Private camping near Willows

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

100% (47 reviews)

United States
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California
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Willows

100% (47 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Willows

2 top campgrounds near Willows

97%

(52)

Corning Oaks

2 sites · RVs20 acres · Corning, CA

This particular property has been in the family for four generations now. It was in the past a producing walnut orchard that is now past its prime. The orchard is now home to a couple of horses and few wild turkeys. The property location is great for anyone traveling up or down Interstate 5 as we are located about two miles east of the interstate. The Sacramento River is five miles to the east and the Rolling Hills Casino is not too far away. The city of Chico is about 20 minutes away to the south and Lassen National Park and Shasta Lake are not too far north of the property. The site is perfectly located for numerous day long adventures. Enjoy. Learn more about this land: Bring your self contained RV or Camper to a place that is an easy on and off stay near Interstate 5 and just south of the town of Corning. Your space is near a couple of huge valley oak trees and a pasture in an older walnut orchard. You will be the only camper on the property. Every once in a while a few wild turkeys or a fox will wander through the area. The Sacramento River and the Rolling Hills Casino are 5 minutes away, not to mention Lassen National Park, Lake Shasta and the town of Chico nearby.

100%

(6)

Little House in the Big Woods

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Forest Ranch, CA

The cabin shares the property with our home but a large portion of the yard is maintained solely for the use of cabin guests. The space feels private with no obligation to interact with the main house residents. Enjoy cooking on the BBQ or sitting by the firepit while taking in the woodland scenery. The area features a plethora of nearby hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, and swimming. Or enjoy the simplicity of reading a book, sitting by the fire, and letting the forest share its splendor with you. This house is also only about an hour drive to beautiful Lake Almanor and the amazing gem of Lassen National Park. It is very easy to go up for a day to go boating, fishing, a hike to the hot springs and hydrothermal areas, or have a picnic. The drive between here and there is on well maintained roads and the scenery is absolutely stunning. While Chico may look a bit far away on the map, the highway gets you there in 20 short minutes. This university town is well known for its mixture of vibrance, the arts, and small town rural living. The area boasts truly amazing restaurants, bars, shopping and modern amenities. Our property is very close to access points for the famous Upper Bidwell park. We will share a guidebook full of our personal recommendations of things to do in the area.

Private 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.