What’s truly magical about the most beautiful places to camp in California isn’t necessarily their proximity to cascading sheets of water, breathtaking rock formations, and the world’s tallest trees; it’s their likelihood to turn a reluctant camper into a bona fide outdoorsperson. California, after all, is home to nine national parks—more than any other state (in addition to those mentioned below, Sequoia National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Pinnacles National Park are all worth checking out). It’s also home to 280 state parks. All that protected land provides some truly awe-inspiring accommodations. From north to south, here are the five most beautiful places to camp in California.