{"id":304621,"date":"2026-05-07T18:08:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T18:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/304621\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T18:08:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T18:08:15","slug":"best-ca-state-parks-to-camp-hike-more-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/304621\/","title":{"rendered":"Best CA State Parks to camp, hike + more in 2026."},"content":{"rendered":"

The results of the California State Parks Foundation\u2019s Best of California State Parks Poll were released this week, and Northern California swept the competition.<\/p>\n

In the second annual survey, more than 2,000 participants voted for their favorite open spaces, beaches, and historic sites, choosing those from Monterey County to Mono County as winners in 10 out of 12 categories. That\u2019s pretty impressive, considering there are 280 state parks across California encompassing 40 miles of coastline; 970 miles of lakes and riverfronts, 5,200 miles of trails, 3,195 historic buildings; and more than 11,000 archaeological sites.<\/p>\n

From the best state parks<\/a> for camping and hiking<\/a> to the best for wildflowers and dogs, these spots earned top honors in 2026. For the full list, visit callparks.org\/bestof26<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\" Best California State Park for Camping: Pfeiffer Big Sur Park(Andrew Sharp)<\/p>\n

Best California State Park for Camping: Pfeiffer Big Sur Park<\/p>\n

One of the jewels of Monterey County, Pfeiffer Big Sur Park is an enchanting mix of redwood forests, waterfalls, and ocean views\u2014an excellent backdrop for an overnight stay. Campsites are spacious and have easy access to the park\u2019s hiking trails<\/a>. They also fill up fast, so secure your spot as early as possible; campsite registration opens at 8am, six months in advance. \/\/ Hwy 1 (Big Sur), parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions:<\/p>\n

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park<\/a>, San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties<\/p>\n

Calaveras Big Trees State Park<\/a>, Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties<\/p>\n

Best California State Park for Hiking: Big Basin Redwoods State Park<\/p>\n

Big Basin was hit hard by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020 but the park\u2019s ancient redwood groves were fire-resilient enough to weather the wildfire storm. The still-recovering monumental trees add a powerful new dimension to the Santa Cruz Mountain park\u2019s miles of diverse hiking trails. \/\/ 21600 Big Basin Way (Boulder Creek), parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions:<\/p>\n

Jack London State Historic Park<\/a>, Santa Cruz County<\/p>\n

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park<\/a>, Humboldt County<\/p>\n

\"\" Best California State Park for Wildflowers: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve(Jeff Sullivan)<\/p>\n

Best California State Park for Wildflowers: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve<\/p>\n

The spring wildflowers in L.A. County\u2019s Antelope Valley are so legendary, California State Parks put the most iconic species right in the park\u2019s name. It doesn\u2019t take a super bloom for the rolling hills to erupt in a mosaic of striking color, but if you happen to catch one, it\u2019ll be unforgettable. \/\/ 15101 Lancaster Rd. (Lancaster), parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions: <\/p>\n

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park<\/a>, Imperial, Riverside, and San Diego Counties<\/p>\n

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park<\/a>, Sonoma and Napa Counties<\/p>\n

Best California State Park for Spectacular Views: Mount Tamalpais State Park<\/p>\n

It\u2019s no surprise that this park in Marin swept the views category. With varied terrain<\/a> that shifts from redwood grove to grassy ridgeline to open meadow, it\u2019s not an exaggeration to say that Mount Tam\u2019s panoramic vistas from coast to bay and beyond are some of the best in the world. \/\/ 3801 Panoramic Hwy (Mill Valley), parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions: <\/p>\n

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve<\/a>, Monterey County<\/p>\n

Crystal Cove State Park<\/a>, Orange County<\/p>\n

\"\" Best California State Park for Beaches: Half Moon Bay State Beach (Courtesy of @visithalfmoonbay<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Best California State Park for Beaches: Half Moon Bay State Beach <\/p>\n

With its classic, sandy beach<\/a> and miles of scenic coastline, Half Moon Bay State Beach is made for warm summer days. But even on moody, foggy ones, it\u2019s a transportative escape that feels like a world away from the city\u2019s bustle. Come for picnics, tidepools, and long walks; stay for the endless beauty of the Pacific. \/\/ 2 Venice Blvd. (Half Moon Bay), parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions: <\/p>\n

Asilomar State Beach<\/a>, Monterey County<\/p>\n

Crystal Cove State Park<\/a>, Orange County<\/p>\n

Best California State Park for Family-Friendly Adventures: Angel Island State Park<\/p>\n

According to voters, Bay Area residents don\u2019t have to go far to find a park that will tickle the little ones as much as the adults. From the ferry ride across the water to hiking and biking trails, beaches, and historical sites, Angel Island<\/a> is a full day of family-friendly adventure waiting to happen. \/\/ Angel Island (San Francisco), parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions: <\/p>\n

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park<\/a>, Tuolumne County<\/p>\n

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park<\/a>, Amador County<\/p>\n

\"\" Best California State Park for Learning About History: Bodie State Historic Park (Jeff Sullivan) <\/p>\n

Best California State Park for Learning About History: Bodie State Historic Park<\/p>\n

One of the best preserved Gold Rush ghost towns in the U.S., Bodie<\/a> is an incredible window into a long-gone era. With dusty streets spanning multiple blocks lined by dozens of intact and partially-crumbling buildings, exploring here feels like stepping into a real-life Western. \/\/ Hwy 270 (Bridgeport), parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions:<\/p>\n

Jack London State Historic Park<\/a>, Sonoma County<\/p>\n

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park<\/a>, Amador County<\/p>\n

Best California State Park for Dog-Friendly Adventures: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area<\/p>\n

Whatever your pupper\u2019s energy level and physical abilities, they\u2019ll be thrilled with a visit to Folsom Lake. With miles of trails, open spaces for running, and easy access to the water for swimming, this spot is 100 percent doggy-approved. \/\/ 7755 Folsom-Auburn Rd. (Folsom), parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions:<\/p>\n

Leo Carillo State Park<\/a>, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties<\/p>\n

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area<\/a>, San Francisco County<\/p>\n

\"\" Best State Park Hidden Gem: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park(Courtesy of @sugarloafpark<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Best State Park Hidden Gem: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park<\/p>\n

Tucked away off of Highway 12 in Sonoma County, most Wine Country visitors completely miss Sugarloaf Ridge\u2014and that\u2019s not a bad thing. The location helps to keep this scenic park with expansive ridgelines, waterfalls, and wildflowers under the radar, making it a serene spot for hiking any time of the year. \/\/ 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd. (Kenwood), parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions:<\/p>\n

Bodie State Historic Park<\/a>, Mono County<\/p>\n

China Camp State Park<\/a>, Marin County<\/p>\n