5 Must-Visit Motorcycle Camping Destinations in California

Motorcycle camping has become a trend for motorcycle riders these days. Isn’t it so astonishing that riding on the scenic highways and beautiful roads ends up at some aesthetic place like a campsite?

Riding a motorcycle to a camping destination provides immense pleasure and the aesthetic views of the sky at night touches the soul.

Well, if you are planning to ride to a camping destination all you need is your favorite bike and a little knowledge. This will help in making your motorcycle camping trip memorable and successful.

Before your departure, make sure you are carrying all the important stuff that would be needed there.

1. A Conclusive Motorcycle Camping Gear Checklist

Before setting off towards your motorcycle camping destination, you need to check-list some required motorcycle camping gear that would make your motorcycle camping relaxing and joyful.

1.1 Riding Essentials:

There are a lot of things that you can count in this category but it is impossible to carry all of them on your bike.

Some of the riding essentials are listed down which are really helpful and practical.

1.1.1 Motorcycle Helmet

Do not forget to wear your helmet while riding in California. You should probably be a victim of a penalty because of breaking California Motorcycle State Law if you are not wearing a helmet.

1.1.2 Road Maps

Riding on unknown roads is always thrilling but if you miss your path and take a wrong turn, that would end up at some totally unknown place. So, follow the map to make your ride easy and peaceful.

1.1.3 Emergency Communicator

In case of an emergency or you lose track of your friends, an emergency communicator helps to acknowledge them about your situation.

1.1.4 Bike or Helmet Mounted Cameras

Isn’t it cool to record your memories when you are riding towards the best motorcycle camping destinations? This will help you to keep your camping memories safe for a lifetime.

1.1.5 Motorcycle Tank Bag

A motorcycle tank bag is the most convenient piece of motorcycle luggage bag. These babies easily settle down on your motorcycle tank with the help of their magnetic mounting and provide easy access to your stuff.

Even mostly tank bags have a transparent pocket on the front to allow the rider to navigate his route easily.

Also Read: Best Motorcycle Tank Bags for All Motorcycles

1.2 Riding Outfits:

Motorcycle Riding outfits also fall in the category of motorcycle essentials but these are listed down here purposefully.

Your motorcycle outfit must contain some qualities, which helps in providing a comfortable ride without any compromise.

1.2.1 Riding Gloves

Your motorcycle riding gloves must be waterproof. Although you cannot afford to ride without gloves in stony and rough places, in case of rain, your waterproof gloves will not let you stop.

1.2.2 Riding Pants

Motorcycle riding pants are a basic need of a rider. These pants are purpose-specific as they are specially made for comfortable riding.

1.2.3 Riding Jacket

You need to be a little choosy in case of picking a motorcycle riding jacket. A motorcycle jacket should have weather-resistant attributes, a ventilation system, reflection piping, crash pads, etc.

1.2.4 Riding Boots

A big engine can burn your feet if you are wearing some random pair of shoes. Must wear motorcycle riding boots while riding to protect your feet from engine heat and burnout.

1.3 Maintenance and Repair Kit:

Bad luck enslaves happiness. But don’t worry you can handle it. Carry a maintenance and repair kit in your motorcycle tool bag. This will help you to repair your motorcycle in case you do not find any repair shop nearby.

Also Read: Best Motorcycle Leather Tool Bags

1.4 Saddlebags:

A pair of good-quality saddlebags can make you feel lighter like a feather. Motorcycle saddlebags can carry maximum stuff without any problem.

Make sure your choice is suitable for your bike and your riding style as well.

Also Read: How Saddlebags Can be Your Companion on Longer Trips

1.5 Motorcycle Lock:

The safety of your motorcycle is an issue. Riding to unknown places costs a lot sometimes, but if you take proper safety measures, you’ll not lose even a single pin.

Lock your motorcycle with a safety lock. Ensure your bike to some insurance company and carry the insurance documents along.

1.6 Dry Bags:

Weather at some places is completely unpredictable, you cannot guess what is coming up. In case, dry bags help a lot. Keep your stuff dry, especially your clothing and documents.

1.7 Camping Gear:

Except for the previous motorcycle gear-related stuff, you are going camping then carry should have carry camping gear as well.

1.7.1 Tent

Choose a lousy tent, which could be for 2 to 3 persons, even if you are camping alone, you’ll have enough room to assemble your stuff.

1.7.2 Sleeping Bag

Sleeping on a rocky surface is not a good idea, you’ll need a sleeping bag for this purpose. Pick a suitable sleeping bag with good attributes, if you want to get a peaceful sleep.

1.7.3 Fire Starting Kit

Backcountry camping is a bit different you know… with no restaurants, no roads, no traffic so you are on your own, totally. Do not forget to bring a fire-starting kit if you are not intending to leave the camp early because of hunger.

1.7.4 Pillow

Again, to get a peaceful sleep on the rocky surface. Oh… you can have a constant staring type of thing towards the sky full of shining stars.

1.7.5 Water Bottle

The availability of clean water is not promised, you have to carry your water bottle and portable water purifier as well.

1.7.6 Multi-tool/Knife

This is essential to carve things from woods and for other purposes but carrying multiple tools can be a problem, you should carry a multi-tool knife instead.

1.7.7 Flashlight

It will help you to wander around the campground if it’s getting dark or the sun is setting.

1.7.8 Bug Spray and Sunscreen

Camping in the woods or mountains could be tricky but it is not a problem if you have bug spray and sunscreen. The bug spray will not let the insects come near to you and the sunscreen will save you from harmful sun rays.

1.7.9 First-aid Kit

A first-aid kit is the most compulsory camping gear. This will help in case of any type of medical emergency. Otherwise, get the state emergency number noticed in case you need any emergency help.

1.7.10 Toiletries

Pick the toiletries as well. Stay fresh and enjoy your camping.

1.7.11 Cooking Supplies and Food

Motorcycle camping is a lesson of living, you prove yourself by doing all the stuff by yourself. You cook by yourself and encourage your deeds.

So, do not forget to bring cooking supplies and non-perishable food.

1.8 Other Necessities:

Hence, a long list of camping gear has already been listed down but there are some necessities you need to bring along to make your camping experience even more comfortable. For example, cash, cards, and IDs. Bring your favorite book to read at some peaceful place, etc.

Also Read: Best Leather Swing Arm Bags for Your Motorcycle

2. California Motorcycle State Laws

2.1 Important Motorcycle Laws in California:

2.1.1 Motorcycle License:

For riding a motorcycle in California, a Class M1 license is required. You have to pass a knowledge and skills test to get this license. A State’s Basic Rider Course is compulsory for under 21 riders.

2.1.2 Motorcycle Registration:

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DVM) has the authority to register motorcycles in California. Either you buy a new motorcycle or a used motorcycle, it is a must to register your motorcycle from DVM.

Moreover, if you are moving to California from some other state, it is compulsory to register your motorcycle again in California.

2.1.3 Helmet:

California has strict motorcycle helmet laws. Whether you are driving on any road within the state, wearing a helmet is a compulsion.

The DOT sticker signifies the federal safety standards and wearing a helmet is also mandatory for passengers.

2.1.5 Hardware:

According to California Motorcycle State Law, your motorcycle must have a muffler and mirrors. Passenger footrests are obligatory if you are carrying a passenger.

2.1.5 Headlights:

Operating headlights during daylight hours is mandatory for Motorcycle built-in 1978 or later models.

2.1.6 Choppers:

Six inches in the limit of the handlebar’s elevation above the rider’s shoulders while seated.

2.1.7 Insurance:

In California, a motorcycle must have liability insurance. If you do not want your license suspended for one year, then you must get your bike insured.

2.1.8 Lane Splitting:

Lane Splitting is a crime in the multiple States of America. California Motorcycle State Law allows the rider to engage in lane splitting, legally.

However, according to the law enforced in 2013, motorcyclists can split lanes but only when the traffic is moving at the speed of 30 mph or less. The motorcyclist can go only 10 mph faster than the traffic while he is splitting lanes.

Also Read: State Laws for Motorcycle Riding in California

3. 5 Must-Visit Motorcycle Camping Destinations in California

3.1 Prewitt Ridge Campsite - Big Sur:

Possibly Prewitt Ridge is the easily reachable camping site in California. This campsite is located In Big Sur and you can easily get there by traveling just 5 miles down following an easy dirt road.

You can take any motorcycle to this camping destination. Prewitt Ridge Campsite is so welcoming that you can go camping all year round at this adventurous motorcycle camping destination .

3.2 Saline Valley Hot Springs - Death Valley:

For this strenuous motorcycle camping destination, a serious ADV or Dual Sports bike will be the best option to take. Explore this Death Valley to reconnect with your spiritual self.

In the Saline Valley, you have two passes to choose from, North or South. This campground is about 50 miles away from the populated area. In case you need any help, it will take a while, so gather all your required stuff before leaving home.

On the Northside of the campsite, you will meet with the perplexing sand dunes. Winters is the best time to camp in the saline valley as summer is blazing hot.

3.3 Hidden Valley Campsite – Joshua Tree:

The Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree is a place that provides a transcendent experience in the desert and you can do climbing as well. It is not easy to find this place as its name signifies its hideous nature.

This place also has a history related to its name, as they say, once rustlers used to hide their stolen things in this valley. You can take any type of motorcycle for camping at this destination. Winter is an enjoyable and suitable time for camping in the Hidden Valley.

Step out of your camp and ride your bike throughout the park to experience the pleasure of riding in this motorcycle camping destination.

3.4 Laguna Seca – Monterey:

Are you fond of motorcycle racing, if yes then Laguna Seca is a perfect place for you to camp in California? You can enjoy motorcycle racing while having roasted weenies and drinking beer, at this motorcycle camping destination .

Except for Laguna Seca, there are other campsites as well with great views. Motorcycle racing happens all night, make sure you are bringing earplugs because you won’t be able to sleep without them.

Don’t miss watching a stimulating live race from the corkscrew. Pay your visit in the racing season and enjoy watching the hot races.

3.5 Nelder Grove Campground – Western Sierras:

Nelder Grove is a campground in Western Sierras. Having the essence of 19 ^th-century logging, this campground is littered with ancient stumps. You can find this motorcycle camping destination by following down a remote forest service road.

You can sleep around the stumps and walk into the Sequoia Grove. To make your camping experience more convenient and trouble-free, spotless toilets and clean drinking water is available at this campsite.

You can take any kind of motorcycle here for riding. Although, summer is the best time for camping here. Except for the other related facts, you will enjoy your camping and spending time with the largest trees in the world.

4. Conclusion

Make sure you are carrying all the important stuff that you’ll need during your motorcycle camping. Even though, with the help of a motorcycle sissy bar bag and saddlebags, you can easily manage to transfer your camping gear.