Top Camping Sites

It isn’t easy (or cheap) to claim a spot along Tahoe’s glorious west shore. But here you can swim and sunbathe at Lester Beach, marvel at Balancing Rock, or simply ogle Tahoe’s famously blue waters. Insider tip: Reserve ahead to nab beachside ($35; sites 141–165). Source: http://www.sunset.com/travel/california/best-campgrounds-california-00400000044084/

Jedediah Smith Campground Situated in a magnificent old-growth redwood grove on the banks of the wild and scenic Smith River, this campground offers hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and seasonal campfire programs.Map Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, 10 miles east of Crescent City, Calif. on Hwy 199. Open: All year. Sites: 86 tent or RV (no hook-ups); hiker/biker sites available. Facilities: Hot showers, ADA accessible restrooms, dump station, picnic tables, fire pits and barbeques, food lockers and trash receptacles, visitor center, campfire center. Vehicle Length Limit: 36-foot RV or 31-foot trailer. Fees: $35 per night, $5 per hiker/biker; $8 day-use only.

8 miles north of Moose, 49 sites, tents only. This is the park's most popular campground and is generally full by 10 a.m. Sites are in among the evergreens and glacial boulders a short distance from Jenny Lake. Only one vehicle, less than 14 feet long and 8 feet tall, is permitted per site. Trailers and pop-up tops are prohibited.

Location: On the Tioga Road (Highway 120), about one hour north of Yosemite ValleyElevation: 7,700 ft (2,300 m) Open: July through early September (approximately) (check for this year's estimated opening and closing dates)Reservations: NoCost: $10/night for each campsite (maximum 6 people per site)Number of sites: 75RV length: RVs not recommendedTrailer length: Trailers not recommended

Season Schedule Status: Closed through Sun May 12 2013

Rosy Lane Campground is at 8600 ft in elevation. The campground lies on the banks of the Taylor River. A trail from the campground provides access to the gold medal waters of the Taylor River. The site is also very close to the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area. This government designated natural area is a great place for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding. 20 campsites.

General Campground Information Pinyon Flats Campground has 88 individual sites located along two loops. Individual sites are $20 per night, whether reserved or first-come, first-served. Restrooms have sinks, flush toilets, and a sink for dishwashing. Each site has a fire grate and picnic table. Some sites have large cottonwood or conifer trees for shade, while others are more out in the open with smaller pinyon trees. A few sites can fit RVs up to 35 feet in length; see more information on RVs below. Loop 1 (44 sites) of the campground is open year-round; one restroom is winterized. Campsites have a maximum capacity of six people, two tents, and two vehicles (including towed vehicles/trailers). A 50% discount applies to Golden Age and Golden Access pass holders.

Getting There: To Sylvan Lake, Cabins, Campsites: Take I-70 to Eagle (Exit 147). Turn south and follow signs through town. On the south side of town turn south on Brush Creek Road and travel 10 miles to the Visitor Center. Continue on Brush Creek Road until the road forks and becomes dirt. At the fork stay right and travel 5 miles to the lake, campground and cabins.

Glacier Shuttle The new shuttles at Glacier are awesome - look like they're styled after the red jammers. There's no charge, and they run every 15 minutes (on the west side) or half hour (on the east). Biggest problem we saw was a shortage of eastbound shuttles from Apgar Village and Lake McDonald.

Location: On the Tioga Road (Highway 120) about one hour north of Yosemite Valley Open: July through early September (approximately) (check for this year's estimated opening and closing dates)Reservations: NoCost: $14/night for each campsite (maximum 6 people per site)Number of sites: 74RV length: up to 27 ftTrailer length: up to 24 ft