Wild Camping California: Rules, Risks, and Real Places to Pitch a Tent

When people talk about wild camping California, the practice of setting up camp outside designated campgrounds in natural areas without facilities. Also known as dispersed camping, it’s a draw for anyone who wants to sleep under stars without paying a fee or dealing with crowds. But here’s the catch: what works in Scotland or parts of the UK doesn’t fly in California. The state has some of the strictest land-use laws in the U.S., and mixing up rules can mean a fine, a forced move, or worse.

Most public land in California is managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state parks—and each has different rules. primitive camping, camping with no running water, toilets, or trash service is allowed in some national forests, like the Sierra Nevada or Angeles National Forest, but only if you’re at least 100 feet from water sources and roads, and you can’t stay more than 14 days in a row. California camping permits, official approvals needed for certain areas or extended stays aren’t always required for wild camping, but they are for popular spots like Big Sur or Death Valley backcountry. You can’t just roll up anywhere, pitch a tent, and call it a day. And forget about beach camping—most coastal areas ban overnight stays unless you’re in a designated campsite.

People often think wild camping is free and easy, but it’s not. You need to know where you’re going, what the weather’s doing, and how to pack for no services. That means carrying all your water, packing out every scrap of trash, and knowing how to handle wildlife—from coyotes to black bears. It’s not about being brave; it’s about being prepared. If you’ve ever read about someone getting fined for sleeping in a national park without a permit, or waking up to a bear in their tent, that’s why.

There are places where it’s legal and safe, and places where it’s a bad idea. The difference isn’t always obvious. That’s why we’ve pulled together real stories, real rules, and real advice from people who’ve done it right—and those who got caught. You’ll find guides on where to camp without getting ticketed, what gear actually matters when there’s no electricity, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that turn a quiet night under the stars into a police visit.

Whether you’re planning a solo trip through the Mojave or a weekend with friends in the San Bernardino Mountains, the posts below give you the straight facts—not the Instagram version. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to know before you go.