The best waterside campgrounds near Davis, California

Situated in the Sacramento Valley, just west of the state capital, the city of Davis is best known for the esteemed University of California, Davis. It’s also a great place for cyclists, with around 50 miles of bike trails. The parks in and around town are fantastic, from the UC Davis-run Putah Creek Riparian Reserve—which offers easy access to boating on Putah Creek—to the 320-acre Grasslands Regional Park, which offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. While most visitors to Davis stay in hotels, you’ll find private camping not too far from town, particularly in and around the nearby communities of Wilton and Woodland.

95% (4.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Situated in the Sacramento Valley, just west of the state capital, the city of Davis is best known for the esteemed University of California, Davis. It’s also a great place for cyclists, with around 50 miles of bike trails. The parks in and around town are fantastic, from the UC Davis-run Putah Creek Riparian Reserve—which offers easy access to boating on Putah Creek—to the 320-acre Grasslands Regional Park, which offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. While most visitors to Davis stay in hotels, you’ll find private camping not too far from town, particularly in and around the nearby communities of Wilton and Woodland.

95% (4.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Meadows at Isleton

95%

(1524)

28mi from Davis · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Isleton, CA

Once an asparagus farm for Heinz, the property was left neglected for over 25 years. They started to convert the land to a lavender farm when they realized that there was more that they should do to enjoy their journey, hence; they incorporated the camping to share this beautiful location with others. From majestic sunrises to magnificent sunsets, The Meadows offers not only a calm and relaxing atmosphere gained from the Lavenders growing, but also provides a central location to all of the California River Delta venues and experiences. From local wine tasting to boating, fishing or just enjoying the nearby collectic towns, Bring your tent, trailer, or motor home to enjoy the heart of the California river delta. Each campsite is extra large for privacy and room to spread out. Dog-friendly. Watch the sunset while enjoying the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards. Walk the streets of our historic downtown and visit the small shops and locally-owned restaurants-- Manny’s Barzzeria, Mc Broodery's, Pineapples, or Peters Steak House. Of course, don’t miss out on DeJacks our country store that stocks it all!! Spend the day at the public fishing docks, kayak for the day in the delta waters, or head over to Sherman Islands epic wind/kite surfing areas. Local year-round festivals abound in the Delta and The Meadows is strategically located central to all. Our small town of 800 people will truly give you the feeling of being out of the big city!

2. Private River Oasis

95%

(77)

46mi from Davis · 5 sites · Lodging · Lake Of The Pines, CA

If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful retreat, "Private River Oasis" is the perfect place for you. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip, this property offers everything you need for a comfortable and memorable stay. With its stunning natural surroundings and modern convenient amenities "Private River Oasis" promises to be your perfect camping experience! So why wait? Book your stay today and start planning your dream vacation! The Space: A 13 ft Bell tent is setup for you with one queen bed and one single bed inside (beds are made with sheets and comforters). The tent sits approximately 75 ft above the river with breathtaking views of the river and canyon. If you are coming with a group, there is over an acre of flat land which is perfect for any type of tent setup. At the tent site you’ll have access to a table and chairs, lounge chairs, picnic table, gas BBQ, basketball hoop and balls, rock campfire, kayaks, and a porta potty. A short 3-minute walk away from the tent you’ll find the shore of the Bear River. Guest access: The tent site is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles. If you do not have a 4-wheel drive vehicle there is parking for up to four vehicles at the house. The tent site is less than a quarter mile walk downhill from the house. River access: If you’d like to visit the river to hang out, swim, or fish you can follow the dirt road next to the tent down to the river (3-minute walk). The riverfront has lounge chairs, a picnic table, and kayak's. The riverbank has small pebbles and rocks so water shoes are highly suggested for comfort when going into the water (recommended but not needed). Come and enjoy the views of the river, forest, and wildlife! This is a private tent site with one other listing on the property which is located at the house. You may rarely see other guests during your stay. Check out is at 12pm. If you or anyone in your party stays past 12:30pm you will be charged for an extra night for your full party. For guests that come for the day but do not stay the night there is a $25 fee per guest(s). If your vehicle gets stuck on the property and you need a tow we may be able to accommodate for a $350 tow fee per vehicle.

3. Auburn State Recreation Area

92%

(12)

61 sites · North Auburn, California

Gold panning, whitewater rafting, and dirt-bike riding are just a few of the unique activities here.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Davis

Lake Clementine Boat In Campground

42mi from Davis · 15 sites · in Auburn State Recreation Area

Stories from the community

C

Cody

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Meadows at Isleton

For a quick overnight stay, this was perfect. The owner was communicative and accommodating, even offering some traffic and routing guidance.

C

Colleen

June 2025

26 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to The Meadows at Isleton

This was our 2nd trip to the Meadows. Very rustic. it is quiet and very relaxing. Close to town so walking is very doable. we had a good dinner at Peters Steak House, it was good, not excellent. However the waitress was a lot of fun and we enjoyed our experience. Juat know when camping at the meadows, the only amentie is the outhouswe.

P

Patrick

May 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to The Meadows at Isleton

It's perfectly set in the fields. Close to downtown, but not too close. The fields are secluded and it feels like we are all alone.

P

Patrick

April 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to The Meadows at Isleton

Wonderful! We really enjoyed our evening there. It was the perfect spot to relax and spend the day. The owner was extremely friendly and endeavored to enhance our stay. I would highly recommend.

T

Tracy

February 2025

31 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to The Meadows at Isleton

We had a great time staying at The Meadows. Since we were the only guests, we didn’t stay in site 1 and opted for a site (no #) overlooking a vineyard. Great place, peaceful yet very close to town.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(12)

Auburn State Recreation Area

North Auburn, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Davis guide

Where to go

Eldorado National Forest

Some of the best opportunities for outdoor exploration in the Davis area are situated in the massive Eldorado National Forest, an hour or so’s drive east of the city. Here you'll find over 400 miles of trails, an extensive network of rivers and streams, and dozens of campgrounds, many with beautiful lake or river views.

Auburn State Recreation Area

Stretching for miles along the North and Middle Forks of the American River, the dog-friendly Auburn State Recreation Area is a popular spot for whitewater rafting, and there are dozens of outfitters in the area offering river adventures. The park also has three primitive campgrounds for tent camping, including a boat-in option.

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

A good base for exploring the wineries of the surrounding Napa Valley, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park offers cabins and yurts for rent plus tent and RV camping. It's a great place for hiking, particularly if you want to see gargantuan coast redwoods.

When to go

Davis has a pretty pleasant climate throughout most of the year. Winters here tend to be mild, and temperatures rarely drop below freezing, but July and August can get hot, with highs in the low- to mid-90s. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, when it's generally warm enough for outdoor activities, though late fall and early spring can be foggy and rainy at times.