Luxury beach camping near Willows

A Sacramento Valley town near wildlife, lakes, and rugged wilderness.

90% (10 reviews)

United States
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California
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Willows

90% (10 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Willows

2 top beach campgrounds near Willows

100%

(1)

The Park at Crystal Cove

3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Lower Lake, CA

Epic lakefront compound with private trails and many hidden treasures! Like many of the cozy cottages in this community, the house dates to the 1950s or possibly earlier, during Jago Bay's heyday as a vacation destination in the first half of the 20th century. Now this region is coming to life again, with the burgeoning local wine industry providing numerous nearby tasting rooms featuring wines made with grapes from the Red Hills appellation (which the property is located within). Adjacent Clear Lake needs no re-invention, remaining as beautiful as ever, as the largest, oldest, natural freshwater lake in California. This is truly a unique slice of heaven, located on a sunny knoll steps from the shores of the lake, with one of the County's best views of dramatic volcano Mount Konocti. The majestic presence of the mountain rising from the lake makes clear why this geology is imbued with deep significance in the culture and lore of the Pomo people who have stewarded this land for over 14,000 years.

92%

(25)

Lake Oroville Glamping

6 sites · Lodging15000 acres · Oroville East, CA

NOTE: THIS IS FOR THE LOAFER CREEK CAMPGROUND AT LAKE OROVILLE SRA Lake Oroville was created by the Oroville Dam, which the State Department of Water Resources completed in 1967 after 5 years of construction. Lake Oroville conserves water for distribution by the State Water Project to homes, farms, and industries in the San Francisco Bay area, the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. The Oroville facilities of the project also serve to provide flood control and smog free generation of electric power in addition to recreation. When the Lake is at its maximum elevation, it includes some 15,500 surface acres for recreation and 167 miles of shoreline. Recreation areas are spotted around the Lake and boaters can land at any point to explore the surrounding country. The lake offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, sail and power boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, boat-in camping, floating campsites and horse camping.

Luxury beach camping near Willows guide

Overview

Between Sacramento and Redding, Willows was once a watering hole for cattle farmers. Today, it’s still an agricultural hub, with services for travelers along Interstate 5 and access to several nearby lakes and reservoirs for water recreation. Willows camping options include RV parks, campsites in Mendocino National Forest prime for hiking, and tent sites at additional nearby recreation areas, lakes, and forests.

Where to go

Near Willows

West of Willows, the Stony Gorge Reservoir offers fishing, boating, swimming, and camping, while Black Butte Lake is known for fishing and two US Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. For easy access to the Sacramento River and boat-in camping (plus tent and RV camping), head to the Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area. South of Willows, the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area is home to fishing, wildlife viewing, and one campground.

Lake Oroville

East of Willows, Lake Oroville is the largest reservoir in Northern California with numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors, including boating, sailing, swimming, water sports, and lake fishing, along with surrounding trails. More than 20 campgrounds circle the lake, including tent, RV, and equestrian sites, boat-in campsites, and floating campsites.

Mendocino National Forest

Head west to the Mendocino National Forest for rugged and wild adventures, with hundreds of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or off-roading, with a choice of developed and primitive camps. Several campgrounds can be found near water, including on Plaskett Lakes, Letts Lake, Mill Creek, and Bear Creek. For solitude, head into the backcountry in the Snow Mountain Wilderness.

When to go

Summer is the best time for water and outdoor recreation around Willows, including at Lake Oroville. It’s also the most popular time for camping. Shad fishing in the Sacramento River is best in the Sacramento River in June, while salmon fishing starts in August. Many campgrounds in the Mendocino National Forest are also seasonal. The waterfowl hunting season in the Sacramento NWR Complex runs from October to January.