Lakeside camping in Northern California

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

96% (1170 reviews)

United States
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California
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Northern California

96% (1170 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Northern California

Community favorites in and near Northern California

Public campgrounds in and near Northern California

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Camp Discovery Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Mendocino National Forest

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Sycamore Grove (Red Bluff) Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Mendocino National Forest

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Deerlick Springs Campground

13 sites · RVs, Tents In Shasta-Trinity National Forest

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Battle Creek Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In Lassen National Forest

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Potato Patch Campground

32 sites · RVs, Tents In Lassen National Forest

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Southwest Walk In Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents In Lassen Volcanic National Park

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Cherry Hill Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Lassen National Forest

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Bailey Cove Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents In Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Whitlock Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Mendocino National Forest

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(12)

Lakeshore East Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Tomhead Saddle Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Shasta-Trinity National Forest

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(12)

Eel River Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Mendocino National Forest

Stories from the community

3 nights at Websters Farm

The farm is well kept. The hosts are kind and gracious. I’ll stop by again!

1 night at Maren G.’s Land

We stayed one night in our sprinter van with our three dogs. We went straight to the site when we arrived. Maren put a boat by our campsite to use. My husband caught and released a few fish and we were visited by two geese and their babies and a white swan. We fell asleep listening to frogs, crickets and other sounds of nature. We would definitely stay again.

1 night at Blue Belly Cabin

We went to a show in Manton. The cabin was perfect for us to stay the evening. The cabin was quiet and was a set-up from camping. We enjoyed our stay in cabin, being let friendly was a plus. The kitchen was well an appointed and we were able to make meals on site. The outdoor gas fire pit was nice. this is a rustic cabin but a nice stay.

Weekend Trip to Mill Creek Resort

Very peaceful land for campsite setup with lots of trees. Restrooms were very clean with flush toilets. We had the sweetest tasting water from their potable water faucet. The cost of the campsite was reasonable. It was raining heavily from late afternoon and we didn’t have any sort of large tarp to spend our evening outside the tent so we ended up waiting in the car for a long time. It would have been great if there was some sort of shelter or community kitchen kind of area where people can cook and spend time on the days when it’s raining. Would definitely recommend this campsite on sunny days

Weekend Trip to Mill Creek Resort

this place is like home. that’s the review. that’s all i can say. i’ll always return. my heart rests here.

Ying

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Mill Creek Resort

We had a great two-night stay in the vintage camper van! It rained a lot Saturday night, but the van kept us dry and warm. Very effective space heater! It was stocked with many great amenities like various cookware, a kettle, a French press, etc. We were able to cook some delicious meals in the van. There was no wine opener or hand soap, however. There were multiple sets of sheets and pillowcases, so that felt clean and organized. We didn't get a chance to use the outdoor cooking supplies because of the rain, but that was nice to have! The camper ceiling is a bit low, so if you are taller (6'1 and above), be mindful of your head. The showers take quarters, so plan accordingly if you want to use them. Overall, a cozy stay!

2 nights at Websters Farm

I loved car camping 🏕️ here. The beautiful sunrises 🌅 and sunsets 🌄 , all the while listening to the wonderful sounds of farm life. Roosters crowing🐔, hens clucking, ducks , cows, horses, and the friendly and welcoming dogs. The camping spaces have zero shade, so be prepared for that aspect. Nonetheless, the place is beautiful, clean, and not a lot of bugs flying around. Kristy and family are kind and welcoming hosts, who give you your space and will occasionally check in with you every so often, to make sure your stay is going well. In the future, I will stay here again if in need of a quick stay over or a few days of relaxing bliss. Thanks for the friendly hospitality Kristy and family!

2 nights at Peter's Forest Vacation Rentals

Pretty campground. Staff was very accommodating. We practically had the place to ourselves. Worked well for a home base for Lassen.

Weekend Trip to Websters Farm

Beautiful property with amazing hosts. I stayed here as a stop while traveling up to Oregon and the host was really communicative and extremely accommodating. Highly recommend!

1 night at Websters Farm

Beautiful rural setting with lots of pleasant farm and nature sounds. Easy access from i5.

Bobby

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Blue Belly Cabin

This place was amazing. Had some deer visit every single day. Brought the telescope and we were able to see Jupiter and the moons. The property is absolutely comfortable and Charming. We enjoyed a fire in the living room while we played games at night. Any negative remarks have seen regarding cobwebs or it seeming like somebody lives there? I don't know. I thought it was an extremely Soulful cabin experience with more Comforts that I'm used to at a cabin. If you're looking for a polished condo airbnb? You probably wouldn't be searching a cabin in this area. Hahaha. We will absolutely be back. This place is obviously run by artists, and it sure shows

Weekend Trip to Peter's Forest Vacation Rentals

It was a great spot for kids near Lassen National park.

3 nights at Fenders Ferry Cabin

The cabin was really nice for our family. Clean, comfortable and quiet location. Great getaway!

Weekend Trip to Peter's Forest Vacation Rentals

The cabin was cozy and warm and made for a comfortable stay on a cold spring night. Our hosts were friendly and accommodating and I bet this place would be loads of fun with a big group in the summertime. Beware that Google Maps sent us to the next road down, but if you follow the signs the campground is easy to find.

Weekend Trip to Walker Mine Campground

Beautiful, spacious, and private site! We thoroughly enjoyed staying here. It was easy to get to and the space was prepared for us thoughtfully. A fire pit was setup for us on arrival. Was very happy to have the amenities of a water host, fire ring, trash cans, picnic table, toilet, and plenty of firewood. It was very quiet and peaceful with lots of passing sounds of birds around. Could not have asked for a better weekend getaway. Lots of trees and clear skies for us to gaze at day/night. Host was responsive and very kind. Even offered to mail a dog toy we accidentally left behind.

Chia

February 2025

3 nights at Cozy Log Cabin Near Lassen Park

Perfect spot, clean comfortable cabin! We enjoyed our stay, the fireplace, the woods and close proximity to Lassen National Park. We will return, thank you Allison!

Weekend Trip to Websters Farm

Really liked this location...was looking for a quick overnight stay....not too far from the freeway...but still close. Had a picnic table and a fire pit. Level grass area was nice. Didn't stay long as I needed to get on the road. Would certainly use this again as its halfway to my destination. Thanks Kristy! Oh, and the two greeters, Simba...and...cant remember the shy dogs name are too cute!!

3 nights at Websters Farm

What a lovely experience surrounded by farm animals and the friendliest people and puppies. This was everything I was hoping for and the perfect blend of wilderness and civilization. OWLS - They have owls in their trees and it is amazing to watch them fly and listen to them communicate. As an deep space photographer, I am always chasing dark skies and this place lived up to that. I found myself sitting in a chair at 2am stargazing every night. Everyone I met was very friendly, helpful, and a joy to communicate with. The outhouse could use some shavings or something, to give it a spruce up, but otherwise, this was just wonderful! This is a place that I have hearted and will definitely come back to when i head south. Love it and I'll be back. Gen

Weekend Trip to Websters Farm

Nice folks, pups and conveniently located. Stayed for a quick stop, and would book again.

Weekend Trip to Websters Farm

The site was quiet, affordable, and clean. We would visit again when needed.

6 top lakeside campgrounds in Northern California

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Mill Creek Resort

50 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Mineral, CA

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 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.

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Peter's Forest Vacation Rentals

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents19 acres · Shingletown, CA

Living Springs Resort, a peaceful campground nestled in the woods with majestic tall pine and cedar trees close to Lassen Volcanic National Park. There's also a lake and a year round creek with fish on the property where you can relax in the natural & peaceful wooded setting . Quiet and beautiful place to enjoy with your friends and family. Amazing attractions near by like Subway Lava Tube Cave, Burney Falls, Shasta Lake and Caverns, Whiskeytown Lake and all amazing lakes and hiking trails up on Lassen. About 15 miles from Lassen National Volcanic Park.

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Websters Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Orland, CA

My dad bought the farm in 1975 and it used to be a working dairy and sheep farm. My dad passed away while cutting our 6 acre oat field on mothers day 2003, our little farm started to break down. We have been working on it to bring it back to life and hope to have it up and running strong again soon. Hopefully have a produce stand or garden soon to offer more options for our guests. Learn more about this land: Our farm is 3miles west of town within 10 miles to Black Butte lake for fishing, boating, hiking, and even disk golf. Right off of I-5 by a Pilot travel center. 4496 county road DD and also shows as Orange grove ave on some GPS maps. Public pool 3miles(1pm-5pm, water arobics Tue and Thur 6-7pm $2, family night Tue and Thur 730-9pm June-Aug) as well as shopping and dining within 3miles. Great sunset and area to roam for a bike ride or walk in the country in our little hick town with only about 8000 population. It is very likely you will hear animals so if your a light sleeper you may want ear plugs. Chickens crow and roam, cows bellow from all sides, and dogs bark and welcome guests. No trespassing sign for hunters and people that DO NOT have permission to be here. Driveway is rough and we are working on getting it fixed asap so please take your time coming up. There is FIELD roaches you may see soon after we irrigate, they are bigger then the nasty cockroach but harmless. The wind can be rough at times up here on our lil hill so be prepared with extra rope to tie down and secure if your in a tent, also park vehicle to help block from wind and driveway. It does get up into the high 100°s here during the summer so it would be good to have shade or plan to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day. The toilet is a outhouse with solar lights and does not flush. Longer stays are best done at sites 4 and 5 further from the driveway. Quick stops just to sleep are best at 1 and 2. Rainy weather only sites 5, 6 and 1 are usable sadly

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Walker Mine Campground

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Redding, CA

Walker Mine Campground is surrounded by hundreds of acres of BLM land ready to be explored. Choose from a variety of secluded campsites perfect to rest and recharge for your next adventure. There are miles and miles of well maintained trails from Shasta Dam down to Keswick Reservoir and beyond.

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Blue Belly Cabin

1 site · Lodging12 acres · Manton, CA

We found our happy place and want to share it on HipCamp. Blue Belly Cabin is a contactless cabin on 12 acres of land that sleeps 4 comfortably. 1 bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and great room with sleeper sofa. We are in a country nature setting so you might see a spider web or a bug. There are fabulous sunrises, sunsets and panoramic mountain views for you to enjoy. It snows sometimes at our cabin but usually stays only a day. Many campers come to our cabin to work while simultaneously enjoying nature right outside the cabin. For the hot days we have a swamp cooler and portable A/C unit so you stay comfortable. For the cold days we have a wood burning stove that heats the big room and keeps you toasty and portable electric heaters for the bedroom and bathroom. We have a heated mattress pad on the bed and an electric blanket for the sleeper sofa and extra comforters. There is a propane fire pit and propane bbq outside for you to enjoy. Blue Belly Cabin is a huge slice of peace. There's a large area outside the cabin where you can pitch tent(s) for more people. Nearby, there are premier fishing spots, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, swimming, waterfalls, national forests, trails to hike, 6 wineries and much more. We are 35 mins from Lassen National Park, 45 mins from Shasta Lake and dam. MacCumber reservoir is 25 mins away. We are 30 mins east of Redbluff and the nearest small town with gas stations, grocery and hardware stores is 17 mins away.

94%

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Island Warriors Retreat

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Shingletown, CA

Our Hipcamp is nestled in a forest of Pine and Cedar trees on over an acre of land. You'll be surrounded by the sights, smell, and sounds of nature making for a very relaxing getaway. The property is near lakes (Lake McCumber is half a mile away), Lassen Volcanic National Park and Burney Falls, the Eighth Wonder of the World only 45 minutes away. There are neighbors on one side so be courteous and observe the quiet hours. Shingletown is a ten minute drive up Highway 44 for all you grocery needs, eating out, and gasoline. There is a bathroom with hot shower, disc golf and a dog kennel on the property.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Mendocino National Forest

Elk Creek, California

92%

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Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Junction City, California

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Lassen National Forest

Old Station, California

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Lassen Volcanic National Park

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in Northern California guide

Overview

Discover your perfect camping experience in Northern California's stunning lake regions with Hipcamp. With over 1,200 options to choose from, you'll find the ideal accommodation for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're a climber seeking thrilling heights, a history enthusiast exploring historic sites, or an off-roading fanatic ready to tackle the rugged terrain, there's something for everyone. Explore top-rated campsites like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Mill Creek Resort (638 reviews), and Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (388 reviews). With popular amenities such as potable water, campfires, and pet-friendly locations, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Northern California's lake region.