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If you are visiting Arches or Canyonlands and are planning to camp, you should know that camping within these national parks is quite limited. Fortunately, the Bureau of Land Management operates over two dozen developed campgrounds (with over 400 individual sites) outside these parks around the city of Moab. Each of the BLM campgrounds are first-come first-serve, so it is best to arrive early and plan ahead. ...Read more.

Zion National Park boasts three campgrounds. The six-site Lava Point Campground is located on the north side of the park near the entrance of Kolob Canyon. Watchman campground and South Campground are located at the southern end of Zion Canyon near the park visitor center, and are significantly larger. The 164 sites at Watchman Campground may be reserved from March through October by calling 877-444-6777 or surfing over to recreation. ...Read more.

The largest area of Giant Sequoia National Monument lies in the Western Divide Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest, on the west side the Sierra Nevada Mountains south of Sequoia National Park. In addition to cozy car camping, the national monument offers access to giant sequoia groves and several fine trails. Of the ten campgrounds in the Western Divide Ranger District, Quaking Aspen is one of the largest, with 32 well-spaced sites that can be reserved online (for a fee) or on a first-come first-serve basis. ...Read more.

The Mineral King region of Sequoia National Park has two serene campgrounds, Atwell Mill Campground and Cold Springs Campground. RVs are not allowed at either of these tent-only campgrounds. Both campgrounds are open from late May through the end of October. Outside of holiday weekends, finding a campsite at these remote havens is hardly a challenge. ...Read more.

Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are two large adjoining parks with many camping options. With so much to see, it is definitely worth spending multiple days in these two parks. The campgrounds are a great way to experience the parks after dark. Located near the Giant Forest and Tokopah Falls, Lodgepole Campground is the largest campground in Sequoia National Park with 214 sites. ...Read more.

During a spring visit to Sequoia National Park, temperatures in the high country can still be quite cold. Night time temperatures can fall below freezing and there will be snow on the ground in places. While that may not sound pleasant, camping in the foothills during this time is perfect. There are two campgrounds to choose from. Both offer plenty of shade and mild evening temperatures. ...Read more.

Wheeler Gorge offers a campground and a nature trail. If you are planning an overnight visit to the Los Padres near Ojai, keep Wheeler Gorge campground as an option. When the free campgrounds fill up with weekend fishermen, Wheeler Gorge is an attractive alternative. Single sites go for $25 a night (and $10 for additional vehicles). Double sites are available for $50 per night (all prices as of 2018). ...Read more.

Joshua Tree National Park boasts nine campgrounds with 500 a combined individual sites, so this park is ready to accommodate your visit! On Thanksgiving weekend and New Years weekend (the Memorial day and Labor day of the desert) the park will be packed and finding a campsite can be a challenge. On these weekend, consider visiting the less popular Mojave National Preserve to the north. ...Read more.

Beyond its 101-site campground, Indian Cove offers a 0.6-mile long interpretive trail, a picnic area, and plenty of rocks for climbers. The picnic area serves as the starting point for an unmaintained trail up Rattlesnake Canyon. The rock formations around Indian Cove are perfect for bouldering, rock hopping, and more serious climbing. Have some fun in the sun and burn some calories leaping and climbing up the mountain of sandstone boulders. ...Read more.

Being a preserve, Mojave National Preserve lacks a few of the facilities you would find in Joshua Tree or Death Valley, but this absence creates the opportunity for a more intimate visit with the desert. For the traditionalists (those who like camping near a bathroom), Mojave National Preserve has a couple standard campgrounds. For more adventurous campers, Mojave offers a unique experience akin to wilderness car camping. ...Read more.