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Camping in Northern California

From the Pacific to the Sierra, these are the best campsites in Northern California.

95% (24575 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Northern California

Under $50

12 top campgrounds in Northern California

98%
(2032)

Mill Creek Resort

48 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Mineral, Tehama
Welcome! We’re Jillian and Joe, along with our sidekicks Sonora + Ayla, the brains and the brawn behind Mill Creek Resort. Since 2017, we have been pouring every ounce of our love and energy into this landmark 1930’s resort. We take great pride in honoring it's rich history while creating a space for the next generation of mountain adventurers. Nestled in 12 acres of cedars and towering pines on the south side of Lassen Volcanic National Park, we offer 9 cabins open year-round, along with 17 campsites, some featuring glamping tents and 8 RV spots, one featuring a vintage 70's trailer and 2015 modern RV. We hope your path leads you here to experience all that Lassen has to offer. Miles of trails, pristine waters, dark skies, and wildlife abound, all awaiting to be discovered. Find your Wild, be kind, and leave no trace.
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$35
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Booked 2 times

Lakeshore Villa RV Park

92 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Lakehead, Shasta
Located in Lakehead, California, Lakeshore Villa RV Park spans over 6.7 acres and features two outdoor restrooms with free hot showers, picnic tables and trails. We cater to large and small RVs and trailers ranging from 16 feet long to over 40 feet long plus sufficient space for a towing vehicle. Most of our spaces are approximately 16-24 wide and some are even wider, accommodating everyone's needs. Our sites feature 30 amp and 50 amp hookup service with full hookup to water with each space providing a sewer drain. As a convenience to our guests, propane is sold on site. The park backs up to a creek where swimming and fishing are popular. Fishing requires a state license which can be purchased online. Outdoor BBQ is allowed but, currently, no charcoal or wood burning is permitted due to the recent fires. Propane tank or electric BBQs are acceptable. Please note that trains do run near our park and throughout the City of Lakehead. Also, the lake water level is dependent upon the season and the amount of rainfall With such in mind, whether your prefer a short and or a long term stay, we hope to see you soon!
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$25
 / night
96%
(249)

Black Oak Ranch

26 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Laytonville, Mendocino
Greetings! We will not host individual camping in 2022. Please message us if you are interested in group camping (40+ campers) and we will see if we can accommodate you. Thanks for your support!Black Oak Ranch has hosted music festivals on our beautiful 150 acre property for almost 30 years, including The Hog Farm Pignic, Earthdance, The Kate Wolf Music Festival, and the inaugural Hog Farm Hideaway scheduled for next year. We had a successful first season of camping last year thanks to all our wonderful campers and look forward to our second season in 2021! We are following all Mendocino County and State of California COVID-19 healthy and safety ordinances. Our goal is to provide an uncrowded, safe place for friends and family of the Black Oak Ranch to take a deep breath and connect or reconnect with our special land. We also appreciate your support in these difficult financial times.Conveniently located just off of Highway 101 in Mendocino County, The Black Oak Ranch is full of majestic old oak trees, leafy bay groves, and Ten Mile Creek which is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. The Black Oak Ranch is home to an abundance of wildlife including deer, raptors, and our newest residents a family of beavers! 
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$55
 / night
94%
(826)

Mendocino Magic

122 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents600 acres · Laytonville, Mendocino
Mendocino Magic is a camping, fishing, wedding and outdoor events destination in inland Mendocino county, Northern California, just a few miles off Highway 101 in the heart of the Emerald Triangle. This unique sprawling 600-acre property is home to the largest privately-held reservoir in the North Coast region, perfect for swimming and catch & release fishing. We offer tent camping, RV & Car camping, luxe furnished tents, and cabins for your stay. Star gaze from the rolling hills of the Mendocino forest, kayak on our private Reservoir, and show off your BBQ skills with included campground amenities. Reserve your camp site early for the best availability. About half of our 2023 summer weekends are currently sold out. All Mendocino Magic Campers Enjoy the Following Amenities - Central Camp with tables, BBQ grills (propane provided), filtered water, and weekend fire dish run by staff. - Portapotty bathrooms with outdoor sinks. - Outdoor showers with hot water. - Access to Holland Reservoir, our private lake, for swimming, boating, and fishing. Kayaks are available at no charge. Bring your own life jackets if you need them. - Miles of hiking and biking trails through mountainous hillsides and scenic valleys. - Some of the best stargazing in Northern California with frequent meteor showers. - Camping supplies delivered to your camp site (for an additional charge), including cooler rentals, ice, and s’mores kits. Mackenzie manages the campground with a team of incredible people. In a world increasingly connected in the digital sense, we invite you to come up and get back to your roots, and connect with people the old fashioned way. Come join us for stargazing, paintball, fishing & swimming, weddings & outdoor events, and camping!
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$60
 / night
83%
(3)

Explore the Trinity Alps!

23 sites · Lodging, RVs134 acres · Junction City, Trinity
Don Ellis has owned and managed the Strawhouse Resorts since 1998. Don and Julia continue to work hard side-by-side to bring much value to the community. They have helped the businesses in the area by not only increasing the visitors to Big Flat and surrounding areas, but also by collaborating with many groups to join in making the community of Big Flat a real destination Hot Spot. Strawhouse Resorts has also provided job opportunities, which has allowed several talented folks the ability to live and thrive in such a beautiful location. We are a huge supporter of the local artists, so when you come into the cafe', you are greeted by the popular talent of the area! Our 2,000 sq. ft. patio overlooks the stunning Trinity River, so you have the perfect dining experience. You might even get to watch a bald eagle or osprey fly by as you enjoy your meal! We are committed to bringing quality service, organic coffees roasted on-site in micro-batches, excellent food, lodging, and recreational resources to all of our customers and community, while being socially, spiritually, and environmentally responsible.
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$60
 / night
95%
(140)

Camp Shady Meadow

32 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Blairsden, Plumas
There are so many fun activities available in the nearby Blairsden/Graeagle area (golfing, biking, hiking, fishing, autumn foliage...just to name a few). We have added two beautiful glamping tents to our already unique RV, travel trailer, and tent sites. The glamping tents are complete with carpet, a comfortable queen size mattress, luxurious linens, two homemade benches, and two camping chairs to enjoy a cool evening campfire with a view of the mountains. Please note: these glamping tents are for adults only; no children or pets. Thank you for understanding!
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$45
 / night
98%
(162)

Mendocino Grove

103 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents37 acres · Mendocino, Mendocino
Mendocino Grove is a modern camping experience on Northern California’s breathtaking Mendocino Coast. Ranked # 6 on Yelp's Top Places to Camp in the US, Mendocino Grove has something for everyone! With 37 acres to explore, Mendocino Grove has spacious Safari-style Classic and Family tents, fully outfitted with comfortable heated beds, warm-down comforters, wool blankets, crisp cotton linens, lanterns, and more. Each tent is housed on a wooden platform with a redwood deck complete with comfy leather butterfly-chairs & table. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring with grill, ideal for cooking. Wheelchair accessible tents are also available. In the morning, head over to the Meadow Commons where can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and a breakfast surprise . The Meadow Commons also features fast wi-fi, and a heated porch where you can gather with friends for a good board game. Mendocino Grove shared retro bathhouses offer hot showers both indoor and out, organic bath products, fluffy towels and a dog wash. Yoga is offered daily at 9:30 am and there is a 3/4-mile trail that leads through a forest of bishop pines to an ocean viewing deck. A short walk away, there is kayaks and outrigger-style redwood canoe rentals for paddling on the Big River Estuary, where you might spot harbor seals or otters! Mendocino Grove also offers a bocce ball court, corn hole, games, books, and relaxation hammocks. FALL FEST NOV 3 - 5, 2023 As the year shifts into shorter days and cooler nights, Fall Fest offers the soul-warming combination of live music, crafting fun, and camaraderie to sustain us into the darker days ahead. Festival tickets are $220 per person (plus accommodation) and include all meals, music, and craft. Local wine, beer, and kombucha will be available for purchase. Reserve your spot—tickets will automatically be added to your booking price!
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$199
 / night
100%
(1)

Riverwalk RV Park

26 sites · RVs20 acres · Fortuna, Humboldt
Riverwalk RV Park and Campground is a top-notch destination for your visit to The Redwood Coast. Our immaculately maintained grounds and facilities blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the park, creating a serene and relaxed atmosphere. Our friendly management and staff go above and beyond to ensure that your stay with us is comfortable and memorable. Located just a short walk away, The Eel River Brewing Company is a great place to grab a delicious meal or enjoy a refreshing beverage. Additionally, our prime location means that we are only a short drive from a wide array of attractions and activities in the surrounding areas. For nature enthusiasts, the Redwood National Park is just an hour away from our park, providing an opportunity to explore the majestic trees that make up the forest. You can also take a leisurely drive through the Avenue of the Giants or hike the various trails to experience the natural wonders of the region. If you're looking for a more relaxed vacation, you don't need to travel far from the park. Take a stroll by the Eel River or explore the charming town of Fortuna to discover some of the region's best dining and shopping options. Whether you're here to explore the natural wonders of the region or to simply unwind and relax, Riverwalk RV Park and Campground is the perfect home base for your Redwood Coast adventure. Book your stay with us today and discover why we are Northcoast's finest RV park and campground. Our RV assignments are subject to change at any time. We do not have designated RV assignments in advance of your reservation date. We cannot promise specific site numbers, although we can guarantee that you will be accommodated in the RV class you have booked and we will do our best to accommodate any request for a specific area. Our Amenities Come and experience a comfortable and cozy RV camping experience at our park. Our park offers a wide range of amenities, including a refreshing pool, relaxing spa, BBQ area, dog walks, laundry room, clean restrooms, clubhouse, Wi-Fi, and much more. Our camping cabins provide guests with a comfortable and home-like atmosphere, with the added convenience of shared amenities such as exceptionally clean restrooms and a well-equipped camping kitchen facility. For those who prefer to rough it out in nature, our tent camping area offers restrooms, free hot showers, and a camping kitchen area equipped with an electric range, sink, and table. The level sites are perfect for setting up your tent and feature a fire ring with a picnic table at every site. Additionally, water sources are located nearby for your convenience. At our park, we strive to provide our guests with a relaxing and enjoyable camping experience. Come and unwind in nature, take a refreshing dip in our pool, or relax in the spa. Gather around the fire ring with your loved ones, share stories, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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$65
 / night
100%
(54)

Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping

84 sites · Lodging10 acres · Healdsburg, Sonoma
Wildhaven Sonoma is the top-rated glamping spot in the Bay Area. Our glamping experience was designed to provide guests with comfort, warmth, and cleanliness, while still maintaining a close connection to Sonoma County’s stunning natural beauty. Guests check in to extra-large, safari-style tent cabins with comfortable beds (with linens and heated mattress pads), electricity & heaters, WiFi, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Outside the tent, guests have a personal fire pit, a covered porch with patio furniture, and a large picnic table. Those seeking more comfort and features can book tents with 2-person hammocks, festive string lights, and unobstructed views towards the Mayacamas mountains. Then there are the amenities, which are not typically found at traditional campgrounds. These include a clean, updated bathroom building, hot showers, an outdoor kitchen with dish-washing sinks and gas BBQs, a store with local treats, and activities such as yoga classes, local wine tastings, and live music. The highlight of the 10-acre property is the private river access for guests. Wildhaven’s section of the Russian River is calm yet clean and perfect for innertubes. Wildhaven is surrounded by vineyards on 3 sides and is in the middle of the famous Alexander Valley wine-growing region. When it's time to venture out, Wildhaven is just 5 miles from the charming small town of Healdsburg, with its picture-perfect town plaza filled with palm and redwood trees and surrounded by 30+ tasting rooms, book and cooking stores, and ice cream shops. We hope you'll consider trying out a unique night of wine country glamping with us on the Russian River. Please note there is a limit of 2 pets per tent. Please be sure to add pet fee in extras upon check out.
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$259
 / night
100%
(3)

Coachland RV Resort

128 sites · RVs50 acres · Truckee, Nevada
Coachland RV Park is situated in the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California and is within close proximity to all the outdoor activities, shopping, and dining that Truckee, CA has to offer. Located at an elevation of 5,996 ft., Coachland RV Park welcomes visitors year-round and is a short distance from Northstar Ski Resort and Squaw Valley. During the summer, visitors can enjoy fishing and watersports on the nearby Truckee River. All the beauty that Lake Tahoe offers is just a short drive away from Coachland RV Park.
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$70
 / night
98%
(927)

Camp Nauvoo

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Placerville, El Dorado
Camp Nauvoo was originally bought by the LDS church in the 1960's for a girl's camp. The camp was owned by the Boy Scouts from 2011-2015. The Rose family bought the property in 2016 with the intent to continue the tradition of tent camping as well as creating opportunities for exclusive events i.e., group/family reunions, weddings and corporate events. We are a small privately owned small campground (20 sites only) located on the outskirts of Placerville. The property features 86.5 secluded Tahoe like acres with beautiful year-round Weber Creek. The camp sites are placed along the creek or the bluff overlooking the creek. We have traditional dirt camping, canvas tents on platforms, teepees and glamping tents for those that want the comforts of home. We are tent camping only with only one site that allows a small travel trailer or van. (#14) . We are dog friendly and allow dogs in all but 5 glamping sites. We do enforce camp rules especially our quiet time between 10 PM and 7 AM (please review). We’ve been told that we have a “family camp” vibe. We are a great place for families wanting a safe environment for their kids but also several group sites for those that want to hang out together with multiple families. We are also a great base site for those wilderness enthusiasts with access to all the El Dorado National Forest including Desolation but want a hot shower at the end of the day. We have a lodge that is stocked with games and a ping pong table. The lodge has a microwave, Keurig machine and a hot water kettle for those hot drinks (BYO Cups).We have several tables set up for those that want to eat inside as well as multiple picnic tables along the side of the lodge with overhead protection. We have electricity at the at the lodge for small appliances and charging phones. We have a compressor on site to blow up your air mattresses or float toys. We’ve been told that our bathrooms are the “cleanest” ever and have changing tables and diaper pails. We offer nice flushing toilets and hot showers! For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing sets, seesaw and tractor play. We have hiking trails throughout the property. Our highlight is a camp fire bowl with bench seating with a stage to display camper talent which is perfect for the evening fire and roasting s’mores (bring the fixings). The creek starts out in spring looking like a rushing river featuring many fishing and swimming holes. As the summer progresses the water level falls but is still great for water play and fishing. We have propane BBQs (we provide the propane for BBQs) located throughout the property. We also have a propane grill and charcoal BBQ located in the common area for all to use. There is a dutch oven pit also in the fire bowl area. We do not allow wood fires at the individual sites but each site has a propane firepit for ambiance (not cooking) that requires you to purchase a 20 lb. propane cannister on site (add in extras) or pay cash on site. No internet service. There is limited internet only available for purchases at the setore. We require a 3 night minimum for the major holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. We do not do checkins on Sunday but do allow camping over Sunday night. We do exclusive events so you may need to explore multiple weekends to find the right reservation. We are located in the foothills so we are a short hop to many local attractions that include river rafting, gold mines, wineries and historical towns with great eating establishments. Tahoe is less than an hour away and there a many hiking trails within 20-30 minutes. We have a limited number of items to rent i.e, tents, cots, camp stoves, etc. We also have a small store on site for those items you forgot and a good selection of ice cream. We take venmo or cash. CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE BAY ALLOW 4 HOURS - YOU MUST LEAVE BY 3:00 IN ORDER TO ARRIVE DURING CHECKIN. IF YOU GET DELAYED, FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE OTHER CAMPERS YOU MAY CONSIDER WAITING AND ARRIVING THE NEXT MORNING. THERE ARE NO CHECKINS AFTER 9:00.
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$80
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99%
(1154)

Cosumnes River Ranch

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Plymouth, Amador
We are a family owned/operated ranch, located along the Cosumnes River, one of the last un-dammed rivers in California. As one of the last rivers flowing from the west slope of the Sierra without a major dam, the Cosumnes is a vital example of a healthy watershed. Our goal is to offer a unique outdoor experience for anyone looking for a place to spend time in the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a single campsite, or a place for a larger gathering, we're excited to have you visit! Take your pick of activities available on site: swimming , gold panning, fishing, camp fires, wildlife watching, floating, hiking, and mountain biking to name a few. There are 3 miles of river to explore. Private and noise free. Porta potties on site.
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$85
 / night

Star Hosts in Northern California

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Camping in Northern California guide

Northern California can spoil you with outdoor adventure. Here, campers have access to rugged coastlines, redwood forests, active volcanoes, granite domes, and glaciated peaks, all bathed daily in NorCal’s signature golden sunsets. The region’s major outdoor hubs include the Pacific Coast to the west (Big Sur, Wine Country), the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east (Yosemite, Tahoe), and the Cascade mountain range to the north (Mount Shasta, Lassen Peak), each offering unique geology, climates, and fauna. Throughout each is world-class hiking, rock climbing, biking, beaches, surfing, snowsports, and—of course—camping.

Where to Go

Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada mountain range is where you’ll find granite peaks, ancient sequoia trees, and the world-famous Yosemite National Park. From its towering valley and sprawling backcountry to its curious black bear population, Yosemite constantly engages and excites. Rock climbers take on bouldering and multi-pitch routes, hikers enter the lottery for a chance to scale the cables of Half Dome, and most visitors delight in Yosemite Falls and Mariposa Grove. Further north are Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear blue and teal waters. Boating, swimming, and paddling are popular Tahoe pastimes, and thanks to numerous hiking trails and a big mountain biking scene, visits can be as action-packed or as relaxing as you want. Classic Tahoe campgrounds like the lakeshore D.L. Bliss State Park are perfect for summer visits, while cozy cabins and glamping sites are ideal for winter getaways and ski trips.

The Cascades

The Cascade Range starts in Northern California and stretches all the way north to British Columbia. Characterized by snowy, pyramid-shaped peaks, volcanic activity, dense pine forests, and the numerous waterfalls that gave the range its name, the Cascades are home to two major NorCal destinations: Lassen Peak in Lassen National Park and Mount Shasta, a glaciated fourteener in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Another highlight of this region is Lava Beds National Monument, where spelunkers explore underground lava tubes before settling into a campsite near the California-Oregon border.

Big Sur

Big Sur is best known for its iconic cliff-hugging Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), but the real fun comes when you get out of the car to enjoy the area’s hidden beaches and bluffside wildflower blooms. Beach camping in Big Sur is as wild and rugged as it gets on the California Coast, making it extremely popular year-round. We recommend Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park as a starting point, but if you’re unable to secure a campsite months in advance as is required, look for private Hipcamps in the area.

Bay Area

North of San Francisco is California wine country, where the rolling hills of Napa host a variety of camping and glamping getaways for campers to escape the city. You’ll also find beach parks, redwood groves, and vineyards to visit in Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocin, also ripe with tent and RV camping. South of San Francisco are the Santa Cruz Mountains, famous for old growth redwoods and deep forest campsites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can camp along the Sacramento River at various designated campgrounds and parks. Remember to follow all rules and regulations at each campground, and make reservations if required. Additionally, always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the environment and maintain the beauty of the Sacramento River.

The best time of year to go camping in Northern California is typically during the late spring, summer, and early fall months. More specifically, May through October offers the most favorable weather conditions for camping, with temperatures ranging from mild to warm and a lower likelihood of rain. During these months, you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting. However, it's essential to consider that popular campgrounds may be more crowded during the peak summer months of June, July, and August. To avoid crowds, consider camping during the shoulder seasons of May and September.

For more information on camping in Northern California, visit Hipcamp.

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