The best cave camping near Carnelian Bay

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Carnelian Bay draws cave campers with over 470 options that dig right into the area's rugged, volcanic terrain. Expect an average night to run about $120, with some sites dipping as low as $50. You’ll find sites where you can fish at sunrise, hike through pine forest, or swim in chilly, clear waters. Many let you bring your dog, light a campfire, and rinse off in a hot shower after a day underground. Regulars rave about Wisdom eco-preserv (166 reviews) for its wild, open space and easy access to quiet caves. Lava Cap Land (21 reviews) sits on old lava flow, with rocky features straight out of a geology textbook. For something offbeat, check out Private Disc Golf Course Camp (1 review), where you can pitch your tent and play a round before heading below ground. Carnelian Bay’s cave camping isn’t for the faint of heart—but if you want adventure, this is it.

99% (199)

Top-rated campgrounds near Carnelian Bay

2. 70+ Acre Historic Goldmine Mountain

41mi from Carnelian Bay · 2 sites · Lodging
Scenic 70-Acre Campsite with Forest Trails, Cliffs, Lake Access, and Historic Gold Mine Caves Welcome to your next unforgettable camping adventure! Nestled in the heart of historic Dutch Flat, California, this private 70-acre paradise offers campers a rare chance to explore rugged forests, hidden trails, rocky cliffs, and real historic gold mine caves — all in total privacy and surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Wake up to the sound of rustling pines and birdsong, spend your day hiking winding trails or exploring the old gold mine entrances tucked into the hillsides, and cool off with a swim in our private lakefront area, complete with sunny rocks perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. This is a perfect spot for campers looking to truly disconnect and experience the raw beauty of Northern California’s mountain country — without the crowds. Whether you’re pitching a tent in a shady forest clearing, setting up camp by the water, or parking your van in one of our open meadow spots, you’ll have space to roam, explore, and make your own adventure. Amenities: • 70 acres of private land to explore • Forest trails, rocky cliffs, and mining caves • Lake/swimming hole with sunny shoreline • Designated campfire rings (where permitted) • Rustic outhouse-style restrooms available • Easy vehicle access to most sites • Pet-friendly — bring your adventurous dogs! • Stargazing at night with minimal light pollution Things to Know: • This is true back-to-nature camping — no hookups • 4WD not required, but recommended for adventurous spots • Pack it in, pack it out — help us keep the land beautiful • Quiet hours after 9PM to preserve the peacefulness of nature • Families, solo adventurers, and small groups welcome Whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend getaway, a basecamp for Sierra Nevada adventures, or a unique group camping experience, our 70-acre property invites you to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature. Book your stay with us today — your next great story starts here!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$70
 / night

Carnelian Bay draws cave campers with over 470 options that dig right into the area's rugged, volcanic terrain. Expect an average night to run about $120, with some sites dipping as low as $50. You’ll find sites where you can fish at sunrise, hike through pine forest, or swim in chilly, clear waters. Many let you bring your dog, light a campfire, and rinse off in a hot shower after a day underground. Regulars rave about Wisdom eco-preserv (166 reviews) for its wild, open space and easy access to quiet caves. Lava Cap Land (21 reviews) sits on old lava flow, with rocky features straight out of a geology textbook. For something offbeat, check out Private Disc Golf Course Camp (1 review), where you can pitch your tent and play a round before heading below ground. Carnelian Bay’s cave camping isn’t for the faint of heart—but if you want adventure, this is it.

99% (199)

Top-rated campgrounds near Carnelian Bay

2. 70+ Acre Historic Goldmine Mountain

41mi from Carnelian Bay · 2 sites · Lodging
Scenic 70-Acre Campsite with Forest Trails, Cliffs, Lake Access, and Historic Gold Mine Caves Welcome to your next unforgettable camping adventure! Nestled in the heart of historic Dutch Flat, California, this private 70-acre paradise offers campers a rare chance to explore rugged forests, hidden trails, rocky cliffs, and real historic gold mine caves — all in total privacy and surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Wake up to the sound of rustling pines and birdsong, spend your day hiking winding trails or exploring the old gold mine entrances tucked into the hillsides, and cool off with a swim in our private lakefront area, complete with sunny rocks perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. This is a perfect spot for campers looking to truly disconnect and experience the raw beauty of Northern California’s mountain country — without the crowds. Whether you’re pitching a tent in a shady forest clearing, setting up camp by the water, or parking your van in one of our open meadow spots, you’ll have space to roam, explore, and make your own adventure. Amenities: • 70 acres of private land to explore • Forest trails, rocky cliffs, and mining caves • Lake/swimming hole with sunny shoreline • Designated campfire rings (where permitted) • Rustic outhouse-style restrooms available • Easy vehicle access to most sites • Pet-friendly — bring your adventurous dogs! • Stargazing at night with minimal light pollution Things to Know: • This is true back-to-nature camping — no hookups • 4WD not required, but recommended for adventurous spots • Pack it in, pack it out — help us keep the land beautiful • Quiet hours after 9PM to preserve the peacefulness of nature • Families, solo adventurers, and small groups welcome Whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend getaway, a basecamp for Sierra Nevada adventures, or a unique group camping experience, our 70-acre property invites you to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature. Book your stay with us today — your next great story starts here!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$70
 / night

Public campgrounds near Carnelian Bay

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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