California National Parks that Every Nature Lover Should See

California is a wonderfully diverse state. For this reason, it is also a nature lover’s paradise. This incredible place allows a person to see beautiful beaches, trees of unbelievable proportions, gorgeous deserts, and incredible mountains, all without leaving the state.

Because of this fact, if you're planning a visit to California I highly recommend making time to take in some of the splendor of the natural areas of this state. From well-promoted state parks to hidden hideouts, there are hundreds of natural gems found throughout the Golden State. However, none of these holds a candle to the awe-inspiring national parks that fill California from top to bottom.

Therefore, no matter which of the smaller natural spaces you decide to visit throughout the state, you should add a few national parks to your itinerary as well. Here are your choices.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia National Park—by far my favorite national park ever—is home to a good portion of Sequoia National Forest, which contains the world's biggest trees in terms of mass. Additionally, because the park is up in the mountains, you will be treated to some amazing views—and in the winter time, you may even get a chance to do some sledding.

Kings Canyon is right next door and provides similar views, as well as a few sequoia trees of its own.

The parks are right next door to one another, and depending on the weather, you can drive from one to the other without much trouble at all. Passes include both parks, so you won't need to worry about paying a second time; just have fun exploring and taking in the views.

Also Check out: Visalia / Sequoia National Park KOA

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one fantastic place. By visiting during the spring you may be treated to several incredibly beautiful waterfalls, but summer and fall are equally breathtaking in terms of views. The wildlife is abundant at this park, and you may even be lucky enough to see a bear or two.

Be sure to check the park conditions before you visit, as snow and fires are both relatively common. Additionally, be aware that traffic can be very heavy during the summer months, making spring and fall more relaxed times to visit.

Redwood National and State Parks

As mentioned before, sequoia trees are the biggest trees on earth in terms of mass. However, the world's tallest trees—the redwoods—are located a bit further north in California.

The redwood forests are different in that some of them are located in state parks and some in national parks. In this instance, neither is better than the other, meaning you can visit whichever one you prefer—either way, you will still get to take in some incredible sights. These trees are absolutely amazing, and must be seen to be believed.

Joshua Tree National Park

Let me start by saying that you probably won't want to visit Joshua Tree during the summer. This park is located in a true desert, and during the warmer parts of the year it is unbearably hot. During the winter however, it is a lovely and fun park to spend some time in.

Wander over and through the huge rock formations and explore the nooks and crannies they create. Check out the desert wildlife, and stay after dark to see a perfectly clear and gorgeous starry sky. Just make sure to carry plenty of water in order to stay hydrated!

Also Check Out: Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA

Pinnacles National Park

Hikers of all ages will enjoy time spent at Pinnacles. This park features a number of hiking trails, and its caves play host to hundreds of bats. Because the bats are hibernating during the winter, this is a great time to visit, as you're almost guaranteed a look at some of the cute, fuzzy creatures.

Of course, if you want to see bats in a cave, you will need a flashlight. Additionally, you will also want sturdy shoes, because some of the trails do take you near cliffs, through wet areas, and under boulders.

Channel Islands National Park

This park is located entirely apart from the mainland, on five separate islands. Because the area was completely isolated from everything else for so long, it is a very unique place to visit, with animals and plants that can't be found anywhere else on earth.

Visitors to this park can enjoy snorkeling, surfing, hiking, camping, and more, in a land that is virtually unchanged from its original state, allowing guests to see the coast as it once was. Just don't expect to bring your RV to the park to camp. Not only is it not allowed, it's also impossible.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Want to see something really fascinating? Head to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lava rocks, bubbling mud pots, and inactive volcanoes are just some of the awesome things this amazing park has to offer. A stop by the visitor center will help guests understand the amazing ways volcanoes have helped shape the land, and a hike through the park will allow them to see it firsthand.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is also a great place to view the night sky. Check out their Night Sky Festival for a fantastic nighttime experience.

Point Reyes National Seashore

An absolutely gorgeous haven for lovers of the ocean, Point Reyes reminds me of an image from a postcard. Be sure to see the lighthouse while you're there, and make time to pay the elephant seals a visit. Additionally, you may even be able to see whales if you choose to see the park between January and April.

Point Reyes is an extremely beautiful and diverse park, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to see and do it all!

Death Valley National Park

Because of the incredible heat found there, Death Valley is another national park you won't want to visit in summer. That said, it does have a certain beauty about it that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

This park is home to the lowest place in North America. It also plays host to a super cool old ghost town, some gorgeous colorful rocks, and a number of other amazing things. Be sure to wear sunscreen and drink water during your visit, and have fun exploring this amazing park.


As you can see, you have a lot of different yet equally incredible parks to choose from in California. Go ahead and pick one or two and start planning your next RV trip, but before you head out, make sure to grab an “America the Beautiful” pass. This reciprocal membership will get you into all national parks, meaning you'll no longer have to worry about entrance fees, making your trip a much more affordable one.