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- Waterside Camping
The best lakeside camping in Northern California
97% (1.3K) • 888 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Northern California
Mill Creek Resort
1. Mill Creek Resort
97%
(2347)
Mineral, CA · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome! We’re Jillian and Joe, along with our sidekicks Sonora, Ayla and Rosalyn 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 20 campsites, some featuring glamping tents and 8 RV spots, two 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Finnon Lake Recreation Area
2. Finnon Lake Recreation Area
95%
(2491)
Placerville, CA · 18 sites · Tents, RVs
For everyone’s safety, campers under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). These vehicles will not fit and cannot cross the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. STRICT CANCELLATION POLICY - CANCEL WITHIN 8 DAYS TO RECEIVE A REFUND. OR CONTACT HIPCAMP TO CHANGE YOUR DATES. Smoke on the Water diner is open weekends, 530-622-1060—hours change.
Use caution - twisty, narrow country road. If it's your first time, you might want to check out the route beforehand.
From Sacramento on Hwy 50:
At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile.
Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road.
Turn onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner.
Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe:
Make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions.
Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area!
The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky.
This private lake supports the Mosquito Fire Protection District's fire protection efforts and the firefighters of this community. Community volunteers manage the lake for the residents and the Fire Station.
The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 27-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Smoke on the Water Diner, which is open on weekends only. 530-622-1060.
During your stay, you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking. Sites are from post to post.
Our property is located in Placerville, California.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ascension Ranch
3. Ascension Ranch
93%
(530)
Pilot Hill, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities. Family owned and operated, we want to be that breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life that everyone needs. With a serene environment, a healthy mix of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, there's a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.
Some of the things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, ranch dogs, chickens, equestrian activities, hiking, biking, camping, archery, lake activities, amazing views, access to endless trails around Folsom Lake, grass-fed meats, fresh produce and of course, good company.
Staying on the ranch can be as social, or as rural as guests choose. Camp alone, or bring others, whether it be your 4-legged companions or friends and family, we welcome all campers who respect and enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Tahoe National Forest
4. Tahoe National Forest
93%
(258)
National forest in California · 1382 sites
Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
5. Shasta-Trinity National Forest
93%
(138)
National forest in California · 912 sites
California’s largest national forest offers year-round outdoor adventures and diverse camping options.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The View at Gleanhaven
6. The View at Gleanhaven
Glenhaven, CA · 1 site
The View at Gleanhaven
If you're looking for full hookups and an RV resort, this probably isn't the site for you.
If you're looking for unforgettable views, peaceful evenings, incredible sunsets, and one of the most scenic overlooks in Lake County, welcome to The View at Gleanhaven.
Our private campsite sits above Clear Lake with panoramic views across the water toward Soda Bay. The overlook is so well known that the local Chamber of Commerce has used views from this road in promotional materials for the area. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee, watching birds soar over the lake, or winding down after a day on the water, the scenery is the reason people fall in love with this spot.
The campsite features a 29.5 × 35-foot compacted Class 2 aggregate RV pad, providing a solid, level place to park your RV or camper.
Please note that this is currently a dry camping site:
• No electrical hookup
• No water hookup
• No sewer hookup
• No trash service (please pack out everything you bring in)
These amenities are planned for the future, but for now we're offering a simple, peaceful campsite focused on the experience rather than the extras.
The access road includes a fairly steep climb (approximately a 22-degree grade) for the final approach. Most RVs can make it without issue, but your tow vehicle and RV should be capable of handling a sustained uphill pull. The road is paved but can be a little rough in places, so please drive slowly.
The property is quiet, with very little traffic. There are neighboring homes nearby, but the area remains peaceful and the neighbors are respectful.
Just down the hill, you'll find easy access to Clear Lake, including a convenient pullout where many locals stop to fish. Clear Lake is famous for its excellent bass fishing, boating, kayaking, birdwatching, and beautiful sunsets.
This is one of the few Hipcamp sites in the area, making it a great home base for exploring Lake County while enjoying a private campsite with one of the best views around.
Come for the lake.
Stay for the sunset.
Leave with memories you'll be talking about long after your trip is over.
Pets
Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard
7. Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard
97%
(387)
Somerset, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A six acre organic vineyard & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard. A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet. Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider!
We welcome guests year round!
Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do!
Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons!
Come relax☮️
March - May
🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers
June - September
🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake
September - December
🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest, apple picking and alpaca petting
December - March
❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe
We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm.
Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting.
We have running water on the side of the winery building.
Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show. We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours. We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests. We do not permit live fires or generators.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Camp Stoney Meadows
8. Camp Stoney Meadows
100%
(374)
Big Bend, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our 220 remote acres are adjacent to Shasta Trinity National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Range between Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta in Northern California.
It's a working ranch with tree farms, animals, hydroelectric power, sawmill, gardens, orchards, creeks, springs, trails, and our camp alongside Kosk Creek.
We're 54 miles from Redding off of 299E, (about 1-1/2 hour drive). DO NOT TAKE ROAD 11 FROM THE NORTH, IT IS CLOSED! PIease try to ignore the "car art" in the Pit River Tribe's Rancheria as you're coming here. Drive right through it, it's no reflection on us. The last mile or so of the road here can be pretty rough, but on arrival, you'll know it's worth the trip!
No Cell phone service available here, so it's the perfect opportunity to unplug. We do have a land line up at the house in case of an emergency. Also, if you really need it, WiFi is available at the house.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Ranch at Lake Sonoma
9. The Ranch at Lake Sonoma
91%
(126)
Geyserville, CA · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Camping and Glamping inside the park at Lake Sonoma. Campsites overlooking the lake under the stars. Walk to The Ranch at Lake Sonoma barn for beer and wine, music events, and horseback tours. Walk to Lake Sonoma Marina for boat rentals, swimming beaches, and picnic areas. Centralized campground for all Lake Sonoma has to offer!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Plumas National Forest
10. Plumas National Forest
95%
(67)
National forest in California · 821 sites
Hike, cross-country ski, or even drive into the deep wilderness of this Sierra Nevada forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Klamath National Forest
11. Klamath National Forest
91%
(28)
National forest in California · 288 sites
Explore the pristine wilderness bordering California and Oregon among the Klamath Mountains.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Eldorado National Forest
12. Eldorado National Forest
93%
(137)
National forest in California · 980 sites
Sierra Nevada gem offers lush forests, lakes, rivers, and peaks for year-round outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Six Rivers National Forest
13. Six Rivers National Forest
97%
(29)
National forest in California · 281 sites
This park gets its rather self-descriptive name from the six beautiful rivers that flow through its borders, but don’t the name fool you. There is a lot more than just rivers to check out here. More than a million rambling acres of forest take you through foggy and mystical redwood landscapes. Further inland, miles of towering Douglas firs, glacial peaks, and hidden pools just wait to be discovered. Of course, the rivers are the main attraction. You can’t go two feet without tripping over a perfect swimming hole. After your dip, there are plenty of warm rocks to lay out on. Oh, and if the natural beauty doesn’t get you: this was the place where they first spotted Bigfoot. Yeah, the original footage that basically made everyone believe in the hairy bi-ped. That, on its own, is reason enough to check it out
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mendocino Magic
14. Mendocino Magic
94%
(853)
Laytonville, CA · 53 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 propane fire dish run by staff.
- Portapotty bathrooms with outdoor sinks.
- Outdoor hot showers
- Access to Holland Reservoir, our private lake, for swimming, boating, and catch and release fishing. Kayaks are available at the lake for no additional charge - first come, first served. No lifeguard on duty, 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.
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF
15. Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF
98%
(156)
Nevada City, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bright Bear Camp is a private two-acre property bordering Tahoe National Forest. We are located at 4300' elevation down a mostly dirt road along the beautiful Bear River and Bear Valley. This is a very peaceful spot among the trees with a small meadow and creek on the property.
As our name suggests, bears are occasionally in the area so keep an eye out. You may also see the spotted owls that live nearby - listen closely for their calls (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/overview).
There is much to explore in the area and more with only a short drive to the South Yuba River, Emerald Pools, Lake Spaulding, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, and Truckee.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Redwood Retreat
16. Redwood Retreat
97%
(390)
Crescent City, CA · 1 site
We acquired the property in 2015, out-competing a logger who wanted to cut the grove for timber. We want the redwood grove to show the value of trees preserved in their natural state. You are helping us do that by staying in our woods!
Toilets
Potable water
Free Your Mind Camping
17. Free Your Mind Camping
91%
(114)
Gasquet, CA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the Wild West Coast! Where the mountains meet the sea.
The campground is remotely located on private property and perfectly located for excursions to the Pacific Ocean, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Smith River National Recreation Area, and the Pacific Coast Ranges and mountain lakes such as the Devil's Punchbowl, Buck Lake, and Raspberry Lake.
Relax and free you mind while camping on 120+ acres of private property under starry skies with almost no light or noise pollution. You are not alone on the mountain as other people live here in the wild. You only have access to the campground and a nearby pond. A locked gate with code access. The road to get there is two and a half miles up the mountain, the first mile is paved and the other mile and a half is gravel. The road is maintained by the county and used daily by others that live and work here. In the surrounding area you can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, birdwatching, and countless other outdoor activities. French Hill Trail is a few more miles up the mountain road.
The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and campers are provided with 5 gallons of potable water. An outdoor, COLD-water Artesian shower, out in the open mountain air with the wild things and an outhouse with a compost toilet are also provided. Bundles of firewood are available for an extra charge when you book your campsite.
The campsites are set within a deciduous and pine forest at about 1913 feet in elevation. There is a pond on the property, but its purpose is for wildlife habitat ONLY, so water activities are NOT allowed. NO swimming, NO fishing, NO boating, NO trapping, etc. The wild things live here!
The property owner has a dog, three cats, and a menagerie of yard birds such as turkeys, peacocks, guinea hens, chickens, ducks, geese, etc. They do make noise! Kirk has lived off-grid for over twenty years and holds a wealth of information about the Gasquet/Del Norte County area.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the property is that it has had documented Sasquatch encounters over the past twenty years that have been published in "Tribal Bigfoot" (D. Paulides 2009). Kirk can tell you about his experiences with this and other phenomena on the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Genesee Camp
18. Genesee Camp
98%
(112)
Taylorsville, CA · 1 site · Tent, RV
I fell in love with this piece of property years ago, and finally was able to build my dream home here. I rescue unwanted dogs from certain euthanasia who have been abandoned or abused, and provide them a forever home. Now I want to share my beautiful wooded property where they can run, swim, investigate, play, and enjoy a free-range lifestyle. Campers and their canine family members are welcome to come and enjoy the outdoors.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mandala Springs Wellness Center
19. Mandala Springs Wellness Center
96%
(249)
Cobb, CA · 50 sites · Tents, RVs
Mandala Springs is a spacious and welcoming retreat center in the Mayacamas Mountains, offering shaded tent sites, RV spaces with full hookups, and plenty of open space to roam. Campers enjoy clean, accessible bathrooms, wide trails for biking and hiking, and peaceful surroundings perfect for families, friend groups, and solo travelers alike. Whether you’re pitching a tent under the stars or parking your RV for a few restful nights, you’ll find the amenities you need and room to breathe.
Beyond the campsites, Mandala invites you to explore 200 acres of natural beauty, from paddle boating on Kelsey Pond to lounging by the pool, relaxing in a hammock, or sharing stories around a community fire pit. There are also seasonal events, lawn games, and a general store stocked with snacks and essentials to keep your weekend carefree and connected.
This land has long been considered sacred, once serving as a safe gathering place for local native tribes, and that spirit of peace and protection still lives here. In that same spirit, Mandala Springs is a substance-free, vegetarian environment designed to support wellness, mindfulness, and restoration for all who visit. Whether you’re here for a personal retreat or just to enjoy a weekend in nature, Mandala offers a gentle and nourishing escape from everyday life.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
Om Sweet Om Farm
20. Om Sweet Om Farm
98%
(24)
Grass Valley, CA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Om Sweet Om Farms. We are a local couple who have moved away from Los Angeles and come to the country to start our homestead. We offer a forest escape and farm experience with goats, chickens, ducks and more. If you don't have room to bring food, no problem, you can add on Plant Based Ayurvedic catering during your stay.
whether you are looking to stay a week in our premium glamping tent and experience Rollins lake and the Yuba River, or stoping through and need a camping spot for the night; we offer a clean, private and spiritual space to restore your senses.
Lastly stop by the ceremony space and meditate among the pines and oaks or take a dip in the cold plunge while overlooking the scenic ridge lines over Rollings Lake.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Michelle
4 days ago
With pets
We loved our stay at Om Sweet Om. Dustin and Om have created a sweet spot to get away from it all, in comfort! They were super welcoming, and made our stay perfect. Our tent had a comfy bed and linens, and a table on which to have our meals. We enjoyed playing Scrabble (which was in the tent!,) and loved visiting with all of the furry and feathered residents. The cold plunge was a treat after a day of hiking, and the sunsets were just stunning. And their outhouse was an A+ as far as outhouses go! ; )
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Z
Zachary
1 week ago
16 ft car
Great spot! Under the stars… clean composting toilet, private property and sweet host. I’ll be back!
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kya
1 week ago
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
Overnight stay felt safe and spots were clean. Host had water in a container waiting for us. Lots of bugs but that is to be expected- just bring bug spray. There is no service so screenshot the gate lock code and address so you have access to it offline.
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Kenneth
1 week ago
22 ft travel trailer
The property was narrow but we were able to turn around at the end of the driveway and back our trailer in. We chose site 4 which was a really nice site under a big tree. When we arrived, there was construction being done on the house until 9:00pm but that didn’t continue for the rest of our stay. There were several time when the dogs were barking including very early in the morning the day we were leaving. The property was in a beautiful area and we loved feeding the animals. When the dogs weren’t barking and after the construction stopped, the property was very peaceful and relaxing. There were full hookups at our site and it was nice to have WiFi, although it was weak and kept disconnecting. We would definitely recommend this camp site to others and we will keep this site in mind for future trips. Jose and Carolyn were very friendly and welcoming and even brought us fresh eggs! Thank you for making our stay comfortable!
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Timothy
1 week ago
30 ft Class C
Great place and super friendly hosts! Also very responsive when messaging.
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Mary
1 week ago
Group trip
The location relative to Lassen was great. The beds were comfortable, and the AC and fridge were a huge plus. The outdoor sink and dish washing materials for camping equipment, and the chairs, picnic bench, and fire pit were all great.
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S
Sky
1 week ago
16 ft car
We had a great time car camping on Dustin’s land! He was very accommodating, and we could easily come and go as we needed. The composting toilet worked well for our needs. A highlight was getting to pet the goats and dogs — such a fun, welcoming stay!
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Diana
1 week ago
16 ft car
my husband and i loved being able to car camp here! there are no bathrooms on site, as it’s more intended for RV camping, but carolyn did direct us to a vaulted/pit toilet about 2 miles away. they had 3 beautiful friendly dogs, chickens, goats/sheep, and a horse! we were free to give them some treats and pet them :) carolyn introduced herself to us right after we pulled in, and ramon was very friendly. we would definitely camp here again!
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s
sk
1 week ago
With kids
Loved the place and stay! My daughter loved the farm animals and dogs. They are soo friendly! Thanks to Dustin and Om for their hospitality. Will come back soon
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Harley
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
The most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen.
The road is mildly treacherous, but my fully loaded 2wd ford transit didn’t mind it at all, so you will be fine. Host was helpful, facilities worked as expected, will be back.
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J
Julie-Ann
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
The Ranch at Lake Sonoma was fantastic! We did so many fun activities which included horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, stargazing, making music and making s’mores with an incredible view! We plan to come back again and enjoy The Ranch again!
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K
Kelly
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Lake was beautiful and clean. Bathrooms were clean. Campers were respectful of one another.
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S
Sam
2 weeks ago
Group trip
really fun and unique place to stay, make sure to bring extra pads because the ones in the treehouse are pretty thin, other than that this place was great
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Amanda
2 weeks ago
With kids
Sierra sol was just what we needed to relax with all the comforts of home, but be surrounded by nature. We took our 10 month old twins here for their first glamping experience and it went so well I think we will return again this summer! Perfect combination of whimsy and peaceful.
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Alexandra
2 weeks ago
Tent
This was hands down the best campsite I’ve ever stayed at. Nothing beats the views of both Mt. Shasta and the valley. Epic sunset and endless star gazing. Would 100% recommend!
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Willoughby
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Beautiful camping spots! We pitched two tents in Hidden Oaks with two adults, four kids and a dog and had everything we needed. Temporary toilets within easy walking distance, a fire pit, a picnic table and lovely stroll to the lake. Swimming wasn’t so good as the lake is very muddy. But it’s beautiful to view. The kids loved roaming around visiting all the animals, the horses and goats and feeding the chickens. The farms dogs are lovely and got on just fine with our dog. Isaiah and all the farm hands are very friendly and helpful. The road in has lots of twists and turns so be prepared to those who get travel sickness. All up a great family camping trip and getaway from the city! Would love to return.
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Ryan
2 weeks ago
Tent
I loved this campground and can’t wait to return! It’s very welcoming, the sites are really nice, and the creek can be heard all around and the trail down is short. The showers and restrooms are well taken care of and there is laundry o site for pretty cheap: 1.75 to wash and 1.00 for an hour dry.
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Derek
2 weeks ago
28 ft travel trailer
With pets
This campground is thoughtfully laid out, offering a great mix of tent sites, cabins, and a handful of RV spaces. We stayed in Site #2, which was a perfect fit for our 28-foot RV. One of our favorite parts was falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the creek all weekend—it was incredibly relaxing. The managers were welcoming, friendly, and always happy to help. Whether you enjoy walking, hiking, or taking scenic drives to explore the area, this campground is an excellent base for outdoor adventures. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and highly recommend it!
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g
gg
2 weeks ago
Tent
clean, quiet, and easy to access ! maybe add more info on how to access beaches for swimmers? thanks!!
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Angela
2 weeks ago
With pets
I loved Glamping in this location, my kids and my dog also enjoy the moment. I will be back. Aaron who this a own, he awesome, we love the NY trip with locally veggies for our dinner.
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