How To Find Last-Minute Campsites in California: Your Ultimate Guide

We've all been there—school's out, summer's in, and vacation plans are still up in the air. Don’t worry! Camping as a last-minute vacation in California is a fantastic solution. While camping preparation requires some planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Here are some quick tips to find a campsite near San Francisco, within a few hours' drive of SFO airport. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a long-term camping adventure, it's adaptable to your schedule!

Camping Reservation Sites

Summertime is when everyone is searching for vacation ideas, and camping is one of the top choices in California. The state is known for its stunning natural scenery, pristine campgrounds, and friendly people. At Trekker Vans, more than 40% of our customers are from outside California, making it a popular destination for both locals and travelers.

First, check out the typical campsite reservation systems:

ReserveCalifornia.com

Book a campsite at one of the 280 California State Parks, the largest state park system in the United States. Many campgrounds accommodate RVs or campervans, and our Trekker Vans, under 20 feet long, fit easily into standard parking stalls. This gives you more options, as some campgrounds have a trailer or RV length limit of 25 feet.

Recreation.gov

This website allows you to book campsites in National Parks, National Forests, and other federal lands. You'll find tons of information on hiking, fishing, boating, and other recreational activities for your camping trip.

Hipcamp.com

Think of Hipcamp as the Airbnb of campsites. You can find private and diverse camping spots all over California and beyond. This is especially helpful when national and state parks are fully booked. When you rent a campervan from our San Francisco location, we can recommend places to stay based on customer reviews, whether you're looking for glamping or rugged camping.

Campsite Cancellation Notifications

When popular campsites are fully booked, Campnab helps you find cancellations. They monitor parks in California and can alert you to available spots, reducing the stress of last-minute planning. Campflare also has a very similar service that alerts you of campsite cancellations, so you don't need to stay glued to your computer to nab the next available campsite!

First Come, First Serve Campsites

You don’t always need a reservation for a campsite. Many national, state, and county parks offer first-come, first-serve campsites. It’s always best to call ahead and check availability. Camping on weekdays and avoiding three-day holiday weekends increases your chances of finding a spot. Trekker Vans can assist you in pinpointing first-come, first-serve spots for your adventure.

Boondocking (Dispersed Camping)

If you arrive too late to get a site in a designated campground, consider boondocking (dispersed camping) on BLM (Bureau of Land Management), National Forest Service, or Department of Fish and Wildlife lands. Just be sure to follow campervan rules, such as staying on paved roads. Trekker Vans provides add-ons to make your boondocking trip successful, like GPS, portable toilets, portable showers, and other convenient options. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles: Pack It In and Pack It Out, and leave the area cleaner than you found it.

Conclusion

When searching for a last-minute campsite for your summer vacation, stay positive! There are plenty of options, and with Trekker Vans’ customer service, you have a guide to help you decide what’s best for you. The convenience of campervan rentals means you’re not confined to one campsite or location—you can move from one spot to another with all your camping gear in tow. You do not need campsites with hookups either. Give us a call, email, or chat any time, and we can help you develop an unforgettable itinerary!