Desert camping near Willows

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

United States
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California
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Willows

Popular camping styles for Willows

2 top desert campgrounds near Willows

Wine Country Huttopia

2 sites · Lodging4300 acres · Lower Lake, CA

At Huttopia Wine Country, our own “terroir” comes from getting closer to nature in our distinctive and comfortable ready-to-camp accommodations brought to a 4,300-acre ranch and winery for an experience made to delight all the senses. About two hours from downtown San Francisco, less than two from Sacramento, and less than an hour from the heart of Napa, but a world away from the ordinary. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding valleys from our central lodge while enjoying a fresh-made meal or treat prepared in our custom-fitted Airstream food truck. Cool off in the pool or enjoy a game with friends old and new. Stock up on snacks and beverages with a French twist from our camp store, including both local and French wines, and make plans for the day. Everything you need is right here.

Sky Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Corning, CA

The Utopian Playground. A place with a beautiful view of the town of Rancho Tehama. Home to three goats, a sweet guard dog and three cats. Located in the subdivision of Rancho Tehama. A peaceful experience with two rvs hookups and lots of land to wander on. Views of mt Lassen/Shasta/Yola Bollys A private experience with no adjoining neighbors.

Desert 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.