Waterfall camping in California with snow sports

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92% (3898 reviews)
92% (3898 reviews)

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12 top waterfall campgrounds in California with snow sports

90%
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Sequoia Mountain Farms

80 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Miramonte, CA
Welcome campers! PLEASE read all of the below before booking and screenshot/print the BELOW DIRECTIONS, as google and other mapping apps have taken guests on very difficult routes. Trust us, mapping apps don't account for the issues of small mountain roads! We have over 10 acres of stunning campground nestled only 15-20 minutes from the North entrance to the Sequoias! We have multiple sites to accommodate every type of camping from tent camping to tents-attached-to-cars and trucks, to pop-up campers to RVs with or without power and water hookups. Please see our RV hook-up spaces on our sister post! (RV sites at Sequoia Mountain Farms). There are wonderful views down into the valley, at night with sunsets off-the-hook, and city lights twinkling in the valley distance. Pick your spot and enjoy! First come-first serve, with multiple sites for large groups which can be reserved. Hot showers now available for all campers at no extra charge! We offer three sizes of campsites with different prices and capacities explained below. SMALL: Price includes 1 vehicle, and up to 3 people. Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby). Extra person: No extra persons allowed in small sites (3 max). Small site #s (9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35, and 36) MEDIUM: Price includes 1 vehicle, and up to 3 people. Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby). Extra person: $10/night (maximum of 10 persons allowed in medium sites. Medium site #s (3, 5, 8, 16, 18, 29, 30, 33, 34, 37) LARGE: Price includes 2 vehicles, and up to three people. Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby). Extra person: $10/night/per person. Large site #s (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 17, 24) Sites 1, 6, and 17 can accommodate RVs/trailers without any hookups. If you need hookups, then see our RV sites. We have two of them. DIRECTIONS: Navigator apps push anyone coming from the south up the 245 highway north. It is a very winding and slow climb up the hill. It's doable (except large rigs), but we HIGHLY recommend continuing north on highway 99 to Fresno and then heading east on highway 180 up the mountain. It's faster, much more scenic and a smoother drive. This route also goes right by the nearest gas station on your way up! Coming east on highway 180, out of Fresno, that gas station is a Valero at 35468 E Kings Canyon Rd. aka Clingan's Junction. From Clingan's, head east on the 180 for exactly 13.8 miles to the 245 highway (it comes up quick with only 1 or 2 small signs), make a right, heading south. If you hit the park entrance, you went too far, turn around drive back about 5 min and look for the 245 on your left. Once on the 245 heading south, go 5.1 miles. On your right you will pass the 'Pinehurst Lodge', which is on google, an easy reference point and is 1 minute or less away (great food!). Then a few seconds later the U.S Forest Service "Work Center" is on the right and we are just past that on the same side of the road. First you will see a Giant Sequoia Tree in the front yard (campground road is just to it's right with orange cones on either side) then the apple ranch with the ole loggers cabin chimney from the late 1800s still standing in the front yard directly off the highway! If you hit the 'leaving sequoia national forest' sign and the community center, you went too far, turn around and drive 1 minute back and look for the apple ranch on your left, pass it and then turn left after the Sequoia tree into the gravel road with the orange cones coming from this direction. ARRIVAL: Entering the property, the road will go slightly downhill and curve to the left. Stay to your left and our self check-in station will be on your left (If you hit the showers and restrooms, you went too far). Please fill out one of our check-in slips; putting the original in the box and the carbon copy on your site number sign at your site. A host is usually around working somewhere and makes multiple rounds on the camp daily. Please take note of the posted pics from directly across the street facing what you will see when you get here. The address sign is posted on a tree and you can see the apple orchard and ole loggers chimney from the road off to the left and the Giant Sequoia Tree on the right of the address sign with the main entrance just to the right (north) of the tree (with the orange cones). There are 3 gates.: The FAR RIGHT GATE (north gate), just to the right of the Sequoia Tree, goes to the campsites! Look for the graveled road with orange cones / solar lights easily visible from the road. The MIDDLE GATE (just to the right of the address sign and mailbox) is for the two RV hook up sites in the big pad / yard directly off the road. These are back in sites, no pull-through access. The FAR LEFT and southern most gate (to the left of the address sign and mailbox) is closest to the apple ranch and chimney; leads to the house which is also a rental. Please do not approach the house or back yard unless instructed otherwise. Thank you for understanding. We look forward to seeing you soon at Sequoia Mountain Farms!!! :) Please message us for any questions! We are happy to help! We want you to have the best experience possible, so if we can help, we definitely will! Also, please check the weather online before you come up to the mountain! Just know we are operating under the assumption that you are aware of the conditions and are prepared for them. If nature happens message us and we will do our best to assist! :)
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$30
 / night
96%
(70)

Musick Creek Falls

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Sacramento, CA
Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres that lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 4800ft (1.65 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire of four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, 4×4 roads, hunting, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake, and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including but not limited to; hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, star gazing and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, can be a challenge for vehicles very low to the ground. There is water, and trash and a composting outhouse on site. My husband and I stay here on site as much as the weather permits, to serve out heaping amounts of privacy, or hospitality. It's up to you. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all 3 waterfalls, and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here. It's undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweat shirt is perfect most nights and not too hot in the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option, whereas campgrounds and cabins in the area are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents and camping gear, blankets etc. if you forget something. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the Golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be advised Winter months December through April there will be no host on site and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, https://musickcreekfalls.com.
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$68
 / night
98%
(149)

200-acre developing eco-preserv

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Nevada City, CA
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore. 
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$80
 / night
95%
(149)

Camp Shady Meadow

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Blairsden, CA
There are so many fun activities available in the nearby Blairsden/Graeagle area (golfing, biking, hiking, fishing, autumn foliage...just to name a few). We have added two beautiful glamping tents to our already unique RV, travel trailer, and tent sites. The glamping tents are complete with carpet, a comfortable queen size mattress, luxurious linens, two homemade benches, and two camping chairs to enjoy a cool evening campfire with a view of the mountains. Please note: these glamping tents are for adults only; no children or pets. Thank you for understanding!
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$45
 / night
98%
(189)

Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Somerset, CA
A six acre organic vineyard & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard. A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet. Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider! We welcome guests year round! Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do! Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons! Come relax☮️ March - May 🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers June - September 🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake September - December 🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest, apple picking and alpaca petting December - March ❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm. Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting. Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show. We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours. We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests. We do not permit live fires or generators.
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$35
 / night
99%
(484)

Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Wofford Heights, CA
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, & a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink, & shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private. We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 15 campsites. No Pets, No Smoking ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding. Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road. All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
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$53
 / night
96%
(211)

Hudson and Wendy's Land

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Oakhurst, CA
Welcome to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp. We can't wait for you to stay with us and enjoy what the area has to offer.
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$72
 / night
95%
(303)

BaseCampByBo!

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Groveland, CA
If you are looking for man made and leveled campsites, then this is not your basecamp. This land is a gorgeous 20 acres that means a lot to us.  It's space to find your peace of mind and pitch a tent or hammock, as you would when hiking the backcountry.  Aside from complimentary ice water, potty, shower, soaps, sanitizer, sunscreen, first aid, communal fire pit, wood stove and dishwashing area) this is not "glamping".  If you are  a person who appreciates nature and making due with what the land has provided, then we are a great fit. Guests have 20 acres to find a secluded, or socially distanced spot to pitch camp. This is for people that know how to camp in the backcountry -  Without a trash can, who don’t leave cigarette butts, respect the land and would rather not be sectioned off. Flat areas are all over if you explore, and use your feet to brush aside rocks and twigs, to lay down a tent base, as we do every time we camp in the backcountry. The geography of these mountains is just that, hills and mountains. The vista at the top of the property is gorgeous and easily camps 5 tents spaced out. The property does offer many other great camping areas, and I’m more than happy to point them out. Yosemite is 30 minutes away, Don Pedro lake is 30 minutes, Cherry Lake is 30 minutes, Preston falls and Carlon falls are both 30 min away.  Downtown Groveland Is 7 minutes away, and other historic towns are not too far.  Close to many swimming holes. Rainbow pools is 15 minutes away. 10 min from the local grocery store and other local shops. Base Camp is just off of highway 120. Sonora has a great farmers market on Sunday and is a beautiful 40 min drive away. Thank you for taking time to read this, we look forward to hosting you!  -Best    Jarrett & Bo
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$68
 / night
99%
(1086)

Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

7 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Murphys, CA
Thank you Hipcamper's for another wonderful season. We will be closed for winter weather and new art installations till April 15, 2024. We look forward to hosting you next season. Michel and Pamela Historic Brice Station 100 acres hosts Master artist, Michel Olson's Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden. Born in Berlin, Germany, he has spent his life time travelling and becoming an accomplished artist in wood, stone and iron. Two of his gypsy rigs and several large art installations, are in the meadow next to the forested 6 site campground. Newest installation, 100 ft sacred circle, yin/yang, sun dial and calendar. 3 miles of hiking trails, with art, continue to be expanded. Site 1 is spacious with multiple tent sites, art TeePee, and nice shade oak.Site 2 is largest with multiple levels/tent sites and best sunset views. Site 3 is woodsy and cozy. Site 4 has iron TeePee with chandelier and several shaded tent sites. Site 5 has small grass meadow and wheel sculpture. Site 6 has burningman bicycle fence and 2 person swing. All sites have parking, tables, benches, and trees for shade, hammocks or slack lines. On site activities: 3 walking trail loops, each about 1 mile long Sun. morning YOGA 10am. Brice Station Winery, tasting room. Open Fri. - Sun. 12 to 6pm .Quyle Kilns ceramic art studio and classes,Open Wed.- Sun. 10am to 6 pm. Paul Quyle Blacksmith school. First and third Sat 9am. Seasonal concerts and Shakespeare. Equinox and Solstice celebrations. Simply put, nature/art camping at its best. Children are full price and must be attended to. No trailers over 14 ft. No campsite open fires June thru Oct. Communal kitchen/crafts area with large tables, BBQ and cook top available. Kitchen fire ring for summer fires. Counter top stoves allowed in campsite. Leashed dogs welcome, please pick up after. Please no extra loud music or voices.
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$59
 / night
94%
(126)

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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99%
(281)

TerraSol

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Nevada City, CA
I’ve had the pleasure to be the “caretaker” of this special land once inhabited by the Maidu Indians for the past 43 years. This is SPECIAL ground here and I’m sure you will feel the MAGIC!!! This 40 acres sits on the Yuba River Ridgetop. At the "Platform of Pleasure" you will enjoy 100,000+ acre views of protected land looking North to the High Sierra, minutes away from downtown Nevada City and 8-10 miles from Yuba River Trailheads. Firewood bundles are $15 per bundle (2+ hours of campfire when campfires 🔥 are allowed). There is a $10.00 dog fee per dog/per stay. On our property like anywhere in the woods there are mosquitos, so you should bring bug spray. We offer a tent platform, as well as a canvas tent listing. Guests love staying here: "From the moment we arrived Chris was nothing but amazing. He helped us get settled in and even recommended some beautiful spots to hike/sight see. They are both so generous! The campsite beautiful and they did a very nice job supplying us with any materials we may need. Definitely coming back during the summer!"
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$80
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96%
(411)

Sierra Sol Camp

11 sites · Lodging18 acres · Camptonville, CA
Welcome to Sierra Sol Camp! We have 9 different sites available to book as well as the option to book the entire property. Please scroll down to see all of the available options. Here are the sites we offer: -Sierra Sol Diva Den (cabin) -Water Tower (cabin) -Daisy Belle (canvas tent) -Rise and Shine (canvas tent) -Sierra Sol Camp Lotus (cabin) -Sierra Sol Vintage Trailer (onsite trailer) -Sierra Shipping Container Retreat (cabin) -Sierra Sol Main Cabin (cabin) -Sierra Sol Camp Whole Property (all sites) The Sierra Sol Camp project has been hosting community events and friend gathering for years. We take great pride in extending a warm and welcoming space for all our visitors and extending the invitation to campers was a great next step. We have listings ranging from yurts to shipping containers, an old water tower converted to a mini suit to a vintage trailer and canvas tents. The diva den was my old music studio and the main cabin is our family cabin. This is a magical and sacred space filled with a ton of memories please come join our community and nook in the sierras and make some more. We are based in between the middle fork of the Yuba river right where it meets up with Oregon Creek. If you like a long walk it is 2.5 miles down the dirt road to Oregon Creek and the middle fork of the Yuba. Driving takes 5 to 10 mins. The other direction is the largest lake in our county Bullards Bar Reservoir and Emerald Cove Marina. We are 1 mile down Marysville Rd. from a launch called dark day. There is a trailhead at the top of overflow boat parking for a public swimming hole on the lake. On our property, we have a main house with its own private facilities such as a kitchen, shower, and bath. On the land, we have 9 total unique cabin and canvas tent structures converted into boutique-like campsites. We have an epic outdoor entertaining kitchen and patio with an outdoor pizza oven and a little dog rinse behind the outdoor shower. The bathhouse is right across the way and provides a private but shared guest shower house, tub and sink. The sauna and fenced-in dog area are near the shipping container site. The sauna has just been remodelled with a shower and bathtub right outside the sauna house. Like anywhere in the woods there is an hour at sunset when you may have mosquitoes down near the sites in the spring and some of the summers depending on the year. We have a natural spray for that or fans in the kitchen. Off the path, you may find poison oak in the thick of the woods. So please stay on the marked trails.
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$100
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Waterfall camping in California with snow sports 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.

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