Seven Underrated California Campgrounds You’ve Never Heard Of

What in the wild wild world of camping is going on here?!  We have just posted campground information and campsite photos for seven underrated California campgrounds you’ve never heard of.  Discover your next campsite and look before you book.

Andrew Molera State Park (CA)

Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp has 24 (hike-to) campsites in a meadow near the Big Sur River and about a mile from the spectacular Big Sur coast. Campsites are nicely spread out and for tent camping. Sites 1-2 are designated for hike/bike campers. The parking area is about 1/4 mile to the campground.

Reyes Creek, Los Padres National Forest (CA)

Located south of Ozena Valley, Reyes Creek Campground has 24 single family campsites set in a scenic canyon near the Sespe Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. One group campsite (up to 40 people) is also available. Several campsites are located along the creek and have nice shade from oak and cottonwood trees. Other campsites are more in the open with limited to no shade.  Campsites can also accommodate tents, trailers and RVs.

Just before the campground you’ll pass through the small and rustic colony known as Camp Scheideck. Originally called Camp Ozena when it was built in the 1920s, there are several cabins, and old lodge/bar (no longer open), and even a small (‘Boot Hill’) cemetery next to a chapel.

Green Creek, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (CA)

Green Creek Campground has 11 first-come first-serve campsites and is located next to Green Creek in a forested area of the Eastern Sierra.  Aspens and pine trees provide good shade to the campsites. The campsites also have pretty good privacy and good room between neighbors. The campground is generally open late April to early October. Amenities include 2 vault toilets and trash collection. Group camping is also available across the creek.

Sandy Flat (Utica Reservoir), Stanislaus National Forest (CA)

Sandy Flat Campground has 9 single-family campsites and is located on the shores of Utica Reservoir in the Stanislaus National Forest. All campsites are first-come, first-serve and can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. The campground is usually open early June to late September.

South Shore (Lower Bear River Reservoir), Eldorado National Forest (CA)

South Shore Campground has 22 campsites and is located on a hill near the Lower Bear River Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs but none of the campsites have views of the water.

Pardoes Point, CA (Lower Bear River Reservoir), Eldorado National Forest (CA)

Pardoes Point Campground has 10 campsites and is located next to Lower Bear River Reservoir in the El Dorado National Forest. Campsites are all first-come first-serve and can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Amenities include potable (drinking) water, vault toilets, overflow parking and trash collection.

Sugar Pine Point, CA (Lower Bear River Reservoir), Eldorado National Forest (CA)

Sugar Pine Point Campground has 9 first-come first-serve campsites and is located next to Lower Bear River Reservoir in the El Dorado National Forest. Campsites 6, 7, 8 and 9 have amazing views of the reservoir. Amenities include potable (drinking) water, vault toilets and trash collection. Overflow parking is also available.