The best camping near Northern California, California.

In Northern California, you can’t go far without stumbling on an outdoor icon. Lake Tahoe, the Redwoods, and Mount Shasta are just a few. Then, there’s an endless array of state parks, national parks, and national forests, all packed with breathtaking campgrounds.

Along the coast north of San Francisco, the wild Pacific beckons. Near the Bay Area, Point Reyes National Seashore offers boat-in and hike-in camping spots. For developed camping, try the Jackson State Forest near Mendocino or the King Range Wilderness. Of course, the biggest draw on the north coast is the Redwoods—the tallest trees in the world.

Away from the coast, the Sierra Nevada region offers both luxury and backcountry camping. Pull your RV to a park in Lake Tahoe, or sleep in the breathtaking Yosemite Valley. If it’s wilderness you seek, climb to the summit of Mt. Shasta. Backpackers shouldn’t miss the 27-mile loop to Glacier Pass and Sawtooth Pass in Sequoia National Park.

Love geology? Hike past boiling mud pots at Lassen Volcanic National Park. At Lava Beds National Monument, descend into underground lava tubes.

Much of Northern California is warm and pleasant all year. You’ll find plenty of year-round campgrounds, particularly in the low elevations. Higher up, heavy snowfall creates fantastic skiing and snowboarding. Winter is a great time to rent a cabin, or camp out in a heated yurt.