With Independence Day approaching soon, camping is an excellent way to celebrate 4th July uniquely.
Numerous camping spots are scattered throughout California; many remain open this holiday weekend.
This blog will highlight some of the most popular camping destinations to ensure a memorable experience on your 4th July camping trip.
List a variety of campsites in California that are open on 4th July
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking spot for camping, with soaring cliffs, towering waterfalls, and lush valleys. The sheer granite walls rise thousands of feet above the beautiful valley floor. Glaciers from the last ice age carved out U-shaped valleys and lakes, leaving behind stunning natural wonders.
During the spring and summer, the waterfalls are truly spectacular, tumbling down the cliffs and creating a mist hanging over the valley. Yosemite Falls is the tallest in North America at nearly 2,425 feet, making it an impressive sight.
The clear streams that run through the Park also provide a perfect habitat for wildlife like black bears, deer, and bighorn sheep.
The Park remains open on the 4th of July, welcoming visitors to enjoy all its natural beauty. But visitors must make reservations in advance for the campgrounds or lodging options within the Park. Many campsites fill up months in advance for the peak summer season due to Yosemite’s high popularity.
The camping sites at the Park offer various amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and bear-proof food storage. Some campgrounds even have snack shops, gas stations, showers and laundry facilities. Yosemite Valley offers the widest camping and lodging options, from rustic tent sites to cabins.
A trip to Yosemite National Park offers stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and memorable experiences for the whole family. The precious natural and cultural resources preserved within the Park make it one of America’s greatest national treasures.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is a spectacular site near Yosemite and one of California’s most popular camping spots.
The Park is open on 4th July, and visitors can enjoy hiking through the lush forests and exploring caves in the underground world.
The Park’s Beauty
Sequoia National Park contains some of Earth’s largest and oldest trees, the giant Sequoia redwood trees. These massive trees can grow hundreds of feet tall and live for over 2,000 years. Walking through the groves of massive sequoias is a surreal experience with the ancient trees’ immense scale.
The Park also offers stunning views of the High Sierra mountains. Scenic hiking trails wind through meadows filled with wildflowers and provide panoramic views of jagged peaks and granite cliffs. The translucent blue lakes are another highlight, giving peaceful spots to stop and rest during longer hikes.
Cave Exploration
Underground, the Park offers an otherworldly experience. The scenic drive along the General’s Highway passes through Crystal Cave, with massive calcite formations over 100 feet tall. Visitors can take guided cave tours to see the incredible display of cave decorations like stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and cave shields.
The Park offers campsites with running water, restrooms, and fire pits. Camping allows visitors to experience the stillness and serenity of being surrounded by these giant trees beneath a starry night.
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park is another fantastic camping destination rich with stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy exploring deep canyons, vast meadows, and colossal rock formations. The Park offers campsites on the 4th of July, which include fire pits, picnic tables, and running water.
The National Park features a range of geological wonders carved over millions of years. Massive granite cliffs rise thousands of feet, plunging into forested valleys cut by the Kings River and South Fork Kings River. Towering sequoia trees that measure thousands of years old stand alongside springs, meadows, and cascading waterfalls.
Awe Inspiring Scenery
The Park’s rugged peaks and sheer rock walls provide dramatic views in every direction. Whether hiking along an alpine ridge, exploring sparkling streams and meadows, or simply relaxing at a campsite, visitors are surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. Towering waterfalls cascade over granite faces after winter snowmelt and spring rains.
Miles of hiking trails wind through diverse terrain ranging from dry foothills to alpine zones above 11,000 feet. The climate varies significantly from the hot, arid valleys to cold, snowy peaks. Camping in Kings Canyon offers an escape into wild, undeveloped nature and experiences serenity under the Milky Way.
Activities For All Ages
The Park offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for children, families, and adult adventurers. Favorites include day hikes to scenic lakes and waterfalls, fishing in mountain lakes and rivers, and camping under the night sky at over 1,000 individual campsites. During the winter, miles of paths open up for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through pristine snowscapes.
Lake Tahoe Vacation Spot
Lake Tahoe is a prime vacation spot for many Californians looking for a relaxing outdoor experience. Visitors can enjoy camping and various summer recreational activities on the 4th of July, such as hiking, biking, fishing, or boating. The Lake offers various campsites with showers, restrooms, and barbecue grills.
Situated near the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the second-deepest lake in the United States. Fed by snowmelt from the surrounding Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges, the Lake maintains a crisp, blue color and an average depth of 1,000 feet. On clear days, the majestic grandeur of the surrounding mountain peaks is reflected in its still waters.
Campers can choose from many campgrounds around the Lake, including some located directly on its sandy beaches—the national forests surrounding the Lake feature drive-up campsites and more secluded spots for an authentic backcountry experience. Many campgrounds cater specifically to tent campers and offer spacious sites with distance between neighbors.
The weather during the summer months of June to September allows plenty of outdoor recreation. Daytime highs typically range from the 60s to the 80s, with cool evenings that dip into the 50s. The summer season also aligns with the peak flower blooming period when colorful wildflowers erupt throughout the mountain meadows.
To truly get away from it all, campers can hike along the many trails that lead to isolated spots on the Lake’s shoreline for picture-perfect lake views. Kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing are also popular ways to experience the pristine tranquility of Lake Tahoe up close.
Big Sur
Big Sur is a beautiful stretch of coastline featuring rugged cliffs, dense forests, and pristine beaches—the Campsites at Big Sur offer scenic views, hiking trails, and beach access. On 4th July, visitors can explore the fantastic natural beauty of Big Sur and enjoy camping under the starry sky.
Scenic beauty
Big Sur encompasses around 90 miles of rugged, unspoiled coastline along California’s Central Coast. The dramatic and sheer rock cliffs rise to 1500 feet above the Pacific Ocean below, creating a scenic backdrop like no other.
Waves crash against beaches of sea-polished pebbles, while dense forests of redwood and Douglas fir trees cloak the mountains that tumble precipitously to the ocean. The entire region is part of the Los Padres National Forest, making it a veritable outdoor playground.
Hiking trails
Big Sur boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that allow visitors to discover the region’s unmatched natural beauty up close. Famous trails like the Rim Trail follow the ridgeline towering over the Pacific, providing dramatic ocean views along the entire route.
The Coast Ridge Trail traverses the length of Big Sur, connecting many state parks and beaches along the way. Shorter day hikes ascend to scenic waterfalls, mountain peaks, and secluded beaches between rocky outcroppings.
Camping under the stars
There is no better way to experience Big Sur’s ethereal beauty than camping under its starry sky. The numerous campgrounds in redwood groves offer front-row seats to the region’s rugged coastline during the day and unfettered views of the heavens at night.
Visitors come to camp, hike, swim, relax on the beach, and enjoy the serene ocean vistas in this spectacularly scenic place.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is an ideal destination for adventure-seekers who want to experience nature’s extremes. The Park offers a variety of opportunities for those looking for an unforgettable escape.
The stunning landscape of Death Valley features colorful dunes, mysterious underground caverns, towering mountain peaks, and massive salt flats that shimmer in the sun. Visitors can explore the incredibly diverse geography by following old pioneer trails, hiking through hidden canyons, and climbing to panoramic mountaintop views.
Camping at Death Valley National Park is a unique experience, as campsites sit within this otherworldly landscape. The Park offers several campgrounds for the 4th of July, including Stovepipe Wells, Sunset, and Furnace Creek. Campers can wake to the iconic desert sunrise as they prepare to explore the Park’s scenic wonders.
The campsites provide essential amenities like restrooms, showers, fire rings, and picnic tables. However, campers are encouraged to bring their food, water, and supplies as services are limited within the Park. Visitors must be prepared for the extreme heat and aridity of Death Valley, especially during the summer months.
Those who brave the harsh desert conditions are rewarded with solitude, vast open skies, and an experience of true wilderness. Death Valley National Park’s camping opportunities and abundant natural and cultural sights offer the perfect escape for adventurous travelers seeking the desert’s raw beauty.
Tips for a Successful Camping Trip on 4th July:
Getting ready for a camping trip requires planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to help make your 4th July camping trip a success:
- Make reservations early to secure your spot.
- Stock up on food and water as stores may be closed on 4th July. You are buying extra non-perishable food items and bottled water before the July 4th weekend. Many stores may have shorter hours or even close completely on 4th July since it is a federal holiday in the United States. Some businesses may close early on 3rd July in preparation for the holiday. Therefore, you should buy any essentials you need over the few days surrounding the 4th of July in advance – before stores close or become very busy. This ensures you have enough food and water available when stores may not be open or available. You can buy non-perishable pantry staples like canned soups, beans, and tuna and dry goods like pasta, rice, and cereal. Bottled water is also recommended in case your home water temporarily stops working or as a precaution.
- Pack clothes for hot weather, as temperatures in California can be high during this time.
- Bring mosquito repellent to avoid mosquitoes in some areas.
Conclusion
Camping is an excellent way to celebrate 4th July differently.
In California, numerous camping spots are available to cater to your needs and offer a unique way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate Independence Day.
Use the tips provided in this blog to plan your trip and explore the wonders of California’s natural beauty. Do not miss out on having a memorable 4th July camping trip with family and friends!
FAQs
Are California state parks open on 4th July?
Yes, California state parks are open on 4th July. However, it is important to note that some parks may have special events or closures on that day. It is always best to check with the park you are interested in visiting to confirm their hours of operation and any special events.
How much does it cost to camp along California?
The cost of camping in California varies depending on the type of campground, the location, and the time of year. In general, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50 per night for a basic tent or RV camping site in a state park or campground. However, there are also a number of free or low-cost camping options available, such as dispersed camping in national forests or BLM land.
Here is a breakdown of the average cost of camping in California:
- State parks: $20-$50 per night
- National forests: Free-$20 per night
- BLM land: Free
- Private campgrounds: $50-$100 per night
Do I need a permit to camp in California?
You do not need a permit to camp in California state parks. However, there are a few exceptions.
For example, you need a permit to camp in the following areas:
- Yosemite National Park
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks:
- Death Valley National Park:
If you plan to camp in a national forest or BLM land, you may need a permit. Permits are typically required for dispersed camping, which is camping in areas that are not designated campgrounds. Permits can be obtained online or at the forest service or BLM office.
It is always best to check with the specific park or land management agency to confirm whether or not a permit is required.
