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Car Camping in California: Free Sites, Permits and Gear
How to car camp in California: booking campsites, where free dispersed camping is legal, the campfire permit, bear rules and gear for a comfortable night.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
This guide covers campground reservations, legal free camping, the California campfire permit, bear rules and gear.
For the full checklist, see my California road trip packing list.
In This Guide
How to Reserve California Campgrounds
Most state park and many federal campgrounds book up to six months ahead. Pfeiffer Big Sur and the San Diego beach campgrounds can fill within minutes.
- Recreation.gov: national parks, national forests, BLM and Army Corps
- ReserveCalifornia: California State Parks
- Hipcamp: private land
- County parks: their own websites
Free Dispersed Camping on Public Land
Dispersed camping is free, facility-free camping on national forest or BLM land, usually up to 14 days in one spot. Use existing sites away from water and roads; Motor Vehicle Use Maps show open forest roads.
- Inyo National Forest around Mammoth and June Lake
- Alabama Hills near Lone Pine: designated sites only
- Prewitt Ridge and Plaskett Ridge above Big Sur: rough roads
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: open camping along roads
- Mojave National Preserve: previously used roadside sites
- BLM land around Joshua Tree and the Eastern Sierra
The California Campfire Permit and Fire Rules
A free campfire permit is required for fires, stoves or lanterns on national forest or BLM land outside developed campgrounds. Get it online through Ready for Wildfire; it lasts the calendar year.
Summer and fall restrictions can ban all campfires, though some allow gas stoves with a shutoff valve.
Bear Safety and Food Storage
Bears in Yosemite and Sequoia break into cars. Use metal food lockers for all food, coolers, toiletries and trash.
At dispersed sites, use a hard-sided bear canister away from your bed. See my California bear safety guide.
Sleeping in a Tent vs. Sleeping in Your Car
Tents work in nearly every campground. Car sleeping suits dispersed sites and windy desert nights; crack the windows to cut condensation.
- Thick sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag rated for the coldest night
- Window covers
- Headlamp and lantern
Camp Kitchen Essentials
A two-burner propane stove and a good cooler cover several days.
- Stove and fuel
- Cooler or 12V fridge
- Pot, pan, knife and cutting board
- Dishes and utensils
- Wash basin and biodegradable soap
- Water jug with spigot
Leave No Trace and Camp Etiquette
Pack out everything, use existing fire rings and camp at least 200 feet from water. Without toilets, dig a cat hole 6 to 8 inches deep and pack out toilet paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dispersed camping legal in California?
Yes, on most national forest and BLM land, usually up to 14 days. Some areas allow only designated sites.
Do I need a permit to car camp in California?
Campgrounds need a reservation. Dispersed camping needs a free California campfire permit to use a stove or fire.
Can I sleep in my car at a California beach or trailhead?
Usually not. Use campgrounds and legal dispersed areas.
How far ahead should I book California campsites?
For summer weekends, when the window opens, often six months ahead.
Where can I camp for free near Joshua Tree?
On BLM land north and south of the park. Check with the local BLM field office.
