Zuyy Articles
Dive into our guides—tips, gear, and top picks for your California camping adventure!
How to Use Zuyy: Your California Camping Guide
Ready to find your next camping spot? Zuyy’s got you covered with 83 California campgrounds—coastal waves, desert stars, or mountain peaks. Here’s how to make the most of it!
Step 1: Hit the Search Page
Head to Search. You’ll see filters, a map, and campground cards—everything you need to plan your trip.
Step 2: Filter Your Way
Narrow it down:
- Region: Pick Coastal, Desert, or Mountain—or stick with All.
- County: Zoom into spots like Monterey or Riverside.
- Cost: Free to $50+, find what fits your wallet.
- Camping Types: Tent, RV, Glamping—check what you love.
- Activities: Hiking, fishing, or beach vibes—mix and match!
Step 3: Map It Out
Watch the map update—pins show your filtered spots. Click a pin for the campground name, then scroll down to the cards for details like cost, activities, and links.
Step 4: Plan Your Adventure
Found a gem like Morro Bay? Hit “Map” for directions or “Website” for more information and reservations. Easy!
Explore more with Zuyy—your California camping journey starts here!
Camping Gear: Minimum Essentials + Type-Specific Suggestions
Ready to camp California-style? Here’s your gear rundown—bare minimum, plus extras for your vibe.
Minimum Essentials (All Campers)
- Shelter: Tent or tarp (waterproof, stakes included).
- Sleep: Sleeping bag (check temp rating), pad or mat.
- Food/Water: Cooler, water (1 gal/day), stove or fire prep, basic cookware.
- Safety: First-aid kit, flashlight/headlamp, multi-tool, map/compass.
By Camping Type
- Tent: Lightweight tent (e.g., REI Co-op Half Dome), trekking poles for setup.
- RV: Leveling blocks, hose kit, camp chairs (e.g., Coleman Portable).
- Glamping: Air mattress, string lights, plush bedding (think Yeti blanket).
- Back Country: Ultralight pack (e.g., Osprey Exos), water filter (Sawyer Squeeze).
- Dispersed/Boondocking/Primitive: Solar charger, shovel, extra fuel.
Pack smart, camp happy—Zuyy’s got your California adventure covered!
Top 5 Coastal Campgrounds for Beach Lovers
Craving sand, surf, and seaside sunsets? Here are five Coastal gems from Zuyy’s 83 campgrounds—perfect for beach lovers!
1. Morro Bay (San Luis Obispo)
Camp with bay views and coastal trails—tents and RVs welcome. Hit the beach or watch birds at this $21-$50 spot.
2. Refugio (Santa Barbara)
A beachside retreat with cliffs and waves—ideal for tents or RVs at $21-$50. Hike or soak in the Pacific vibes.
3. El Capitán (Santa Barbara)
Oceanfront bliss with tide pools and trails—$21-$50 for tents or RVs. A classic California coastal escape.
4. Kirby Cove (Marin)
Tent-only at $21-$50, with Golden Gate views and rugged shores. A hidden gem for beachside hikers.
5. Montaña de Oro (San Luis Obispo)
Cliffside tent camping at $21-$50—bluffs, beaches, and epic sunsets. Pure coastal magic!
Find these and more on Zuyy’s Search—filter by “Beach/Lake/River” and dive in!
Gear Essentials for Desert Camping
Heading to California’s deserts? From Joshua Tree to Anza-Borrego, here’s what you need to thrive under the sun and stars.
Must-Haves
- Shade: Pop-up canopy or tarp—beat the heat (e.g., Kelty Noah’s Tarp).
- Water: Extra jugs (2 gal/day)—hydration’s non-negotiable.
- Cooling: Battery fan or wet bandana—stay comfy in triple digits.
- Stargazing: Blanket or reclining chair—desert nights are unreal.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 50—block those rays.
Pro Tips
Freeze water bottles overnight—doubles as cooler ice. Pack light layers—nights dip fast. Check Zuyy’s Desert spots like Alabama Hills for free boondocking!
Gear up and explore—Zuyy’s Search has your desert adventure ready!
Hidden Sierra Gems: Mountain Camping Guide
Craving alpine air and quiet trails? These off-the-beaten-path Sierra spots from Zuyy’s 83 campgrounds are calling!
1. Silver Lake East (El Dorado)
Back country solitude at $1-$20—tents only. Hike or fish in this high Sierra haven.
2. Twin Lakes (Mono)
Alpine lake camping for tents or RVs at $20-$30. Kayak or soak in the views.
3. Nelder Grove (Madera)
Free tent or dispersed camping among sequoias. A stargazer’s dream off the grid.
4. Princess (Fresno)
High Sierra tent or RV camping at $20-$30. Fish or hike in rugged beauty.
5. Atwell Mill (Tulare)
Tent-only at $1-$20—sequoia forest peace. A true escape for nature lovers.
Discover these and more on Zuyy’s Search—filter by “Mountain” and hit the trails!