California MTB Trails, Campsites, and Outdoor Adventures: Our Top Picks

If you’re dreaming of a California road trip filled with epic trails, stunning campsites, and off-the-beaten-path adventures, you’re in the right place. We just wrapped up several weeks of traveling up the California coast and inland—exploring by van, bike, and foot—and this post rounds up our favorite discoveries along the way. 🚐🌲

Whether you’re full-timing in your van, planning a weekend getaway, or just looking for inspiration to hit the road, these stops are 100% worth checking out.

We traveled from southern California all the way up to the Oregon border, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and taste-testing along the way. Below are the most fun, interesting, and noteworthy places we found on this trip.

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🚵‍♂️ Best Mountain Bike Trails in California

1. Mary Jane & Willow Creek Loop (Bass Lake) – Trailforks
   🪨 A little bit of everything: Yosemite-style rock slabs, steep descents, and some spicy tech lines. My personal favorite ride of the whole trip.
2. Intervention & Jumpline Trails (San Clemente) – Trailforks
   🛫 A dream for jump progression! Perfectly sized gaps for building confidence and dialing in skills. So dang fun!
3. Hatchery Ridge Trails (Blue Lake/Arcata) – Trailforks
   🌲 Super fun black loamers that felt like flow mixed with challenge. An unexpected gem.
4. Bonus: Enticer Jump Trail (Redding area) – Trailforks
   🚀 Big, legit jumps that pushed my comfort zone—especially after warming up on the San Clemente jump lines.

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🥾 Top Hikes and Walks in California

1. Elk Prairie in the Redwoods – Map
   🌳 Running or hiking among towering redwoods? Absolute magic.
2. San Elijo State Beach (Encinitas) – Map
   🌊 Stunning beach walk with surfers riding waves and porpoises cruising just offshore.
3. Black Butte Lake Recreation Area (near Orland) – Map
   🌄 Rolling green hills and peaceful lake views with accessible trails all around.

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🍽️ Best Food Stops in California

1. Salt Fish House (Arcata) – 🍕 Their pizza was hands-down the best we had in California.
2. Encinitas Fish Shop – 🐟 The grilled salmon was so good it might ruin salmon for you anywhere else.
3. Bump Coffee (Encinitas) – 🍪 Skip the espresso and go straight for their chocolate chip cookie. Unreal.

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🏕️ Top Campsites for Van Life or Road Trips

1. Barrett Cove Recreation Area (Exchequer Bike Park)
   🌅 Incredible lake views, rolling green hills, and access to trails—but beware, the bathrooms were the worst we’ve ever seen. 😬
2. Free Camping near Bass Lake – Map
   🔕 Private, scenic, and within pedaling distance to the awesome 007 MTB trails.
3. Sky Park Camp (near Big Bear)
   🏔️ Epic views, close to Santa’s Village bike park, and the nicest campsite bathrooms ever—hello, heated floors! 😍
4. Bonus: Humboldt State Park Campground – Map
   🔥 We didn’t stay here this time, but it’s one of the coolest campsites we’ve ever experienced.

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🌲 Wrapping Up in Oregon

We’ve now landed in Oregon—one of our favorite states—and we’re on the hunt for new trails, cozy camp spots, and maybe even a place to call home. Stay tuned!

📬 Want More Van Life + Adventure Inspo?

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Catch you out there! ✌️