93920
800-424-4787
parks.ca.gov
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in the High Sierra region of Calaveras County, which is about an hour and a half from Stockton, California. This is California’s longest running tourist facility, and it is the home of the “Discovery Tree,” the first tree noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852 to officially document the existence of a Sierra redwood grove in the region. RV camping sites accommodate rigs with a maximum trailer length of 30 feet. Park amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic areas and a visitor center. The Stanislaus River runs through the park, creating fishing and swimming opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Calaveras Big Trees State Park also offers a Jr. Ranger program and activities for children during the summer months.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
P.O. Box 120
Arnold, CA 95223
209-795-2334
parks.ca.gov
Known as “Coyote Bear,” this county park provides guests with a 635-acre lake that offers boat launch ramps and fishing access. Swimming is not allowed, but water sports such as jet skiing, waterskiing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking are encouraged. The park offers 74 camping sites and family-friendly amenities such as showers, restrooms and picnic areas are. Each site offers a fire pit/grill, food locker, picnic table and paved slip. The park also offers 18 RV sites that feature water and electric hookups. The 4,595-acre park boasts 23 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horse riding.
Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
408-842-7800
parkhere.org
