8 Beautiful National Parks in California to Visit

Best Stargazing and Desert Landscapes

Joshua Tree National Park is a surreal desert escape defined by its rare intersection of two distinct desert ecosystems, otherworldly boulder piles, and skies famous for their clarity. Stargazing in Joshua Tree is among the best in the state, especially from spots like Skull Rock or Cottonwood Campground, where minimal light pollution reveals the Milky Way above and the soft call of coyotes echoes across the still desert. If you’re planning to stay overnight, get all the details on nearby camping options—like Black Rock Campground—in our California camping guide.

Often called the “Galapagos of North America,” Channel Islands National Park delivers a raw, untamed wilderness rarely seen on the mainland. Accessible only by boat, its five remote islands offer steep cliffs, sea caves, endemic species, and incredible opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing. Many travelers wonder how to get to Channel Islands National Park—reaching it requires advance booking of ferries or guided tours from Ventura or Oxnard. Before or after your island adventure, don’t miss the chance to relax at Ventura Beach, a classic Southern California stretch of sand with a laid-back vibe and plenty of local flavor. It’s a perfect spot to soak up the sun and start (or end) your Channel Islands journey.

Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.—but also one of the most visually striking. From the golden badlands of Zabriskie Point to the vast salt flats of Badwater Basin, the landscape feels almost otherworldly. Death Valley National Park weather is most pleasant between fall and spring, when temperatures are cooler and conditions safer for RV travel. In spring, rare wildflower blooms transform the valley into a desert in full color—making it a must-see for anyone drawn to nature’s extremes. Looking for a place to stay? Check out the details for Death Valley RV Campground in our California camping guide for the best spot to base your adventure.

Cliffside Hikes, Lava Formations, and Rare Wildlife

Pinnacles National Park captivates visitors with its dramatic volcanic spires, boulder-strewn canyons, and hidden talus caves. It’s a lesser-visited alternative to California’s iconic parks, ideal for spring wildflower hikes and spotting rare California condors overhead. Pinnacles National Park trails range from shady creekside strolls to steep, rocky climbs with panoramic views. Whether you’re winding through Bear Gulch Cave or scaling the High Peaks Trail, the park delivers wild beauty without the crowds.

Massive Trees, Deep Canyons, and Rugged Peaks

These neighboring parks are home to the world’s largest trees, glacier-carved valleys, alpine meadows, and rugged granite peaks. Sequoia National Park RV camping is available near landmark groves like Giant Forest and Grant Grove, where morning light filters through 250-foot trunks and the scent of pine lingers in the crisp air. For camping details and the best places to stay our guide to Sequoia & Kings Canyon. Kings Canyon offers even more solitude, with deep canyons and roaring rivers nestled among remote wilderness.

Towering Cliffs, Roaring Waterfalls, and Alpine Meadows

Yosemite is one of the most iconic national parks in the world, known for its towering granite cliffs, roaring waterfalls, high alpine meadows, and glacier-fed rivers. Camping in Yosemite gives RV travelers the chance to stay close to trailheads for Half Dome, Mirror Lake, and the Merced River, making sunrise hikes and golden-hour views of El Capitan effortlessly accessible. If you want a great base in the heart of the park, find out more about Wawona Campground in our California camping guide. With four distinct seasons and a wide range of elevations, Yosemite delivers a new experience every time you visit.

Boiling Mud Pots, Steam Vents, and Active Volcanoes

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a geothermal marvel, offering boiling mud pots, steam vents, and the towering summit of Lassen Peak. It’s the only U.S. national park where you can see all four types of volcanoes—shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and composite—in one place, making it a fascinating stop for science lovers and solitude seekers alike. Lassen Volcanic National Park camping is best enjoyed in summer, when the roads are clear and geothermal sites like Bumpass Hell and Sulphur Works are fully accessible.

Giant Trees, Misty Forests, and Coastal Views

Redwood National and State Parks transport you into a world of giants—where coast redwoods soar over 300 feet high and ferns blanket the forest floor. These ancient trees, some more than 2,000 years old, tower in misty silence along rugged coastal bluffs and river valleys. Redwood National Park camping offers peaceful, forested spots perfect for RV travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature. Trails like Fern Canyon or Prairie Creek reveal narrow paths lined with towering ferns, the gentle rush of water underfoot, and shafts of light breaking through the canopy.