Lake Camping in Anchor Bay, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
—
California
—
Anchor Bay

95% (826 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Anchor Bay

Dog-friendly getaways

9 top lakeside campgrounds near Anchor Bay

96%

(67)

Thanktuary Retreat RV-Tent Site

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Gualala, CA

Learn more about this land: The winds whisper through the redwood trees and provide respite from the hot sun. Here on the ridge above Gualala, lies nestled a lovely and serene campground called Thanktuary Retreat. Skunks, jackrabbits, deer, foxes and very rarely a mountain lion or bear can be found on our 5 acres of forested land. There is a fishpond with water lilies, mini golf course and pétanque court (both with equipment in a useful shed close by), a horse shoe ring and beautiful, natural secluded spots in the redwoods perfect for meditation and vision questing. Huckleberry bushes and ferns grow abundantly. The place lends itself to self-reflection and introspection. There is space for 1 RV with a patio table and chairs and some sun loungers. There are also 2 tent sites available on the property, located in one large area, further away from the RV sites. Barely 7 minutes away is downtown Gualala, with amenities such as 2 supermarkets, pharmacy, bakery, restaurants and more. There is a beautiful holistic gift store, The Sea Trader, Four Eyed Frog Bookstore, and some lovely art galleries in town. Kayaking is available at the Gualala River. Hiking at Gualala Regional Park, the Bluff Trail, The Sea Ranch public access beaches, Stump Beach, Salt Point Park with a petrified forest, Bowling Ball Beach with its amazing natural formations (can only be seen fully at low tide of more than -0.2m), Manchester State Beach, Elk Beach, and more. Swimming at the Navarro River, and various bays. It is a place of incredible scenic beauty all along CA 1. Watch whales spouting during whale season. (Gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay between July and October). Bower Park, just 0.5 miles away with a lovely lake, tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court, and two separate playgrounds. Play disc golf or hike along the nature trail/fitness course. Anchor Bay is 5 miles up CA 1, with a supermarket, a few cafes, restaurants (including a great Thai place!) laundromat, hair salon, and more. The quaint town of Point Arena is 12 miles north, with a supermarket, Frannie's Cup And Saucer, The Bird Cafe, a beautiful historic lighthouse, a theater, a pier, a mini-safari park (B Bryan Preserve with zebras, giraffes and more. Tours need to be booked in advance). Also visit Roots, a natural pharmacy for herbs, teas and supplements. There are also spots like Occidental, Bodega Bay, Jenner (with the Russian River to kayak and swim) and Timber Cove, all on the way to Gualala from the south. Bodega Bay has lovely spots to eat, with clam chowder, fish and chips. Enjoy wind and water sports, and walk on the pier.

Shangri-La

8 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Upper Lake, CA

For 21 years, we have worked on keeping this property as a Sacred Space. There's a meadow with an Indian artifact and amazing views. We are a team, husband and wife, this is off-the-grid and we raise our children here. At the same time, we grow organic food and work on our crafts and spiritual practice, never using chemical fertilizers, and keeping all of the groundwater clear and clean with an abundance of spring water for drinking. This is a magical forest retreat and we love to share it with others who are like-minded. Right out of the Mendocino National Forest, 100-Acre Forest and Meadow Retreat is just minutes to the Eel River out of the small town of Potter Valley and 15 minutes to Lake Pillsbury. Private views, fresh spring water and endless possibilities. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******We have 2 campsites currently with fresh spring water, and fire pits. Private and in the woods. Lots of hiking on the land, with stunning views. Bring your own tent, hammock, food whatever you need to be a happy camper!! In the spring of 2019 we added in 2 new yurt sites, with soaking tubs, filled with hot spring water. We have 2 campsites to book for regular camping tents and we just added a community bathroom . Nestled away in the forest very private queen size bed natural spring water for soaking in the tub on your porch. In addition for comfort and convenience we have a nice bathroom with hand-washing station. Each yurt can come with propane heat in winter time you need to request it, in the Extras. making it cozy all year long. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******.

99%

(90)

Cannabis Friendly Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Willits, CA

We are a 160 acre off-grid, homestead located in the coastal mountains of Mendocino County, California's Emerald Triangle. We have been homesteading here since 1998 and have developed a lifestyle where we nourish the abundance that thrives here. Bill has built the entire homestead, including our solar system, water system, roads, our orchard, our barn, our home, and each camp site. We grow our own food in our CCOF organically certified gardens, make all our food from scratch and make our own medicine. We are legacy, personal Cannabis cultivators and we have a "do it yourself" attitude towards life. We are ready to share our lifestyle with others, as we host campers on Hipcamp. We offer an off-grid homestead tour of our solar system, a garden tour, seasonal vegetables from our gardens, an encounter with our horses. We also offer our personally, hand-crafted, organic ice cream delivered to your site. Our land is abundant with wildlife and guests are able to view the wildlife in their natural habitat. Our internal, dirt roads are private and provide for enjoyable walks and bike rides. Land History: Back in the day, our land was part of a large sheep ranch. The Skunk Train was used by homes along the tracks for transportation and supply deliveries. Today, it can be heard daily on its journey along the tracks which run through neighboring properties. The Pond Site: We are delighted to share our lifestyle and to offer everybody a sweet, private spot in the woods next to our pond, where you can be free to explore the outdoors and observe the abundant wildlife in their undisturbed home. We walk lightly on the land, and we expect our guests to do the same. We are family friendly and have trails for you to explore the property and meet our horses. We also provide a tour of our off-grid solar system. The pond site is located on a private, internal dirt road, which provides for absolute privacy. It's like experiencing an outback camping experience with the amenities of car camping. A clean outhouse, a spigot with cold, delicious mountain spring water, and a bi-level campsite with picnic table is at the site. A fire pit and second picnic table is located next to the pond for a delightful stargazing experience. The pond is a healthy, spring fed ecosystem and quite refreshing on those hot days. It is big enough for small kayaks, paddle boards, and rafts too. NEW 2022 Pond Site Addition: We have installed a new fire pit this year!! Upon your arrival, you will find complimentary, match-light firewood set up in the pit for a warm welcome to your site. More firewood is available for purchase throughout your stay. It is illegal in California to travel across county borders with firewood. Firewood often has insect eggs or larvae that can devastate a forest. Please refrain from bringing firewood purchased or harvested from outside Mendocino County. The Best Rest Along the Way: We have created a “self-contained” dry campsite along our main road that is van and truck camping friendly, and can take travel trailers max 16’ length. This site has no amenities and is intended to accommodate people who need a place to catch a rest without sleeping on the roadside, although many do like it as a bear bones campsite. We are conveniently located about 10 min from the 101, for easy in-and-out access. There are lengthy internal roads and trails for unwinding and stretching your legs. Did I mention that town is less than 10 minutes from your campsite? If you forget anything, it is no biggie to run and get what you need. Come check it out! The homestead has much to offer: Eat from our organic garden, check out Cathy's handcrafted,Organic Insect Repellant. We are cannabis friendly 🌱, we like a chill vibe, and if you get the munchies ... Cathy handcrafts some delicious organic ice cream that we'll deliver to your campsite. Off-Site Excursion Options: - The Skunk Train 🚂 from Willits &/or Fort Bragg - Ft Bragg/Mendocino Coast - Botanical Gardens, Kayaking Van Damm, Coastal Trail -Jackson State Forest - Montgomery Woods - Tallest Tree - Blue Lakes - Eel River - Wine tasting - Casinos

95%

(197)

Mandala Springs Wellness Center

50 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Cobb, CA

Mandala Spring is an eco vegetarian, substance free, wellness sanctuary for the body mind and soul, and a supportive campground for all travelers. Since long ago, this sacred land has been a 'meeting place' and 'safe zone' for all local native tribes, and may be why it is protected so well by the spirits of the land. Mandala is committed to preserving this space as a sanctuary and gathering space for all to cultivate and nourish their practices.

Lightworks ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Willits, CA

The peace, quiet and beauty of nature is the theme at our property. This land is dedicated to the re-sacralization of culture. The spot was an ancient Native American camping area. People have found arrowheads, stone beads and grinding stones on the land. We offer various types of camping sites, as well as a teepee - so please read each listing for specific amenity and location information. We sell firewood, fresh eggs, and raw honey on site. The amount and variety of wildlife is astonishing, with bear, deer, turkeys, fox, coyote, bobcat, Eagles, River otter, salmon and steelhead, with a wide variety of songbirds during migration. Easy access from road, close to town, tall oak trees, privacy, creek with salmon within a five minute walk, mountains, wildlife, barn owl nest box. Guests love staying here: "Elderberry camp was really great! It was a large site, plenty of space, shade, and parking. Very peaceful and good distance between other sites although we were pretty much the only campers out there. Outhouse was clean and there was drinking water. We spent most of our Saturday in Eel River which was great. The water was perfect for swimming and fishing, our husbands caught some big ones. Stephen was very nice and accommodating, the honey and eggs we asked for were a nice addition too!" Helpful0 Report

Pura Vida Springs Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents161 acres · Lakeport, CA

Over the past 6 years this raw land with only the Glen Eden trail going through it Has been transformed into a working farm and ranch. Spectacular views of Clearlake and Mt Knocti make coffee time watching the sunrise breathtaking.

Bahler Glamping in Anderson Valley

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Boonville, CA

Jesse and Ali are happy to share their amazing new life with you! To have a good time in the language of Boontling is to have a BAHL. We be bahlin' here in Anderson Valley and are stoked to share good times with all you bahlers out there. Look it up in YouTube as it's a hoot of a dialect dating back to the 1800's. This land is located on the Mason Dixon line between the towns of Boonville and Philo; boasts extraordinarily expansive views of Anderson Valley. Glampers can experience views of world-class vineyards, farmland and redwoods while hearing the flow of the river, just footsteps away. Indoor glamping and outdoor locations available. From Highway 101 North, follow signs to Cloverdale or Ukiah towards the town of Boonville. Either stay on Hwy 128 in Boonville and turn left across from Lichen Estates winery. Optional scenic route via Anderson Valley Way until it ends at a vineyard next to the Boonville Barn Collective. Slowly drive down the road between the pepper farm and vineyard. There are a few speed bumps and pot holes so take your time and please respect the 5 mile per hour speed limit. There is a narrow bridge over the Navarro River and a wooden sign that points towards Whittaker and 2 locked gates. Instant entry glamping site is to the right and VIP access is straight ahead with confirmed instructions via email.

100%

(7)

Bottle Rock Ranch

1 site · Lodging150 acres · Kelseyville, CA

Enjoy peace, privacy and views at this expansive and very private 150 acre ranch nestled between rolling hills and a lovely small lake. Alpacas roam the property. Perfect for family reunions, off-sites, and other small events, or a simple country getaway. Hiking + Mountain Bike Trails on Property. Located in gorgeous rural wine country. Minutes from The Mercantile, Boatique, Cache Creek, and Loujour Estate Wineries. 45 min to Calistoga. 35 minutes to Harbin Hot Springs for yoga, massages, hiking and naturally fed hot spring pools Remodeled main house with 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms and gigantic wrap around deck 2 additional "Glamping Barn Suites" with Queen Beds and Remodeled Bathrooms with Showers 3 Grills Outdoor Tables and Chairs Trampoline Basketball Hoop Expansive Deck with stunning views Hot Tub

100%

(1)

The Park at Crystal Cove

3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Lower Lake, CA

Epic lakefront compound with private trails and many hidden treasures! Like many of the cozy cottages in this community, the house dates to the 1950s or possibly earlier, during Jago Bay's heyday as a vacation destination in the first half of the 20th century. Now this region is coming to life again, with the burgeoning local wine industry providing numerous nearby tasting rooms featuring wines made with grapes from the Red Hills appellation (which the property is located within). Adjacent Clear Lake needs no re-invention, remaining as beautiful as ever, as the largest, oldest, natural freshwater lake in California. This is truly a unique slice of heaven, located on a sunny knoll steps from the shores of the lake, with one of the County's best views of dramatic volcano Mount Konocti. The majestic presence of the mountain rising from the lake makes clear why this geology is imbued with deep significance in the culture and lore of the Pomo people who have stewarded this land for over 14,000 years.

Available this weekend

Bahler Glamping in Anderson Valley

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Boonville, CA

Jesse and Ali are happy to share their amazing new life with you! To have a good time in the language of Boontling is to have a BAHL. We be bahlin' here in Anderson Valley and are stoked to share good times with all you bahlers out there. Look it up in YouTube as it's a hoot of a dialect dating back to the 1800's. This land is located on the Mason Dixon line between the towns of Boonville and Philo; boasts extraordinarily expansive views of Anderson Valley. Glampers can experience views of world-class vineyards, farmland and redwoods while hearing the flow of the river, just footsteps away. Indoor glamping and outdoor locations available. From Highway 101 North, follow signs to Cloverdale or Ukiah towards the town of Boonville. Either stay on Hwy 128 in Boonville and turn left across from Lichen Estates winery. Optional scenic route via Anderson Valley Way until it ends at a vineyard next to the Boonville Barn Collective. Slowly drive down the road between the pepper farm and vineyard. There are a few speed bumps and pot holes so take your time and please respect the 5 mile per hour speed limit. There is a narrow bridge over the Navarro River and a wooden sign that points towards Whittaker and 2 locked gates. Instant entry glamping site is to the right and VIP access is straight ahead with confirmed instructions via email.

Thanktuary Retreat RV-Tent Site

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Gualala, CA

Learn more about this land: The winds whisper through the redwood trees and provide respite from the hot sun. Here on the ridge above Gualala, lies nestled a lovely and serene campground called Thanktuary Retreat. Skunks, jackrabbits, deer, foxes and very rarely a mountain lion or bear can be found on our 5 acres of forested land. There is a fishpond with water lilies, mini golf course and pétanque court (both with equipment in a useful shed close by), a horse shoe ring and beautiful, natural secluded spots in the redwoods perfect for meditation and vision questing. Huckleberry bushes and ferns grow abundantly. The place lends itself to self-reflection and introspection. There is space for 1 RV with a patio table and chairs and some sun loungers. There are also 2 tent sites available on the property, located in one large area, further away from the RV sites. Barely 7 minutes away is downtown Gualala, with amenities such as 2 supermarkets, pharmacy, bakery, restaurants and more. There is a beautiful holistic gift store, The Sea Trader, Four Eyed Frog Bookstore, and some lovely art galleries in town. Kayaking is available at the Gualala River. Hiking at Gualala Regional Park, the Bluff Trail, The Sea Ranch public access beaches, Stump Beach, Salt Point Park with a petrified forest, Bowling Ball Beach with its amazing natural formations (can only be seen fully at low tide of more than -0.2m), Manchester State Beach, Elk Beach, and more. Swimming at the Navarro River, and various bays. It is a place of incredible scenic beauty all along CA 1. Watch whales spouting during whale season. (Gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay between July and October). Bower Park, just 0.5 miles away with a lovely lake, tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court, and two separate playgrounds. Play disc golf or hike along the nature trail/fitness course. Anchor Bay is 5 miles up CA 1, with a supermarket, a few cafes, restaurants (including a great Thai place!) laundromat, hair salon, and more. The quaint town of Point Arena is 12 miles north, with a supermarket, Frannie's Cup And Saucer, The Bird Cafe, a beautiful historic lighthouse, a theater, a pier, a mini-safari park (B Bryan Preserve with zebras, giraffes and more. Tours need to be booked in advance). Also visit Roots, a natural pharmacy for herbs, teas and supplements. There are also spots like Occidental, Bodega Bay, Jenner (with the Russian River to kayak and swim) and Timber Cove, all on the way to Gualala from the south. Bodega Bay has lovely spots to eat, with clam chowder, fish and chips. Enjoy wind and water sports, and walk on the pier.

Shangri-La

8 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Upper Lake, CA

For 21 years, we have worked on keeping this property as a Sacred Space. There's a meadow with an Indian artifact and amazing views. We are a team, husband and wife, this is off-the-grid and we raise our children here. At the same time, we grow organic food and work on our crafts and spiritual practice, never using chemical fertilizers, and keeping all of the groundwater clear and clean with an abundance of spring water for drinking. This is a magical forest retreat and we love to share it with others who are like-minded. Right out of the Mendocino National Forest, 100-Acre Forest and Meadow Retreat is just minutes to the Eel River out of the small town of Potter Valley and 15 minutes to Lake Pillsbury. Private views, fresh spring water and endless possibilities. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******We have 2 campsites currently with fresh spring water, and fire pits. Private and in the woods. Lots of hiking on the land, with stunning views. Bring your own tent, hammock, food whatever you need to be a happy camper!! In the spring of 2019 we added in 2 new yurt sites, with soaking tubs, filled with hot spring water. We have 2 campsites to book for regular camping tents and we just added a community bathroom . Nestled away in the forest very private queen size bed natural spring water for soaking in the tub on your porch. In addition for comfort and convenience we have a nice bathroom with hand-washing station. Each yurt can come with propane heat in winter time you need to request it, in the Extras. making it cozy all year long. *******We also recommend that you have AWD or 4x4 vehicle, as the road is dirt coming in and the campsite are up the mountain off of a dirt road*******.

Mandala Springs Wellness Center

50 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Cobb, CA

Mandala Spring is an eco vegetarian, substance free, wellness sanctuary for the body mind and soul, and a supportive campground for all travelers. Since long ago, this sacred land has been a 'meeting place' and 'safe zone' for all local native tribes, and may be why it is protected so well by the spirits of the land. Mandala is committed to preserving this space as a sanctuary and gathering space for all to cultivate and nourish their practices.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

98%

(49)

MacKerricher State Park

Cleone, California

93%

(42)

Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

Cloverdale, California

79%

(12)

Clear Lake State Park

Soda Bay, California

93%

(32)

Mendocino National Forest

Elk Creek, California

Lakeside camping near Anchor Bay guide

Overview

Looking to camp near Anchor Bay, California and enjoy a lake experience? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 340 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect campsite that suits your preferences. Whether you're looking for a rustic campground or a glamping experience, Hipcamp has got you covered. For a truly magical experience, check out Mendocino Magic with 410 reviews, Shangri-La with 287 reviews, or Garden by the sea with 182 reviews. With popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, showers, and potable water, your camping trip will be comfortable and convenient. Plus, enjoy popular activities like fishing, exploring historic sites, and wildlife watching. Prices start as low as $20 per night, with an average price of $66 per night. So pack your gear and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!