93% (4.4K)
Top-rated campgrounds
93% (4.4K)
Top-rated campgrounds
Public campgrounds near Carnelian Bay
Stories from the community
C
Connie
October 2025
Tent
We overall enjoyed camping at this very private orchard! There was a pond right next to us! We saw lots of wild animals including a flock of quails, deer, ducks, and turkeys! The showers were extra charge but we did enjoy the warm water and nice shower after being out in the wilderness. Only complaint is that the toilet and shower room has two big windows that do not have any privacy covering so we felt exposed. Also the door to the laundry room didn’t close all the way so someone could accidentally walk in on you while you’re doing your business or showering. We just ended up changing in the shower which at least had curtains. Otherwise, nice camping spot!
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Genevieve
October 2025
Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek
This is a really great spot and we enjoyed our stay! We enjoyed the roaring creek next to us and hearing the water as we went to sleep and upon wake up! The tent was well built, felt cozy and secure. The propane heater provided was a MUST as we stayed mid-Oct and the nights were cold outside. It heated it up very quickly and we had to turn it down while we slept it got so toasty. While there are 2 options for parking, if we weren't able to park where we did (closer to the tent), it would have made for more difficult logistics. We just barely were able to get our full-sized truck backed down the path (between the posts) in order to park close to the tent. In muddy weather this might have been more challenging. FYI - you need to have some pretty decent backing up and maneuvering skills to back down through the gate, esp if you have a full sized truck like we did. We did navigate to this spot at night which was a bit challenging in the dark but everything worked out well. This is a nice, secluded and peaceful spot!
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A
Andres
September 2025
With pets
Tim was a fantastic host. The cabin is comfortable, clean and peaceful. Definitely would love to stay there again.
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Anthony
September 2025
With kids
Great space. Comfortable bed. Everything you need to make your stay easy and enjoyable, The stream and the property are beautiful.
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Emily
August 2025
2 nights at The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek
Loved the property! Perfect little getaway, so peaceful.
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malori
August 2025
Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek
Amazing! Just amazing :) we had the best time, perfect amount of calm and seclusion.
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Shilpa
August 2025
1 night at Cabin in the Forest Near Yuba River
This cabin was incredible- had everything we needed, was so cozy, record player with throwback vinyls that were so nostalgic to listen to, and decor was very pleasing. Would absolutely recommend and looking forward to returning!
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k
kris
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Awesome place in the heart of Apple Hill! Three ponds with plenty of fishing access (caught 11 in about an hour in the evening). It’s a pear farm with unlimited picking and a rich family history in California’s ecological transformation. WILL absolutely be returning even being from just down the hill in Sacramento. The graded area for camping isn’t huge but with just three sites it was more than private enough with fresh potable water, a huge bathroom within eyeshot and a perfect symphony of frogs and birds to fall asleep to. Only regret is staying only one night and not having enough time to explore all the massive property had to offer in just under two days. Total gem of a hipcamp, including the owners, and excited to return for even just another overnight. A stones throw from a big and little city with a lot of history. 10 out of 10 would recommend!
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Eric
July 2025
With kids
Perfect little campsite! My 4 year old loved it. Beautiful spot and great to fall asleep to the sound of the gurgling creek.
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Kim
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Cabin in the Forest Near Yuba River
Perfect cozy cabin for our stay. Tim was great with communication and directions and we loved exploring the surrounding areas. The cabin was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. Highly recommend!
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Daniel
July 2025
Tent
This is a very quiet, lovely spot among pear trees and nature. The bathroom is about 100 yards from the camping spot, and there is a spigot right at the camping spot.
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Ei Ei
July 2025
Tent
With pets
Great location. Trails right on the property. Went to bed listening to frogs and woke up to blackbirds singing. My dog LOVED running around and eating blackberries.
The listing says boating is possible but I didn't see any instructions so I didn't bother flipping the boat over. I also wasn't sure which spigot was potable but I brought enough water with me for the trip. Bathroom worked as expected and I used the utility sinks in the adjoining room to brush my teeth.
The maps link on the hipcamp message took me to the corner of Larsen and Carson 15 mins away, instead of Fruitridge so don't use that. The instructions I got for checking in said to go to the end of the paved road to the barn and text but that must be out of date. There's a hipcamp sign with arrows on the left side across from the first house. I was directed there after wandering around looking lost near the second house. 😅
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Melissa
July 2025
3 nights at The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek
My husband and I had such a beautiful stay at Dan’s property! We loved how private it was and enjoyed a romantic holiday weekend! We loved all the thoughtful touches around camp including the tent and bathroom! It perfectly fit our needs and we can’t wait to return to take in the spectacular views another time! We enjoyed the drive to the camp as well and feel that it would be fun to bring our kids and their dog next time! We loved the creek and took and dip and fished a little as well! We can tell that they put love into what they do and we are looking forward to the next time we get to stay again!
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Benjamin
July 2025
Tent
With pets
Nice spot. Definitely give the place a positive review. Very dusty but the land owner did level the spot pretty well. Host was nice and personable when he stopped by. Toilets are real, but a bit of a hike. There are wild blackberries growing all over the place- watch for the thorns. They weren’t fully ripe, but the couple we had were still tasty.
So future campers can be prepared- There are a couple ponds right near the site. Flocks of geese have found them which is awesome until they take off honking their heads off at 5:30am. Those ponds are also major mosquito breeding grounds. There are fish, frogs and such in the ponds, but not enough to eat all the bugs. We ended up getting ourselves a thermacell mosquito repellent at the local hardware store. It did what it was supposed to, but it until we got that end of things taken care of, we got *lots* of bites.
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Kate
June 2025
With pets
Great spot with a thoughtful setup! It was cooler down in the canyon by the creek than elsewhere in the area, which was nice when it started getting hotter! We decided to use the heater the second night and it warmed up the tent FAST, even on the lowest setting. We had to turn it off after 5 minutes not to overheat! Not as buggy as I'd assumed, given how close it is to the water (still a bit, but that's nature, folks!). The outhouse, lights, and dining table setup are all well thought out and nicely done. There is a trek up and down the hill from the car, so be warned if you might struggle on a very short but steep hill with loose dirt, but it was fine for us. I think we'll probably come back!
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Sara
June 2025
2 nights at Cabin in the Forest Near Yuba River
Such a charming spot! Would love to stay here again. I regret not drinking coffee out in the little back terrace, though! The skylights are fabulous to wake up to and was the much needed stay for a good dose of forest bathing. Thanks Tim!
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Rose
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Cabin in the Forest Near Yuba River
What a magical little cabin retreat! Amazing location, thoughtfully decorated and has everything someone would need!
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Abigail
June 2025
With kids
What a slice of heaven on earth this enchanting glampsite was! My husband, toddler and I enjoyed our stay so much and it was a nice break not to have to set up our own tent/toilet. The sound of the creek was absolutely heavenly and made this site especially tranquil. We appreciated the excitement directions given to get here, comfortable bed set up to sleep on, and convenient saw dust toilet with the provided bags/sawdust.
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Kiara. A
June 2025
With pets
Very lovely and secluded location. Would definitely recommend.
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Juliana
May 2025
With pets
This was my first time using Hipcamp, and it completely exceeded my expectations. I usually tent camp and always hope to find a spot that feels more remote than a typical campground—this place delivered. It was elevated, peaceful, private, and surrounded by nature, with the relaxing sounds of the creek and birdsong all around.
The site was clean, well-maintained, and had thoughtful amenities. Dan provided detailed directions, making everything super easy. It’s close to Lake Davis and town, yet feels like a true escape.
Do come prepared for bugs this time of year—it’s nature, after all! There was a provided citronella candle, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring your favorite mosquito repellent.
This is exactly what I hoped Hipcamp would offer: a chance to camp in beautiful, respectful spaces you wouldn’t otherwise be able to access.
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Other options near Carnelian Bay
