West Coast Camping Road Trip

Over the summer, I decided to take a road trip with my dogs Ruby and Jax to the West Coast. Let me begin by saying the West Coast is a beautiful place. We are so lucky to live in a country full of incredible national parks like Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and Yosemite. Below you will find my recommendations for the best west coast camping sites I've explored over the past 4 months.

Los Angeles

L.A is a great starting point for your road trip! It’s a huge city to explore and caters to everyone. If you want to spend your time lounging by the beach, head to Malibu, Santa Monica, or Venice Beach.The beaches here are incredible, and there are plenty of opportunities to swim, surf, walk and explore.

Joshua Tree National Park

Just outside of Palm Springs is Joshua Tree National Park. Home to the incredible Joshua Tree, this spot is great for hiking and exploring. You can camp nearby at Hidden Valley Campground or Belle Campground. Both sites offer amazing views. Be sure to check out the National Park Service site to see what is available.

Grand Canyon

One of the worlds seven wonders, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is simply a sight to behold. We recommend waking up early and getting to the canyon to see the sunrise. It is simply magical. If you choose to hike one of the many trails in the Grand Canyon, remember to start early and that what goes down MUST come back up - so don’t overdo it! Check out the Grand Canyon NPS site for all your camping options.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley is nothing short of iconic. This USA landscape is known throughout the world, and it’s easy to see why. Monument Valley has such a beautiful desert landscape with large red stone formations, and it is by far one of the most magical places on earth. Here, you could go on an organized tour to learn about the landscape and the history and culture of the Navajo People.

Page

Page is the gateway to so many beautiful highlights, like Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and Antelope Canyon. I recommend visiting Horseshoe Bend during sunset for a spectacular view with incredible lighting.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is home to beautiful scenery and even more beautiful sunsets! There are several beautiful hikes in this park, so be sure to spend enough time here to make the most of them. A great hike that we recommend is the Navajo Loop Trail. Here are some great camping sites located within Bryce Canyon National Park.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is fantastic for hikes, scenery, and photography. There are plenty of hiking trails for those that love to explore, so make sure to leave enough time. Zion National Park is famous for its spots like Angel’s Landing, Weeping Rock, and Checkerboard Mesa. There are plenty of camping spots located within the National Park.

Death Valley

The lowest point in North America is a spot you won’t want to miss. It’s awe-inspiring. The lowest point in North America can be found here, about 85 meters below sea level and called Badwater Basin. Check out the National Park Service for the best camping spots located in Death Valley National Park.

Yosemite

Yosemite is what dreams are made of. Full of iconic lookouts, scenic sights, and picturesque views, this national park is one of the best in the USA. Be sure to check out Half Dome at sunset for the iconic pink glow on the rock. Be aware that you need to book in advance for camping at Yosemite if you want to camp within the national park. Spots fill up fast, so be sure to plan ahead! You can find more information here.

San Francisco

This is where my West Coast road trip ended! San Francisco is just a few hour’s drive from Yosemite. It is the perfect spot to relax and unwind from the last few weeks of camping, hiking, and seeing the most beautiful sights! Be sure to check out the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

I hope you enjoyed my favorite West Coast camping spots, hopefully this helps you plan your next camping trip with ease. Enjoy!