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The best waterside camping near Calpine

·

In Calpine, camping by the water means waking up to the rush of rivers and the quiet of hidden lakes. With over 3,300 waterside sites, you can pitch your tent or park your rig steps from fishing holes and swimming spots. Expect pet-friendly grounds, toilets, and crackling campfires. Hikers hit forest trails early; anglers stake out their favorite bends. Budget runs wide—find camps from $15 a night, with the average closer to $60. Locals rave about Sierra Sol Camp (328 reviews), TerraSol~ "Earth Under the Sun" (246 reviews), and Victoria Forest (208 reviews) for easy water access and a laid-back vibe. Bring your rod, sturdy boots, and a good sense of adventure—Calpine’s waterside camps reward those who show up early and stay late.

96% (2.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Calpine

  • Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
  • Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
  • Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

1. Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

96%
(111)
46mi from Calpine · 3 sites · Lodging
Our property is lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live on over 30 private, beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house, and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. Please note the Cabin is set on a seasonal CANNABIS garden. All three sites are vacation spots with AC and WIFI, not just simple accommodations, but experiences. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or drive 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! In summer there is a 3-night minimum for the cabin and dome. Occasionally a two day midweek will pop up on the schedule last minute. To see correct pricing, enter your dates as they can fluctuate with holidays, weekends. Prices are decreased midweek. We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), up to 5 people. -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, up to 4 people. -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional teepee tent site (lakeside)! Up to 6 people. We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent. If you want an epic stay in the forest, private and away from others, this is your place. Also close to Grass Valley (15min), Nevada City (20 min), Colfax (less than 10).
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$113
 / night
  • Lake Davis Campground
  • At beautiful Lake Davis, you can unplug and unwind, and escape from the demands of technology and the chaos of crowds.
  • Lake Davis Campground

2. Lake Davis Campground

45%
(10)
15mi from Calpine · 8 sites
The Forest Service decided they couldn't serve the public. Nothing has changed.
  • Wild Plum Loop trail will connect you to the PCT
  • Had some trouble getting our tent up but still had an amazing time!
  • Wild Plum Loop trail will connect you to the PCT

3. Tahoe National Forest

93%
(255)
1382 sites · Graniteville, California
Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • Plumas National Forest
  • The view.
  • Plumas National Forest

4. Plumas National Forest

95%
(67)
821 sites · Little Grass Valley, California
Hike, cross-country ski, or even drive into the deep wilderness of this Sierra Nevada forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • Plumas Eureka State Park
  • Plumas Eureka State Park
  • Plumas Eureka State Park

5. Plumas Eureka State Park

100%
(9)
62 sites · Johnsville, California
Experience California history at an authentic, historic mining area.
  • Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
  • Breakfast of champions.
  • Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

6. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

94%
(122)
933 sites · South Lake Tahoe, California
Beautiful lakeside views and endless exploration on the Nevada/California border.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • Eldorado National Forest
  • Lake Aloha, Desolation Wilderness
  • Eldorado National Forest

7. Eldorado National Forest

93%
(136)
980 sites · Kirkwood, California
Sierra Nevada gem offers lush forests, lakes, rivers, and peaks for year-round outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • Auburn State Recreation Area
  • Standard self-pay
  • Auburn State Recreation Area

8. Auburn State Recreation Area

92%
(12)
61 sites · North Auburn, California
Gold panning, whitewater rafting, and dirt-bike riding are just a few of the unique activities here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

In Calpine, camping by the water means waking up to the rush of rivers and the quiet of hidden lakes. With over 3,300 waterside sites, you can pitch your tent or park your rig steps from fishing holes and swimming spots. Expect pet-friendly grounds, toilets, and crackling campfires. Hikers hit forest trails early; anglers stake out their favorite bends. Budget runs wide—find camps from $15 a night, with the average closer to $60. Locals rave about Sierra Sol Camp (328 reviews), TerraSol~ "Earth Under the Sun" (246 reviews), and Victoria Forest (208 reviews) for easy water access and a laid-back vibe. Bring your rod, sturdy boots, and a good sense of adventure—Calpine’s waterside camps reward those who show up early and stay late.

96% (2.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Calpine

  • Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
  • Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
  • Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

1. Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

96%
(111)
46mi from Calpine · 3 sites · Lodging
Our property is lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live on over 30 private, beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house, and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. Please note the Cabin is set on a seasonal CANNABIS garden. All three sites are vacation spots with AC and WIFI, not just simple accommodations, but experiences. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or drive 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! In summer there is a 3-night minimum for the cabin and dome. Occasionally a two day midweek will pop up on the schedule last minute. To see correct pricing, enter your dates as they can fluctuate with holidays, weekends. Prices are decreased midweek. We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), up to 5 people. -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, up to 4 people. -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional teepee tent site (lakeside)! Up to 6 people. We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent. If you want an epic stay in the forest, private and away from others, this is your place. Also close to Grass Valley (15min), Nevada City (20 min), Colfax (less than 10).
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$113
 / night
  • Lake Davis Campground
  • At beautiful Lake Davis, you can unplug and unwind, and escape from the demands of technology and the chaos of crowds.
  • Lake Davis Campground

2. Lake Davis Campground

45%
(10)
15mi from Calpine · 8 sites
The Forest Service decided they couldn't serve the public. Nothing has changed.
  • Wild Plum Loop trail will connect you to the PCT
  • Had some trouble getting our tent up but still had an amazing time!
  • Wild Plum Loop trail will connect you to the PCT

3. Tahoe National Forest

93%
(255)
1382 sites · Graniteville, California
Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • Plumas National Forest
  • The view.
  • Plumas National Forest

4. Plumas National Forest

95%
(67)
821 sites · Little Grass Valley, California
Hike, cross-country ski, or even drive into the deep wilderness of this Sierra Nevada forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • Plumas Eureka State Park
  • Plumas Eureka State Park
  • Plumas Eureka State Park

5. Plumas Eureka State Park

100%
(9)
62 sites · Johnsville, California
Experience California history at an authentic, historic mining area.
  • Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
  • Breakfast of champions.
  • Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

6. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

94%
(122)
933 sites · South Lake Tahoe, California
Beautiful lakeside views and endless exploration on the Nevada/California border.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • Eldorado National Forest
  • Lake Aloha, Desolation Wilderness
  • Eldorado National Forest

7. Eldorado National Forest

93%
(136)
980 sites · Kirkwood, California
Sierra Nevada gem offers lush forests, lakes, rivers, and peaks for year-round outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • Auburn State Recreation Area
  • Standard self-pay
  • Auburn State Recreation Area

8. Auburn State Recreation Area

92%
(12)
61 sites · North Auburn, California
Gold panning, whitewater rafting, and dirt-bike riding are just a few of the unique activities here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Public campgrounds near Calpine

Calpine Lookout
100%
(5)

Calpine Lookout

1.7mi from Calpine · 1 site · in Tahoe National Forest
Yuba Pass Campground

Yuba Pass Campground

4.3mi from Calpine · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tahoe National Forest
Chapman Campground

Chapman Campground

6mi from Calpine · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tahoe National Forest
Sierra Campground
100%
(14)

Sierra Campground

6.7mi from Calpine · 16 sites · in Tahoe National Forest
Site 21 is walkin but worth the (very) small trek with your gear. It's adjacent to a beautiful little meadow that our kiddo enjoyed playing in, and has a perfect hammock spot.
100%
(2)

Salmon Creek Campground

9.7mi from Calpine · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tahoe National Forest
Highly recommend taking your paddle board to Upper Sardine Lake
100%
(9)

Sardine Lake Campground

9.8mi from Calpine · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tahoe National Forest
Snag Lake Campground
100%
(2)

Snag Lake Campground

10mi from Calpine · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tahoe National Forest
Love this spot. Definitely going to revisit!

Cottonwood Creek Campground

10mi from Calpine · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tahoe National Forest
Beautiful little campground right on the lake!
100%
(1)

Haven Lake Campground

10mi from Calpine · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Plumas National Forest
Goose Lake Campground

Goose Lake Campground

10mi from Calpine · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Plumas National Forest
Cold Creek Campground

Cold Creek Campground

11mi from Calpine · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tahoe National Forest
Diablo Campground
100%
(3)

Diablo Campground

11mi from Calpine · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tahoe National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
C
Chris
September 2025
With pets
Weekend Trip to Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
We had a great stay. Erin’s spot was perfect for our little weekend get away.
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
K
Krista
August 2025
With pets
Weekend Trip to Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
Erin's getaway was a much needed step away from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. One step onto the welcoming deck reminded us of what is important - our family and spending time in nature. Easy access to food, grocery, day-trips and the beautiful lake make this a return destination for sure. We cannot thank Erin and her family for this opportunity to unwind and reconnect.
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
S
SK
July 2025
With pets
3 nights at Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
Excellent mini vacation. Great place, fun lake, beautiful garden, nice owners, entertaining pinball, guitars, and piano. Overall a super place to visit. Thanks!
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
Avatar
Jason
July 2025
1 night at Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
This was a great place to stay! unfortunately, we were only able to stay 1 night and wished we could have stayed longer. Make sure you follow the instructions given. GPS loses contact when you get closer to the place.
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
S
Sarita
July 2025
With pets
3 nights at Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
We had a very nice stay at Erin’s place for a little babymoon! The place had everything we needed. We enjoyed being able to sit out on the deck and chill. It was great to be able to walk to the lake and swim, especially since the rivers were so cold but the lake was warm. Thanks for the stay!
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
J
Jessie
June 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
Great spot! Apartment was clean and had everything we needed. Fun to swim and kayak the lake. Recommend a visit to empire mine state park for a hike and visiting grounds.
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
V
Victor
June 2025
With kids
3 nights at Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
Great hidden gem. SCREENSHOT DIRECTIONS internet doesn’t work great until you’re there, had to go back in to town for internet so I could see the gate code I was provided. My kids and I loved the pinball machine and the three of us slept comfortably and had a great time.
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
J
Jennifer
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
This is the perfect little place for a getaway. Super close to the lake! Easy walk to get there.
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
B
Bennett
May 2025
With kids
1 night at Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
Great spot for a peaceful getaway! The cabin was clean, comfortable, and fairly close to the lake—just what we needed.
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
Avatar
Lindsay
May 2025
1 night at Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
This location was such a great location to be immersed in nature. We enjoyed being near the lake that was walking distance. We saw so many deer,squirrels and loved sitting on the deck listening to nature and it's surroundings.
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
S
Sean
March 2025
3 nights at Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
Erin and Chance were terrific hosts! I particularly appreciated all the little touches they put into my stay so I could feel right at home. It’s a beautiful location with terrific views and plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake itself is gorgeous, and if you’re not opposed to a hike check out Stevens trail!
See more
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
T
Troy
March 2025
With pets
Weekend Trip to Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄
Actually stayed in the Suite and the Cabin and both were great for their own reasons. The hosts were great and respected our privacy to the fullest. We had no hiccups at all, even the directions looked daunting but they are super easy and straight forward once you drive it. We will be back again and again. The only hesitation to writing this review is more people will find out about this hidden gem and may make it harder for us to get back in. We will just book well out in advance to get our spot. Just read the descriptions of each lodging option and understand the differences and you'll be golden.
See more

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Calpine

Mt. Tallac Hike, South Lake Tahoe
93%
(255)
Tahoe National Forest
Graniteville, California
Plumas National Forest
95%
(67)
Plumas National Forest
Little Grass Valley, California
Plumas Eureka State Park
100%
(9)
Plumas Eureka State Park
Johnsville, California
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
94%
(122)
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
South Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Aloha, Desolation Wilderness
93%
(136)
Eldorado National Forest
Kirkwood, California
Auburn State Recreation Area
92%
(12)
Auburn State Recreation Area
North Auburn, California

More campsites near Calpine

  • Lake Davis Campground
  • At beautiful Lake Davis, you can unplug and unwind, and escape from the demands of technology and the chaos of crowds.
  • Lake Davis Campground

Lake Davis Campground

45%
(10)
15mi from Calpine · 8 sites
The Forest Service decided they couldn't serve the public. Nothing has changed.
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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Top parks near Calpine

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Top cities near Calpine

Sacramento
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