The best pets off leash campgrounds in Northern California

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.

97% (563)

Top-rated campgrounds near Northern California

from

$80

/ night

Camper favorites in and near Northern California

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

l

loic

5 days ago

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Timber Cove Campground

Camping at timber cove was Great, the tiny beach is lovely especially at low tide.

S

SABREANA

6 days ago

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Timber Cove Campground

Very unique and cozy spot great for smaller groups on the cliff very peaceful. Brenda was great we came in late in the evening and she welcomed us, very accommodating

B

Benjamin

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

Awesome property. Serene cabin with beautiful wood framing. Host is very hospitable and interesting.

B

Bentley

2 weeks ago

With pets

2 nights at Perch Riverview Glamping

Lovely property right above the river! The host is kind and thoughtful. I appreciated the self serve check in as I arrived very late after a long day of driving. There are a variety of sites, and I was lucky to be upgraded to the beautiful Perch! It has a private deck overlooking the river, comfy bed + electricity, access to sweet bathhouse with shower+toilet. My pup and I enjoyed the whole property to ourselves and spent a lot of time by the water. It's clear there is a lot of care for the space. HIGHLY recommend!

K

Kimberly

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

With pets

3 nights at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

As the host says, it’s a magical place, it truly is the beauty is beyond your imagination, if you’re looking for a healing journey solo or a couple it’s the place to go. I spent 3 nights and 4 days at the ranch. Everything was just so easy from checking up until check out the communication and detail details were superb. And Jimmy, Jimmy is just amazing, he works on the ranch and drives around on a quad and brings you firewood and tells you amazing stories about the ranch. Oh, and if you happen to see Doug, he’s just a regular who loves to take care of the place and he does such a great job. Thank you Doug for taking care of the hot springs and all that you do the love that you pour into the hot springs shows and is felt! As the reviews say, the drive down is a little sketchy but once you get there, I promise it’s worth it. I look at the cars on the side of the road as a piece of art a story don’t let it scare you away. I will be coming back.

K

Kristi

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

The farmhouse cabin was super cute and comfortable! The property is beautiful and peaceful. It was perfect for our little weekend getaway. Thanks Erin!

You get a tub and you get a tub and you get a tub!

S

Sean

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

We LOVE, LOVE this place. Big open field with great views. We will be back for husband's birthday.

Jeffrey Robert

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

I've been lucky to have traveled much and camped frequently. Kosk Creek camp is a gem. Great energy between the sounds of the rushing creek, the wind through the trees, and the sweet scent of the forest with hints of sulfur from the nearby hot spring. A Top 10 place for certain. . Jeff Straus, Julian, Ca

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Lauren

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Incredible property, can't wait to return. One large very warm tub (you can adjust temperature using attached source pool) as well as 2-3 pools along the river in two other locations, benches, and soon a covered deck area. Easy to find, easy parking.

J

Jonathan

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

The roads out to Kosk creek are remote and sometimes sketchy (the road to McCloud is dicey with tree fall, rockfall, landslides) but the camp felt safe and the caretakers were nice. Beautiful spot and great that they've made this sacred place accessible and well maintained.

S

Stephanie

3 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

3 nights at Timber Cove Campground

Beautiful! Stunning sunset and gorgeous little cove right there under the campsites. I definitely recommend! It was small & private, serene, and the weather was perfect. Great hikes nearby. We weren’t sure if we had any particular guidelines to follow there as it seems we were the only ones, and there weren’t any messages prior to the stay, but everything was pretty easy to find regardless and we had whatever we needed.

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Natalie

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kosk Creek Campgrounds

What an incredible stay! We had no problem arriving late in the evening (about 1:30am we came from Washington) and were able to use the hot springs at any time. This is definitely a new staple campground just be wary of the insane potholes leading up! No issue finding the place and facilities were so nice and clean :-)

A

Amy

3 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

With pets

3 nights at Timber Cove Campground

Absolutely amazing views! So nice and quiet too! We will definitely be back!

Rosa

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pickle Barrel Cabin and Camp

Very cozy little spot! Felt private and everything was great. Perfect getaway with the pup :)

V

Veronica

3 weeks ago

30 ft travel trailer

Group trip

4 nights at Timber Cove Campground

This is a hidden Gem! It was a peaceful place with amazing views. The restrooms were clean with paid showers. Brenda has quarters available if you need them. There is direct beach access from the camp and it’s somewhat of a private entrance. We truly enjoyed our stay and will be back Our host Brenda was great!

Stacey + Colin

3 weeks ago

21 ft campervan

3 nights at Timber Cove Campground

We had an incredible stay at Timber Cove/The Point. The location is absolutely stunning, falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves behind us was unforgettable. The views alone make this spot special, but the campground also offers a wide range of amenities. We’re fully self-contained and didn’t need to use them, but it was wonderful knowing everything was available if needed. Brenda was exceptionally responsive and made us feel welcome even before we left home. The campground is also perfectly situated for exploring the area—Bodega Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore, Sea Ranch, and even the Redwoods were all easy day trips. We highly recommend this beautiful place and will definitely be back!

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Nikola

3 weeks ago

With pets

4 nights at CAMP CAZ

Beautiful location! Carrie’s cabin has everything we needed. We felt very comfortable there and would definitely come back.

M

Miguel

November 2025

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Redwood Creek

Great spot, incredibly quiet! I wish I would've seen to bring our own propane for the fire pit, but I'll know for next time!

K

Kya

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Kosk Creek Campgrounds

Kosk campground was a peaceful and beautiful spot to camp. The creek and hot springs were wonderful to try out!

Martha

November 2025

2 nights at Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

What a BEAUTIFUL property! We loved our stay here and can't wait to come back. Huge recommendation to try the wine and cider tasting while you're there!

The best campsites for under $50 near Northern California

Trinity Outpost Wilderness Resort

98%

(507)

14 sites · Tents, RVs · 122.928142, CA

Private Tent Camping: under the stars. Park at your campsite! Community areas, swimming holes, creek running through ALL campsites, shared lodge & rustic accommodations. No fee for children or dogs~ Follow for updates on IG or X @ResortTrinity Trinity Outpost Wilderness is a private campground that is committed to the land-sharing ethos of Hipcamp preserving ecology and defending habitat for wildlife and pollinators. The mineral springs and trails are open to the public during the daytime. We also host with WWOOF, we have many cultural exchange volunteers helping us bring life back to this historic land building an organic farm and sustainable community. Campground is yours to book but is also surrounded by National Forest Land which belongs to everyone. We expect zero exceptions to the leave no trace standards we have put forward for our private land share. Fall asleep stargazing under a dark sky, surrounded by trees, water and wildlife. Wake up to birds chirping then a 10 min hike to visit the Cold mineral springs bubbling out of the mountainside, attracting many types of wildlife along with people seeking out the healing properties of the sulfur scented spring water. Sacred healing mineral spring "Deadshot" named by the native peoples for its ability to cure all ailments with 'one shot'. Nipisum or 'health water' was later bottled by the California Medicinal Springs Co. after the land was homesteaded in 1886. This historic retreat rests at the foot of lower Chanchelulla 'black rock' Mountain. Bordering a Wilderness Area this land is pristine and wild inhabited by many animals and incredible bio-diversity such as Pileated Woodpeckers, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Blackhawk, Goshawk, Great Horned Owl, Flying Squirrel, Pacific King Snake, Salamanders and Protected Spawning Rainbow Trout. 100+ acres with private hiking trails along the stream for easy trekking, and summit trails (climbing up to almost 6,000 ft.) to the peak. Our aim is to restore the land from the last 100 years of habitation using innovation to renovate the campground and baths for the next 100 years. With your help we hope to revitalize the community of Trinity County, as well as educate and generate support for WILDERNESS, public forest lands and the agencies that manage them.

2 sites · Lodging · Jackson, CA

This site is situated at the base of sinal mountain in Jackson Ca, just 3 miles off highway 88 and 49. It’s feels like it’s miles away from civilization, with a beautiful country road that meanders through gold country. Raley’s , tractor supply and lake tabeaud are only 3 miles away. We personally live here on 5 acres and have one acre dedicated to RV camping. Kirkwood ski resort is a 40 minute drive and South Lake Tahoe is 1.5 hours up 88. There are wonderful wineries in the Shenandoah Valley about 25 minutes away and the beautiful town of Sutter creek with shops, antiques and restaurants. The camp site is surrounded by oak trees and has a gravel ground to help keep dust down.

South Facing Ridge With Views

97%

(526)

12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Comptche, CA

Surrounded by cooperate timberland,  it feels like there are no neighbors!  There is not a house in sight but the the ridge views seem to go on forever!  - There is a simple latrine at each site. A full bath house with a flush toilet and hot shower is available next to the main house. A water spigot is attached to the main house. - Spare camping supplies are available by the bath house if you forget something! Ask ahead if you need to borrow a specific item. More about the property: I built my home high upon a southern ridge. Watching the river of coastal fog flow in and out below me is one of the most wonderful views to behold! I have 30 acres of land to explore and camp upon in the surrounding redwood forest. 10 miles east are Montgomery Woods redwood preserve with GIANT trees, and a little farther, perhaps a mile is the famous Orr Hot Springs Resort. If you drive a half hour west from my land you will be in the coastal Mendocino village. We are marijuana friendly!! Thus, we have created more of an adult oriented atmosphere. one last note: We recently made separate listings for different sites. See campsite #1 for reviews.Guests love staying here "What a fantastic experience. I arrived to Cosmo’s super late after a long day going up the coast. It was a last minute book that morning, if I remember right - my campsite had fallen through. His directions were spot on, and very kindly he stayed up to take me to my site and help me get set up, even going so far as to light me a fire. His property was easily navigable in the dark, and my two wheel drive made it fine. We talked for a while - what a cool guy. He was able to give me recommendations from a friend of what to do during the next legs of my trip, which was great and really did make a difference for the rest of my week. I cooked my dinner and sat stunned looking at some of the best stargazing I’ve had in a long time.When I woke up I realized that I had been sleeping next to a mountainside view - this was site 3. Talk about the best surprise I’ve gotten in a while unzipping a tent. The clouds were gathered in the valley and as I ate breakfast I got to watch the sun slowly clear then out. It was unbelievable.Before I left, Cosmo let me use his indoor solar-heated shower and told me all about his projects to build his own home and roads and move towards a more sustainable future. Overall this is really the best of what I imagine hipcamp has to offer - kind property owners & unique individuals who care about their guests while also allowing them to have their own experience. If I’m ever near Mendocino I will gladly make the trip inland to stay at his property again."

Sustainable Ecovillage

84%

(91)

5 sites · Lodging · Gasquet, CA

The Smith River Complex Fire took our property on August 16th, 2023. Updates on our progress here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fucaTaOwf5c PLEASE NOTE, 4WD is required in order to access the sites. Please message me if you have any questions prior to booking. Sustainable Ecovillage is an off-grid project for sustainable living. If you are looking for a unique experience and up for rustic accommodations among goats, chickens, a permaculture food forest with a few off-grid perks, we welcome you to join us in our mountainous, wilderness paradise! Our 160-acre property is surrounded by about a million acres of National Forest. Our neighborhood is all made of trees, huckleberry bushes and animals. We love it here. It is very remote, peaceful, and functionally sustainable in its focus. The closest neighbor is a Buddhist Hermitage about a mile up the forestry road. Also, supposedly, Sasquatch live here! (it is the epicenter for documented sightings). Most visitors to the area are interested in spending time in the redwoods – we are about 30-45 minutes from the nearest entrance to Jedediah Smith Park, home of Stout Grove and other beautiful redwood hikes. Driving into Crescent City, about 45-60 minutes, winds you right through the "gentle giants" on your way to or from Redwood National Park. We are self-sufficient, and sustainable in a relatively primitive set-up, especially after the fire this year. It's mountainous and remote, and we have a community agreement about no smoking (of any kind) on our land.

Star Host camping experiences near Northern California

Trinity River FlyCamp

99%

(44)

4 sites · Tents, RVs · Lewiston, CA

FlyCamp is Trinty River front property surrounded by BLM land and Salmon spawning pond, adjacent to a federally maintained drift boat launch and bathroom. This stretch of river is classified as Wild and Scenic and is legendary for its salmon, steelhead and Brown Trout fishing by drift boat starting from the Old Bridge in Lewiston or from the property ending at the Steel Bridge take out, or wading the more than 2 mile of river front. The natural beauty of the Trinity River has been one of the most popular sights for visitors to the north coast. Scenic Highway 299 makes easy access to many points of interest. Rafts, canoes and kayaks frequent the rapids in the springtime, and tubers enjoy summertime flows.

1 site · Lodging · Taylorsville, CA

Located in remote Genesee valley. 15 miles from the small town of Taylorsville, Ca. This is a modern, newly constructed Yurt, off grid. Very private, quiet and comfortable.10 day minimum stay required due to HOA* .No cancellation fees after a 2 week stay.

Starry Hot Tub/Cold Plunge Glamping

100%

(132)

4 sites · Lodging · Nevada City, CA

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)

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best pets off leash camping in Northern California guide

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 Mendocino, 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.