The best star host campgrounds near Carnelian Bay, California

Looking to go camping near Carnelian Bay, California? Hipcamp has over 1,100 options for you to choose from, with accommodations starting as low as $20 per night. Whether you prefer a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone. Explore the top campsites in the area, such as Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews), and Walden Ranch (418 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, showers, and campfires, while engaging in activities such as swimming, off-roading, and paddling. Start planning your camping adventure today!

99% (1.4K) • 57 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Carnelian Bay

Looking to go camping near Carnelian Bay, California? Hipcamp has over 1,100 options for you to choose from, with accommodations starting as low as $20 per night. Whether you prefer a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone. Explore the top campsites in the area, such as Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews), and Walden Ranch (418 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, showers, and campfires, while engaging in activities such as swimming, off-roading, and paddling. Start planning your camping adventure today!

99% (1.4K) • 57 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Carnelian Bay

1. Warm & Cozy Luxury Yurt

100%

(35)

48mi from Carnelian Bay · 1 site · Lodging

**UPDATE: we've installed a couple new things for the 2025 summer season to keep things cool. A mesh screen door to catch that Westerly breeze, and a Hessaire evaporator cooler to keep you chill on hot afternoons!** Welcome to Lazy Dog Ranch! We only have one Yurt/rental on the property, but it is not your average yurt; this is glamping at its best. Set on 3 pristine acres in an open meadow surrounded by pine and cedar, our Yurt offers incredible views with a serene peaceful setting. This is the only rental on the property, so it is super private. You have your own separate driveway, and the owner's home is on the other side of the land, ensuring a very private stay. This is luxury yurting! The owner spared no expense in the buildout and furnishings. Every detail has been considered to make your stay unforgettable, including fast WiFi, well equipped kitchen & bath, high-end furniture and bedding, epic sunset patio views, great recommendations in town, and close proximity to the Yuba river (7 min drive to Edwards Xing) and all that Nevada City / Grass Valley has to offer.

2. Foothills Yurt Glamping

97%

(19)

48mi from Carnelian Bay · 1 site · Lodging

Escape to a unique retreat in our brand-new yurt, nestled in a serene location perfect for relaxation and adventure. This spacious and cozy yurt features a comfortable bed, modern amenities, and charming rustic decor that blends seamlessly with nature. You might even spot deer roaming the property adding a touch of magic to your stay. The 24 ft. Modern Yurt can sleep up to 4 people with a queen bed, a sofa bed. A queen air mattress is available upon request for additional 2 guests. Other amenities include a sauna, an (unheated) swimming pool with swim-up bar, outdoor kitchen stocked with dishes, large decks and patios, lounges and deck chairs, shade umbrellas, hammock, horseshoe pit and giant chess board. It is the perfect destination for a special occasion, an overnight stop on a long trip, an extended retreat, or just a chance to get away from it all. Guests have access to the yurt, pool area, outdoor kitchen, horseshoe pit and fire pit/chess board area. Do not wander around the property beyond these specified areas, up the stairs or ramp leading to the house, and do not go to the house on site. Home is usually vacant but it is a private vacation home. Colfax is a quaint, historic railroad town with lots of charm and plenty to do in the great outdoors. We are located about two hours from the Bay Area, just 45 minutes from Sacramento and only 45 minutes east on I-80 will bring you to world class skiing on Donner Summit and lots of other activities in the mountains. Colfax offers many restaurants, shops, stores and nearby Rollins Lake is great for boating, fishing, water skiing or swimming. The American River canyon offers kayaking, white water rafting, mountain biking, hiking and fishing. In the surrounding countryside, one can find many small vineyards & wineries, an occasional brewery or roadside fruit stand. It can be both sunny and cool here since we are located in the foothills, above the fog and at snowline. The Colfax Amtrak stop is only a 10 minute walk from the house, there's also a Greyhound line that stops in town.

3. Starry Hot Tub/Cold Plunge Glamping

100%

(132)

47mi from Carnelian Bay · 4 sites · Lodging

Soak in a cedar hot tub and Renu cold plunge nestled in an oak grove, then sleep in our A Frame or one of our two luxurious yurt-like tents. Venture into the clearing with open skies for truly amazing starry views at night. It's a peaceful retreat surrounded by pines and oaks, yet is still less than 15 minutes from the historic Gold Mining towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley. A composting toilet is housed in a beautiful, well maintained outhouse and a heated outdoor shower is located next to the hot tub and cold plunge. These as well as the hot tub/cold plunge area are shared between our two sites. PLEASE NOTE: While many guests have found each spot to feel private, it's important to mention that these are located in a large clearing behind our house. You'll have ample space and privacy, with the added convenience of having someone nearby if you need anything. Distance to local attractions: Nevada City (11 minutes) Grass Valley (14 minutes) Yuba River (25 minutes) Scott’s Flat Lake (10 minutes) Cascade Canal Hiking (3 minutes) Hoot’s Trail epic mountain biking (17 minutes)

4. Animal Lovers Paradise

99%

(214)

50mi from Carnelian Bay · 1 site · Tent

Pitch your tent smack dab in the middle of HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary - some of the most beautiful acreage in the Sierra Nevada Foothills.  Cook a delicious, campfire meal - kick up your heels "a bit" after a long, hard day and then - Whew!  Cop a squat, sit back, exhale and prepare yourself to take it all in.  Silence is golden around here and once here, you will soon come to know – that if you blend in, be quiet, listen and observe – NATURE, in all its glory, will reveal its majesty - right before your very eyes. The 2 acre reflects the brilliance of “harmony” in nature.  The water is pure, clean and abundant with life yet, HartSong Ranch is a pesticide free facility.  Nature, taking care of itself, is truly a beautiful thing.  Yellow Water Iris are in full bloom, spring through early summer.  Dragonflies and butterflies sparkle in the sunshine.  Frogs croak, bats dart here and there and big mouth bass become airborne in search of dinner in the early evening hours.  Blue and White Heron visit the pond often – gracefully soaring over the pastures and pond in search of a safe place to land among the Iris.  Watching them calculate a strategy to catch a meal, while appearing to stalk in slow motion – FASCINATING! Upwards of 40 Canada Geese goslings are hatched yearly on the grounds of HartSong.  It’s absolutely adorable to watch the little ones as they frantically paddle along behind their moms.  In addition and if you’re an early riser, you will most certainly feel blessed to observe the loving, yet stern, communications between Canada Goose parents (life- long mates) as they teach their young to fly - every morning at sunrise in the spring. head of cattle (that have never known anything other than kindness), graze the pastures beyond the pond.  Yes, they all have names and yes, they are all as sweet as can be.  Their tranquility is contagious. The "one and only" ALP campsite is large enough to accommodate 9+ large tents.  Only one camping group occupies this campsite. Amenities at the site include... *Porta Potty/Outhouse *Hand washing station - hand soap, hand sanitizer and hand towels provided *3 Picnic Tables with table cloths *Extra Large Dining Tent with Screened Sides for Ventilation *Wood Rounds for Seating, Lighter, Fire Starter Sticks and filled Water Buckets *Warming propane fire box (4' long).  This unit is approved to use during high fire season and provides enough of a flame to roast marshmallows, make s'mores and provides incredible ambiance at the campsite during the nighttime hours.   *Propane BBQ Grill - available to use during high fire season *BBQ Utensils - Large Spatula/Turner, Large Pronged Fork, Wire Bristle Grill Cleaner/Scraper *Shade sail - 1  *Life Jackets (2 child) *Row Boat with oars *Coleman Heavy Duty Water Jug (5 Gallon) *Clean, Fresh Drinking Water from HartSong's Well *4 Adirondack Chairs with Side Table *Hammock *Swing *Emergency First Aid Kit *Fire Extinguisher *Solar in Ground Lights for easy navigation during the nighttime hours The canal (said to have been built by the Chinese workers during the Gold Rush) winds through the entire property. HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary, a 30-acre facility, is a 100% volunteer, 501(c)(3) non- profit organization and home to 60+ rescue animals.Some are blind - others have physical challenges - most are trauma survivors. Our mission is to provide a landscape of quiet and tranquility for the animals that live within our gates – a sanctuary where they can enjoy nature, peace of mind and suffer no more. Off the ranch adventures are also abundant in the Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding HartSong Ranch. *The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park – a 14 mile drive from your campsite, features a museum, restored historic buildings and costumed volunteers.  Gold was discovered here at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush. *The American River Confluence (North Fork and Middle Fork merge) – a 10 mile drive from your campsite.  The drive down the canyon to the American River is beautifully picturesque.  Over 100 miles of hiking trails, pristine swimming holes and white water opportunities are available for those of you in search of adrenaline laced activities. *Coloma, California – world famous for its white water rafting excursions – a 14 mile drive from your campsite. *Lotus, California - The Coloma-Lotus Valley is the major destination of the South Fork, shaped by the American River today as in 1848. Three riverfront parks provide opportunities for family picnics and wading, and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park brings California’s history to life.  While in Lotus, please make a point to stop in at Sierra Rizing Bakery, Coffeehouse and Cafe – located in the beautiful Coloma & Lotus river valley just steps from the South Fork of the American River. They feature small-batch local artisan-roasted coffees, fresh bakery goods, breakfast and lunch fare, as well as specialty drinks, beer, and local wines.  They also offer a beautiful outdoor patio that is dog friendly.  Dogs are also welcome inside the cafe. For those interested to tour the sanctuary grounds, meet many of the rescue animals living within our gates(see EXTRAS to book a private tour). HartSong co-founders, Jim and Kathy Hart, are both former professional musicians so there’s nothing more delightful to our ears than to hear acoustic kumbaya moments around a campfire.  We do, however, most graciously request “quiet time” at the campsite after 10PM.

5. Banner Mountain Camp

100%

(18)

48mi from Carnelian Bay · 1 site · RV

Prime Nevada City, CA location 8 mins from Downtown NV City, Grass Valley, and the best bike trails along Highway 20. RV site includes access to Sauna, Laundry, and Water and Electrical Hook-Ups for your RV.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

T

Tanner

November 2025

3 nights at Warm & Cozy Luxury Yurt

David has done an amazing job making this yurt feel cozy and homey. The property is very peaceful making it hard to leave. This yurt is also in a perfect location close to Nevada City, Grass Valley and highway 49. Thank you!

T

Tracy

November 2025

2 nights at Warm & Cozy Luxury Yurt

David's yurt is beautiful and has absolutely everything you need for a very comfortable glamping experience! The land is picturesque and David is a very attentive and kind host. I traveled with a friend and the yurt was plenty big for both of us - even with a couple of very rainy days we felt like we had plenty of space, and my friend was happy to report that the blow up mattress was very comfortable. I will definitely be back!

M

Morgan

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Starry Hot Tub/Cold Plunge Glamping

We had a wonderful stay at the A frame. Beautiful scenery and stars. Hot tub and cold plunge were epic. Ellie and Jack were very helpful and gave us our space. A very peaceful place!

A

Arielle

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Warm & Cozy Luxury Yurt

The yurt is beautiful and comfortable, the location is great, and David is a welcoming host!

A

Angela

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Warm & Cozy Luxury Yurt

We had such a wonderful time staying at David’s luxurious yurt! It had all the amenities, was clean, beautifully furnished and decorated, and kept us comfy and happy for our 3-night stay. Thank you so much for having us, David! Can’t wait to come back.

S

San

September 2025

22 ft Class C

8 nights at Banner Mountain Camp

Great stay! The site was peaceful, private, and had everything I needed. The host was super friendly and helpful. Really appreciated having access to the water and electricity. Alse, the sauna, washer, and dryer, nice touches that made the stay extra comfortable. Would definitely come back!

A

Aissa

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Starry Hot Tub/Cold Plunge Glamping

Great experience. Stayed in Ponderosa. Very comfy, intentional & clean set up. We were the only campers there which was nice. Would stay again. Thank you Ellie & Jack for the thoughtfulness with the little details. Our dog was in heaven too :)

E

Elizabeth

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Warm & Cozy Luxury Yurt

Our stay was amazing! The yurt was quite and beautifully decorated and spotless. The view was so peaceful, especially for morning coffee from the porch. And it’s located close to the river and town. Will stay here again!

C

CHRISTOPHER

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Animal Lovers Paradise

This was by far our families most relaxing camping trip! Jim and Kathy were the most wonderful hosts. Every detail for our comfort and relaxation was thought of for this hip camp site. The location is great and we loved relaxing and watching the animals across the pond all day long. Each morning the friendly cows would come to the fence close to the site to say good morning. Jim and Kathy even included our daughter in helping with the animals during their morning routine. We will definitely be back!

C

Chuck

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Animal Lovers Paradise

What a lovely spot with lovely hosts. Perfect place to chill out with a book, paddle around in a row boat or feed the piggies!

G

Grappling

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Warm & Cozy Luxury Yurt

Excellent stay!! All the comforts of home close to some great swimming hole's!!

B

Barb &

September 2025

40 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Banner Mountain Camp

Siobhan's RV spot was a great basecamp in Nevada City! Well thought out electric and water hookups, washer and dryer and sauna were appreciated! She greeted us when we arrived and communication was excellent! The location was quiet, peaceful and relaxing, near hiking trails. We spent 4 nights visiting, and can't wait to return!

C

Chris

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Starry Hot Tub/Cold Plunge Glamping

Amazingly beautiful stay in Nevada city! The yurt and views were amazing! Very responsive and friendly hosts, amazing hip camp setup and we ended up having some great yurt neighbors from the Bay Area! Hot showers are a plus ! (might want to bring your own privacy curtain if you’re not a naturalist, lol) but can’t recommend this place enough!

M

Meytar

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Animal Lovers Paradise

We were camping at Animal lovers paradise last weekend. What an amazing experience. This camping site definitely deserves this name! We made it there a group of 11 campers and two dogs. The location is remarkable with a lovely pond where we enjoyed the local paddle boat and our paddle board, The Creeck crossing the campsite is amazing where we all enjoyed walking in the water, snacking on blackberries, and chilling during the day. The campsite has all you need for a good camping experience: a barbeque, toilet, shaded tables, Chairs by the gas bonfire, a swing and a hammock. The owners went above and beyond helping us with anything needed and recommending great things to do. The kids had a wonderful experience tubing in the American river towards Lotus park! Jim was amazing helping us fixing an electrical blown mattress that it’s cable was torn. In summary, if you’re looking for a beautiful location to camp hosted by wonderful friendly people, animal lovers is the place!

S

Shana

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Warm & Cozy Luxury Yurt

The yurt.bathroom is exactly as shown in the photos. Comfy bed with clean sheets, reliable wi-fi, good circulation and cooling, good kitchen facilities for light cooking, mini speaker to pair with, great shower, nice seating areas inside and outside the yurt, easy to locate, lockbox made entry/exit smooth and great restaurant options in Nevada City. Highly recommend Stone House for dinner and South Yuba State Park for a day trip. Minor downsides: pillows were all way too dense and kitchen counter/stove/sink cleaning was overlooked. Dogs greet you upon arrival (we love dogs!) We would happily stay here again. Thanks, David!

G

Gold Country

August 2025

28 ft fifth wheel

With pets

7 nights at Banner Mountain Camp

A welcoming, private space amongst tall shade trees in a very large clean, beautiful, natural space. Easy access for any RV setup with extra room for parking. Siobhan is a gracious host and her neighborhood is very pet friendly. My cat Zoey immediately felt safe, at ease and right at home, lounging in the shade outside our camper with my dog Rudy. The grounds and neighborhood are lush and welcoming with trail access and is within minutes to shopping. Cell service is good and host offers WiFi for easy streaming, sauna and laundry facilities. Instacart and Door Dash delivery just a tap away. Recommend to any traveler looking for a beautiful, quiet space to relax.

K

Kinjal

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Starry Hot Tub/Cold Plunge Glamping

We stayed at this cozy A-frame and absolutely loved it! The property had everything I needed for a comfortable getaway — a shower, a hot tub, and even a cold plunge. The location was perfect, tucked away on a quiet property but still only about 10 minutes from downtown. It felt private, peaceful, and relaxing the entire time. I will definitely be staying here again, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and refreshing place to unwind.

c

carissa

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Warm & Cozy Luxury Yurt

Fantastic all around! I would absolutely recommend staying here to my friends and family. The yurt is cozy, cute and has everything you need. The property is private and peaceful. Driving to town is quick and Nevada city is definitely worth the visit. I hope to make it to the river during my next stay here. Highly recommend

M

Molly

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Animal Lovers Paradise

Beautiful space, hosts and well thought out area. Kathy and Jim are so generous and kind, offering any support if needed and respectful of privacy. The lake and stream were a dream and the various animals were such a joy to observe and BE. We are definitely coming back, no doubt.

View of composting toilet from the outside. It has a view!

A

Amy

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Starry Hot Tub/Cold Plunge Glamping

My friend and I loved staying at Ponderosa! Ellie and Jack were very responsive to our questions. The tent was very clean and cozy. The composting toilet was an unexpected but very pleasant surprise (very clean and quite relaxing!). We got to enjoy the hot tub after a long hike and that was lovely as well. We would definitely stay here again!