California Dominates Esquire's 21 Most Beautiful Campsites

While most Americans have to look far and wide for the most amazing campsites, Californians are always just a couple hours away from some of the most stunning camping this nation has to offer.

Esquire magazine recently put together a list of America’s 21 Most Beautiful Campsites, and California dominates with six wildly unique camping experiences.

Jumbo Rocks Campground at Joshua Tree National Park

While it’s just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, the park feels like another world. Campers, who get their spot on a first-come first serve basis, can pitch their tents in the shadow of otherworldly rock formations.

Death Valley National Park

One of the hottest places on Earth, the extremes of Death Valley are nothing short of surreal. And yet, it’s where nature puts on an annual display of delicate, unlikely beauty with fields of wildflowers. This year’s El Nino rainfall promises to make this spring’s display a must-see.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods Campground

You can camp among the old growth redwoods at Jedediah Smith Redwoods Campgrounds, the site Esquire calls “California’s most beautiful camping spot.” Picture lush green ferns, light fog and towering moss-covered redwoods.

Los Padres National Forest

The forest stretches from Big Sur to Santa Barbara, and it offers waterfalls, rocky ocean cliffs, secluded coves, and endless hiking trails and campgrounds.

Oz Farm, North Coast

Just three hours north of San Francisco, Oz Farm is an oasis. It offers rustic cabins and redwood campsites with hundreds of acres of meadows, river trails and hiking.

Calpine Fire Lookout, Tahoe National Forest

You’re on top of the world at nearly 6,000 feet up the mountain at Tahoe National Forest Calpine Fire Lookout. Built in 1934, the lookout was used each summer until the late 70s. The former fire service lookout comes with twin beds, a kitchen and stunning views in cozy isolation.

Click here for Esquire’s full list of America’s 21 Most Beautiful Campsites.