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River, stream, or creek camping in California

Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.

95% (28889 reviews)
95% (28889 reviews)

Popular camping styles for California

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in California

89%
(243)

Yosemite Westlake Camp

33 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Coulterville, CA
Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.
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$48
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85%
(27)

High Desert Hot Spring Hideout

13 sites ¡ RVs, Tents160 acres ¡ Lake Arrowhead, CA
This property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, we invite you to come stay in a peaceful serene setting, where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. The 40 minute hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is well worth the effort, and there's so much more natural beauty to see as you explore miles of hiking and OHV trails nearby and right on the property. Weather can be extreme at times, with Winter temps ranging from 20*F to 40* F, and Summer temps peaking at 112F. The cold creek water in the Deep Creek canyon flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is fairly steep and can be difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area and our webpage for the Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground for detailed driving directions to the official trailhead located right on our property. You won't get lost if you park on our property and hike from the trailhead, so make sure you go to the right address. Know before you go! Generally, reservations are not necessary to set up a tent site, but we have a more private area set aside for hipcamp reservations that has separate facilities from the general camping area. We do not recommend bringing children due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty for the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take pets, or have children, elderly people, or out-of-shape/over-weight people in your group.
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$18.99
 / night
95%
(121)

San Diego Canyon Creek

5 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ El Cajon, CA
As you enter into our little oasis, you'll see why we want to share the space. It is a great environment to get away from the city or pass through on your road trip. The driveway enters down to our creek-side camping where a hammock under a tree awaits a quiet reader or a bird watcher. It's just a 30 minute drive to the beach, a short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with a playground, or a five minute drive to a local ecological reserve containing multiple trails. If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature. In addition, we have a propane-powered fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with full amenities, including, hot water, a two burner stove, a toaster oven and a BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. Fun Fact: Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the worlds largest honey producer. Today there are just a few bees in the area.
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$44
 / night
91%
(22)

Kosk Creek Campgrounds

25 sites ¡ RVs, Tents50 acres ¡ Big Bend, CA
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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$50
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96%
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Jug Handle Creek Farm

20 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres ¡ Caspar, CA
Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail. We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents. We also offer three lovely cabins, which have power and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom with a hot shower. Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve. Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.
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$40
 / night
90%
(921)

Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

33 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ CA
Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A short 30-minute drive to Tioga pass will bring you straight into the heart of Yosemite National Park. Off-road enthusiasts will have a heyday will the plethora of 4x4 trails in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate & Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomidae are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Lake Levels: Due to this devastating drought across California and the Western United States, reservoir levels are low. As of August 1st, 2022, Bridgeport Reservoir is approximately 25 feet below normal. Swimming is not advisable at this time, but fishing and boating activities are still up and running.
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$27
 / night
71%
(7)

Off the Grid Hot Springs Camping

12 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents180 acres ¡ Lake Arrowhead, CA
Located on a rural off the grid property near the Deep Creek Hot Springs, this 160 acre property is the perfect place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Nestled in the mountains of the high desert, come camp and enjoy yourself in a peaceful setting where beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views surround you. The natural high desert landscape of junipers, joshua trees, chaparral and sages, combined with the nearby San Bernardino mountains in the background, create an amazing 360* view from just about anywhere on our land. This private homestead property is located 6 miles off the pavement, just far enough to escape the sounds and lights of the city, and is surrounded by 1,000's of acres of undeveloped government managed lands. The natural rural setting creates a serene atmosphere on the property that allows one to easily relax and recharge. You can set up your own tent and campsite or rent one of our furnished glamping tents to stay in when you come to visit. Have a special event coming up or just want to celebrate? Check out our private hot spring pool sites and private cold spring pool sites we have available for up to 300 guests. There is plenty of activities nearby to keep yourself occupied, such as nature watching right on the property, or exploring numerous hiking and ohv trails just off the property. With the trailhead starting on the property, the Deep Creek Hot Springs is just a short hike away, and well worth the effort, with nearby fishing and gold panning along the creek as well. Deep Creek flows all year around, and the 6 creek-side hot spring pools are always full and consistently hot all year around, ranging in temperatures between 90F-108F. The hike to the Deep Creek Hot Springs is steep in places and can be fairly difficult for some people, especially in warm weather. In order to be prepared with the correct gear to make this hike and know the USFS rules that apply to the area, please educate yourself before coming by visiting the USFS website page for the Deep Creek area. Know before you go! *Although children are permitted to be on the property, we do not recommend bringing them due to occasional nudity that may be seen in the area and the degree of difficulty of the hike. The hike to the hot springs is fairly difficult and everyone’s physical fitness needs to be considered when deciding to take children, elderly people, or over-weight people.
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$42.99
 / night
97%
(648)

Splitrock Farm and Retreat

34 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres ¡ Fallbrook, CA
About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home For more information... Visit our website www.splitrock.camp Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock Farm Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock Retreat Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
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$32
 / night
95%
(443)

DABUDAGE

6 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents10 acres ¡ CA
A place to stay in southern Big Sur with camp sites and accommodations. Before sending an inquiry please read the listings. Also available as a host your own retreat venue starting at 250 per night
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$60
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95%
(21)

Skyview

9 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents23 acres ¡ Boulder Creek, CA
With 23 gorgeous acres, Skyview is the perfect place to enjoy nature and the elements. You can hike our ridge trail for spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz mountains. You can relax in one of our Skypods and take a nap or read a book beneath a 200 year old oak tree. Go swimming in our huge pond and do yoga/meditate/journal on the adjoining beach. There's a grandmother (old-growth) redwood tree to visit plus a wonderful diversity of wildflowers and native plants to study and appreciate. Birds soar in the skies above (hawks, ravens, vultures) while the calls of morning doves and owls gently fill the air at dawn and dusk. And our sunsets...wow!!
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$65
 / night
86%
(2494)

The Enchanted Forest Retreat

54 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres ¡ Los Gatos, CA
Welcome to the Enchanted Forest Retreat! We are a meditation retreat center with 45 acres of some of the most gorgeous redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains to enjoy hiking, creeks and small water fall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more. Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 hot water shower, laundry shed with sink and hot water, and an outdoor amphitheater, (the kitchen and washer/dryer is Staff Only not for campers). We have meditation teaching at the amphitheater and campers are welcomed to attend for free. 4-6 guests maximum with 1 car included in the nightly rate. Each additional vehicle is $15 per day and will be added at checkout once you add the correct number of vehicles you will be bringing. You can bring a maximum of 2 cars. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a trash service on site, we require all campers to PACK OUT THEIR GARBAGE with them! Pets are $10 per day, 1 pet per group ONLY. Please add this as an extra at the time of booking, you will see the option to add extras once you begin the checkout process. Dogs must be on leash at all times! Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. No drugs of any kind including marijuana allowed. No loud music allowed. This is a private property so no visitors are allowed, only paid guests. Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules. NOTICE REGARDING RVs and TRAILERS: While we can not offer hookups, theoretically we have no problem with RVs, the road is steep in a couple of places getting down to the campground and VERY narrow in one spot (10ft). If you feel you're willing to take this risk (we won't be held liable), you're welcome to reach out to us and we can see if the site is good for RV/trailers. Only sites 8, 12 and 5 are good for trailers. No vehicle can drive into Site 7, 9, 10 and 11 (the parking area is separate). Other sites may be ok with small trailers. Check with the host. Any trailer larger than 20ft, take your own risk, there is a narrow point only 9ft wide.
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$80
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(38)

The Hidden Knoll -- 360 Degree View

8 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Hidden Valley Lake, CA
Peaceful 5 acre private mountaintop above the wine country (possibly an extinct volcanic cinder cone) with breathtaking 360 degree views of ranches, vineyards and the 4,000 to 7,000 foot Mayacamas Mountain Range all around in every direction. Each of our glamping tents and campsites are spaced far apart from each other on 5 acres, and each has a different ever-changing view, North, South, East or West, of Sunrise, Sunset and Moonrise as the seasons change and the Earth spins. Truly you feel a connection with the heavens here in this special, sacred place. EPICENTER OF CALIFORNIA'S NEW AGE According to legend, a network of seven points of spiritual power forms a ring around Harbin Hot Springs, giving people who tap into their arcane energies the power to dream, see visions, and reach “between the worlds.” This is a dormant volcanic region, and one of the most active geothermal regions on Earth. It's possible that this land is one of those points. And we invite you to decide for yourself. Our "knoll" -- a small mountain -- directly faces Mt. St. Helena, Mount Harbin and the most active geothermal site in the world, The Geysers, can be seen shooting steam towards the heavens. The red volcanic soil has an energy that feels energetic, clear yet still -- much like the power points and vortices in Sedona, Arizona. No wonder so many meditation centers and spiritual communities have been quietly thriving here since the 1960s. Our property is in the center of the most active geothermal site on Earth -- steam visible from geysers and literally hundreds of pristine cold and hot mineral springs all around us. Sunrise and Sunsets are spectacular, (no exaggeration) -- every day is a miracle of ever-changing views of mist rising over the Valley, the mountains spanning from Angwin and Napa Valley, to Mt. St. Helena, Harbin Mountain, Cobb Mountain and sometimes, snow-capped peaks of 4,700 foot Mt. Konocti. Rarely visited State Parks all around us with no crowds, no lines, and in many cases -- no fees. Clearlake is the oldest lake in North America, and inhabited by humans, including Pomo, Miwok, Wappo, Yuki and Patwin groups, for least 2,500,000 years. And no wonder why -- fertile volcanic soil, with a mild year round climate, teeming with over 100 streams, springs, and lakes, and abundant fish and wildlife -- including largemouth bass, and year-round populations of ducks, pelicans, grebes, blue herons, egrets, osprey, and bald eagles. The basin supports deer, bear, mountain lion and raccoon. (Even, according to locals, the elusive Bigfoot.) The native Pomo tribes are said to have planted the forests of Buckeye and California Oak for their seeds and acorns, and also planted and cultivated the abundance of medicinal fruits and wildflowers, including Elderberry, Mulberry, Blackberry and Yarrow. It feels like going back in time -- grocery stores are locally owned and still have humans working the register, the crafts and pottery at the farmer's market and local galleries are literally made by hand, and many restaurants and shops here take only cash. Kayaking on Cache Creek, teeming with wildlife. We are 25 minutes to Calistoga in Napa Valley, 5 miles from exquisite Guenoc Valley wine country and Lake Bordeaux/Lake Burgundy, 5 miles from Six Sigma Ranch and 6 miles from Harbin Hot Springs. Dog friendly You can walk (with a dog) to a nearby clean swimming lake with a dog beach, go on a dog friendly kayak rental on Clearlake (with 11 free public boat launches!) or a dog friendly wine tasting tour at Six Sigma Ranch. Lake County has many pet friendly patio restaurants, too. Secret wine country Explore over 40 wineries in California's "New Secret Wine Country" -- many are organic and biodynamic, and they are mostly family owned, not big corporate brands as you find in Napa Valley, just over the hill. Visit a saffron farm, flower shop and fruit stands on the honor system! Spring - Fall has local farmer's markets with live music and hand crafts, fresh long fermented sourdough bread baked in someone's kitchen, wood fired pizza (baked over grapevines or oak), local wildflower honey, grass fed beef. Fishing is world class here -- with many stocked lakes and some of the largest Bass on Earth. Lake County reminds me much of the South of France, and many immigrants from around the world (including Eastern Europe, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Israel, South Africa, France, and Mexico) have settled here because it reminds them of their homeland. Camping options: - Luxurious and romantic 16 foot "glamping" Stout Pro Belle tent yurt ....with electric fireplace and Bohemian style furnishings and bedding. Up to two queen beds. Porch awning, huge private campsite with fire ring. (Great for couples.) - Posh 14 x 10 foot Retro Classic Jack Springbar tent with PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS .... and Western retro 60s style furnishings -- including stone outdoor fire ring, Winnerwell woodburning stove, up to two queen beds with memory foam Novilla mattresses, full cotton and down bedding, wool carpet, wool Mexican blankets, vintage picnic basket, retro lighting, and retro canvas butterfly chairs! Plus electric power and wifi! (Great for families or working vacation.) - 2 RV/Van Campsites with gravel parking and views - 1 tent campsite 16x20 with panoramic Mountain View, parking. - 1 Walk in tent campsite in gorgeous Mountain View meadow, 9 x 7, total privacy. - 3 Tent/Van campsites with farm/ranch view and dark sky for stargazing, stone fire ring, use of amenities. ASK US ABOUT A FULL PROPERTY BUYOUT -- with 3 Bedroom Farmhouse Wedding? Family reunion? Birthday for your kids? Ask us about booking the entire property for groups of up to 30 -- including newly renovated 50 year old 3 bedroom/2 bathroom "Modern Farmhouse" with panoramic view 30 foot pine ceiling tongue and groove pergola. Perfect for a gathering of 6 sleeping in beds, plus sleeping for additional 12 in glamping tents, and up to 10 more in campsites with large fire circle. SHARED AMENITIES - New panoramic view well water filled 4 person hot tub - 15 foot cold plunge pool. - Trellino composting toilet - Camplux outdoor hot propane on demand shower - Solar outdoor shower - 30 x 20 tongue and groove pine shade pergola with stunning view, picnic tables, barbecue area, patio heater, Edison lights, patio misters, ceiling fan, wifi and Bluetooth enabled surround sound/TV big screen. - Vintage Oak Wine barrel Adirondack chairs with terra-cotta chiminea pizza oven and panoramic mountain views. - Fenced dog kennel with dog deck, and allow dogs to roam free on our 5 acres. (Cats can also stay with you here, if you have a crate.) CENTRALLY LOCATED TO SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY, MENDOCINO COAST, SONOMA COAST, NAPA VALLEY Epic, un-crowded, un-Yelped and undiscovered hiking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and hot springs in the most active geothermal region on Earth, with the cleanest and clearest air in California for dark skies and stargazing. The Geysers of Bottle Rock are visible from our land. Our private mountain is on the edge of open space and wilderness, but in a safe, upscale residential/rural area with high security and fire department / ambulance just 2 miles away. If you are looking for "remote" you might be disappointed -- but we attract travelers on the road, and many who use the Hidden Knoll as a rest stop on long road trips, as well as San Franciscans who arrive, weary, just to sleep and rejuvenate. We have a strong cell signal and wifi -- ideal for "working vacations" for remote workers. Solo Women travelers and busy families especially appreciate the safe, convenient location. Less than 2 miles from groceries, hardware store, restaurants -- yet we also have abundant wildlife, eagles, hawks, deer, rabbit, hummingbirds and native oak forest, and the sounds of rushing water, crickets, cicadas, cows, horses, donkey, sheep, alpaca, goats and roosters on neighboring ranches. With some of the cleanest air in the USA and no streetlights, we have a very dark sky, bright moon and stars and on New Moon. The Milky Way galaxy is visible with your bare eyes. The property is in Bortle 4, bordering Bortle 3 on the North side, --but the clarity of air makes stars brighter. NEAR RESTAURANTS, GROCERIES Guests LOVE that they can leave in the morning and get a smoothie, juice, or breakfast (even an all you can eat buffet) or a good organic latte 1 mile away. There are Oaxaccan, Wood Fired Pizza, barbecue, classic American, Thai, Chinese and Taco restaurants nearby. Two grocery stores and an organic local farmer's market, too. We are five miles from two popular wineries -- Six Sigma and Langtry Estate., with 40 Lake County wineries to explore, many biodynamic and organic. Also five miles (13 minute drive) from Harbin Hot Springs, with hot/cold mineral plunges and sauna available for day use for $35-55. Pet owners appreciate that they can leave their dog in our Dog Kennel (up to 3 hours) while they soak. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S HEALING EPICENTER Meditation centers, yoga classes, Watsu massage, kirtan, and sound healing therapy concerts abound throughout this region, where San Franciscans have historically come to revitalize and restore their body, mind and spirit in the dry, sunny climate since the 1800s and "take the waters" of cold and hot geothermal mineral springs. Due to abundant geothermal activity and deep springs of varying temperatures and mineral content, there remain a century long history of hot spring spas and yoga/meditation retreats here. A spiritual community grew in isolation around several intentional communities -- including Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the Transcendental Meditation movement, at (now defunct) Hobergs Resort. There are still thousands of devotees here of Vipassana, Osho, and the guru Adidam's oldest Sanctuary, The Mountain Of Attention. Hare Krishna have recently restored Mandala Springs on Cobb Mountain. Further North, are clothing optional Orr Springs and Wilbur Springs (still redolent of their bohemian roots). There are also many elegant spas like Vichy Springs, (with a replica of Monet's garden), Konocti Harbor Resort, and Indian Springs in Calistoga. This area was integral to the birth of the Human Potential Movement, and the Human Awareness Institute, the invention of several styles of bodywork, including Harold Dull's underwater Watsu massage, the early roots of veganism and the "Blue Zone" diet in Angwin -- and even the early work of Dr. Timothy Leary at Harbin Hot Springs. A community of artisans, visionary painters and energy and sound healers are drawn to the silence, stillness and peacefulness of the land. VIEW CAMPSITES All campsites have a view, Oak trees, a stone fire ring or Solo type woodstove (when fires are legal in season), vintage teak or metal chairs/tables. Plus shared access to: - Rustic camp kitchen in cute farm shed stocked with everything a camper needs, plates, pots/pans, fire starting tools, kindling, barbecue tools, grill baskets, butane and propane stoves, coffee maker, spices, water, dishwashing area -- even s'mores and skewers! - Borrowed use of Solo-type stove/grill for grilling over wood. (Sorry, no propane BBQ here! We are giving you an intentional rustic experience.) - Electricity outlets to charge devices - Wifi and cell service - Tasty filtered well water - Fire chiminea - traditional terracotta wood fired pizza oven - Hanging macrame hammocks and chair/s in season (not in rainy season) - Complimentary local tea, coffee, and drinking water. - Dog run/kennel - use at your own discretion up to 3 hours while you soak in hot spring or golf. Includes dog toys, water bowl, leash and dog bed, with door into sheltered garage if it gets cold. - 30 foot protected wood pergola with tables/seating for 12, Edison lights and panoramic view - Huge outdoor flat screen TV with Bluetooth sound system on Apple and Chromecast - Shared use of our renovated indoor guest bathroom in our Zen Farmhouse with large walk in stone tile hot shower, two massage heads, flush toilet Dr. Bronner's soap, Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and lotion by local company EO made with real essential oils. NOTE: We are building an outdoor hot on demand propane shower and Trellino composting toilet a little closer to the campsites for warmer weather. In the Winter, we GENEROUSLY allow campers to share our warm, clean guest bathroom, which is 50-250 feet away, depending upon which campsite you book. MOST campers are THRILLED. However we got some "Karens" who complained that it "wasn't private enough" and they would prefer an outhouse. NOTE: If you prefer a "private" bathroom, the Hidden Knoll is not for you. Does camping ever have a private bathroom? We've camped in hundreds of campgrounds worldwide and this bathroom is a massive upgrade over ANYTHING we have seen. - Cowboy type plunge pool and outdoor solar shower. (Good in Summer.) - 110 power and water available by additional charge (50 cents/kilowatt hour) for your RV or to charge an EV. - Most sites have a stone fire ring, grate, and kindling. We have oak firewood available for a fee and a Solo type stove campers can use, plus barbecue baskets, barbecue tools and skewers. You can also borrow a butane or propane stove. Even...complimentary s'mores! STARGAZING Some sites are very quiet, face wineries and ranches to the North, and have DARK SKY for meteor watching -- you can see the Milky Way. Some of the sites face East for Sunrise and have twinkling lights of surrounding ranches and homes, and incredible views of the Mayacamas Mountains from Angwin/Mt. St. Helena. Some are facing West and the view spans 300 degrees all the way to Mt. Harbin, Cobb Mountain and Mt. Konocti to the West There is some distant traffic noise on this side, though the view is worth it. VIEWS ALL AROUND Each campsite at the Hidden Knoll has different inspiring ever-changing views above the vines, ranches, and Native oak forests facing Mt. Saint Helena, the Mayacamas Mountains towards Calistoga and the clouds and mist of the Pacific Ocean and Sonoma Coast beyond. Our Moon Dance sites face the moon rising over a ridge. Manzanita and Stargazer are quietest with the brightest stars and darkest sky. The Oak Meadow campsites have a sunrise to sunset East to West view, filtered through a native oak forest and a big fenced space for dogs to run. Sunrise Site, our most popular Van/RV/trailer space, faces sunrise East over Angwin, Napa Valley and Mt. St. Helena Sunset Camp has the most stunning view of all--almost 300 degrees all around and you can see geysers on the mountains. DOGS (AND CATS) WELCOME Your pet can go off leash while you are here (at your own discretion) and we have an 8 x 15 foot fenced kennel with a sunny deck perch and dog bed for your pet. (3 hour maximum, not supervised, use at your own risk, bring a crate if you want your pet to stay warm in rain or snow.) Due to presence of wildlife, we recommend that pets are either crated in your tent or kept inside your camping vehicle at night. Dog friendly walking trails nearby and also in Middletown and our neighborhood. CLOSE TO HOT SPRINGS, GOLF, WINERIES Just 5 miles from Harbin Hot Springs (available by reservation on a day pass), 1 mile from golf, 5 miles from several swimmable and fishable lakes, like Lake Burgundy and Bordeaux, and long walking distance to Hidden Valley Lake. We are 5 miles from the Guenoc Valley wine appellation and Langtry Estate winery and several organic and biodynamic wineries and farm-to-table experiences to explore (usually with free tours and no reservations or hoity-toity Napa attitude.) LOTS OF NATURE TO EXPLORE Uncrowded dog-friendly walks, hiking and mountain biking all around, swimming holes, waterfalls and other un-Yelped, secret undiscovered treasures. Clearlake is 20 minutes North, with 11 free boat launches and many places to rent stand up paddle boards and kayaks. Six Sigma and Boggs Forest are popular for mountain biking and hiking. Some swimming and fishing lakes are within 1/2 mile walking distance, others just 5 mile drive. LOCAL ART SCENE Lakeport has a charming lakefront stroll with galleries, local crafts, farm to table goods, premium local cannabis boutiques, brewpubs and exciting new restaurants. Super charming creekside Kelseyville has an up and coming art, maker crafts, food, wine bar and microbrew scene. Cobb has a world-class ceramics kiln with classes and tours, as well as several public swimming pools in Summer, beautiful golf courses, and uncrowded single track mountain biking. ZEN FARMHOUSE VIBE The Hidden Knoll's structures and landscape are uncluttered and what we call "Zen Modern Farmhouse" -- the 40 year old ranch was renovated by master craftspeople in typical wine country Modern Farmhouse style -- sparse, humble, simple, practical -- using repurposed and reclaimed materials due to the lack of outside design influences here. The landscaping is sparse, and indigenous native plants -- mostly rock in order to protect the property from fire (it did not burn in the 2015 Valley Fire.) WARM DRY MICROCLIMATE Lake County has historically been a retreat from San Francisco's damp coastal fog. The mountain range and 4700 foot pass over Mt. St. Helena blocks the coastal fog and sea air, creating a dry, warm microclimate isolated from the Bay Area, geographically and culturally. We are astonished that we're usually above the frost and mist of the valley, with frequent sunny days in the 60s-70s, even in December! Sometimes this feels more like the Desert. The air is crystal clear on most days, (cleanest air in California) and due to the absence of street lights, stars are bright, guests say they see the Milky Way with their bare eyes on New Moon. EV ACCESSIBLE If you have an EV, you will appreciate that most RVs can get here from San Francisco round trip without a tedious recharge--95 miles each way. There is an EV charging station about 7 miles away at the Twin Pines Casino, as well as inexpensive gas here -- $1 a gallon less than you will find in the Bay Area. HAVE YOU DISCOVERED CALIFORNIA'S "SECRET WINE COUNTRY?" California's remote and little visited Lake County is somewhere in between the Wine Country, Sonoma County and the Mendocino Coast and only 2 hours North of the San Francisco Bay Area or West of Sacramento. The dry, sunny climate, on the 39th Parallel North, ideal for growing grapes, is similar to other beautiful grape growing climates at this latitude, like Crete, Ibiza, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Sardinia, Turkey and Mongolia. MYSTIC VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE In the Pacific Ring of Fire, the landscape often reminds me of the Big Island of Hawaii, or upland Maui. The volcanic landscape has active geothermal and hot springs, and a potent spiritual power much like Hawaii, Sedona or Mt. Shasta. The red volcanic soils create a unique fertility and character and enable a wider variety of grapes than Napa Valley. Lake County has a long wine history that dates back to the 1850s when early settlers first began planting vineyards, which flourished in Lake County’s Mediterranean microclimates and soil rich in volcanic ash. In the 1870s, acres of vines were planted by visionaries such as Serranus C. Hastings, the founder of Hastings Law School. In 1888, acclaimed British actress Lillie Langtry purchased 4,190 acres in Guenoc Valley (five miles from us) which included vineyards that had been planted in 1854. But due to the isolation of the steep mountains, Lake County has remained isolated and iconoclastic, less concerned with the outside world. Many businesses here still only take cash. Many locals are third generation farmers. The food here is amazing -- including local wine, honey, pears, grass fed beef, pastured eggs, olive oil, saffron, microbrew beer, and bread. The county has several boutique legal dispensaries with some of the finest sun grown and organic canabis and CBD on Earth. There is an Italian and Mexican heritage -- so you will find wood-fired pizza, Mexican food and markets, and locally baked sourdough bread and pastries--as well as old fashioned American wood grilled barbecue and roadside smokehouses. There are few chain stores--most businesses are small and locally owned. Many only take cash -- so carry cash. RING OF FIRE The volcanic field, part of the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, contains seven volcanic vents from 10,000 to 2.5 million years old. The Xa-Ben-Na-Po Band of Pomo Indians inhabited the region as many as 12,000 years ago – 4,000 years before Egyptian civilization. In 1874, steamers began ferrying locals and tourists from town to town around Clearlake. Hotels and retreats were built at a feverish pace throughout the region, prospering even though the Clear Lake Railroad never made it to Lake County, keeping the region isolated. By the 1880s, the hills were dotted with luxurious resorts built around mineral springs. Wealthy visitors and celebrities from San Francisco frequented the resorts, traveling to “take the waters” and indulge in lavish parties at establishments such as Hoberg’s Resort. It is believed that the 1906 earthquake caused many of the hot springs to stop, slow down, or go underground because most springs changed around that time and in the years that followed, fires destroyed most of the resorts that remained. We fell deeply in love with Lake County, the people and this land, and are excited to share it with you. We're just getting started. Bear with us as we learn how to host, improve the property and grow from your feedback.
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