The 31 Best Northern California Camping Spots (2024)
Want to know all the best Northern California camping spots? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
There are so many amazing places to go camping in Northern California, so we’re breaking it down for you.
From state parks, to national parks, to camping spots that are better for tents vs RVs, and more, we’re covering it all.
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5 Best Overall Northern California Camping Spots
If you don’t have time to read this whole post, here are the top 5 overall camping spots in Northern California.
1. Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday
Location: 900 N Mt Shasta Blvd, Mt Shasta, CA 96067
This KOA is an excellent RV, cabin, and tent camping spot.
With plenty of activities available during the summer months, such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the lake, this area offers the best of what Northern California has to offer.
We love camping at KOAs when we travel because of all of the amenities, convenient locations, and excellent prices.
2. D.L. Bliss State Park Campground
Location: 8041 CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 95634
The D.L. Bliss Campground is currently undergoing a major infrastructure update and will be re-opening for the Summer 2024 camping season.
Check back here or on their website for updated information when they re-open.
3. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Location: 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest state park in California and one of the best places to go camping in Northern California.
With more than 80 miles of trails along with dozens of streams and waterfalls, there’s plenty to explore here.
Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis, so make sure you arrive early to snag a spot!
4. Angel Island State Park
Location: Marin County, California
Angel Island State Park is an excellent choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
This little island off the coast of San Francisco features campsites overlooking the bay as well as some incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
You can take a ferry directly to Angel Island, making it one of the best camping destinations in Northern California.
5. Del Valle Regional Park
Location: 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore, CA 94550
Del Valle Regional Park offers some of the best RV, tent, and cabin camping in Northern California.
The park has plenty of amenities including 35 miles of trails for biking and hiking, fishing spots, and even boat rentals on Lake Del Valle.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or an extended stay, Del Valle Regional Park has something for everyone!
Best Campgrounds For Tent Camping In Northern California
If you’re specifically looking for campgrounds that have the best tent sites, these will be your best options.
6. Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Location: Miranda, CA
Humboldt Redwoods State Park is home to the world’s largest sequoia grove and best tent camping in Northern California.
With a variety of campsites filled with towering redwood trees, this park offers a serene escape.
There are miles of trails for hiking and biking, plus fishing spots along the Eel River.
Make sure to book early.
These sites fill up fast!
7. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Location: 3801 Saint Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park near Calistoga is a great spot for campers looking for some peace and quiet.
The campground offers stunning views of Napa Valley vineyards (or maybe Sonoma is more your thing) as well as access to over 12 miles of trails.
There are plenty of tent sites, but they also offer cabins and yurts.
8. Van Damme State Park
Location: 8125 N Highway 1, Little River, CA 95456
Van Damme State Park is located in the redwood-filled Mendocino Coast region and is one of the best campgrounds for tents in Northern California.
With campsites set among towering Douglas firs, this spot offers some of the best views around.
You can also take advantage of the beach access as well as miles of trails that lead to nearby Gualala Point Regional Park Reserve.
9. Indian Flat Campground
Location: 9988 State Hwy 140, El Portal, CA 95318
Indian Flat Campground is situated along the banks of El Dorado National Forest and is an ideal site for those looking for a more remote camping experience.
There are only 25 tent sites here, so make sure to book early if you want a spot.
They also offer 25 RV sites and 2 cabins and 1 tent cabin.
The best part about Indian Flat Campground is that it’s just outside of Yosemite National Park.
10. Samuel P Taylor State Park
Location: 8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, CA 94938
Samuel P Taylor State Park near San Rafael offers one of the best tent camping experiences in Northern California with miles of lush woods and open meadows.
The campsites come with fire pits, picnic tables, and plenty of space for tents.
There are also new cabin sites that can be reserved too.
Adventurous campers can also explore nearby Lime Kiln Valley or take a hike on some of the park’s beautiful trails.
Best RV Campgrounds in Northern California
Though most campgrounds previously mentioned offer RV camping too, these are the best campgrounds specifically for RV camping.
11. Liberty Glen Lake Sonoma Recreation Area
Location: 3333 Skaggs Springs Road, Geyserville, CA 95441
Lake Sonoma is the perfect spot for campers looking for a combination of RV and tent camping options in Northern California.
This recreation area offers a variety of activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, and more!
12. Big Silver Group Campground
Location: 7887 Hwy 50, Pollock Pines, CA 95726
Big Silver Group Campground is located near Bassi Falls and offers plenty of opportunities for RV and tent camping.
There are RV and tent camping sites for up to 50 guests at a time with 3 tent units, 4 RV units, and 3 walk-in camp units.
In addition to breathtaking scenery, you can also take advantage of nearby hiking trails or explore the park on horseback.
13. Emerald Forest Cabins & RV
Location: 753 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570
Camp among the redwoods in the Emerald Forest and along the beautiful coast of Trinidad, California.
There are 70 RV camping sites with hookups that usually run for about $35-$48 per night.
Amenities include a clubhouse, laundry, playgrounds, an arcade, and horseshoe pits.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Emerald Forest Cabin Today!
14. Bidwell Canyon Campground
Location: 801 Bidwell Canyon Road, Oroville, CA 95966
Bidwell Canyon Campground at Lake Oroville is one of the best campgrounds in Northern California for RV camping.
The campsites come equipped with full hookups and plenty of amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and even a general store for supplies.
Plus there are plenty of nearby trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
15. Francis Beach Campground at Half Moon Bay
Location: 95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Francis Beach Campground has 52 sites, most of which have electrical hookups.
Being on the beach, this campground books up well in advance, so plan your trip well in advance.
Best Cabin Campgrounds In Northern California
If tent camping and RV camping aren’t really your thing, then maybe cabins are more up your alley.
All of my extended family takes a camping trip every Easter weekend to a different state park in Ohio (since that’s where most of them live) and we always rent out a group of cabins together.
I highly recommend it if you’ve never done it before!
16. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts
Location: 14900 West Highway 12, Lodi, CA 95242
Jellystone Park has 7 different types of cabins to choose from with varying amenities and touches of luxury.
This campground is right along a river with a marina for a variety of outdoor activities.
17. Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Location: 3644 Avtech Parkway, Redding, CA 96002 (Headquarters)
Shasta-Trinity National Forest near Redding is one of the best spots for cabin camping in Northern California.
This forest is home to numerous campgrounds that offer a range of cabin options, ranging from primitive tent sites to deluxe cabins with full amenities.
You can also take advantage of nearby activities such as fishing, boating, and horseback riding.
18. Thousand Trails Russian River
Location: 33655 Geysers Road, Cloverdale, CA 95425
Thousand Trails have a variety of cabins and cottages to choose from with different layouts that sleep anywhere from 4-6 guests.
Some are pet friendly, some are not.
19. Yosemite National Park
Location: 9010 Curry Village Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA
Yosemite National Park is one of the best places to stay if you’re looking for cabins in Northern California.
The park’s Curry Village is in the center of Yosemite Valley, making it a perfect location for a camping stay in Yosemite National Park.
There are 46 cabins with private baths, 14 cabins with a shared bathhouse, 403 canvas tent cabins, and 18 standard motel rooms.
20. Big Sur Campground & Cabins
Location: 47000 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Big Sur Campground & Cabins is a great spot for cabin camping near Monterey Bay.
This campground offers a variety of accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to deluxe cabins with full amenities including hot showers, fire pits, and even private balconies!
Plus there are plenty of activities nearby like hiking and whale watching that make this the perfect spot for an unforgettable vacation.
Best Redwood National Park Campgrounds
I already shared about Yosemite National Park’s campground cabins, but if you’re looking to visit the other National Parks in Northern California, these are the campgrounds available at Redwood National Park.
21. Jedediah Smith Campground
Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (Hwy 199, 10 miles east of Crescent City, CA)
This campground is open all year and offers 86 tent or RV sites.
They have hot showers, restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, barbecues, food lockers, and other amenities.
There are also cabins available at this campground.
22. Mill Creek Campground
Location: Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park (Hwy 101, 7 miles south of Crescent City, CA)
This campground is open May 18 through September 30.
They offer 145 tent or RV sites.
There are hot showers, restrooms, picnic tables, firepits, barbecues, food lockers, and more.
23. Elk Prairie Campground
Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, 6 miles north of Orick, CA)
This campground is open year round.
They offer 75 tent or RV sites.
There are hot showers, restrooms, picnic tables, firepits, barbecues, food lockers, and more.
24. Gold Bluffs Beach
Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (Davison Road, 10 miles north of Orick, CA)
This campground is typically open year round.
They offer 26 tent or RV sites, with no hookups.
Their amenities include solar showers, restrooms, wind shelters, picnic tables, firepits, barbecues, food lockers, and more.
Best Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds
The last of the Northern California National Parks, these are the campgrounds available in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
25. Butte Lake Campground
Butte Lake Campground has 101 camping sites that are usually open from June through October.
There is no cell service at this campground and the only amenities are really just vault toilet restrooms and recreation access.
26. Juniper Lake Campground
Juniper Lake’s camping sites are all first come first serve, except for group camp sites.
There are 18 sites total.
Their operating season is very dependent on the weather conditions, and may have a delayed re-opening for the 2023 camping season.
27. Lost Creek Group Campground
Lost Creek offers only group camp sites.
They have 8 sites in total that are available from June 9 through September 18.
However, this campground will be closed July 29 through August 8.
28. Manzanita Lake Campground
Manzanita Lake campground opens May 19 and stays open until snow forces closures.
They offer 179 camp sites, 20 camping cabins, and 4 group sites.
29. Summit Lake Campground
Summit Lake Campground is open June 23 through September 23 with 46 camping sites.
30. Southwest Campground
Southwest Campground is exclusively for vehicle camping in the parking lot.
There are 20 spots available.
31. Warner Valley Campground
Warner Valley Campground has 17 camping sites.
It was impacted by the Dixie Fire in 2021 and has yet to re-open.
Check the Lassen Volcanic National Park website before your visit to get updates on campground opening and closing dates, as well as reservation availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions we see about camping in Northern California.
✅ What Is The Weather Like In Northern California?
The weather in Northern California varies depending on the season and location.
In general, summers are generally warm and dry with temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit (21-32°C).
Winters can be cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit (7-16°C).
Spring and Fall tend to have mild temperatures and some rainfall.
You can expect plenty of sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal location for camping trips or outdoor activities.
Additionally, the region is known for its coastal breezes which keep things comfortable during hotter months.
When planning your trip, be sure to check the forecast ahead of time so you can plan accordingly!
Overall, Northern California offers a variety of climates and temperatures that make it an ideal destination for camping.
From mild summers to cool winters, there’s something for everyone in this region!
✅ When Is The Best Time To Go Camping In Northern California?
The best time to go camping in Northern California depends on what type of experience you are looking for.
Generally, the spring and fall months offer the best weather, with mild temperatures and some rainfall.
This is a great option if you’re looking for a relaxing outdoor getaway.
If you want to take advantage of recreational activities like boating or fishing in nearby lakes, summer is your ideal season as this generally brings longer days and warmer temperatures.
For those seeking more solitude and fewer crowds, winter can also be an excellent time to camp in Northern California as many parks tend to have fewer visitors during this period (as long as the weather permits).
No matter the season, make sure to check the forecast ahead of time so that you can plan accordingly for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
✅ Why is it so hard to find campsites in California?
Finding a great campsite in California can be a daunting task!
With so many stunning locations and beautiful national parks, it can be difficult to narrow down exactly where to stay.
Additionally, California is a popular destination for RVers and campers due to its year-round temperate climate, meaning that campsites can fill up quickly during peak season.
This makes it difficult to find available spots unless you book well in advance.
Furthermore, the majority of public campgrounds are first-come, first-serve since they generally don’t take reservations (or the reservation window is quite short).
This means that you’ll need luck on your side if you want to grab an open spot when you arrive.
✅ Are There Any Campgrounds in Northern California With Yurts?
Yes!
Yurts are a popular camping option in Northern California, and several campgrounds have them.
Some popular places to find yurts include Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Van Damme State Park, and Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
These offer the perfect combination of nature and luxury—allowing you to unwind without sacrificing comfort.
Yurts typically come with electricity access, furniture, beds, and locking doors for extra security.
Most campgrounds also feature other amenities such as hot showers, flush toilets, and picnic tables.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or an action-packed adventure in nature, these campsites offer something
✅ What Wild Animals Are In Northern California?
Northern California is home to a wide variety of wild animals.
The most common mammals that inhabit the region include coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, black bears, deer, and foxes.
In addition to these land-based creatures, Northern California also boasts an impressive selection of water dwelling wildlife such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales and more!
Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting some of the avian inhabitants such as bald eagles, ospreys, and even peregrine falcons.
Reptiles are also abundant in this area including rattlesnakes and lizards.
If you’re lucky enough to spot any of these animals while camping in Northern California, maybe you can take a photo from a safe distance and remember to respect their habitat.
Tips For Northern California Camping
Northern California camping is different from many other areas due to the climate, elevation changes, wildlife, and more.
Here are some tips for camping in Northern California to keep in mind.
☑️ Check the forecast ahead of time
Northern California is known for its wide range of climates and temperatures, so it’s important to check the forecast ahead of time when planning your trip.
☑️ Consider what you’d like to do
If you’re looking for recreational activities such as boating or fishing in nearby lakes, summer is your ideal season.
If you want a quiet escape among redwoods, spring or fall are better options.
☑️ Book early
Campsites can fill up quickly during peak season, so be sure to book well in advance if possible!
☑️ Look into yurts
Yurt camping is becoming increasingly popular in Northern California and offers the perfect combination of nature and luxury.
☑️ Bring the right gear
Make sure you have all the necessary items for your camping trip, such as a tent, sleeping bags, and a camp stove.
Also remember to pack rain gear in case of inclement weather.
Fun Itineraries For Visiting Northern California
When considering where to go camping in Northern California, take a look at the places you’d like to visit on your travels.
Here are some of our favorite itineraries.
✔️ Calaveras County Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Calaveras County is a great hidden gem in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just to the Northwest of Yosemite National Park.
This rural area has a historic downtown, wineries, and great outdoor activities.
✔️ Monterey and Pacific Coast Highway Day Trip Itinerary
Camping on the beach is a great pastime in California.
This itinerary takes you along the Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey all the way down to Orange County.
✔️ Muir Woods National Monument Easy Half Day Hiking Itinerary
If you’re visiting the San Francisco or Napa Valley areas, this half day Muir Woods excursion is a great addition to your itinerary.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Muir Woods Tour Today!
✅ Lassen Volcanic National Park One Day Itinerary
I’ve visited dozens of National Parks in the US and Lassen Volcanic is easily the most underrated park I have ever been to.
This itinerary is the perfect day trip if you’re camping in the Lassen region.
✔️ Redwood National Park Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Redwood National Park is made up of many state parks, so there is so much to explore in such a small area.
✔️ Yosemite National Park One Day Summer Itinerary
Yosemite National Park is iconic.
Whether you’re camping in the park or visiting the nearby area, this one day itinerary is perfect to add to your camping trip.
Conclusion: Best Northern California Camping Spots
No matter what type of experience you’re looking for, Northern California has something to offer everyone!
With the right preparation and planning, you can have an unforgettable camping adventure in this beautiful part of the world.
With so many great campgrounds to choose from in Northern California, you are sure to find the perfect spot.
