Most wildfires are preventable. Learn to be fire safe

The best waterside camping in California

·

California’s watersides are a camper’s playground—over 31,000 options stretch from rugged coastlines to hidden mountain lakes. You’ll find campsites steps from paddle-friendly rivers, tucked beside redwood creeks, and even perched above tidepools. Prices start at $15 a night, with the average around $75. Showers, toilets, and campfires are common, so you don’t have to rough it. Fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife-watching keep things interesting. Local favorites include Jug Handle Creek Farm (1781 reviews), Salmon Creek Ranch (1300 reviews), and Finnon Lake Recreation Area (1225 reviews). Pack your rod and binoculars—California’s waterside camping covers every mood, from salt air to mountain mist.

94% (51.5K) 13,535 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in California

Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

1. Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

90%
(1241)
CA · 32 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate and 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Arber-Moore's Ranch

2. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%
(635)
Oak View, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Camp Stoney Meadows

3. Camp Stoney Meadows

100%
(374)
Big Bend, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our 220 remote acres are adjacent to Shasta Trinity National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Range between Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta in Northern California. 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). DO NOT TAKE ROAD 11 FROM THE NORTH, IT IS CLOSED! PIease try to ignore the "car art" in the Pit River Tribe's Rancheria as you're coming here. Drive right through it, it's no reflection on us. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Tahoe National Forest

4. Tahoe National Forest

93%
(258)
National forest in California · 1382 sites
Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Inyo National Forest

5. Inyo National Forest

96%
(457)
National forest in California · 1976 sites
Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Stargazing Dome with Forest Cottage- Lakefront

6. Stargazing Dome with Forest Cottage- Lakefront

Bass Lake, CA · 1 site
An incredible nature experience for nature lovers. See the stars and scenic tree top views at the Forest Cottage and new Nature Hype Dome! Lakefront RV parking available. Canoe, Paddleboard, or Kayak to island, cove beaches, and nature trails. This special and sprawling 2 acre property has large private beach area as well as a large privately forested area backed by Sierra National Forest. Private beachside has sunbeds, pergola, "smokeless" campfire pit, grills, corn hole, bocce ball, dining areas, canoe and paddleboard and stunning lake views. Bald eagle viewing Property has spa and a coldpunge Enjoy the large redwood lounge deck, hammock, and manzanita picnic area Property Description: Forest cottage: * Cedar wood interior * 2 queen bunkbeds * A/C and Heating * Nice deck seating area * Mini Fridge * Microwave * Coffee and tea * Starlink internet Stargazing Dome: * Has balance of panels for privacy while having open panels for nature viewing * A/C and Heating * Starlink internet * Connects to small and secluded Sierra National Forest trail that has large granite rock outcroppings and a view of the lake. Pine-wood Bathroom: * Large shower area * Stone sink * Blowdryer * Composting toilet Manzanita Picnic area: * Picnic Table * BBQ grill * Umbrella * Hammock Redwood deck: * Large lounge area * Umbrella * String lights for evening ambiance Spa area: * Spa( fits 6) + cold plunge Beach area: * Sun loungers * Outdoor seating * Lakefront pergola * Wood dining table * BBQ grill * Weber propane grill * Corn hole and Bocce ball * Smokeless brick campfire pit * Canoe , Paddle Board, and Kayaks * Solar lights for evening ambiance
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Free Your Mind Camping

7. Free Your Mind Camping

91%
(115)
Gasquet, CA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the Wild West Coast! Where the mountains meet the sea. The campground is remotely located on private property and perfectly located for excursions to the Pacific Ocean, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Smith River National Recreation Area, and the Pacific Coast Ranges and mountain lakes such as the Devil's Punchbowl, Buck Lake, and Raspberry Lake. Relax and free you mind while camping on 120+ acres of private property under starry skies with almost no light or noise pollution. You are not alone on the mountain as other people live here in the wild. You only have access to the campground and a nearby pond. A locked gate with code access. The road to get there is two and a half miles up the mountain, the first mile is paved and the other mile and a half is gravel. The road is maintained by the county and used daily by others that live and work here. In the surrounding area you can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, birdwatching, and countless other outdoor activities. French Hill Trail is a few more miles up the mountain road. The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and campers are provided with 5 gallons of potable water. An outdoor, COLD-water Artesian shower, out in the open mountain air with the wild things and an outhouse with a compost toilet are also provided. Bundles of firewood are available for an extra charge when you book your campsite. The campsites are set within a deciduous and pine forest at about 1913 feet in elevation. There is a pond on the property, but its purpose is for wildlife habitat ONLY, so water activities are NOT allowed. NO swimming, NO fishing, NO boating, NO trapping, etc. The wild things live here! The property owner has a dog, three cats, and a menagerie of yard birds such as turkeys, peacocks, guinea hens, chickens, ducks, geese, etc. They do make noise! Kirk has lived off-grid for over twenty years and holds a wealth of information about the Gasquet/Del Norte County area. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the property is that it has had documented Sasquatch encounters over the past twenty years that have been published in "Tribal Bigfoot" (D. Paulides 2009). Kirk can tell you about his experiences with this and other phenomena on the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lightworks ranch

8. Lightworks ranch

89%
(248)
Willits, CA · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
The peace, quiet and beauty of nature is the theme at our property. This land is dedicated to the re-sacralization of culture. The spot was an ancient Native American camping area. People have found arrowheads, stone beads and grinding stones on the land. We offer various types of camping sites, as well as a teepee - so please read each listing for specific amenity and location information. We sell firewood on site. The amount and variety of wildlife is astonishing, with bear, deer, turkeys, fox, coyote, bobcat, Eagles, River otter, salmon and steelhead, with a wide variety of songbirds during migration. Easy access from road, close to town, tall oak trees, privacy, creek with salmon within a five minute walk, mountains, wildlife, barn owl nest box. Please note that during late summer, creek does not flow on surface but always has swimming holes where the salmon and steelhead wait for Fall rains to carry them down to the Eel river and eventually to the ocean, until they return as adults to spawn again. Guests love staying here: "Elderberry camp was really great! It was a large site, plenty of space, shade, and parking. Very peaceful and good distance between other sites although we were pretty much the only campers out there. Outhouse was clean and there was drinking water. We spent most of our Saturday in Eel River which was great. The water was perfect for swimming and fishing, our husbands caught some big ones. Stephen was very nice and accommodating, the honey and eggs we asked for were a nice addition too!" Helpful0 Report
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Bigfoot Lodging Vacation Rentals

9. Bigfoot Lodging Vacation Rentals

94%
(174)
Shingletown, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bigfoot Lodging, 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, a year round creek with fish and a small waterfall on the property where you can relax in the natural and peaceful wooded setting . Quiet and beautiful place to enjoy with your friends and family. 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 the North entrance of Lassen National Volcanic Park.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Shasta-Trinity National Forest

10. Shasta-Trinity National Forest

93%
(138)
National forest in California · 912 sites
California’s largest national forest offers year-round outdoor adventures and diverse camping options.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sierra National Forest

11. Sierra National Forest

92%
(177)
National forest in California · 1360 sites
“Secret Yosemite” offers scenic beauty, rugged forests, and outdoor recreation with smaller crowds.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Los Padres National Forest

12. Los Padres National Forest

95%
(457)
National forest in California · 762 sites
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Angeles National Forest

13. Angeles National Forest

92%
(228)
National forest in California · 791 sites
Experience the beauty of nature without having to stray far from Los Angeles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lower Lake Farm Camp

14. Lower Lake Farm Camp

96%
(175)
Crescent City, CA · 4 sites
Our little farm has full hook-up sites with septic, great water, 30 amp electric, WiFi. We are located halfway between Brookings, OR and Crescent City, CA near the Wild and Scenic Smith River, Tolowa Dunes State Park, Lake Earl Wildlife Area, and Kellogg Beach (1.3 miles from camp) on the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful redwoods and Jedidiah Smith State Park are just minutes away. So many outdoor activities available nearby; Kayaking, swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking, biking, horse riding, bird watching, beach combing, and all the outdoor activities you can imagine. The farm animals are friendly, they love goodies and scratches (kitchen scraps, and Shiloh the horse loves carrots and apples!) Kids should be accompanied by an adult. Please close gates behind you!
Pets
Full hookups
Lake Concow Campground

15. Lake Concow Campground

96%
(191)
Oroville, CA · 99 sites · Tents, RVs
Ancestors of Maidu people lived here long ago. European settlers arrived and took control of the area. In recent history, a multi-cultural group of community members formed the Konkow Partnership to attempt to hold, steward, and preserve the wilderness that survives here. We look forward to your post fire visit. Learn more about this land: Congratulations Campers!  The campground is reopened after the last couple of years of wild fires and tough winters. We are reopened even as repairs and upgrades are being made. Thank you to all visitors who love this place for your patience as we continue to improve the features of the Campground. Stay tuned for progress reports. We hope to see you real soon. Visit, fish, or camp in a rare jewel forest, hidden in the Sierra/Cascade foothills, less than an hour's drive to Chico, Oroville, or Paradise. Surviving forests of mature cedars, pines, oaks, and madrones provide shady camping, fishing along the lake shore, or picnicing along the banks of the creek that runs through a recovering creekside area. Stargaze or fly kites in our Great Meadow or admire copious wildflowers and other native plants on over 80 acres of wilderness. We provide a variety of recovering wilderness areas near water faucets, pit toilets and an RV dump station. Our site features mature forests, grassy meadows, a year-round creek in a fire recovery zone. The site also features lakefront shoreline access for bank fishing, a central fire pit and lots of space for group camping. Fires are permitted in the central pit when weather allows. The Lake Concow/Konkow Campground is a wilderness sanctuary and houses many variety of rare and endangered plants, animals, and insects. Please be aware of and give respectful space to all of the residents of the park. The list of year round residents may include poison oak, thorny berry vines, mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, deer, eagles, osprey, owls, squirrels, skunks, foxes, bears, mountain lions, snakes, bats, and more. Please be responsible for personal camp supplies and trash. The Campground is a Pack In/Pack Out location and garbage cans are supplied near the office house near the entrance. Good hiking shoes, protective clothing, and hats are recommended. All Campground faucets supply delicious, potable water tested regularly. The modern listings spell the name Concow, Ancestors spelled it Konkow. Both are correct, though may give different search results. There is plenty of room for parking large vehicles and for turning around. TOW VEHICLES MUST STAY THE DURATION OF THE CAMPING VISIT. Sorry, we DO NOT allow towed-in-and-dropped-off campers or 5th wheel trailers at this time. This may change as clean up work progresses through the year. Stay tuned for updates. Thank you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Coffee Creek Campground

16. Coffee Creek Campground

67%
(3)
Coffee Creek, CA · 22 sites · Tents, RVs
*Please call me prior to booking: 530-266-3534 to confirm availability/sites. You will still book through Hipcamp** A quiet creek side campground. Located at the base of the Trinity Alps Wilderness with miles of hiking trails. Trout fishing, showers, playground, volleyball, badminton, and shaded spacious sites. With nearby Trail Head Pizza and a local store. Trinity Lake is just a few miles away and has boating, fishing and miles of shoreline.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rancho de Granville

17. Rancho de Granville

92%
(107)
Oak View, CA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Midway between the ocean and Ojai, the ranch is 7 acres with plenty of trees, shade and grass. A sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the chickens, horses and frogs! We DO have an out house, water at each site, and tables at each site. This ranch was the original stage coach stop between Ventura and the small community of Ojai . The old bunkhouse and barn remain!! Please plan to arrive before 8pm.
Pets
Toilets
Water hookup
"Mi Querida" -Peaceful, Comfortable, Convenient- Family/Pet Friendly

18. "Mi Querida" -Peaceful, Comfortable, Convenient- Family/Pet Friendly

97%
(197)
San Juan Bautista, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The "Nearby Getaway" to relax and unwind. Instant relief from stress and overcrowding. A calm, private NEARBY RETREAT for people and pets to enjoy a stress-free holiday. Choose your accommodations: Tent, RV, Trailer, Sprinter, Car, Camper, SprinterVan. Or, Rustic “indoor camping style” Bunkhouse accommodations available. Safe, serene rural setting with full fencing so your kids and pets can run free and relax. Bring your BBQ fixings, kick back, and spend quality time outdoors with your favorite companions. Family. Friends. Dogs OK. Cats OK. Rabbits, chickens, small goats, lambs, parrots and pot belly pigs OK. Games provided: horseshoes, corn hole, darts, lawn dice, and more. Quiet activities encouraged. Beautiful rural views, rolling oak studded pastureland, open views, lovely sunsets and beautiful mornings. Very quiet, private, peaceful and serene. Afternoon breezes while red tailed hawks ride the thermals, and woodpeckers work on their treasure hoard. Spot the breeding pair of Bald Eagles who swoop down almost low enough to touch! Wildlife abounds. Known to many in the Bay Area as the "Nearby Getaway," Mi Querida is a quick and easy drive from the SF Bay Area. Easy off and on to Highways 101, 129, 152, 156 and easy access to Highway 1. Charge your EV overnite! Nearby attractions include whale watching, Elkhorn Slough Safaris, fishing, Monterey Zoo, world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and miles of beaches, redwoods, miles of bike trails from the new Coastline Trail, Redwoods, wine tasting and more. Host is a well-experienced event and tour planner and animal lover! Simply ask for recommendations. Bring your pet to the "Nearby Getaway" at Mi Querida - an easy drive from the SF Bay Area - for great sky views, and pleasant country walks, or step back in time to the Mission-era town of History - San Juan Bautista! As your hosts, our goal is that you will rest easy, enjoy the relaxation, peace and harmony for your "getaway."
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Underworld Farms

19. Underworld Farms

85%
(47)
Kernville, CA · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 our son's 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 drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Camp Jade River

20. Camp Jade River

96%
(297)
Crescent City, CA · 1 site · Tent, RV
The rugged terrain of far northern California is one of the few mostly untouched places left to retreat to. Come dwarf yourself under the magnificent giant redwoods and be struck with awe by the mesmerizing jade colored Smith River. The property is a mere 20 minutes from some of the world's tallest trees. Come check out Stout Grove, a rarely crowded gem of the Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is a part of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park which is the least developed and most impressive park of the four. From your campsite you will have a lovely view of a large bend of the Smith River. It boasts impressive runs of chinook and steelhead, and is host to many other native species. Keep an eye out for bear, mink, and otters! And secure any food or attractants at night. Our property gives you the chance to disconnect from daily life and recalibrate. Use our site as an extended getaway for some peace and quiet, or a launch point to the variety of local attractions. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field