Camp Watanda at Lake Vera

I had a wonderful and peaceful time. The lake was beautiful and there was wildlife. Everything is very well maintained and Kathryn was very warm and welcoming. I will definitely return again!

Connie G.

4 reviews

Recommends

· October 2025

Nice camping spot

Tent ·

There camping was great. The kiosk provides a completely flat surface so we tented there. Nice little lake! Good hot water shower.

Hannah J.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · With kids ·

We really enjoyed it! Our tent was number 3. It had all the amenities: water, a toilet, and a shower with hot water. The place is very quiet and cozy. The grounds are clean. There are free games for children, free boats and kayaks, gazebos with barbecues, and a communal fire pit with benches on the lake shore. We were very impressed. Our cabin was on the top, and to park near the cabin, we had to climb a steep hill. We've stayed in many places, but we really liked this place, and we will definitely come back. If you're planning to come here, I would recommend cabin number 2; it's on the bottom and very close to the lake. Thank you so much for the warm welcome and peaceful stay.

Andrii M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Love it!

We absolutely loved our stay at Camp Watanda! The host was so helpful, informative, and accommodating. The facilities and amenities were great, and the summer camp vibe with the communal areas made the experience extra special. Our kids had the best time catching fish in the lake, and even our dog enjoyed the trip! We’re already looking forward to coming back and renting a camping kiosk. Thank you for sharing your beautiful property with our family—we can’t wait to visit again soon!

Jennifer C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent ·

My friend and I loved this spot! It was true glamping! The Caseywood kiosk felt very private - you can only see/barely hear one set of neighbors (getting the Gallup and Caseywood kiosks together would be ideal if you were going with a group of friends). It was great that the kiosk had the bunks removed but the mattresses were still there, so it felt spacious enough for my friend to set up their tent and full camping situation, but I was a lazy camper and just put down two of the provided mattresses with my own sleeping bag and pillow and got to sleep out under the stars. There weren't really any bugs/mosquitoes, which seemed odd given the proximity to the lake, and maybe that's seasonal, but it was a delight as well. And kayaking/paddleboarding on the lake and playing with all of the field games was so fun! We made dinner over the communal campfire one night, and had no issues with sharing the fire with a family that was doing the same. Such a friendly vibe - they even offered us dessert :) Oh and the camp host was very responsive to messages and gave lots of helpful info. Arrival and departure were easy and straightforward. I've had mixed experiences in the past with hipcamp spots, so this was a surprise and a relief. We would definitely stay again.

Toran A.

3 reviews

Mixed feelings

· September 2025

Fun But Site Could Use A Little Wor

Tent · Group trip ·

Overall we had a good experience. I just wish the bathrooms weren't so far from us considering the terrain. The path from the road to Marley #2 could use some love. Love the communal fire pit and small lake, it was nice to be around other campers.

Noah L.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Great spot near Nevada City!

12 ft pop-up camper ·

We loved the RV spot at Camp Watanda! Kathryn was very helpful and great with directions and communication. The site had more than enough room for us and a picnic table. We had a 12' long tow in camper and loved the space. The lake, boats, games for kids were even better than expected! Really nice communal campfire area too that we pretty much had to ourselves. Lucky for a holiday weekend!

Heather H.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · With kids ·

Excellent location and amenities. This was my second time at Camp Watanda and certainly not the last one!

Fabrizio D.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Camping with the family

Tent · With kids ·

This was our favorite camping trip so far! Love the kiosk we were at . Volunteer #2, in my opinion is the best camping in a tent spot. It’s close to the water, restrooms, large picnic area with benches & a pergola. Not to mention a large sink with clean water right on our campsite! That’s a huge bonus if you are cooking/grilling! Soooo much fun activities for kids, teens & adults. Our two boys 15 & 12yrs loved playing badminton! I loved the kayaks! So many things we enjoyed about this spot! Katherine, the host was tremendous and we loved every bit of our stay! We forgot few things and without hesitation she let us borrow what we need it! She is fast, & super responsive! We cannot wait to go back there again…. Huge thanks to Katherine for making our experience so wonderful and welcoming! I’d give her 100/100 if I could!

Joyous H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent ·

Great spot by lake and close to Nevada city. Host was very nice and responsive via message. Would visit again

Teresa R.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent ·

I loved my site! Enjoyed an early morning canoe ride with mist rising from the water and a beautiful sunrise. It was a wonderful stay! Thank you Kathryn!

Grace T.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

I loved tent camping at Watanda! The property was unique, and so pretty, filled with blackberries, ducks, and deer. It was so peaceful to kayak and canoe in the lake. We played badminton, tetherball, and other games that were on the property. It was a relaxing time. I can't wait to go back!

Elaine D.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent ·

We stayed at Gallup 4. Great quiet spot under the trees! We appreciated the big table, rocking chairs, ice chest and mattresses that were provided. The Yuba river suggestions were also great!

Jennifer D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent · With kids ·

What a great experience. It was so beautiful. Lots of swimming and fishing. We will definitely be back!

Keli F.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Great lakefront private campground!

Tent · With kids ·

Camp Watanda was even better than we'd hoped. We had a large deck to pitch our tent on top of with three walls and a partial roof for shade. The bunks under the roofed area were a great place to store gear and we used the mattresses from the bunks to make sleeping in the tent way more comfortable. Having the lake so close was great because we could let the kids play at the shoreline and still see them while we stayed at the campsite and cooked meals. Bugs were an issue, but only while cooking. And the bug traps provided by the host were a big help. All the kayaks/canoes/rowboats were a lot of fun to paddle around the lake and explore. And foraging for blackberries conveniently growing at the water's edge with the kids was a lot of fun, even though they kept almost tipping our canoe trying to reach the furthest berries. The hot showers on-site were another great perk of this campground, as were all the yard games like cornhole, badminton, hillbilly golf, tetherball, etc. And Kathryn went out of her way to make sure our kids had fun, offering popsicles and extra s'more supplies. She was an excellent host. In the past, I've pretty much only camped at state and county campsites/parks with minimal facilities and accommodations. But for about the same price, this was such a better way to go and I'll definitely be looking at more private campsite options in the future.

Justin T.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Vera Lake at Watanda Camp

Tent · With kids ·

#1/Marley/lower

My family loved their Camp time at Watanda. They are new to camping & enjoyed the peaceful experience. The serene beauty of Pines trees & lake with trout jumping & frogs swimming. Tasty s’mores, bonfires at night by the lake were memorable. We are planning to return with family & friends next vacation!

Carolyn O.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Surprise in the foothills

16 ft car ·

Really cool little spot! Went to bed listening to bullfrogs and woke up to geese. I’ll have to remember to come back with a paddleboard and a fishing pole. Highly recommend.

Rich E.

13 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent ·

It was the perfect stay for our yuba weekend! Beautiful spot.

Sarah P.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent ·

Easy to find and access. Pretty lake with ample amenities. Greatly enjoyed our stay.

Clayton S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent ·

Exactly as described for a long weekend camping. Unique experience camping under the covered deck. Special touches were provided like trash bags, sunscreen, bug spray, and a cooler. Lots of activities provided by the lake - BBQ, fire ring, games, kayaks, swimming. Host was very friendly and responsive!

Steven S.

6 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent · With kids ·

Camping was amazing. Our spot was well shaded and close to the water. Water was nice to swim and kayak in

Paul A.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

We had a great time

Tent · With kids ·

On arrival, it felt very secluded and private, none of that overly populated feeling and staring you get at the larger camps. Everyone that was there was incredibly friendly and the nights were peaceful. It was my kid and I's first time and it was a great time. The raised sleeping platforms, bathrooms and showers were fantastic. Will definitely be back! Thank you to whoever placed a container of night crawlers at my site table, the bluegill absolutely ate it up.

Steven F.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

We had a wonderful time!

17 ft pop-up camper · With kids ·

We had a wonderful time! The frogs, birds, and other critters at night provided a great serenade. The free firewood, boat and paddle use, and crossing the lake were all highlights to look forward to next time. Aside from the campsite, the other campers were friendly, making us feel like we were in a secret hideaway. The only minor issue was the very loud music and youth camp next door during the weekend, with fun competitions; however, by early afternoon, it was all quiet. Plus, most of the time, they were out of view of the lake. Suggestion: Bring a telescope, as there is a terrific view of the stars with city lights. We saw the line of Starlink satellites all in a row (27 in perfect linear arrangement) multiple times during the night. Campsite 5 appears to be the only one prepared for an RV. Be ready for boondocking, which worked perfectly for our pop-up tent trailer. Running into town for supplies (ice, etc.) is easy if needed. Bring bug spray, as mosquitoes come out in force for about an hour after sundown. Overall, it’s a very tidy place with clean bathrooms, nice cabin sites, and is highly recommended. Finally, thank you, Kathryn, for the good communication; the tips and maps ahead of the trip helped us plan the weekend. We will be back!

Mach Y.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Great weekend away

Tent · With kids ·

Our family of four (2 kids, age 7 & 9) had a great time. The lake was so calm and private. Appreciated all the kayaks available, my kids had the best time riding the kids kayaks and fishing off the pier. The bathrooms do the job. The kiosks are nice and were equipped with chairs, a small table to prepare food on and a cooler that you could take down to the lake. Really thoughtful hosts! Thank you so much!

Michele G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Camping at Lake Vera

I loved this camping spot! We spent lots of time at the lake and enjoying the amenities they offered like kayaking, paddle boarding and badminton. The campfire was like communal and firewood was provided, we sat and chatted with other people staying there. The showers had hot water which was very nice! Beware of the birds, all our dry food and bread was gone! Other than that, will definitely be booking here again!

Joanna G.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Tent ·

This site was so nice and private while still giving the opportunity to connect with the other campers. I loved that we had access to kayaks and canoes so we could go on the lake. The place was so clean and well taken care of with access to all the supplies we’d need to go on the lake or stay on the shore and play games. The only negative was that we didn’t heed the warning about the crows that would snatch up any food left out so we definitely fed some of the crows. But Kathryn even provided a space to put your food so it’s safe from the crows. The wooden platforms are perfect for setting up your tent and still having enough space to cook and eat. Definitely considering coming back with a larger group cause each kiosk is big enough to fit multiple people comfortably.

Abigail P.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Tent · With kids ·

Cool spot to take the fam. Kids loved having the kayaks and boats available.

Kiyoshi M.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Tent ·

We loved the lake was very refreshing the cabin area was large enough for our tent had a picnic table be careful of your food we lost two bags of chips to the critters lol

James G.

9 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Exceptional Weekend!

Tent · With pets ·

Very rarely does a property exceed my expectations, but Caseywood did! This site is on a lovely, private and quiet property, it is a bit of a climb to get to the site with your car, but once there it is very private, lovely clean flush toilets and showers (with hot water) were a short walk away. We spent 2 nights with our dog, there is a small lake on the property, our dog thoroughly enjoyed the lake. He spent 2 days playing fetch in the water. The access to the water was clean, although Geese have been present, plenty of "toys" at the water (aluminum canoes, kayaks and a SUP), plenty of life jackets and other water toys were available to use in a nearby shed. All were free to use and kept in good condition. We enjoyed the communal fire pit one night and got to know our fellow campers over some Smores! The property is well tended to, the host Kathryn was there to greet us, and kept very busy making certain all was just right for arriving guests. We had planned on just sleeping on the property and going for day hikes, but ended up staying on site all weekend, enjoying the peace and the lake. We will definitely visit again!

Wayne C.

3 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

18 ft campervan · With pets ·