98% (1.8K)
Top-rated campgrounds near Carnelian Bay
98% (1.8K)
Top-rated campgrounds near Carnelian Bay
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Kristi
September 2025
With pets
Jason et al. have done the outdoor enthusiast-city dwellers of the world a massive favor by opening up their property to Hip Camp guests.
We spent three days basking in the beauty and peace of the towering firs on this family campground. We love to camp, but sometimes the setup takes away from the meditative experience we were looking for. This site has all you'd ever need for a comfortable stay National Forest adjacent.
If you're used to driving into a popular state park and setting up in a crowded campground, this will feel remote; and that's exactly what we wanted. And a place for our dog to exist with us off leash.
We spent most of our stay on the deck larger than my SF one bedroom. I've seen many an ocean sunset, but the view through the trees from one of two porch swings might take the cake as the most beautiful I've seen.
It was hot - end of summer and all - but the porch and trees provide ample shade. Our last afternoon we spent the majority of time in our tent due to massive thunderstorms rolling through, but I can't imagine ending the summer in a more dramatic fashion. Hail, heavy rain, thunder & lightening - such things we don't see in SF.
Jason was so communicative and helpful, checking in on us here and there, and coming down during the storms to batten down hatches and make sure we were safe and comfortable. A+++ host.
I hope this property stays on Hip Camp, because I'd love to bring a group here someday to take advantage of the tent sites, too.
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Marina
September 2025
With pets
We had such a fun and peaceful time at Ari’s little piece of heaven. It’s a very cute getaway surrounded by tall trees, so it’s in the shade most of the day. It never felt hot in the tiny house, even though the temps where in the high 80’s.
It is obvious that a lot of love and thoughtfulness is being put into the property to make sure the guests have a lovely stay. We loved everything about it. Taking a shower outdoors under the blue skies and trees was very nice. Enjoyed the outdoor meals and sink. She had just finished the bathroom and it was a very nice and appreciated addition.
The lake is a 15 min nice hike away. Ari greeted us upon arrival and showed us how to get to the trail. We went to the water first thing and had a good time before a beautiful sunset dinner. Ari lives in the main house 20 feet away from the tiny house, but went away for the weekend so it felt very private.
Me made great memories there and the kids can’t wait to come back!
Thank you!
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Brian
August 2025
With pets
Arianne's place was awesome. The hut itself was nice and cozy for my girlfriend and I, and our dog. The blackstone out near the fire pit was my personal favorite! Spaulding lake was a short drive away and made for a nice swim on the hot day we stayed. Overall, would def stay here if you're looking for a comfy place to stay.
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Marissa
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Pequena Huts
Great spot just a 2-minute drive to beautiful lake Spaulding. We loved it!
Our boys & the dog camped outside in the tent while we slept in the tiny house.
Hostess was very attentive and available.
Recommend for a nearby lake glamping getaway!!
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MoNi
August 2025
With kids
Absolute bliss.. we had an amazing time! We had more than we needed. Example, if you were to arrive here with nothing but the clothes on your back they would have everything you need. There is even a cute little store nearby that carries anything your heart can desire plus some. There's a little place to take a shower with running hot water, The various restroom options were well kept, every item was in well condition, including the cookingware and the dishware. The area was super quiet and super chill and very private even with the camp host nearby. There was various places where we could set up tents and various places where we could park. So everyone can be in a group or spread out... There was even a little chill hammock area under some trees. My only advice to campers, their Creek trail.. is a trail. Lol if you are not experiencing hiking, it's a minimal hike but still very difficult for chair sitting office creatures, like myself lol also if you want to swim get up early or expect to walk, The South Yuba River is nearby beautiful but you need to arrive at like 8am. All in all was a great time can't wait to visit again. P.S. host is super responsive and always helpful 5 stars!
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Elena
August 2025
With kids
We loved staying here! The deck was my favorite part. It was so peaceful.
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Gloria
August 2025
With pets
We loved this quaint and charming little cabin. It had everything we needed for our trip. Host was gracious and attentive. Thank you Miss Arianne!
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Karalyna
August 2025
Group trip
We absolutely loved camping at Jason‘s land. It was an incredible view and they had absolutely everything you could possibly need. They were super nice and even came and checked on us and made us breakfast! We couldn’t be more happier to have picked this campsite for our weekend getaway!
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Grace
July 2025
With pets
We had a wonderful stay at the Pequena Hut with our two large dogs! The hut is cozy, clean, and stocked with everything you need for basic cooking. We used the Blackstone grill for all our meals and loved eating by the fire each evening.
The location is incredible — we visited Emerald Pools, but the real highlight was Blue Lake. It’s a bit off the beaten path, and we had it almost entirely to ourselves. The swimming was perfect and peaceful. We also checked out the trail to Lake Spaulding, which is doable for humans but a bit too rough for one of our pups.
Each evening, we walked up to the rocks above the hut to watch the sunset — definitely a favorite moment.
Pro tip: during hot days, aim the fan outward upstairs and keep the windows and door open to create a cooling draft. At night, turn the fan inward and you’ll get a nice breeze through the loft for comfortable sleep.
We’d love to come back!
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john
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Pequena Huts
Ari was extremely accommodating! Went here for my fiancé’s birthday as a surprise getaway and it was fantastic!
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Amanda
July 2025
With kids
Beautiful little home next to beautiful tall trees. Really very special. The owners were very kind and helpful. Next to a ton of lakes and river spots.
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Jb
May 2025
2 nights at Pequena Huts
Cozy camping hut with a loft sleeping area that was very comfortable, outdoor shower attached and a composting toilet in a separate outhouse just a couple steps away. There are both a large and a small gas grill available but we loved the fire pit with the optional cooking grate. Lake Spaulding is very near and Emerald Pools are just a few minutes' drive away. Plus there is nice dark-sky star viewing at night. We had a great time!
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