The best camping in Northern California

Name: Northern California
Address: Northern California
Rating: 4.6725

Northern California can spoil you with outdoor adventure. Here, campers have access to rugged coastlines, redwood forests, active volcanoes, granite domes, and glaciated peaks, all bathed daily in NorCal’s signature golden sunsets. The region’s major outdoor hubs include the Pacific Coast to the west (Big Sur, Wine Country), the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east (Yosemite, Tahoe), and the Cascade mountain range to the north (Mount Shasta, Lassen Peak), each offering unique geology, climates, and fauna. Throughout each is world-class hiking, rock climbing, biking, beaches, surfing, snowsports, and—of course—camping.

93% (2.7K) • 1,455 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Northern California

Kosk Creek Campgrounds

1. Kosk Creek Campgrounds

96%

(902)

Big Bend, CA · 30 sites · Tents, RVs

We are a 400 acre ranch nestled in the mountains of Shasta County. There is a mile long creek that runs through the property. We have multiple hot spring pools ranging in various temperatures. Dry and overland campsites available. Activities: Boating, hiking, kayaking, 4x4, mountain bike, and fishing. Notice we are first come first serve campground currently. there are NO numbered sites, camp wherever you feel comfortable. Iron Canyon Reservoir is a lake located 2 miles behind campground, fishing is great and you can go boating, jet skiing, or stand up paddling / kayaking, it has mountain biking trails around it. NOTE From June 10th thru September or October, Shasta County and Dept of Forestry DOES NOT ALLOW WOOD OR CHARCOAL FIRES. We are a high risk fire zone. We hope you understand. WE kARE PACK IT IN / PACK IT OUT trash

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Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

2. Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

96%

(3361)

Caspar, CA · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

Nestled on 33 acres of coastal meadows and forest, Jug Handle Creek Nature Center is a peaceful, nature-centered campground with a rich history and a truly unique landscape. Saved from development in the 1970s, Jug Handle now stands as a thriving nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to education, restoration, and connection with the natural world. Just a five-minute walk from Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle Beach, and the renowned Ecological Staircase Trail - a rare geological formation that reveals 500,000 years of coastal history - you’ll find yourself immersed in one of Mendocino County’s most remarkable environments. We offer 11 spacious campsites, each with two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two vehicles, and plenty of room for tents. Spread out across open meadows and forest edges, the sites offer privacy, quiet, and the soothing sounds of nature. Explore on-site nature trails, a native plant nursery, and beautiful woodlands, or simply relax beneath the stars. A few important things to note: Due to the close proximity of neighboring livestock, as well as the bountiful wildlife that call this special place home, PETS ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED on the premises. Firewood is not provided, though there are several roadside stands nearby where it is available for purchase. You'll be pretty independent here. We provide self-check-in for your convenience. Directions and access information (including the bathroom code!) will be messaged to you prior to your stay. Jug Handle is the perfect place to unplug. There is NO WIFI and LIMITED/NO CELL SERVICE. Weather and wind can kick up suddenly on the coast. It is your personal responsibility to be prepared and use caution. We reserve the right to ban campfires at any time. We reserve the right to close the campground at any time if conditions are unsafe. Let's work together to stay safe, protect this special place, and enjoy everything the Mendocino Coast has to offer.

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Finnon Lake Recreation Area

3. Finnon Lake Recreation Area

95%

(2519)

Placerville, CA · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

For everyone’s safety, campers under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). These vehicles will not fit and cannot cross the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. STRICT CANCELLATION POLICY - CANCEL WITHIN 8 DAYS TO RECEIVE A REFUND. OR CONTACT HIPCAMP TO CHANGE YOUR DATES. Smoke on the Water diner is open weekends, 530-622-1060—hours change. Use caution - twisty, narrow country road. If it's your first time, you might want to check out the route beforehand. From Sacramento on Hwy 50: At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road. Turn onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: Make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. This private lake supports the Mosquito Fire Protection District's fire protection efforts and the firefighters of this community. Community volunteers manage the lake for the residents and the Fire Station. The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 27-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Smoke on the Water Diner, which is open on weekends only. 530-622-1060. During your stay, you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking. Sites are from post to post. Our property is located in Placerville, California.

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Tahoe National Forest

4. Tahoe National Forest

92%

(264)

National forest in California · 1382 sites

Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.

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Shasta-Trinity National Forest

5. Shasta-Trinity National Forest

93%

(140)

National forest in California · 912 sites

California’s largest national forest offers year-round outdoor adventures and diverse camping options.

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Mystic Forest Campground

6. Mystic Forest Campground

98%

(1296)

Klamath, CA · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Mystic Forest is a small, family-run campground between Klamath, CA, and Crescent City. We have 50 acres of beautiful forest sprinkled with redwood trees. We have restrooms, showers, a game room, a mini golf course, horseshoes, and a half-mile trail. We are pet-friendly. At the office you can find some grocery and redwoods souvenirs. Our laundry facility will be closed indefinitely for repairs starting on August 10th.

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Timber Cove Campground

7. Timber Cove Campground

94%

(513)

Jenner, CA · 17 sites · Tents, RVs

Located right off coastal US highway 1, Timber Cove campground sits right at the edge of breathtaking, oceanside cliffs. We are situated on roughly two acres of land, with multiple campsites for tent/car camping or RV’s. Each bluff campsite has a picnic table, fire pit and water. Electricity is available to use for an extra fee. The beach and waterfall campsites do not have picnic tables so you might want to bring one if you’ve booked there. There is no garbage service so please pack your own garbage home with you. We have separate men’s and women’s flush bathrooms, with coin-operated hot showers. We have firewood with kindling for sale on site, payable with cash or Venmo.. Please take note of local fire bans, when in effect. Dog friendly, though be advised a leash is recommended as we are close to the road, but they can run leash-free down at the beach. We are located 30 minutes north of the town of Jenner, with Gualala 30 minutes to the north. Gualala has grocery stores, a post office, and some shops. Fort Ross Store is located one mile down the road, just before Timber Cove, and sells basic food necessities, drinks, sandwiches, ice and gas. Internet cell service can be spotty in our area, depending on your provider, so bring your own Starlink services if you have them. We also have access to the beach below, and offer beach camping as well. Take note that the road down to the beach is steep with uneven terrain. The weather can vary quickly here, so be sure to bring multiple layers of clothing and camp gear for various types of weather, and headlamps are useful for getting around the property at night! We hope you’ll come visit our little slice of heaven on the ocean cliffs, gaze at the stars, marvel at the sunsets, watch the harbor seals dozing on their rocks and the many bird species that inhabit our property. Bring your binoculars and watch out for whales too! We look forward to hosting you at Timber Cove. Please email with any questions about camping with us. Address: 21350 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450

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Baby Banana Slug Farm

8. Baby Banana Slug Farm

98%

(735)

Albion, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Private camping, glamping, and retreats in the redwood forest. Our two tent camping sites are tucked in the trees offering a very peaceful and private way to connect to nature with the family. Our three small cabins are perfect for anyone looking to escape from the hustle of daily life, and redwood retreat is the perfect size for the whole family. This property is hosted by a three generational family who live on-site and are available for any questions and concerns as they may arise. Pets welcome.

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Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

9. Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

96%

(409)

Somerset, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

A six acre organic vineyard & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard. A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet. Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider! We welcome guests year round! Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do! Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons! Come relax☮️ March - May 🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers June - September 🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake September - December 🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest, apple picking and alpaca petting December - March ❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm. Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting. We have running water on the side of the winery building. Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show. We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours. We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests. We do not permit live fires or generators.

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Plumas National Forest

10. Plumas National Forest

95%

(68)

National forest in California · 821 sites

Hike, cross-country ski, or even drive into the deep wilderness of this Sierra Nevada forest.

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Klamath National Forest

11. Klamath National Forest

91%

(28)

National forest in California · 288 sites

Explore the pristine wilderness bordering California and Oregon among the Klamath Mountains.

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Potable water

Eldorado National Forest

12. Eldorado National Forest

92%

(141)

National forest in California · 980 sites

Sierra Nevada gem offers lush forests, lakes, rivers, and peaks for year-round outdoor adventures.

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Six Rivers National Forest

13. Six Rivers National Forest

94%

(31)

National forest in California · 281 sites

This park gets its rather self-descriptive name from the six beautiful rivers that flow through its borders, but don’t the name fool you. There is a lot more than just rivers to check out here. More than a million rambling acres of forest take you through foggy and mystical redwood landscapes. Further inland, miles of towering Douglas firs, glacial peaks, and hidden pools just wait to be discovered. Of course, the rivers are the main attraction. You can’t go two feet without tripping over a perfect swimming hole. After your dip, there are plenty of warm rocks to lay out on. Oh, and if the natural beauty doesn’t get you: this was the place where they first spotted Bigfoot. Yeah, the original footage that basically made everyone believe in the hairy bi-ped. That, on its own, is reason enough to check it out

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Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge

14. Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge

98%

(83)

Dunsmuir, CA · 67 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Since 1968, we’ve been reliving the romantic days of railroading at Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge. Nestled in Northern California, our resort offers one of the most unique stays in the region. Wake up to crisp, pine-scented mountain air at Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge, where camping feels timeless. Our scenic property features 24 RV sites and 20 tent campsites, combining rustic charm with modern amenities. Jubilee Railroad is ideal for adventurers exploring Mt. Shasta or the Pacific Crest Trail. Just a short drive to Hedge Creek Falls, Dunsmuir Botanical Garden, Sacramento River, Lake Siskiyou, Shasta Caverns, and more! From caboose lodging and vintage cabins, to the RV park and campground, an unforgettable experience awaits! RV PARK &CAMPGROUND Tent campers enjoy hot showers, flush toilets, and a laundry room. All guests can access: Game room Recreation lawn & group BBQ pit Onsite store with snacks, RV supplies, &essentials Pool spa near the caboose lodging area Gift Shop with souvenirs, artisan goods, travel necessities Wi-Fi available throughout the property Laundry facilities Pet-Friendly: Pets stay free! We’re proud to welcome dogs throughout the property. Winter offers a quieter, snow-dusted beauty—but it comes with seasonal changes: Water Off in most sites to prevent frozen pipes. Restrooms Closed when water is off. Camp Store closed; please visit the Gift Shop at the caboose area. Snow Access: During heavy snow, 4WD or chains recommended. Electricity & internet remain available. Hot Tub open (pool closed). Tent camping is closed in winter, but RV guests are welcome year-round. Dine With Us: Our Dining Car Restaurant is among the most unique eateries in Dunsmuir, CA. Built inside authentic vintage railroad cars, and fresh farm-to-table ingredients! CABOOSES AND CABINS Each room offers: Smart TV Wi-Fi Dining table, microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker In-room wine service Full bathroom Heating & A/C Onsite dog park (pets welcome with a pet fee) Ice & vending machines on site GUEST SERVICES 12-hour front desk 24-hour on-site management After-hours emergency phone Contactless check-in available We’re conveniently located just off I-5 (Exit 728). Checkout our locomotive 1727: A 1901 Baldwin M-6 Mogul engine displayed at the entrance!

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Heartwood Mendocino

15. Heartwood Mendocino

99%

(619)

Mendocino, CA · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Our property is just minutes from Mendocino's beaches, parks and sweet town, yet private and quiet as it is surrounded by 50,000 acre state forest with world class hiking and biking trails directly accessed from our place. Around the giant redwoods and meadows we have sprinkled in the most amazing little cabins, camp sites and deluxe bath house. We have a great outdoor camp kitchen available for your use. The redwood tree shower must not be missed! This is a very special experience for us to share with you. We are a family of campers. We agree, there's nothing better than a rest in a hammock following a hike or a beach day and a night under the stars without the constant dinging of cell and internet! Guests love staying here: "Such a lovely getaway! Our family of four and little dog thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Heartwood. The cabins are great, with comfortable (warm) beds, very clean and cozy. It’s well worth the visit even in the winter! Really appreciated being outdoors surrounded by Redwoods, hiking the trails around the property, the modern bathrooms with hot showers, and the indoor sitting area to make coffee in the mornings. Our stay was relaxing, memorable and special!" Please remember that we are in the woods and there is wildlife around. We don't want them to get into your food items, and recommend that you place food items in the enclosed common room or in the critter proof cupboards in the outdoor kitchen.

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Ridgetop Ranch Getaway

16. Ridgetop Ranch Getaway

100%

(401)

Nevada City, CA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

I’ve had the pleasure to be the “caretaker” of this special land once inhabited by the Maidu Indians for the past 43 years. This is SPECIAL ground here and I’m sure you will feel the MAGIC!!! This 40 acres sits on the Yuba River Ridgetop. At the "Platform of Pleasure" you will enjoy 100,000+ acre views of protected land looking North to the High Sierra, Just minutes away from downtown Nevada City and 15 miles from Yuba River Trailheads. Firewood bundles are $15 per bundle, about 2+hours of burn time. (when campfires 🔥 are allowed). There is a $20.00 dog fee per dog/per stay. You can add the dog fee to your booking or pay cash when you arrive. On our property like anywhere in the woods there are mosquitos, so you should bring bug spray. We offer RV sites, flat area for tents, as well as a Serenity Cabin. Guests love staying here: "From the moment we arrived Chris was nothing but amazing. He helped us get settled in and even recommended some beautiful spots to hike/sight see. They are both so generous! The campsite beautiful and they did a very nice job supplying us with any materials we may need. Definitely coming back during the summer!"

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Oz Farm

17. Oz Farm

99%

(282)

Point Arena, CA · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Originally purchased in the late 60's by "Redwood and Savatri", Oz Farm was initially a commune of sorts and is no doubt a very special place...heck, its even got it's own comic book! Here you can pick your poison, as the property is comprised of 7 rustic cabins, redwood campsites, and geodesic domes that would make Buckminster Fuller proud. The working farm is comprised of over 230 accessible acres of flowing meadows, redwood groves, prime agriculture, and is intersected by the beautiful Garcia River, which flows into the mighty pacific. One thing that is very apparent, is how clearly passionate the community at Oz Farm is about ecology and agriculture. Once you step foot onto Oz Farm, you'll begin to understand why. The property is open seasonally and frequently rented by full-camp retreats and events throughout the summer. Individual cabins open to rent one month in advance and are advertised through instagram @villageozfarm

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Huckleberry Haven

18. Huckleberry Haven

96%

(141)

Cazadero, CA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Huckleberry Haven currently features TWO sites: FIRST is the Camp Deck for your tents in the forest. Pitch your tent on a dry and flat redwood deck. Surrounded by huckleberries (in season July-Nov), fir, pine and redwood trees and adjacent to Salt Point State Park and Kruse Rhododendron State Preserve. Deck site has basic amenities: potable well water, fire ring (PROPANE only, bring your own fire ring, as we are now in fire season), picnic table, and an outhouse. SECOND is the small RV or teardop/Van camping parking spot. (no tents) This site is near the top of our grassy meadow, with glorious forest views, on dry gravel, and features a picnic table & outhouse. It does not have a campfire facility, nor water. You're welcome to bring your own propane fire & cooking source, but NO open wood fires due to grassy fire hazards. Property is situated at 800' above sea level (usually above the fog) across the road from the Stump Beach trailhead in Salt Point State Park - which, from our driveway, is a 2 mile hike or bike ride down to the beach. Enjoy quiet solitude of one of the most private and quiet places on the Sonoma Coast. Avoid the crowds of Salt Point, with all the basic amenities you expect. Birdwatch, play frisbee golf, hunt for mushrooms, basecamp your hikes, runs or mountain bike rides in Salt Point, or use Huckleberry Haven as the central spot to innumerable road bike rides on empty roads. The choice is yours! Special note: Huckleberry Haven is on the edge of some great wilderness! We have all sorts of wildlife sauntering by, and certainly have for decades. We recommend taking precautions to avoid interacting with curious/hungry wildlife - Don't sleep with your food in the tent, and keep camp tidy! We know there to be black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, racoons, skunks and so forth. Mountain Lions tend to avoid us, but you'll want to check on best practices to avoid bear interactions. This is one website we've found helpful: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-in-bear-country.html

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Root's End

19. Root's End

96%

(434)

Mendocino, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Nearly four acres close to town and amenities, yet quiet and secluded. Away from any major roads and on quiet nights, the fog horn from the Big River buoy can be heard. Wildlife on the property include piliated woodpeckers, deer, raccoons, jack rabbits, bears (keep your trash and food inside!), mountain lions, foxes, and of course, our resident ravens. Wild huckleberries and rhododendrons are abundant among the redwoods and fir. A beautiful spot to spend the night!

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Bayside Cabin

20. Bayside Cabin

98%

(394)

Arcata, CA · 1 site

Come stay in our cozy little cabin tucked in an alder forest. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Arcata, it’s like being in the middle of the woods, right in town. This is a quiet neighborhood and is bike-friendly for getting around town. Feel free to ask us for recommendations on places to eat, get a drink, or find an adventure in Arcata and surrounding areas. We are located less than 40 minutes from Redwood National and State Parks where you can find incredible hiking trails!

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Showers

The best dog-friendly campsites in Northern California

Kosk Creek Campgrounds

96%

(902)

Big Bend, CA · 30 sites · Tents, RVs

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Finnon Lake Recreation Area

95%

(2519)

Placerville, CA · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

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Mystic Forest Campground

98%

(1296)

Klamath, CA · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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Timber Cove Campground

94%

(513)

Jenner, CA · 17 sites · Tents, RVs

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Electrical hookup

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Baby Banana Slug Farm

98%

(735)

Albion, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

96%

(409)

Somerset, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Mojo

1 week ago

29 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Timber Cove Campground

love the dog friendly feel . small and cozy

You get a tub and you get a tub and you get a tub!

Colin

2 weeks ago

15 ft truck camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Beautiful hot springs and refreshing river right next to the pools. Lots of ppl in the shared tubs. Funding the place was difficult. We came in the dark and didn’t initially have a reservation. There is no reception in this area so be sure to have all that figured out before arriving. Come during the day light

Tamara

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Loved our time at the springs. Will be back to camp in the future.

Ayesha

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Camp

We had a great time at this location. We were only there for one day, but the accommodation was amazing and the house were really personable. We would definitely come here again and provide this as a recommendation for friend.

Sameer

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Very well maintained campground with super clean washrooms and beach so close by. We’ll definitely come again!

Kate

2 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

I had an amazing solo camping trip here. The grounds felt super safe and the other guests were very quiet and respectful. The hosts were friendly and responsive to my questions on the day of arrival. Being able to start or end the day in the hot springs was such a treat. The springs were a little crowded at times but easy to get some solo time when going early or just after sunset. I would definitely stay here again.

Caleb

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mystic Forest Campground

Beautiful campground, lovely store and kind, helpful hosts!

Timothy

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

Great location! Great campsite! Big, well separated sites.

DOMINIC

2 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Foxes Family Farm

Loved the space and host - great time

Sara

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Jug Handle Creek Nature Center

This location was beautiful. We enjoyed the quiet outdoors and the trails they had to explore.

Kelly

2 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Timber Cove Campground

Timber Cove Campground was great! Great views right above the ocean, beautiful sunsets and sun rises, bring binoculars to spot sea lions warming on the exposed rocks at low tide and bright orange star fish you can see with the naked eye once you know where they are. Bluff 10 with its deck makes a really spectacular spot. While it is next to the bathrooms, you really don’t notice, since you’re typically facing the ocean and especially if you’re in a camper van pulled up to the deck, then you’re pretty much blocking the bathroom from sight. Speaking of the bathrooms, I truly appreciated the clean bathrooms with hand soap provided and no TP shortages. I also appreciated the abundant tan bark at the campsite rather than dirt. Thank you! ☺️ Brenda came over shortly after our arrival to welcome us and recommended a nice walk for our dogs over to the point by the resort which was the perfect distance for a good walk but not a hike. If you take each short branch off towards the cliffs, there are some really interesting rock/sand/land formations. On the TCC property, the access road down to the beach is somewhat paved. It’s short and a bit steep but you get a quiet sheltered cove. It’s a rocky beach and there’s sand if the tide is out. Gosh, did we luck out on the weather!!! What a gorgeous weekend. Note, you do need to pack out your trash and recycling. Not a big deal if you are prepared. If you’ve never driven Hwy 1 north of Bodega Bay, be prepared for curvy road all the way to Timber Cove.

John Paul

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

Had a great time! It’s a great property with good water access. The water is calm. Our dogs were able to swim a lot. The campsite was well maintained too

Don

2 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Camp

Waterfall camp is excellent, I will be back.

Don

2 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Camp

most awesome

Marcus

2 weeks ago

30 ft Class C

With kids

3 nights at The Foxes Family Farm

About two weeks out, the camp host informed me of an issue with the site, we were able to work around it and have an enjoyable experience.

Wylie

2 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Baby Banana Slug Farm

This was such a special Hipcamp! Sunshine cabin was perfect for myself, my husband and our two small pups. It was so cozy and clean, smelled like fresh pine, and the heater worked great! The communal areas were well stocked for cooking and the bathroom and shower were clean. Water was hot! Very nice to warm up with. The whole property was stunning, and Nathan was very kind. He even gave us a few apples from the orchard. Thanks again Nathan!

Sarah

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

We had an absolutely wonderful visit! Provate, well-kept campsite just a short walk from the tasting area of his winery. Private tasting as the sun set over the vines. It was perfect. Highly recommend. Will be back!!

Mike

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Baby Banana Slug Farm

Great spot, firewood option is worth doing.

Arielle

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Mariposa Institute

We absolutely loved staying in the Yurt! Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet and peaceful retreat.

Rddwood camp site is one of three campsites for tent pitch or van/car camping.

Jen

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Heartwood Mendocino

Incredible silence! Will come back

Northern California camping guide

Where to go

Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada mountain range is where you’ll find granite peaks, ancient sequoia trees, and the world-famous Yosemite National Park. From its towering valley and sprawling backcountry to its curious black bear population, Yosemite constantly engages and excites. Rock climbers take on bouldering and multi-pitch routes, hikers enter the lottery for a chance to scale the cables of Half Dome, and most visitors delight in Yosemite Falls and Mariposa Grove. Further north are Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear blue and teal waters. Boating, swimming, and paddling are popular Tahoe pastimes, and thanks to numerous hiking trails and a big mountain biking scene, visits can be as action-packed or as relaxing as you want. Classic Tahoe campgrounds like the lakeshore D.L. Bliss State Park are perfect for summer visits, while cozy cabins and glamping sites are ideal for winter getaways and ski trips.

The Cascades

The Cascade Range starts in Northern California and stretches all the way north to British Columbia. Characterized by snowy, pyramid-shaped peaks, volcanic activity, dense pine forests, and the numerous waterfalls that gave the range its name, the Cascades are home to two major NorCal destinations: Lassen Peak in Lassen National Park and Mount Shasta, a glaciated fourteener in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Another highlight of this region is Lava Beds National Monument, where spelunkers explore underground lava tubes before settling into a campsite near the California-Oregon border.

Big Sur

Big Sur is best known for its iconic cliff-hugging Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), but the real fun comes when you get out of the car to enjoy the area’s hidden beaches and bluffside wildflower blooms. Beach camping in Big Sur is as wild and rugged as it gets on the California Coast, making it extremely popular year-round. We recommend Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park as a starting point, but if you’re unable to secure a campsite months in advance as is required, look for private Hipcamps in the area.

Bay Area

North of San Francisco is California wine country, where the rolling hills of Napa host a variety of camping and glamping getaways for campers to escape the city. You’ll also find beach parks, redwood groves, and vineyards to visit in Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino, also ripe with tent and RV camping. South of San Francisco are the Santa Cruz Mountains, famous for old growth redwoods and deep forest campsites.

Top camping destinations around Northern California

Union Valley Reservoir

207 campgrounds

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Eldorado National Forest

203 campgrounds

Tahoe National Forest

175 campgrounds

Salt Point State Park

181 campgrounds

Hopland

191 campgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp along the Sacramento River?

Yes, you can camp along the Sacramento River at various designated campgrounds and parks. Remember to follow all rules and regulations at each campground, and make reservations if required. Additionally, always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the environment and maintain the beauty of the Sacramento River.

What is the best time of year to go camping in Northern California?

The best time of year to go camping in Northern California is typically during the late spring, summer, and early fall months. More specifically, May through October offers the most favorable weather conditions for camping, with temperatures ranging from mild to warm and a lower likelihood of rain. During these months, you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting. However, it's essential to consider that popular campgrounds may be more crowded during the peak summer months of June, July, and August. To avoid crowds, consider camping during the shoulder seasons of May and September.

For more information on camping in Northern California, visit Hipcamp.