The best desert campgrounds near Calpine, California

Looking to go camping near Calpine, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1,100 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Whether you're into horseback riding, wind sports, or snow sports, there's something for everyone. Want to know where other campers are raving about? Check out these top campsites: Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews), and Maple Creek Ranch (307 reviews). Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like campfires, cooking equipment, and trash disposal. So, get ready to pitch your tent and enjoy the great outdoors for as low as $20 per night!

98% (229)

Top-rated campgrounds near Calpine

Looking to go camping near Calpine, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1,100 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Whether you're into horseback riding, wind sports, or snow sports, there's something for everyone. Want to know where other campers are raving about? Check out these top campsites: Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews), and Maple Creek Ranch (307 reviews). Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like campfires, cooking equipment, and trash disposal. So, get ready to pitch your tent and enjoy the great outdoors for as low as $20 per night!

98% (229)

Top-rated campgrounds near Calpine

1. L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

96%

(255)

43mi from Calpine · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We sit on 130 acres of primarily pasture over looking Washoe Valley and Washoe Lake. Olde LYFE Alpacas offers visits with the animals, including an organized 60 min Peaceful Walk with an alpaca where you’ll experience them up close. There is a small retail store on site with a variety of products made with alpaca fiber, including the most delightful alpaca socks!! The ranch store is self serve mostly. There are price sheets and payment methods listed!

2. JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

100%

(7)

43mi from Calpine · 1 site · Tent, RV

JD Hemphill Ranch is fourth generation cattle and hay ranch on the edge of the Great Basin. We have great views of both the Sierra and the Skedaddle Mountains. We offer a quiet campsite minutes from Highway 395 on a tranquil county road named after the family. Biking and walking is easy and can be done without fear of traffic. We are close to bike trails and the Bizz Johnson Rails to Trails project is just 17 minutes away in Susanville.

3. Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras

96%

(37)

45mi from Calpine · 1 site · Tent, RV

We love to pass our free time here in the sunshine and juniper drafts overlooking the Sierras. Some days we watch the electric storms across the valley, other afternoons we picnic and nap while listening to the birds and wind.  We love the peace and silence, which feels remarkably remote and only 20 minutes from Reno.  Learn more about this land: We would love to share our 12 junipered acres with nature enthusiasts like ourselves. Bring your tent or camper and spend afternoons watching beautiful sunsets and wildlife from our land.  Spectacular expansive views across the valley to the Sierras and Mount Rose.  Conveniently 15 minutes from South Reno (40 minutes from North Lake Tahoe), the silence and absolute privacy here are restorative and replenishing.  We do not have trash collection services available and we ask all guest to practice a “leave no trace” philosophy.  **Because of extreme fire risk in our area we ask guests to refrain from having campfires for now. As this area is home to beautiful wildlife (and a few other distant homeowners) please visit with an intent to respect the quiet and privacy that makes this area so pleasurable for us all.  Thanks for visiting and enjoy your time!  

4. Washoe Lake State Park

100%

(1)

49 sites · Washoe Valley, Nevada

Just a stone’s throw from Reno and Carson City, this park sits on a lake at the base of the Tahoe Range.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. The Range Rural Raw Desert

31mi from Calpine · 1 site · Tent, RV

🌵 Welcome to O’Doyle Grade! 🌵 Pitch your tent or park your RV in the raw desert beauty of Doyle—where wide-open skies meet small-town charm. Just 10 minutes from Plumas Forest (home to some of the area’s best-kept bouldering secrets) and only 30 seconds from the friendly Buck Inn Bar, you’ll be perfectly positioned for both adventure and relaxation. Enjoy a quiet rural escape just off the freeway, with endless forest fun and mountain views only moments away. Whether you’re here for climbing, exploring, or simply soaking in the peace of the high desert, O’Doyle Grade is your gateway to it all.

6. Welsh Grizzly Camp

100%

(6)

14mi from Calpine · 3 sites · RVs

Tucked in the pines, you'll easily find our 4 acre camping paradise. We offer RV parking with power and water hookups and access to an outhouse. Our sites offer plenty of shade in the trees, picnic benches, a swing set, large open graveled space with outdoor furniture to sit and relax in, play cornhole or grill. Located less than a mile from Lake Davis, for swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, etc. General Store close by, with dump station. Several hiking trails nearby. 5 minute drive to Grizzly Golf Course, 10 minute drive to Portola for Mountain Pizza, Frosty, and more, just 20 minutes to Graeeagle Shops, Breweries, Fine Dining, horseback riding and other activities. This is the perfect place to camp with your family and friends!

7. The 395 Ranch, Seclusion & Views!

33mi from Calpine · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

This property lies at the base of the Sierra Mountains, approximately 9 miles north of Doyle, CA on the west side of US Route 395. Access to the ranch road is from US Route 395. Its elevation starts at 3800 feet and rises higher than 5,000 feet. The lower half is rolling high chaparral and the upper half is steep with forest land that was burned in the 2021 Dixie Fire. There are still plenty of live trees left. This ranch lies in Deer Hunting Zone X6b. Lassen National Forest is on the west boundary of this ranch, with a gate that allows access to the national forest. The 395 Ranch boasts incredible views for nearly 75 miles. The ground is primarily decomposed granite so mud never becomes a problem. Wind can be strong when weather systems approach. The campsites are very basic with no toilet facilities (at this time) but water is available for cooking and washing dishes. An outdoor enclosed shower is available as well. At this time (summer) the water is naturally warm from the pipe’s exposure to the sun and hot water from a flash heater will be available in the near future. Tents can be erected almost anywhere on the property, but campfires are strictly prohibited until the rainy/cold season. Water and an electric hookup is available next to the barn for RVs and travel trailers at an additional cost. Sewer service is not available. There is also an older but nice three-bedroom, one bath home that is also available for short term rentals. It is heated during the winter by two wood burning stoves and cooled comfortably during the summer with a swamp cooler. The rent for this house is based on the season, ranging from $169-$229 nightly plus extra fees for pets or more than three people. Visitors of the past have found hiking, looking for artifacts and rocks to be fun activities. It’s also been an amazing place for stargazing and using telescopes. Others simply enjoyed relaxing and enjoying the peace, quiet and views. High quality campfire wood is available for $12.00 a bundle.

Public campgrounds near Calpine

100%

(1)

Washoe Lake Campground

46mi from Calpine · 49 sites · Tents, RVs · in Washoe Lake State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Michael

November 2025

15 ft Class B

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Amazing property and very friendly host! Would Highly recommend

G

Gregory

November 2025

17 ft travel trailer

1 night at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

Flat plot over looking fields. Quiet spot and ideal place to stop as we were passing through.

F

Frankenstein

November 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

A safe and fun place to rest and recovery during an adventure. I enjoyed all the alpaca friends I made during my stay, all very curious to see what I was cooking up. There is a lovely little shop for you to browse while staying there and you are able to feed the alpacas! The community who help tend the land and care for the animals are lovely people and gave me quite the education on alpacas.

A

Amanda

November 2025

20 ft travel trailer

2 nights at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Wonderful place to camp! Beautiful location and so fun to have the alpacas roaming around.

T

Trevor

October 2025

22 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Amazing. Easy to find. The campground is fantastic, highlighted by the alpaca's. I brought my 9yr old daughter, and she was in love. They are incredibly friendly, sweet animals. It was an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommend.

Aiyana

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Not every day am I surrounded by alpacas! This is a unique experience for animal lovers, giving you the chance to observe or interact with alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, and farm dogs. My 10 year old was both enthralled and overwhelmed by the eager alpacas. Camping is pleasant, with a lovely setting, adequate porta-potty, some space between rigs, easy pull through, clear directions, friendly staff. Bring ear plugs if barking livestock guardian dogs will disturb your sleep (I was bothered, my family was not).

S

Susan

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Magnificent stay! The alpacas were so chill and loved my dogs. The farm store had great products and the other campers we lovely

C

Candice

October 2025

Tent

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

It was pretty cool camping with the Alpacas! We loved the views the property offered. We fed the Alpacas and got some cute pictures. We got some cute things in her little store too. Stacy was super accommodating and friendly. Would stay again.

C

Cyn

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

We stayed one night at Olde Lyfe Alpacas and absolutely loved it! The ranch is peaceful and full of charm. Stacey was such a kind and welcoming host. You can really feel how much care and love she puts into the animals. ALL the animals (alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, dogs, chickens) were adorable and fun to watch, and waking up to them made it such a cool experience. It was the perfect quiet stop on our trip, and we’d definitely come back again (and stay longer next time!). Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for a peaceful and unique camping experience.

V

Vic

October 2025

22 ft Class C

1 night at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

Was a nice quiet spot with a picnic table. A little confusing to find but nevertheless a good stopover point.

P

Paige

September 2025

30 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Great spot to post up for a night and meet of the alpacas and other cute farm critters! Conveniently close to Tahoe, too! Parking directions were a bit confusing but a helpful farm member was quick to assist.

R

Rebekah

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

We had a great time! It was our first time taking our 2.5 year old camping and she LOVED the farm!!

J

Jessica

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Stacey's Alpaca farm is so precious. She's a hard working woman who cares a lot about her animals. The campsite is beautiful with the surroundings. You get what you get here amenity wise. We don't come for the "glamping" style here. We come for the Alpacas and other animals of course and the land is beautiful. Everyone kept quiet around us both times we stayed there and we had like 5-6 other guests on the property. Stacey's Dog will bark to protect the animals. I seen an Alpaca kick the shit out of a dog who didn't leave it alone so watch out lol We camped in our tent but others camped in their RVs, Airstreamers, and there's one Glamping style hut there too. She has 2 porta potties, and water available to wash your hands. Bring every else, especially if you need more water. We packed out our trash. This place is really meant for you to enjoy the outdoors for cheap, on safe land, and to hang out with cool animals. Definitely will be back for our 3rd time soon. Thanks Stacey and Staff.

Zoe

September 2025

12 ft campervan

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Hands down one of my very favorite stays. Stacey is a welcoming host and her herd is absolutely the cutest.

T

Trey

September 2025

Tent

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

It was a pleasure to stay on Stacey's land. Not only was she a great host, but the views were gorgeous and hanging out with the alpacas (and llamas and dogs and chickens and goats) was a super cool experience. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for some peace and quiet under the stars. And if you stay, be sure to feed the alpacas (and don't be surprised when the pellets start flying)!

A

Ann

September 2025

20 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

If you like alpacas, this is an easy place to find and stay the night with beautiful views. There’s a super cute little farm store and the alpacas were friendly and liked the attention. There was one other van (quiet couple) and someone staying in the glamping tent but no crazy noises, just some chickens in the morning ;)

A

Amit

September 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Alpacas are adorable and just as you would expect. Stacey (the owner and host) is very knowledgeable and was great to chat with her. We loved our stay and will be back!

M

Marta

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

We had an amazing time! The starts in the night, feeding the animals, leaving with fresh eggs. All around fantastic experience.

G

Grayson

September 2025

Tent