Much of the American West prides itself on its diversity, from towering deserts to breathtaking coastlines, from towering redwood forests to snow-capped mountains. But no state in the west has as much as California. The Golden State is a virtual cornucopia of natural wonders. From top to bottom, explore its stunningly beautiful coastline to the deep forests and deserts that are also found here. Stay at hundreds of great California RV Camping Resorts along the way and you’ll experience the best California has to offer at California Camping.

Sure, California’s gorgeous coastlines and towering redwoods in the northern part of the state get all the attention, but in Southern California, deserts dominate the landscape. Northeast of Los Angeles, the Mojave Desert covers more than 15,000 square miles. Although not all parts of the Mojave are ideal for a leisurely picnic (think heat), this “high” desert contains several mountain ranges and is located well above sea level. These two factors are what give the Mojave its unique ecosystem, allowing for a variety of wild inhabitants. Native birds such as roadrunners and wrens often share space with exotic migratory birds such as vireos and flycatchers. Coyotes and kit foxes prowl the desert foothills, as do more docile creatures like bighorn sheep and warthogs. Like most deserts, the Mojave is susceptible to extreme weather. Chilling during the winter nights and sizzling during the hot summer months, the Mojave can also offer a very pleasant ride during the spring and fall months.

At the southern end of the region, just before the Mojave Desert becomes the Sonoran Desert, is Joshua Tree National Park. This 734,000-acre desert sanctuary is home to some of the most unusual and photogenic plants in the country. The Joshua tree is the largest of the yucca plants and has flourished in this region of the country. Some two dozen types of birds make the Joshua Tree their home, and the tree plays an intricate role in the ecology of this desert wildlife. The park itself offers a 40-mile drive where one can wander through the mild desert landscape and find plenty of photo opportunities.

To the north, across the Mojave Desert, is Death Valley National Park. But don’t let the name scare you: the place won’t catch you. In fact, Death Valley is the most visited desert park in the nation. While this 2.3-million-acre park certainly offers its share of awe-inspiring scenery and unattractive weather, these extreme conditions also create some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in all of the American West. The valley floor, lying almost 300 feet below sea level, eventually gives way to dazzling painted hills and 10,000-foot snow-capped peaks. Due to the enormity of the park, driving is essential and many of the park’s attractions are spread out. But once a destination is chosen and the platform is parked, Death Valley offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails for you to take in the spectacular scenery. Be sure to visit Telescope Peak in the park’s Emigrant Canyon. This peak is the highest in the park, reaching over 11,000 feet and offering some fantastic views.

As you move north out of the desert region of Southern California, the Sierra Nevada beckons visitors with its wide variety of activities and natural beauty. This 430-mile stretch of granite cliffs and snow-capped peaks delights visitors with numerous parks and attractions, including eight national forests, three national parks, and 14 wilderness areas. Any trip to the Sierra wouldn’t be complete without visiting one or more of the region’s other national parks: Sequoia, Kings Canyon and, of course, Yosemite. These national parks are surrounded by California RV Camping Resorts and California Campgrounds.

The 402,000-acre Sequoia National Park is the second oldest park in the country after Yellowstone. The park’s (and namesake) most popular attraction are the towering sequoias, the tallest trees on the planet. Driving through Sequoia National Park is an experience in itself. Follow Mineral King Road as it follows the Kaweah River for 25 miles before reaching the scenic part of Mineral King. General Highway is another winding road that will take you to a stand of trees where four of the five tallest trees in the world can be found. Just north of Sequoia is Kings Canyon National Park, home to General Grant, the largest tree in the country. Offer a salute to noble hardwood. Another must-see is Zumwalt Meadow, the six-mile valley floor offers excellent opportunities for day hikes along a tranquil valley lined with towering granite cliffs. North of Kings Canyon is California’s most famous national park, Yosemite. Crowds can be, well, annoying, so choose your season wisely (spring and fall are best). Yosemite’s vastness and many secluded areas make this an extremely enjoyable visit and a must-see for the RVer cruising California.

For even more dramatic scenery, head east from Yosemite just a few miles to Mono Lake. Mono Lake, one of the oldest lakes in the United States, attracts all kinds of wildlife to the area, including unusual seabirds that come in search of food sources that inhabit the saltwater of the lake. But the truly significant aspect of Mono Lake is the calcium carbonate rock formations that dot the lake’s shoreline, porous spiers that rise from the salt water and stand like mysterious sentinels guarding the shoreline. Creepy, but cool.

From here, choose one of several routes north, all quite scenic, until you reach the foothills of the Sierra and the Lake Tahoe region. Located along the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe has become an immensely popular vacation area, especially for skiers. Lake Tahoe rewards its visitors with fantastic scenery, relaxing hikes, and many other outdoor activities year-round. It’s easy to escape the urbanized shores of Lake Tahoe. The western side of the lake offers two state parks, Emerald Bay and DL Bliss, each with miles of connecting trails and memorable surroundings. The lake is also wonderful. At over 6,000 feet high, this mountain lake is one of the highest in the world. And its crystal clear and icy water invites the strongest souls to take a dip.

Northern California remains one of the most popular and beautiful regions in the United States. Yes, there is much more here than San Francisco, although it is a wonderful place to start. Although they have only a fraction of the population of Southern California, the northern regions offer the most diverse and impressive landscape in the American West.

Lava Beds National Monument is 47,000 acres of hardened molten lava, making for some interesting scenery. Visiting the Lava Beds National Monument is truly a unique adventure. The region was once a hotbed (literally!) of underground flowing lava tubes. Today, the flows have subsided, but in their wake, a blessing of almost 200 caves and grottoes, many of which are open for exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned spelunker, just starting out, or just curious about this underground world, Lava Beds National Monument is entertaining nonetheless.

For bird watchers, a must stop is the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. While these two adjoining parks, located just north of the Lava Beds, are home to a wide variety of permanent and migratory birds, the area is best known for its migratory population of bald eagles, generally considered to be the largest in the country. Don’t forget the binoculars.

Directly west of these wildlife refuges, along the California coast, several areas of redwood trees are clustered together and make excellent stopovers. While Redwood National Park anchors the area, the coastal path is also bordered by several areas that feature Northern California’s star attraction, the mighty redwood.

Much of the American West prides itself on its diversity, from towering deserts
to stunning shores.

Continuing along the California coast, about an hour north of San Francisco, is the Point Reyes National Seashore, a majestic peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. Scientists believe that the delicate sediment found here could one day be disconnected from the California mainland. Here’s a hint: Try not to be there when it happens. But until that day, the area is easily accessible and offers fantastic rewards for wildlife enthusiasts. Nearly 500 types of birds call Point Reyes home, or at least during their migratory journeys. Dozens of mammals, including various marine types, can easily be found here as well.

If you do nothing else, be sure to travel along Highway 1, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Here, the journey is as good as the destination, but Big Sur won’t let you down. This region has inspired generations with its enticing views and dazzling sunsets. Due to the many RV parks and campgrounds that make up the region, Big Sur easily offers days of outdoor activities.

In case you want to get out of the RV for a day trip, drop off your gear in Ventura (say hello to Woodall’s office) or Santa Barbara and take a chartered boat to explore the Channel Islands. Sea lions frolic on the islands’ beaches. Whales sail in search of food on the high seas. A myriad of shorebirds perch on the highlands of the islands. Santa Cruz Island is the largest and most ecologically diverse of all the Channel Islands. Managed by the Nature Conservancy, the island dazzles with its sheer, rugged cliffs, hidden caves, sandy beaches, and much more.