These 15 Amazing Camping Spots In Northern California Are An Absolute Must-See
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Joanne Kraft
Author
As soon as the snow begins to melt and the temperatures reach a comfortable number on the thermostat, there’s a boatload of us who begin daydreaming about our summer camping trip. Who should we invite along? When should we go away? How long should we be gone? Well… what about some camping in Northern California? Yes?
Then, the most important question is clearly: “Where should we go?” If you’re tired of the same old spot year after year, how about stepping out of your comfort zone and checking out a few new campsites this year? If camping is in your wheelhouse then you’re going to love this list of amazing Northern California campgrounds. You’re welcome.
Crater Lake, California, USA
There are only 17 campsites here, so book your dates ASAP. Each site has its own fire pit ring. Fly fishing, canoeing, and float tubing are all favorite activities at Crater Lake. In the fall season, check out the colorful aspen stands that contribute to the tranquility of the area. No gas motors are allowed on the lake, which makes this a serene trip.
Get a birds-eye view of this stunning natural wonder in California:
Get a birds-eye view of this stunning natural wonder in California:
Manzanita Lake, California, USA
With over 1.2 million acres in this gorgeous national forest, there are A LOT of campsites at Manzanita Lake that are rockin' awesome.
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Rocky Point Campground, Friant, CA 93626, USA
Rocky Point Campground has 131 first-come-first-served sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring and some that are handicap accessible. No electric hookups are available, but there is a sewage dump station in the campground. There are also two group sites available for reservation. Extra points for being able to moor your boat right at your campsite.
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Cisco Grove Campground & RV, 48415 Hampshire Rocks Rd, Emigrant Gap, CA 95715, USA
This spot consists of 355 forested acres on South Yuba River. All size groups are welcome. There are many hiking, biking and OHV trails, along with volleyball, horseshoes, basketball, and shuffleboard. There are six motel rooms on site. In winter you'll have the opportunity to go snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, tubing, and sledding. Cisco Grove Campgrounds is close to major ski resorts, and pets are welcome. Guess what? It's open year round!
Collins Lake, 7530 Collins Lake Rd, Browns Valley, CA 95918, USA
Collins Lake, previously known as Virginia Ranch Reservoir during its construction, is a freshwater man-made lake with 1,009 acres located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains north of Sacramento. If you love to support small businesses you'll love to know that the concession at the campground has been family owned and run since 1972. There are 109 RV hookups and lots of campsites, too!
Anchor Bay Campground, 35400 CA-1, Gualala, CA 95445, USA
A small, six-acre, privately-owned campground known as Anchor Bay Campground is located along Mendocino County’s scenic Highway One, fronting right on the Pacific Ocean. It lies in a narrow gulch filled with native redwood trees, ferns, and other coastal flora, and opens onto 1/2-mile-long Anchor Bay Beach. With 27 overnight camping spots (four in the redwoods and 23 at or on the beach), we think this one has your name all over it.
Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA Journey, 44300 Kinney Rd, Manchester, CA 95459, USA
This area features the best of California in one spectacular location: two local lighthouses, Anderson Valley wineries, the picturesque village of Mendocino and magnificent redwoods. Anglers can also fish nearby. At camp, enjoy hayrides, ice cream socials, family activities, wine tastings and holiday events. Manchester Beach KOA offers bocce courts, a disc golf course, large interactive dog park, community campfire area and year-round hot tub. Yes. Please.
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Fernwood Campground and Resort, 47200 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
Fernwood Resort is happy to share its forest, Big Sur River, and meadow view campground with you. These campsites are located near the Big Sur River bordering Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This gives you direct access to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and all the conveniences of Fernwood Resort. Even better is that their campground has two bath houses with hot showers to add a camping-cherry on top.
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Coloma Resort, 6921 Mt Murphy Rd, Coloma, CA 95613, USA
Far from the distractions of the city, in the midst of tranquil surroundings, Coloma Resort offers the perfect setting to connect with the abundant beauty of nature. Whether you're eager for whitewater adventure or are seeking the opportunity to simply relax by the river, come pitch your tent by the American River. They'd love to have you!
Glory Hole Recreation Area, 6503 Glory Hole Rd, Angels Camp, CA 95222, USA
Glory Hole Recreation Area is located at New Melones Lake on the Stanislaus River. The 12,500 surface-acre lake is the fifth largest lake in California and is situated along the edge of the Mother Lode, the rich gold vein that prompted the California Gold Rush of 1849. Here's what they offer: fishing, boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and picnicking. Whew!
Gerle Creek Campground, Pollock Pines, CA 95726, USA
Gerle Creek Campground sits at an elevation of 5,300 feet, upstream of Gerle Creek Divide Reservoir. It is on the Georgetown Divide within the Eldorado National Forest. Gerle Creek was named for two brothers who were early settlers and farmers in the region. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are some of the fun things to do on the creek. Common fish species include brown and rainbow trout. An accessible fishing dock is located onsite.
Sitting at about 7,800 feet in elevation, Caples Lake Campground is located adjacent to Caples Lake on Highway 88 and has 34 sites available. The campground offers tent units with a spur length of 25 to 40 feet. Tent, trailer or R.V. sites are available with spur lengths of 25 to 40 feet. There are seven walk-in campsites, and one double family site.
This breathtaking footage shows just how stunning Caples Lake is no matter the season:
This breathtaking footage shows just how stunning Caples Lake is no matter the season:
Donner Memorial State Park, 12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada, Donner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.
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Bowman Campground, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
Here's the checklist for your weekend overnight adventure: Gorgeous destination? Great day hikes? Mountain biking? Backpacking option with lakeside tent sites? Bring your dog? Swimming? Fishing? Ideal for SUV? Lodging options? Not too many people? There aren't many places that earn check marks right down the list. One of the few anywhere that does is the Bowman Lake Recreation Area. FYI: The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous.
Big Trees, CA 95223, USA
Calaveras Big Trees became a State Park in 1931 to preserve the North Grove of giant sequoias. This grove includes the "Discovery Tree," also known as the "Big Stump," the first Sierra redwood noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852. Pick from two main campgrounds with a total of 129 campsites, six picnic areas and several miles of established trails. During the summer, enjoy evening ranger talks, numerous interpretive programs, environmental educational programs, junior ranger programs, hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and activities for schoolchildren.
Take a brief walk around Calaveras Big Trees in this short video:
Take a brief walk around Calaveras Big Trees in this short video:
Which of these amazing campgrounds in NorCal have you been to? Better yet, share your absolute all-time favorite camping in Northern California in the comments – we love hearing from you!
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More to Explore
Camping in Northern California
- Where are some of the best places for camping in Northern California?
Northern California is well-known for having some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. What better way to get out and enjoy it than via a good camping trip? Some of the best places for camping in Northern California are dreamy places like:
- Sinkyone Wilderness State Park – This incredible, 60-mile stretch of wilderness is some of the most breathtaking in the state. Why not sleep here?
- Jedediah Smith Campground – If you want to get away from it all, Jedediah Smith Campground is THE place to do it.
- Wright’s Beach Campground – We seriously can’t imagine a lot of things more amazing than camping on the beach.
Learn more about these amazing places for camping in NorCal.
- What are some of the most beloved places for camping in NorCal?
When it comes to camping in NorCal, there are TONS of options, and sometimes it might be a little overwhelming to try and pick. So, why not start with some of the most popular campgrounds in NorCal? These include:
- D.L. Bliss State Park Campground – Okay, just about any campground on or near Lake Tahoe counts, including this incredible one.
- Manzanita Lake Campground – This incredible campground is a natural wonder in and of itself located within Lassen Volcanic National Park.
- Burlington Campground – This campground is incredible, as it’s nestled among the redwoods at Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Learn more about D.L. Bliss State Park and all its quirky wonders.
- Where is some of the all-time best camping in California?
Craving even more? Well, you’re in luck, because obviously, these lists are nowhere near complete. Some other awesome camping in Northern California can be done at:
- Navarro River Redwoods State Park – Redwoods? An incredible beach? Good times? Check, to all three. Take your pick from 25 developed sites and 10 primitive ones.
- Union Landing State Beach – Another amazing camping area right on the beach, Union Landing is everything that’s right with our state.
- Humboldt Lagoons State Park – This breathtaking park is home to some truly majestic views and humbling places to sleep. It’s awe-inspiring.
Learn more about all these amazing places for camping in California, and then some!