Beach Camping Near Bethel Island, California, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

Camping on Bethel Island means waking up to the sound of water and sweeping views of the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. With over 250 beach camping options, you can pitch your tent steps from the sand or tuck yourself away in a quiet corner of the shoreline. Prices start at $25 a night, with an average around $50, so you don't have to break the bank to sleep near the water. Want to see what others love? The Meadows at Isleton (585 reviews) draws campers with roomy sites and easy water access. Delta Respite (70 reviews) is known for its peaceful setting and birdwatching. Private Reservoir (25 reviews) offers secluded beaches for those who like their mornings extra quiet. Most sites allow campfires and have showers and toilets. Bring your fishing pole or binoculars—wildlife-watching, fishing, and shoreline hikes are part of daily life here. If you want easy access to the water, a friendly vibe, and a spot where you can watch the sunset over the Delta, Bethel Island delivers.

95% (718)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bethel Island

Camping on Bethel Island means waking up to the sound of water and sweeping views of the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. With over 250 beach camping options, you can pitch your tent steps from the sand or tuck yourself away in a quiet corner of the shoreline. Prices start at $25 a night, with an average around $50, so you don't have to break the bank to sleep near the water. Want to see what others love? The Meadows at Isleton (585 reviews) draws campers with roomy sites and easy water access. Delta Respite (70 reviews) is known for its peaceful setting and birdwatching. Private Reservoir (25 reviews) offers secluded beaches for those who like their mornings extra quiet. Most sites allow campfires and have showers and toilets. Bring your fishing pole or binoculars—wildlife-watching, fishing, and shoreline hikes are part of daily life here. If you want easy access to the water, a friendly vibe, and a spot where you can watch the sunset over the Delta, Bethel Island delivers.

95% (718)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bethel Island

1. The Meadows at Isleton

95%

(1525)

9.1mi from Bethel Island · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Once an asparagus farm for Heinz, the property was left neglected for over 25 years. They started to convert the land to a lavender farm when they realized that there was more that they should do to enjoy their journey, hence; they incorporated the camping to share this beautiful location with others. From majestic sunrises to magnificent sunsets, The Meadows offers not only a calm and relaxing atmosphere gained from the Lavenders growing, but also provides a central location to all of the California River Delta venues and experiences. From local wine tasting to boating, fishing or just enjoying the nearby collectic towns, Bring your tent, trailer, or motor home to enjoy the heart of the California river delta. Each campsite is extra large for privacy and room to spread out. Dog-friendly. Watch the sunset while enjoying the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards. Walk the streets of our historic downtown and visit the small shops and locally-owned restaurants-- Manny’s Barzzeria, Mc Broodery's, Pineapples, or Peters Steak House. Of course, don’t miss out on DeJacks our country store that stocks it all!! Spend the day at the public fishing docks, kayak for the day in the delta waters, or head over to Sherman Islands epic wind/kite surfing areas. Local year-round festivals abound in the Delta and The Meadows is strategically located central to all. Our small town of 800 people will truly give you the feeling of being out of the big city!

2. Delta Respite

100%

(92)

4.9mi from Bethel Island · 1 site · Lodging

The perfect solo escape! Treat yourself to a quiet getaway for one at this cozy, clean and comfortable cabin on our rural farm, between two rivers, on Sherman Island. Located in the eastern San Francisco Bay Area at the confluence of the San Joaquin River, Sacramento River, and the eastern terminus of San Francisco Bay, Sherman Island is known for its wildlife, sunrises, and sunsets, and its dark sky for stargazing opportunities. The property is surrounded by alfalfa fields, grazing cattle, sheep, and a wildland habitat populated with migratory and native birds, animals, and plants. The one-room cabin has a bed and clawfoot bathtub with hot water offering a peaceful escape on our 5-acre tree-lined farm. Here you can listen to birdsong instead of the sounds of the city. This is an ideal cabin for birdwatchers, writers, plein air painters, nature photographers, stargazing, windsurfers/kiteboarders, meditation, or some stress-free, peaceful reset time. The private cottage has a refrigerator, microwave, compostable dinnerware, drinking water, and a coffeemaker with coffee. It is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter. Pets are welcome and free to enjoy being off-leash in the cabin's fenced yard. The hosts raise free-range chickens and bees on their farm and also conduct a nonprofit rescue and hospice for senior pets. The property is in the Pacific Migratory Flyway, surrounded by a 1000-acre State habitat/preserve populated by wildlife and seasonal birds. Downtown San Francisco and Sacramento are each about 50 miles away in opposite directions. Mount Diablo, viewed from the property, is about 15 miles south and offers hiking trails with stunning views and abundant wildlife. Friday bookings are for a minimum of 2 nights.

3. Delta‘s best

92%

(6)

3mi from Bethel Island · 1 site · Lodging

Experience a unique adventure as you take a floating car ride across the river to a secluded private island. Upon your arrival, you'll find a well-maintained property offering plenty of space for relaxation and recreation. This exclusive piece of land features a single site, ensuring your privacy and tranquility. Enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, kayaking, hunting, swimming, boating, and birdwatching. Unwind in a hammock underneath some trees, gather around a bonfire, or savor a barbecue while sharing laughter and good times with friends. Discover the perfect getaway where nature and relaxation come together!

4. Brannan Island State Recreation Area

77%

(12)

184 sites · Rio Vista, California

Check out an a-maze-ing labyrinth of waterways in between two of California's largest cities.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Angel Island State Park

96%

(79)

12 sites · Tiburon, California

Snag the best view in the Bay on San Francisco’s largest island.

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic table

6. Private Reservoir

96%

(47)

47mi from Bethel Island · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Private property on a private reservoir. Enjoy some quiet time on the water, swimming, fishing, camping or just sitting and enjoying this hidden gem. Conveniently located a couple minutes from town to get some groceries or even fast food and gas. Also minutes from the large lake of New Hogan if your brining a jet ski or boat. Come relax on this 10 acres of private water access. Fish till your heart is content. Please catch and release. We have a variety of fish: Bass, Blue Gill, Cat fish and even some big Carp. Use our canoe or paddle boat or bring your own kayak, SUP, canoe etc. Newly added large floating dock, sand beach and large swing set/ hammock polls. Come play and have fun and listen to the sounds of frogs at night and the birds in the morning.

7. Flip Flop Flat

98%

(54)

51mi from Bethel Island · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

We are a 5 Acre property along the Stanislaus River below the shade trees with 2 private beaches and boat launch. We are located between Oakdale and Knights Ferry and just a short drive to Yosemite Valley. Enjoy river raft trips, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing etc. This property can accommodate tent camping, dry RV and group camping. We even hold weddings and events. Group rates, $25.00 per person , per night. Disclaimer: Fire ban in effect! We offer a community fire pit to all and we provide the firewood. We do allow propane firepits for your personal site. Our property is our home and our business and is not a public park. Registered guests only.

8. Rancho Seco Recreational Park

100%

(1)

37mi from Bethel Island · 21 sites

Rancho Seco Recreational Area stands out as a unique destination due to its expansive 400-acre park that offers a diverse range of recreational activities, making it an ideal spot for both day trips and overnight stays. Nestled in California's Central Valley, just 25 miles from downtown Sacramento, this scenic area features a 160-acre lake fed by the Folsom South Canal, perfect for camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife observation. The park, acquired by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in 1992, has transformed into a beloved recreational haven and wildlife refuge. Visitors and locals alike appreciate the natural beauty and the variety of water activities available. The lake is open year-round, with a designated swimming beach located on the southeastern side, conveniently near group picnic areas. Reservations can be made for group picnics accommodating 50 or more people, while smaller covered pavilions are available for smaller gatherings. For those looking to explore, the Howard Ranch Trail and Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge offer public access for hiking and wildlife viewing. Admission to these areas is included in the park fee. Boating enthusiasts can launch electric motor boats, rowboats, or sailboats from ramps located at both ends of the dam, with ramp hours aligning with facility hours.

9. China Camp State Park

98%

(22)

33 sites · Santa Venetia, California

Discover the natural charm of China Camp State Park.

Campfires

Toilets

Picnic table

10. Golden Gate National Recreation Area

97%

(77)

17 sites · Sausalito, California

Hike in Muir Woods or rattle the bars at Alcatraz with a visit to the City by the Bay.

Campfires

Toilets

Picnic table

Public campgrounds near Bethel Island

100%

(3)

Cottonwood Campground

6.3mi from Bethel Island · 47 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brannan Island State Recreation Area

Willow Campground

6.5mi from Bethel Island · 104 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brannan Island State Recreation Area

From the walk in campgrounds, the Sac river is only a short stroll away.

100%

(2)

Walk In Campground

6.5mi from Bethel Island · 14 sites · in Brannan Island State Recreation Area

50%

(4)

Olympic Loop Campground

6.6mi from Bethel Island · 11 sites · in Brannan Island State Recreation Area

75%

(3)

Sacramento Group Campground

6.8mi from Bethel Island · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brannan Island State Recreation Area

96%

(79)

Angel Island Campground

45mi from Bethel Island · 11 sites · in Angel Island State Park

98%

(22)

Back Ranch Meadows Campground

46mi from Bethel Island · 32 sites · in China Camp State Park

100%

(6)

Rob Hill Campground

48mi from Bethel Island · 2 sites · in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

97%

(50)

Kirby Cove Campground

48mi from Bethel Island · 4 sites · in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

83%

(3)

Hawk Camp Campground

49mi from Bethel Island · 3 sites · in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

N

Nova

1 week ago

1 night at Delta Respite

Steve and Ceci are such lovely and down to earth people! Staying at their place was really enchanting, the cabin feels like something out of Snow White-it’s simple but also very detailed and you can tell thought was put in the space. The clawfoot bathtub was wonderful, and despite the winter chill the place managed to stay warm. There’s a bookshelf full of books with California flora and fauna. Their dogs are funny and very active, and there’s maybe about. 60 chickens there? Both domestic and wild. Both the area in the back next to the cows and the highway besides the river were lovely to walk beside and explore. Overall it was a wonderful way to get away from the hustle and hustle of things and relax and explore! Hope to be back soon 💕

D

Daniel

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

1 night at The Meadows at Isleton

Everything was great. Lots of space, water, and secluded. Great host.

M

Monica

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Delta Respite

I had a wonderful stay here. The silence, stars, multitude of birds (including Sandhill Cranes!), water, and joyful farm animals were restorative for my soul. The rustic and charming cabin was delightful with a window view of splendid sunsets, cool art and stylistic decor, an efficient heater, and a spacious bathtub. The hosts were gracious, responsive, welcoming, and thoughtful; they went above and beyond in making sure my stay went well.

Ken

November 2025

18 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Flip Flop Flat

We were only able to stay one night, and are definitely staying a full weekend next time! What a gift to find a riverside retreat and such a relaxing, simple layout just minutes from town. Thank you, Ed!

Brian

November 2025

3 nights at Delta Respite

Second time staying here on my birthday Honestly love it. Right off the water View of Mt Diablo and Antioch bridge. Steve and Cici and both very kind both great with communication. And they do want to make sure everything is going good while on your stay

j

jeff

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Private Reservoir

We had a great time. They had nice chairs perfect for relaxing on the dock. Lots of wildlife to enjoy the sounds of nature. 10/10 recommend.

V

Vuthy

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Delta‘s best

Owner was vey nice and helping us with are stay ? Will definitely come back

F

Finn

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Delta Respite

Steve and Ceci are so open and generous, the spot is really beautiful, and the cabin is perfect for a solo getaway. I even saw river otters and sandhill cranes walking distance from the property. I highly recommend this spot!

Sloane

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Delta Respite

Ceci and Steve were so warm and accommodating for my dog and I last minute. I couldn't have imagined a better place to reset. This was my first time using hipcamp. I was set on finding a cozy inn to retreat to for the weekend and get somewriting done. Of course everything was booked or insanely expensive so I turned to hipcamp and I truly couldn't have planned it better. The cabin had everything I needed to be comfortable. You could really tell that so much thought went into every little detail. From the clawfoot tub, to porch with the little fenced in yard. Every light was on a dimmer! I was so charmed by this as someone who works with light a lot (photographer) and love creating ambiance! Clearly they poured their hearts into creating such an amazing space. I kept joking to my friends the cabin was like a storybook and I felt like I was the Celestial Seasons Bear. They were both so sweet to my dog Beaux and we had lots of nice walks around the property and beyond. Only downside was it was a bit muggy and buggy at times so definitely prepare if you're sensitive to mosquitos or other critters. This was no fault of Ceci & Steve's and to be expected when visiting the Delta! Oh, and there really were so many amazing birds to view and the sound of birdsong and coyotes throughout the day and night. The whole experience was so dreamy and relaxing and I definitely want to go back!

J

Josh

October 2025

With pets

6 nights at Delta Respite

I had such a restorative, restful time at Steve and Ceci’s beautiful cabin on their farm on Sherman Island. I had been worried that it was too close to civilization to give me the peace and quiet I was looking for but this couldn’t have been further from the truth. While the cabin was close enough to town to meet with friends in Walnut Creek or get supplies, it was far enough away to feel worlds away from San Francisco. Steve and Ceci were consummate hosts, providing everything I needed from additional firewood for the fire pit (and accompanying fire building assistance!) to bottled water. The clawfoot tub with bath salts was a particularly lovely touch but the cabin was extremely comfortable and well-appointed. My dog absolutely adored staying here, and was able to roam the large property that was completely fenced in, meeting the farm dogs and the chickens. There is even a hammock and a comfortable lounge chair to do some reading in the shade. What more could you ask for?

DONNA

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Private Reservoir

We had a nice weekend camping at Pond Bank Waterfront. The property was easy to find and access. We parked our trailer parallel to the pond so that we had a nice view of it. We were the only ones accessing the pond so that was nice. We were aware of neighbors across the pond but they are far enough away that it was no issue. We really enjoyed watching all of the birds come and go to the pond. Sunrises and sunsets were beautiful! We liked that the location of the property is so close to things to do during our stay. We spent the afternoon on Saturday checking out the Kennedy Mine and Kennedy Tailing Wheels. Fascinating. Walking around Sutter Creek was fun too. The only issue we had were mosquitos which come any place with water. Just be prepared for them to come out an hour or so before sunset. We didn't have any issue with them during the day.

Brenda

September 2025

1 night at Delta Respite

Delta Respite is exactly what I needed. Ceci & Steve greet you when you arrive to explain things. Wonderful warm hearted folks who made me feel so welcomed. I’m an avid kayaker & birder and this certainly checked all the boxes. Be sure to have coffee on the hill in the morning. Great spot to greet the day! I will return to this special place.

J

Jillian

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Reservoir

Having a private reservoir to unwind at was a lovely addition to our weekend away. We explored some local trails with our dog and then came to fish and relax by the resorvoir. There are some neighbors with animals that are chatty but that is to be expected out in the country. We took out the paddleboat and enjoyed hours relaxing on the land. Thanks James!

M

Megan

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Delta Respite

The cozy cabin on Steve and Ceci's property was perfect for my solo getaway. The cabin has just what you need to unwind and relax - a lounge chair with a little fire pit, a soaking tub with a candle and bath salts with a rack to hold my kindle/book while soaking. The small table provided space to eat and sit to watch the bird bath and sunsets. Steve and Ceci were so welcoming to me and my dog, we are very grateful for their space!

K

Kevin

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Flip Flop Flat

We loved Heather and Ed’s wonderful property! We did so many fun things: water gunfights, kayaking, swimming, cowboys training (ax throwing and roping cow), and stargazing. And that was only the first day! On the second day we went on a five-hour kayaking trip with Ed’s help. Truly amazing experiences. We fell in the river at least three times but it was great fun. Already recommended your place to one of our Boy Scout leaders. We will definitely come back again. :-)

K

Kenken

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Flip Flop Flat

Ed & Heather was just a delight and really goes out of their way to help you get the best experience camping at their very lovely property. At one point Ed was teaching the other campers how to lasso and he was giving me fishing pointers. Special mention to Blue and Axel (pups) that played with my kids by the waters. Definitely recommend!

D

Dani

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Reservoir

The ultimate in privacy and quiet . Perfect water temperature in the pond and lots of wild and domestic birds. My 3rd trip here

P

Paula

August 2025

2 nights at Delta Respite

Steve & Ceci were welcoming hosts. Their cozy cabin & property provided a peaceful space for solitude. I enjoyed walking and relaxing, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and their entertaining flock of of free-range chickens.

Monique

August 2025

1 night at Delta Respite

it is a lovely spot on the delta. with the windows open a nice breeze flows in, you hear birds, and some farm animals nearby. the was some fresh produce to snack on, and ... the tub is fantastic.

D

Dani

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Private Reservoir

This was my second stay, really enjoyed the peace and privacy.