6 Scenic Tent Camping Spots in California With Mountain Views
If you love camping and enjoy waking up to stunning mountain views, California has some incredible spots for you to pitch your tent. From peaceful forests to high-elevation meadows, the state offers a variety of scenic landscapes that make your outdoor experience memorable.
These six tent camping spots provide some of the best mountain views in California, perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking for a beautiful getaway, these locations offer a great mix of accessibility and natural beauty.
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Big Pine Creek Campground in the Eastern Sierra Nevada
If you’re looking for a spot with amazing mountain views, Big Pine Creek Campground is a solid choice. It sits at about 7,700 feet, surrounded by tall trees and the sound of Big Pine Creek flowing nearby.
You can easily hike from the campground to stunning alpine lakes and glaciers in the Eastern Sierra. It’s perfect if you want some peace, nature, and a bit of adventure on your trip.
The campsites fit tents, small trailers, and RVs. You’ll find a mix of sites, including a few that are tent-only if you want a more traditional camping vibe. Check out more about Big Pine Creek Campground’s features here.
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Ventana Basin in Big Sur with pine-shaded mountain views
If you’re after a camping spot with peaceful mountain views, Ventana Basin in Big Sur is a solid pick. The area is surrounded by tall pine trees that give you plenty of shade while you relax at your tent.
You’ll find a tent-only campground here, so no RVs or trailers allowed. It’s a quieter spot, perfect if you want to unplug and enjoy the redwoods and mountains around you.
The fresh air and natural setting make it easy to unwind. At night, the starry sky over the mountains adds a calm vibe to your camping experience. Check out more about Ventana Basin camping options here.
Yosemite National Park’s Tuolumne Meadows
If you’re looking to camp with some serious mountain views, Tuolumne Meadows is a great pick. Sitting at 8,600 feet, this campground offers wide grassy meadows surrounded by granite peaks.
You’ll find 304 campsites here, with options for both tents and RVs up to 35 feet. It’s a seasonal spot, open from July through September, so plan your trip accordingly.
From here, you’ve got easy access to tons of hiking trails and alpine lakes. The peaceful setting and fresh mountain air make it perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Learn more about the campground on the Tuolumne Meadows Campground page.
Lassen Volcanic National Park alpine campsites
If you’re looking for tent camping with mountain views, Lassen Volcanic National Park has you covered. The alpine campsites, like those near Manzanita Lake, offer stunning scenery and easy access to trails.
You’ll find spacious sites with modern amenities like flush toilets and drinking water. These spots are great for both beginners and seasoned campers who want a peaceful mountain getaway.
Keep in mind some campgrounds are closed for recovery from wildfires, so it’s smart to check availability before you go. Your experience here will include crisp mountain air and close-up views of volcanic landscapes.
See more about camping options at Lassen Volcanic National Park here.
Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe
If you’re looking for rugged mountain views, Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe is a solid pick. This spot offers granite peaks, alpine lakes, and plenty of quiet places to set up your tent.
You’ll find over 63,000 acres of wild, natural beauty between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento. It’s a popular spot, so snagging a permit beforehand is key.
Camping here means waking up to clear skies, fresh mountain air, and some of the best hiking trails around. Explore spots like Lake Aloha for stunning scenery just a short trek from your campsite. Check out more about backpacking in Desolation Wilderness for planning tips.
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Juniper Lake Campground in Lassen Park
If you want a chill spot with mountain views, Juniper Lake Campground is a solid pick. It’s right on the east shore of Juniper Lake, so you can hang out by the water or explore the trails around.
You’ll camp at about 6,800 feet, with plenty of shade and spots for tents only. The vibe is rustic, with fire rings and picnic tables but no hookups or big RV access.
Expect cooler nights, sometimes dipping into the 20s or 30s, so pack warm gear. The campground is mostly first-come, first-served, so get there early in the season to snag a spot. More details can be found at Juniper Lake Campground – U.S. National Park Service.
