Four Stunning California State Parks Where You Can Camp All Year-Round

Some of the best campsites in Northern California can be found in the spectacular state parks scattered in this part of the county. From the coast to the redwoods, along rushing rivers, and in steep mountainous terrain, you will find a Northern California state park campground to suit your particular needs and desires. Although many state park campgrounds are only open seasonally, there are those that welcome guests year-round. The following are four that should be listed on any state park campground bucket list when you're in Northern California.

1. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

The Sierra Nevada foothills, located approximately 25 miles east of Sacramento, are one of the best places to enjoy the great outdoors. It is here that you will find the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. There are three campgrounds within the Recreation Area, but Beal's Point is the only campground open year-round. Resting near the shores of Folsom Lake, Beal’s Point encompasses 69 family campsites for use by RVers, folks pulling trailers, and those in tents who choose to sleep under the stars.

2. Burlington Campground

If soaring redwood trees are your thing, then you’re in for a real treat at Burlington Campground. It is situated within an awe-inspiring second-growth redwood forest along the Avenue of the Giants inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Here you will find 57 campsites for those arriving by motor vehicle (be forewarned – some vehicles may not be able to navigate the narrow access roads), as well as three "hike and bike sites" for those venturing here for year-round camping in Northern California via two-feet—whether hiking or cycling.

3. Castle Crags State Park

One of California’s most picturesque spots for the best state park camping is Castle Crags, located just 14 miles south of the City of Mount Shasta. The topography of this state park is magnificent, featuring steep, soaring, rugged, granite peaks believed to be over 170 million years old. Campers will find 76 campsites, each offering close access to the necessary bathing facilities, in addition to their amenities including a food locker and for those cool evenings, a fire ring.

4. MacKerricher State Park

Officially opened in 1952, MacKerricher State Park, just a stone’s throw north of Fort Bragg, possesses a rich history. The Mendocino Indian Reservation was once sited here, and logging and shipping enterprises were for a time the dominant commerce entities in northern Mendocino County. Because the park is located along Highway 1, campers here have a unique opportunity to enjoy not just the campground open year- round, but diverse ecosystems including dunes, beaches, tide pools, wetlands, headlands, and bluffs as well.

These four campgrounds simply can’t be beaten for year-round outdoor living fun! Have you camped at any of these amazing year-round spots? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences in the following comments section.

If you’re traveling with the family and looking for an activity the entire family can enjoy, check out these stunning hikes in Northern California too.