Waterside glamping in California
Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.
96% (20081 reviews)
- California
96% (20081 reviews)
Popular camping styles for California
Star Hosts in California
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top waterside glamping sites in California
90%
(932)
Bridgeport Reservoir Campground
33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · CA
Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice!
About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A short 30-minute drive to Tioga pass will bring you straight into the heart of Yosemite National Park. Off-road enthusiasts will have a heyday will the plethora of 4x4 trails in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town.
Climate & Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal.
Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.
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$27
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99%
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Camp Stoney Meadows
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Big Bend, CA
We've been enjoying this special spot with family and friends for over 25 years, and now we want to share it with you. We appreciate the four seasons here on our 120 acres in the beautiful Cascade Range between Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta. Our property is adjacent to Shasta Trinity National Forest.
It's a working ranch with tree farms, animals, hydroelectric power, sawmill, gardens, orchards, creeks, springs, trails, and our camp alongside Kosk Creek.
We're 54 miles from Redding off of 299E, (about 1-1/2 hour drive). The last mile or so of the road here can be pretty rough, but on arrival, you'll know it's worth the trip!
No Cell phone service available here, so it's the perfect opportunity to unplug. We do have a land line up at the house in case of an emergency. Also, if you really need it, WiFi is available at the house.
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$40
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75%
(24)
Redwood Ranch with Sweeping View
8 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Gilroy, CA
Our 6+ acre ranch Misthaven sits in the redwood forest at Gilroy, just 20min from Gilroy downtown and 45min from San Jose. This ranch has huge space, lots of ranch amenities and many ranch related activities. If you are planning a short trip that you do not have to drive several hours to the busy lake Tahoe, Misthaven would be an ideal destination for family retreat, team building, or even a birthday party.
The ranch includes a 2,000 sq ft large barn with spacious indoor space, a 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts workshop, a 1,000 sq ft ranch center with microwave, oven and refrigerator, an amazing zipline, a shooting range for archery and BB gun under our staff guidance and supervision, a fenced petting zoo with goats, chicken, bunny and guinea pig, hammocks in the redwood forest and plenty of beautiful redwood trees.
With the ranch booking, you will have the access to:
- BBQ and fire pit usage (charcoal/propane with extra charge of $20)
- Fire-Roasted Golden Marshmallow Challenge (bring your own marshmallow or purchase with us, we provide skewers)
- Trampoline
- Hammock
- Tree climbing
- Petting zoo ($5/cup snack food for pets and animals)
- Edible garden
- 2,000 sq ft large barn indoor space
- 400 sq ft woodworking and crafts indoor space (woodworking activities need to be booked separately)
- Water gun
- 18ft inflatable Water slide
- Outdoor movie projector/screen
- Tables and folding chairs
There are plenty of ranch activities that you can book with us WITH A FEE separately during your stay. All will be supervised and guided by our professional instructors:
- archery
- Knife Throwing
- Learn survival techniques for lighting your campfire
- Spear making
- Water filtration in an outdoor environment
- Shelter building
- Tomahawks
- Outdoor BB gun arcade
- Camp Zipline and fun forest features.
- Woodworking such as Candy dispenser making, Bird feeder making, etc
- Pizza making and Ice cream making, butter churning
- and many others
20min to the Mt. Madonna County park.
20min to the Gilroy Garden theme park.
50min to Santa Cruz beach and the beautiful Capitola beach.
1hr to Monterey/Carmel.
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$70
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99%
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Rollins Lake Retreats with A/C!!!
3 sites · Lodging31 acres · Colfax, CA
We live lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax.
We live on a beautiful 30 acres with foot path 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.
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 that has a nice hiking trail along side of it or 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax.
We have a nice spot where you do not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360 degree views. It is also very safe!
We have 3 accommodations on the property A guest suite, a cabin, and a glamping dome!
We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent.
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$145
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92%
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Underworld Farms
15 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Kernville, CA
Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us.
Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery.
We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins or trailers. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time.
*** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
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$40
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94%
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Peter's Forest Vacation Rentals
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Shingletown, CA
Living Springs Resort, a peaceful campground nestled in the woods with majestic tall pine and cedar trees close to Lassen Volcanic National Park. There's also a lake and a year round creek with fish on the property where you can relax in the natural & peaceful wooded setting . Quiet and beautiful place to enjoy with your friends and family. Guests from all backgrounds are welcome.The "LIVE" well water is drinkable and extremely clean straight out of the volcanic ground without anything added to it, lab tested every month.Amazing attractions near by like Subway Lava Tube Cave, Burney Falls, Shasta Lake and Caverns, Whiskeytown Lake and all amazing lakes and hiking trails up on Lassen.About 15 miles from Lassen National Volcanic Park.
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$59
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93%
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Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!
1 site · Lodging6 acres · Ojai, CA
Tucked away at the outskirts of Ojai, Caravan Outpost offers an unique experience hosted in one of our 10 Airstreams or 1 Tiny House on Wheels.
Learn more about this land:
This listing is for one of our 10 Airstreams located in a plush, beautiful Oasis in Ojai, California.
Caravan Outpost is a garden filled with Airstreams in Ojai, CA. One of the most unique places to stay in all of America. The Outpost is family-friendly and located on the Ojai Valley bike path. Ride one of our complimentary bikes, enjoy the beautiful botanical garden, eat at a local delicious restaurant, hike one of the many trails, listen to our vinyl collection - Relax and enjoy!
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$336
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99%
(61)
Little Arnold A-Frame
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Arnold, CA
Arnold is well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a convenient base for your adventures in the Sierras. If you haven't been to Arnold and Gold Country, there is so much to explore!
The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're just a 5-minute walk to the Arnold Rim Trail (with 30+ miles of hiking), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re 2 hours from Yosemite, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. Or you can can always just relax with a view in the cabin.
Learn more about this land:
Our classic 1970s A-frame cabin offers a simple space of retreat with lovely light, view of the trees and uncluttered decor. Great for couples and also solo travelers! Please note there is a 2 night minimum on weekends (if overlaps with a Fri or Sat) and a 3 night minimum for holiday weekends.
We're well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a base for your adventures in the Sierras. There's lots to explore nearby with Big Trees State Park and Stanislaus National Forest within minutes, lakes, skiing, mountain towns and wine-tasting, or just relax at the cabin and take in the view.
The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're a 5-minute walk to the Stanislaus National Forest/Arnold Rim Trail (we provide a custom map for nearby hikes), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine and Utica and Union lakes. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re ~2 hours from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months.
We do our best here to strike a balance between simple amenities and comfort. A reminder that we are in the country, so the cabin is best suited to those who like a more rustic getaway.
There is no AC, television, or microwave. We've gone without a TV and landline, but WiFi means you can stream to your own devices and make WiFi calls on your cell. We have loads of board games and puzzles.
The kitchen has pots/pans/kettle, toaster, mini waffle iron, Brita pitcher, and rice cooker. For coffee drinkers, we have a coffee grinder, french press and pour over dripper. Help yourself to organic coffee and tea!
The cabin is mainly heated by a gas fireplace (looks like a wood stove, but does not need wood). We recommend bringing layers and slippers in the winter while the cabin warms up. Like most cabins in the area, there is no AC, but we provide room fans. Cell reception is unreliable throughout the Sierras except for Verizon, however at the cabin, WiFi calls are available through all carriers --to make calls, enable the setting on your cell phone.
The cabin comfortably fits 4 people, with 1 bedroom, a sleeping loft (no door) and 1.5 bathrooms. The downstairs bedroom has a queen bed, and the loft has a full-size mattress and its own half bathroom.
We have a flat parking pad instead of a driveway, which makes things easier in the winter months.
The rental rate covers a professional cleaning fee and linens and towels! Guests will need to take their garbage and recycling with them to the local refuse center which is on the way out.
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$205
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98%
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River Ridge Ranch -722 acres
12 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA
Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee).
Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch.
There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public.
Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you.
Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon.
Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us.
Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.
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$50
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Lassen Glampsite (No Electricity)
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Old Station, CA
Enjoy the beauty and wonder of Lassen National Park while staying at our cozy, comfortable summer vacation glampsite located in Lassen National Forest.
The cabin has no electricity, but is like a glamp-site and has all the camping essentials, including drinking water, flush toilet, propane stove for cooking, comfortable beds and wood-burning fireplace to stay warm and night.
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$75
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94%
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Trank Family Farm and Gold site
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Oroville, CA
We have lived on the farm now for over 19 years. The back part of the property was a stop point for the stage line between Oroville and Bangor during the 1880, Then gold was discovered on the property.
There were multiple Gold claims on this property. The Old rock pilings are still there to explore. It is a favorite spot for finding Jasper,
Agates and quartz crystals
Campers are welcome year-round to this tent site on the old Gold Claim of our 20-acre family farm! Drive right up to this fun-filled, family-friendly campsite, easily accessible by cars and SUVs alike - though 4WD is helpful during the rainy season.
This site features two seasonal streams that cross on the property, as well as bushes full of ripe blackberries - if you catch them at the right time, help yourself. You'll enjoy hearing the birds echoing through the trees and could easily see deer tip toeing through the woods. Dogs
on leash only.
We raise 4H and FFA show and market goats, llamas, and a donkey and a cow, all of whom are very friendly! You'll also see our chickens, ducks, peacocks, and guinea hens. Rock pilings are on the island between the two seasonal streams that cross our land. Gold panning, hiking and creek walking is available on the property. Campers are welcome to stargaze in the field, create scavenger hunts for the kids, or simply sit back and enjoy the tranquility. We also have zip line and a rope course on the property that is closed due to maintenance.
The streams dry up in late June and fill up in November
when the rains start.
Trank Family Farm is 30 minutes from Lake Oroville, 20 minutes from Oroville Wildlife Area and the Feather River - great for kayaking, swimming, and fishing! Be sure to check out the trails and seasonal waterfalls at Table Mountain, 35 minutes away. There are 2 Indian Casinos & Hotels in Oroville, as well as 2 golf ranges - and all with in 20 minutes of the camp site.
The college town of Chico is about 30 minutes outside of Oroville. If you want to explore farther, Butte Mountain range and the city of Paradise, CA is 45 minutes away. We can't wait for you to come visit!
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$65
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The River Haven House
1 site · Lodging3 acres · Bakersfield, CA
The River Haven House, nestled on a unique 2.5-acre property on Kern River with private river access, perfect for couples or small families. A beautifully updated Spanish-style home welcomes you with a fully stocked kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, and a cozy yet spacious patio area for barbecue & entertaining.
Perfect for nature lovers!
A true oasis awaits! Surrounded by mature trees, green lawns, fruit & nut trees within a privately gated space, this property is all about the outdoors! You are sure to realize that once you arrive.
Upon entering through the private gate, you are greeted by a large, welcoming driveway with the main home and garage to your right. Slow down time as you walk around the property and take it all in. Enjoy the well-maintained landscaping, lush gardens and the private river access.
The beautiful Spanish-style home includes a full kitchen, living room, dining room and main bedroom. The bedroom is furnished with a King size bed and includes a walk-in closet & full bathroom.
Just outside the main home is the attached, extra-large garage where you will find the second bedroom. This bedroom also houses a King size bed, but also includes a comfortably sized bunk bed with two full mattresses and a single trundle pullout. This space also has a full bathroom and laundry room.
The large garage makes for a great hang out area where you will find comfy sofas, a wood-burning fireplace, kids play area, TV and games.
The main home exits to the patio area where you will find multiple cooking options: a propane Weber grill, a Big Green Egg grill & smoker, a pizza oven, a and charcoal grill and to toast your hands & feet, a built-in outdoor fireplace.
Enjoy the night sky as you sit out under the stars with romantic string lights draped overhead and enjoy the fresh air while the fireplace or fire pit keep you warm.
The property has direct and exclusive access to the Kern River where you can swim, tube, sunbathe and fish. You are welcome to pitch a tent by the river; however, we ask that you please notify us as the lawn irrigation is fully sprinkler operated.
Just on the other side of the river you will find the California Living Museum (local zoo), Lake Ming, Kern River Golf Course, multiple riverfront picnic spots, Miracle Hot Springs up the mountain, hiking trails, nature walks. and more! Less than an hour up the road are wilderness camp sites and Lake Isabella. Continuing onward is the Sequoia National Forest where you can visit for the day knowing a comfortable & safe home will be welcoming your return.
*No parties or events allowed (Please, no music or loud noises allowed outside of the home). This is a extremely quiet neighbrohood and noise travels fast & easily. Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. The property is equiped with noise monitoring devices and occupancy count devices, we will be notified if noise levels exceed a certain level. Additionally we will be notified if occupancy count exceeds the number of guests booked on site.
*Smoking allowed outdoors only.
*Shoes off inside the house.
*Children MUST be supervised and monitored at all times.
*No surprise guests, only those accounted for and registered can enter the property.
*No firearms
*Please do not put grease or solid food down the kitchen sink. Septik tank is sensitive
*Please do no flush wipes, paper or feminine products down the toilet as the septik tank is sensitive.
*This is a rural property and as such, there is wildlife which includes: rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, coyotes,
snakes, lizards, birds, bugs, and spiders, to name a few.
*Please keep the doors closed to prevent the above wildlife from joining you in the home during your stay.
*There are five secuirty cameras on the property for safety reasons. One at the main gate, one at the main home,
one at the corner of the garage, one at the carport and one by the river. NONE in the house.
*The canvas bell tent can also be booked for camping by the river, which could sleep 3-6 people, inquire within.
*Pets are allowed on the property (fee's apply), however must be monitored at all times and not left alone. Pets must be kept close to owners at all times to avoid issues with wildlife, no pets on the furniture and beds. A fine will be applied if pets have been lounging on bedding and furniture.
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$440
/ night
Available this weekend
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterside glamping in California guide
Overview
Golden coasts. Redwood forests. Fiery desert canyons. Alpine lakes framed by snowy peaks. But the best memories are in the details—seeing a gray whale breach off the rugged north coast, feeling the sun on your face on a Southern California shore, or maybe enjoying s’mores beside the crystal waters of Lake Tahoe. Trails climb from campgrounds to immense granite domes in Yosemite while Joshua trees beckon for attention in the eastern deserts. The best part? There’s somewhere amazing to camp year-round.
Where to go
North Coast
Camping beneath redwoods—the tallest trees in the world—is a hard-to-beat highlight of the north coast. The majestic groves scattered across Redwood National & State Parks are an excellent choice for first-timers. Further south, from Eureka to Mendocino and eventually San Francisco, you’ll find a string of private and state park campgrounds tucked along rugged coastlines marked by bluffs, coves, dunes, and tidepools.
Central Coast
Stretching from Monterey south to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast scores points for scenery and variety. Plus, it’s a convenient escape from the urban hassles of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Redwoods, waterfalls, and windswept bluffs border Highway 1 in Big Sur, while waves crash beside state parks north of Santa Barbara. For a remote camping experience, campsites at Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Santa Barbara can oblige.
SoCal Beaches: Los Angeles to San Diego
The golden beaches of Southern California are the stuff of lazy days and pop songs. And fantastic camping for those inclined. The best campsites line-up beside the coast between Newport Beach and Dana Point in Orange County, with a few more perched on coastal bluffs north of San Diego. Not surprisingly, these oceanfront sites fill fast, so book early.
Sierra Nevada Mountains
Granite domes and lush Alpine meadows border campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, while enormous sequoias are the draw in Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. Campgrounds beside alpine lakes and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe are always postcard-pretty.
Southern Deserts
For surreal sunsets, striking rock formations, restless sand dunes, and spring wildflowers, head east. Nine campgrounds and plenty more right outside await at Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest spot in the U.S. Joshua trees and picturesque boulders keep Hipcampers happy at Joshua Tree National Park while Anza-Borrego Desert State Park serves up fantastic desert hiking outside San Diego. High season is late fall through spring, when temperatures are pleasant.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.