The best river, stream, or creek RV sites in Northern California

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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.

93% (2.1K) 856 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Northern California

Kosk Creek Campgrounds

1. Kosk Creek Campgrounds

96%
(529)
Big Bend, CA · 30 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a 400 acre ranch nestled in the mountains of Shasta County. There is a mile long creek that runs through the property. We have multiple hot spring pools ranging in various temperatures. Dry and overland campsites available. Activities: Boating, hiking, kayaking, 4x4, mountain bike, and fishing.
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Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

2. Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

95%
(606)
Somerset, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
There is NOTHING like being in the wilderness of this area for a good re-centering of the soul! We have found it to be a true blessing for our family, and we hope you can experience this blessing as we share this space with you. We feel certain you will not be disappointed with our beautiful river canyon. Our property is situated right on the middle fork Cosumnes river. The swimming is awesome and the stars at night will put you into a state of awe! In the area there are many family owned wineries in the area, most of them offering free tasting! It’s a short drive to Tahoe and the Marshall gold discovery site as well as the historic hangtown Placerville. We are happy to make suggestions for local hiking areas, like the Devil's Slide "Gorge" only a 15 minute drive but like a trip to mini Yosemite. The Caldor Fire was VERY close to our property and a back burn was initiated nearby the our house (literally 200' away!). Our property became a pivotal point of fighting the fire in our community known as the “Ant Hill Army”. Ask us about the story!
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Mill Creek Resort

3. Mill Creek Resort

98%
(2311)
Mineral, CA · 32 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.
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Tahoe National Forest

4. Tahoe National Forest

93%
(255)
National forest in California · 1382 sites
Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.
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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.
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Laughing Goat Riverfront Retreat

6. Laughing Goat Riverfront Retreat

Carlotta, CA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
A beautiful private bend in the Van Duzen River. Our property is riverfront featuring a secret waterfall, nestled in the heart of Humboldt County just minutes from Redwood State Parks and a fairly short drive to Ruth Lake. Our property is an organic Mom n Pop fully licensed Permaculture farm where we grow cannabis and food, complete with 7 goats and sprinkle of chickens… We offer beautiful views, relaxing riverfront camping, kayaking, and more…. Our place caters to tent campers, motorcycle campers, Van lifers and small to medium sized RVs- we can stretch you out an extension cord, and water, but do not have septic tank hook ups. We can offer our VW camper bus to sleep in if needed for an extra fee.(Sleeps 4) Well-behaved pets are welcome as well. (we have livestock as well as dogs and cats) We don’t want you to feel limited to just the trees and river. We have a great big flat yard with a giant fire pit and a trampoline for the kids. While we are 30 minutes from town- we are blessed to be only 1 mile from the Swains Flat Outpost convenience store for those last minute necessities.
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Timber Cove Campground

7. Timber Cove Campground

94%
(364)
Jenner, CA · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Located right off coastal US highway 1, Timber Cove campground sits right at the edge of breathtaking, oceanside cliffs. We are situated on roughly two acres of land, with multiple campsites for tent/car camping or RV’s. Each bluff campsite has a picnic table, fire pit and water. Electricity is available to use for an extra fee. The beach and waterfall campsites do not have picnic tables so you might want to bring one if you’ve booked there. We have separate men’s and women’s flush bathrooms, with coin-operated hot showers. We have firewood with kindling for sale on site, payable with cash or Venmo. Please take note of local fire bans, when in effect. Dog friendly, though be advised a leash is recommended as we are close to the road, but they can run leash-free down at the beach. We are located 30 minutes north of the town of Jenner, with Gualala 30 minutes to the north. Gualala has grocery stores, a post office, and some shops. Fort Ross Store is located one mile down the road, just before Timber Cove, and sells basic food necessities, drinks, sandwiches, ice and gas. Internet cell service can be spotty in our area, depending on your provider, so bring your own Starlink services if you have them. We also have access to the beach below, and offer beach camping as well. Take note that the road down to the beach is steep with uneven terrain. The weather can vary quickly here, so be sure to bring multiple layers of clothing and camp gear for various types of weather, and headlamps are useful for getting around the property at night! We hope you’ll come visit our little slice of heaven on the ocean cliffs, gaze at the stars, marvel at the sunsets, watch the harbor seals dozing on their rocks and the many bird species that inhabit our property. Bring your binoculars and watch out for whales too! We look forward to hosting you at Timber Cove. Please email with any questions about camping with us. Address: 21350 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450
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Cosumnes River Ranch

8. Cosumnes River Ranch

99%
(1949)
Plymouth, CA · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. *Please note: We don't allow wood campfires during the summer months (generally the last week of May through September)*
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Camp Nauvoo

9. Camp Nauvoo

98%
(1176)
Placerville, CA · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are a small privately owned campground ( 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 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! We have many extra amenities including a compressor to use for your air mattresses, For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing set . 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 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 rent a battery pack for those that use a cpap. We also have a small store on site for those items you forgot and a good selection of ice cream and ice. We take venmo or cash.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Trinity Outpost Wilderness Resort

14. Trinity Outpost Wilderness Resort

98%
(511)
122.928142, CA · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
🚙Park at your campsite with Private Tent Camping under a dark sky! 🙀No extra fees for Children<12, friendly dogs, firewood or parking. 💧Pack Smart: Bring a Refillable water bottle! 🌟Fall asleep stargazing under a dark sky 🪺 Wake up surrounded by trees, water and wildlife 🌈walk barefoot through meadows forest bathing 🚲Flat roads for biking 🫧 Swim in clear private swimming holes 🥾 10 min walk to visit the mineral springs 🏔️Hike Private Trails in pristine wilderness 🔥 Enjoy friends and family by a campfire 🌲The Campground: -Rustic log cabin with upstairs loft and covered deck - Camp sink with mountain spring water on tap -Volleyball Net -Tether Ball -Horse Shoe Pit -Geodesic Wood Meditation hut 🐛 The Land - 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. - Cold Mineral Springs bubbling out of the mountainside, attracting wildlife along with people seeking out the healing properties of the sulfur scented spring water. - 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. ⚒️ History, Gold & Sacred Sites - 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. at the turn of the 20th century. -Historic gold-mining, museums, shops, and classic small-town charm in the greater area. 🐝Other things to note: -Trinity Outpost 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 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. 🐿️🦊🐢Follow for updates on IG or X @ResortTrinity
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RockNWater Cove Camping

15. RockNWater Cove Camping

98%
(683)
Lotus, CA · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with a few close friends or your family, this option is for you. Tucked in along the South Fork of the American River, this beautiful campsite features picnic benches, a propane fire pit with propane included (fire pits help prevent wildfires), and a prep table for fixing up those tasty fireside meals in group sites. Guests also have access to shared bathroom facilities (and yes, there are showers!), volleyball, ping pong, communal benches, a sink and dishwashing station, and a common swimming area along the river. Most sites are within a very short walking distance to the banks of the South Fork of the American River, this place is ideal for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of the foothills and the rush of the river. We offer both tent and RV sites. Each RV site includes its own picnic table, water and 30Amp power hookups. Guests will also have access to our volleyball court, ping pong, communal benches, and a common area with a sink and dishwashing station. Additionally, you can access the swim area and go for a dip to cool off on a hot day. We offer toilets, showers, trash disposal, potable water and more depending on the site you chose. Leashed pets 40 pounds or less are allowed as well. Enjoy biking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, climbing, swimming, whitewater rafting, and wildlife watching all nearby, or on site. **Please read rules: 1. Use of or participation in any of the following while on camp grounds is prohibited during your stay: ● Illegal drugs ● Smoking ● Public intoxication ● Fireworks ● No Charcoal 2. Pets/Animals: Guests at our RV sites are permitted to have up to 1 small dog (under 40lbs). Dogs must be leashed at all times when outside the RV. As a courtesy to both staff and fellow guests, please pick up after your pets. 3. Noise Restrictions: Due to policies that govern campgrounds guests are asked to refrain from playing amplified music or running generators. 10PM-8AM quiet hours. 4. Please refrain from cursing or using obscene language, particularly while in the presence of minors. 5. Water Safety: There is no lifeguard on duty. Minors must be supervised by an adult AT ALL TIMES when near the water.
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Feather River Hot Springs

16. Feather River Hot Springs

94%
(27)
Twain, CA · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The Feather River Hot Springs offers you a unique experience. We are located on State Highway 70 along the East Branch of the North Fork of the Feather River in the canyon. In the canyon there are many sights and sounds to enjoy. Nestled in between Highway 70 and the banks of the Feather River, are 5 tent sites and 5 RV sites, as well as 3 cabins available for your stay. All very close to the river. Overnight stays include the use of a natural sulphur hot springs beside the Feather River. It is small, accommodating six persons max at one time. Guests are able to book a private reservation for two or more for $120. Young children are not allowed in or at the Springs, must be teens and up. There is a sign up board for multiple shared soaks at check in cabin. The Springs are a short walk from the RV sites and camping. Swimsuits required, no glass containers, smoking or pets. There are three cabins that sleep max of two adults. Pets are not allowed. They are nonsmoking cabins. The cabins are very close to one another. There is a shared outdoor cooking area. Five tent sites of different sizes are all along the river. Five RV sites as well to accommodate from small trailers to 40’ . Please check accommodations size before booking. Pets are welcome in RV and camping areas but must be on a leash at all times. Limit one pet per site. Aggressive dogs or excessive barking is not permitted and you will be asked to leave. Pets are not allowed down at the tubs. Quiet time is from 10pm to 9am. Excessively loud music not allowed. This is a very small resort, a mutual respect for all guests and the property is a top priority. This has been my home for over 15 years, it’s not a facility. Campfires are allowed by request and are dependent on weather conditions. You must bring your own cut wood, no bigger than 24” or purchase wood here. Foraging for firewood is not allowed. Campfires cannot be left unattended. Quaint and rustic but often referred to as magical. Not just a stopover on your way to somewhere else but hopefully a destination that you will want to return to again and again. Spring, summer or fall there’s always something new to experience. Please note, the train tracks are right across the river, fascinating but noisy. The springs do smell strongly of sulphur
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Terwer RV Park

17. Terwer RV Park

94%
(522)
Klamath, CA · 32 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Terwer RV Park, a family-owned campground tucked near the edge of Klamath Glen on California’s North Coast. The park has been welcoming guests for more than 40 years, and we’re honored to be part of its next chapter. Around here, we like to call it Klamath’s Best Kept Secret. Surrounded by redwoods, river access, and quiet coastal beauty, Terwer RV Park is a simple, old-fashioned place to camp. We are not a luxury resort, and that is part of the charm. You will find open space, scattered trees, RV sites, tent camping, fresh air, and a slower pace. The Klamath River is just over the levee, only a short walk from camp. It is a beautiful place to fish, swim, or sit by the water. The river is known for salmon and steelhead fishing, and a valid fishing license is required. During peak fishing season, especially in August and September, you may hear early morning activity from guests heading out to the river. We are located about 4 miles off Highway 101, close enough for easy access but far enough away to enjoy a quieter stay. Wildlife is common in the area, so please secure your food and trash at night. There is plenty to explore nearby, including Redwood National and State Parks, Trees of Mystery, Klamath River Jet Boat Tours, coastal viewpoints, hiking trails, biking routes, and quiet places to wander among the redwoods. A few things to know before you book: -Firewood is available on site. -Cell service can be spotty depending on your carrier. Free Wi-Fi is available and reaches most of the campground. -Electric vehicle charging is $10 per charge and must be arranged ahead of time. 50 amp service is limited, and guests must provide their own adapters. -Well-behaved pets are welcome. -Kids and laughter are always welcome. -We offer dry camping, 30 amp sites, and 50 amp pull-through sites. -Late arrivals are okay. If you plan to arrive after 10:00 p.m., please text us before 9:00 p.m. so we can send you check-in instructions. Terwer RV Park is rustic, peaceful, and easygoing. We look forward to welcoming you.
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Strange Ranch - River and Gold

18. Strange Ranch - River and Gold

100%
(129)
Wilseyville, CA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Secluded private river and forest camping on the South Fork Mokelumne River. The site has incredible views with a pristine private gold-bearing trout stream with mining history and wildlife preserve located in the gold country of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern Calaveras County. This unique property is adjacent to over 900 acres of public land and 2 miles of private stream for exploring. With a total of only 6 campsites, it is a great location for a group to reserve the entire campground. All campsites have potable well water spigots and access to a cool water shower, sites 4-6 have electricity. Guests enjoy the privacy while swimming, stream exploring, hiking, spelunking, forest immersion, fishing for wild trout, gold panning, or simply relaxing in a breathtaking environment – come fall in love with this special private ranch. After one stay, you will be a repeat guest. PLEASE NOTE: An All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive vehicle is MANDATORY to access campsites 1 - 3, 5 & 6 due to the road incline and rock and gravel road surface. PLEASE PREPARE ACCORDINGLY! Campsite 4 is accessible with a 2-wd vehicle, and has potable well water and 20 amps of power. Sites have beautiful open views of the property and river canyon with natural shade in the morning and late afternoon. Sounds of the river will lull you to sleep. Although partially shaded, please plan to provide your own portable shade structure(s) during late morning and afternoon as the direct sun can be an inconvenience. The Stranges are professional fish and wildlife biologists and have decided to share this special place for others to enjoy. The property hosts a diversity of plant and wildlife species that might be observed during your stay. Prehistoric and historic resources can be observed along the river corridor. Please be aware that some wildlife species including rattlesnakes, bears, and mountain lions have been observed on the 117-acre property and could potentially be observed near the campsites. The Ranch's northern portion of the property supports a leased farming operation. Farming operations should not interfere with camping activities. Day trips are possible to Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, local caverns and wine tasting, and historic gold towns.
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Manzanita Camping & Co

19. Manzanita Camping & Co

97%
(266)
Coloma, CA · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Set up camp and relax in one of our private manzanita surrounded tent sites. A short three min walk to our cobble beach along the beautiful South Fork America River will keep you cool during this hot summer. Or use our sites as a base camp for the many hiking and biking trails in the area. Taste some local wines at one of the many wineries or grab a growler at a nearby brewery. Propane fire pits are provided for your stay at your camp site, with one tank of propane included for your use... Because what is camping without looking at a fire and roasting marshmallows? Our fire pits sure help add to that *camping feel* but COOKING OVER FIRE PITS (OTHER THAN S'MORES) IS NOT PERMITTED, so please plan to bring your own camp stove or preferred camp-cooking appliances and the required fuel. We look forward to your stay with us! FAQ: What should I bring? For our standard tent or RV sites, the sites include a picnic table and a propane fire pit with propane for heating/ambiance only. You should plan to pack everything you would usually expect to bring with you to a typical Forest Service or State Park campground... For example: propane camp stove or equivalent with your own propane/fuel for cooking, extra tables for your personal camp set-up needs, shade tents or pop-ups, games or camp activities, camp cots/pads/air mattresses, camping bedding, tents, camp chairs, etc. We are happy to answer any question you may have!
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Trailer Lane Campground

20. Trailer Lane Campground

92%
(282)
Weed, CA · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Conveniently located along I-5 just south of the CA/OR border, we have 15 acres that are a mix of conifer forest and a chaparral hilltop with spectacular views of Mount Shasta. Our small, friendly campground offers clean, comfortable bathrooms with (free!) hot showers and a coin-op laundry room. Community fire pit and BBQ area, too! Minutes from world-class fishing, hiking, climbing, kayaking, skiing... all year long, it's an outdoorsman's paradise! Use us as your base camp for all your North State adventures! Did we mention we have barn cats, goats, chickens, and turkeys to watch, feed and pet? Fruit trees and wild blackberries. Walking trails through the forest, and the most perfect hilltop spot to kick back in our comfy Adirondacks with a glass of wine to stargaze.
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Northern California camping 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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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