These Are the 10 Most Chaotic Campgrounds on the West Coast (to AVOID?!)
Looking to escape into nature, roast some marshmallows, and sleep under the stars? Not so fast. Some West Coast campgrounds feel less like a peaceful getaway and more like a tailgate party at a theme park parking lot.
We’re talking jam-packed sites, zero shade, loud generators, and vibes that range from “family reunion gone wrong” to “Coachella, but with toddlers.” Here are the campgrounds that are technically outdoors—but don’t expect peace and quiet.
Table of Contents
- 1. Kirby Cove Campground, California
- 2. Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area, Oregon
- 3. Yosemite’s North Pines Campground, California
- 4. Lake Perris State Recreation Area, California
- 5. Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
- 6. Ocean Shores Campgrounds, Washington
- 7. Manresa State Beach, California
- 8. Crater Lake’s Mazama Campground, Oregon
- 9. South Carlsbad State Beach, California
- 10. Lake Shasta Campgrounds, California
- MORE ON THE WEST COAST:
1. Kirby Cove Campground, California
On paper, it sounds dreamy—camping under the Golden Gate Bridge with views of the bay. But the reality? Screaming tourists, bumper-to-bumper traffic to get there, and zero privacy. The campsites are crammed together, and the hike in means you’ll hear everyone trudging by with coolers and Bluetooth speakers. And forget solitude—this place is booked out months in advance.
>THE Coolest Beach Near The Golden Gate Bridge!
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2. Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area, Oregon
This lakeside campground in Lincoln City looks serene on Instagram. But during summer? It’s an all-ages chaos zone. Kids on scooters, dogs barking nonstop, and a general sense of crowd overload. Campsites are packed tight, and the “lakefront” experience is often more mud puddle than magic. Bonus chaos points for the heavy highway noise nearby.
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3. Yosemite’s North Pines Campground, California
Beautiful? Of course. Peaceful? Absolutely not. If you scored a reservation, congrats—you and 999 of your closest camping neighbors are packed into one of the busiest campgrounds in the country. Expect generators, car alarms, tour groups, and the occasional bear drama. The views are iconic, but the serenity… not so much.
>25 CAN’T-MISS Spots in Yosemite National Park
4. Lake Perris State Recreation Area, California
This Inland Empire campground is notorious for raucous RV parties, music battles between campsites, and a whole lot of ATV traffic. The campground often feels more like a dusty tailgate than a nature escape, especially on holiday weekends. Add in iffy restrooms and brutal heat, and it’s not exactly a quiet getaway.
5. Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
One of Oregon’s most beloved state parks—and everyone knows it. Between hiking trail traffic jams and wall-to-wall campers, the campground can feel like a suburban cul-de-sac with more trees. Campsites are often crowded, and early mornings come with a chorus of crying toddlers and clanging camp stoves.
>Your Guide to Silver Falls State Park in Oregon
6. Ocean Shores Campgrounds, Washington
Sounds like a dreamy beach getaway—until you realize it’s less “secluded coastal haven” and more “blown-out wind tunnel meets drunken bonfire fest.” Ocean Shores has a reputation for rowdy weekend crowds, loose dogs, off-road vehicles roaring past, and the occasional beach brawl. Also: lots of sand… in everything.
7. Manresa State Beach, California
Beach camping sounds romantic until you’re three feet from another tent and the wind has blasted sand into every crevice of your body. This campground is notorious for tight sites, zero shade, and very loud group camps. Add in high tides, strict rules, and lots of middle-of-the-night party vibes, and you’re basically camping at a chaotic backyard barbecue.
8. Crater Lake’s Mazama Campground, Oregon
Yes, it’s close to one of the most gorgeous sights in the country. But that also means it’s full of people who don’t know how to camp. Expect car alarms, clumsy fire-building, and noisy late-night arrivals. Between bus tour stopovers and campground newbies trying to figure out how a bear box works, it’s anything but tranquil.
>Crater Lake Rim Drive:14 EPIC Stops!
9. South Carlsbad State Beach, California
Perched above the beach with great views—and a serious RV dad energy. Generators hum late into the night, surf bros blast music at sunrise, and campsite boundaries are more of a suggestion than a rule. It’s scenic, sure. But if you’re hoping for ocean sounds and peaceful mornings, bring earplugs and low expectations.
10. Lake Shasta Campgrounds, California
Popular with houseboaters and hard partiers, the campgrounds around Lake Shasta are rowdy. Think jet skis, fireworks, late-night bonfires, and more than a few people forgetting how to whisper after 10 p.m. It’s a party scene dressed as a camping trip—great if that’s your thing, rough if you packed a book and a hammock.
>15 Must-Do Mount Shasta Hikes!
MORE ON THE WEST COAST:
READ MORE: The Best of Oregon
READ MORE: The Best of Washington
READ MORE: The Best of California
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