It might be hard to believe, but there are 280 state parks in California! When there are many to explore and enjoy, some are less visited.
Thankfully, less visited doesn’t mean less worthy of visiting! Sometimes the lack of crowds means it’s a hidden gem.
That is certainly the case with Fremont Peak State Park!
This park is full of breathtaking views, busting at the seams with wildlife, and gets its name from an important man in American history.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about Fremont Peak State Park camping!
History of Fremont Peak State Park
The history of this area starts long before the establishment of a state park. In fact, it even goes back to before California was a part of the United States!
In 1846, while the area was still near the capital of the then-Mexican province, Alta California, General John C. Frémont took a group of men on an expedition there. He was under the impression his presence was welcomed through a conversation.
However, Mexican Comandante General José Castro, the very man who Frémont believed to have given him verbal permission, demanded he and his men leave the area.
Frémont refused, and as a challenge, he and his men set up a temporary fort nearby and planted an American flag at the top of the highest peak around.
Eventually, Frémont and his men did leave in order to keep the peace, but he would go on to do many important things for America. In fact, he was the first candidate to run for president of the Republican Party!
Raising the flag on that peak has been celebrated since 1890, and the surrounding area was made into a state park in 1936.
What to Expect During a Fremont Peak State Park Camping Trip
This 162-acre park is full of things to do. Hike up to the peak to see some incredible views. Stargaze every night through one of the best telescopes available to the public. Keep your eyes open to enjoy the plentiful wildlife.
Camping at Fremont Peak State Park should give you plenty of room since it’s one of the lesser visited parks in the area.
Keep in mind the road to get to the park is two-lane and fairly twisty. Give yourself plenty of time to get there safely.
Because it’s in northern California, the temperatures can vary greatly. It’s best to pack and dress in layers to stay comfortable from sun up to sun down.
Campsites at Fremont Peak State Park
There are a few different campgrounds to choose from on your next trip camping at Fremont Peak State Park, depending on what you’re looking for.
Valley View
Valley View Campground is on the west side of the park, right next to the Valley View Trail. There, 13 primitive campsites are spread out and shaded by big, beautiful oak trees.
Each site comes with a grill, fire pit, and picnic table.
Very small, shorter than 25-foot, RVs can fit at this campground. There’s no hookup or dumping site in the park, though.
Oak Point
While Oak Point Campground is further from hiking trails, the incredible views from some of its sites make up for it!
Here, you’ll find 12 primitive sites that provide beautiful sights of Monterey Bay. Each site comes with a fire pit, grill, and picnic table. Cook up some hot dogs and enjoy dinner with an incredible view!
Restrooms and water are available, and RVs are not recommended to visit these sites due to the roads it takes to reach them.
Doe Flat
If you’re planning on taking your Fremont Peak State Park camping trip with a large group, Doe Flat is the campsite for you! It is technically a single campsite, but it can fit a group of up to 50 people.
Doe Flat is the campsite nearest to the entrance. It’s also in close proximity to the observatory, which means you’re sure to have some stunning nighttime views of the stars!
Things to Do at Fremont Peak State Park
There are many wonderful things to do while camping at Fremont Peak State Park. Whether you’re looking for adventure or nature, there’s something you’re sure to enjoy!
Hiking
There are four miles of hiking and biking trails in Fremont Peak State Park.
Valley View Trail, Cold Springs Trail, Tony’s Trail, and Carmen Trail make a large circle around the entire park and make up the majority of the mileage.
The real star of the show is the Fremont Peak Trail, which takes you up—you guessed it—Fremont Peak.
Start out near the historical monument and plaque, then traverse 0.6 miles while gaining 300 feet in elevation to reach the top of the mountain. The majority of the climb is along nearly straight switchbacks, but there is a bit of a real climb to reach the tip-top of the peak.
The panoramic views are well worth your time and effort!
Stargaze
While Fremont Peak State Park is known for the phenomenal sights of land and sea from the top of the peak, it’s also somewhere you can look into the night sky and see almost endless stars.
Because of the low level of light pollution, many stars are visible to the naked eye.
In addition, most Saturdays during Spring, Summer, and early Fall, the Observatory is open after sunset. On those nights, an astronomer will give an educational presentation and then be available to assist guests in looking at the night sky through the 30-inch-diameter Challenger Telescope. This is a unique opportunity, as the Challenger is one of the largest telescopes in the world open for the public’s use.
Birdwatch
According to Aviabase, 131 species of birds call this park home.
The species there vary wildly, but some of the most common are Finches, Hummingbirds, Chickadees, Woodpeckers, and Thrushes. There are also birds of prey in the area, such as Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, and even Bald Eagles!
Next time you’re camping at Fremont Peak State Park, print out Aviabase’s checklist created specifically for this state park and see who can mark off the most birds! If you need help identifying them, grab a guidebook before your camping trip.
Wrapping Up the Fremont Peak State Park Camping Guide
Fremont Peak State Park camping is like finding a hidden treasure among California’s state parks. Full of history and beauty, it has so much to offer to everyone who takes the time to visit!
After you’ve visited this park, check out our other State Park Camping Guides to plan your next adventure!
- About the Author
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Stephanie Lamberth is a writer who enjoys exploring new places and helping others feel prepared to make incredible memories.
While not a seasoned wilderness expert, Stephanie has enjoyed and learned a ton on the camping trips she’s taken and has a unique perspective as the child of full-time RVers. With firsthand exposure to the RV lifestyle, Stephanie has insight into the comforts and challenges it can bring.
Stephanie can help bridge the gap between rookie samper and seasoned outdoorsman to help you make the most of your own camping adventures!
She currently lives in Tennessee with her husband and three children.
Stephanie can be reached at stephanielamberthwriting@gmail.com