10 Best Camping Spots in Northern California for Nature Lovers

Northern California ranks among the top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts in the United States. Nature lovers will find some of the most varied camping experiences here. The landscape features towering redwood forests, pristine lakes, volcanic terrains, and scenic coastal areas. These camping spots have managed to keep excellent facilities that work perfectly for experienced campers and families alike.

Campers can discover state parks, national forests, and coastal regions during their adventures. The area’s campsites come alive with activities like hiking, fishing, stargazing, and water sports. Natural wonders await at Lake Tahoe, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Bodega Bay. These ten carefully picked locations represent the region’s most spectacular outdoor spaces. Each spot delivers its own unique features and amenities that create lasting memories for outdoor adventurers.

D.L. Bliss State Park

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D.L. Bliss State Park spans 744 acres of pristine Lake Tahoe shoreline. The park became part of the California State Park System in 1929, bearing the name of a trailblazing regional lumberman, railroad owner, and banker.

D.L. Bliss State Park Location

D.L. Bliss State Park welcomes visitors along Lake Tahoe’s western shore. The park gates open from late May through September but close during winter because of weather conditions. Visitors can experience true Sierra Nevada mountain landscapes at this park, which elevation exceeds 6,200 feet.

D.L. Bliss State Park Amenities

Visitors can choose from three unique campground areas:

• Pines Campground: Spacious, private sites sit next to the ranger station
• Ridge Campground: A perfect spot halfway between Pines and the beach
• Beach Campground: The prime spot for easy beach access

The park offers 250+ campsites that give you the basics you need:

• A table with food storage locker
• A cooking stove
• Clean restrooms and hot showers nearby
• Space that fits trailers up to 15 feet or motorhomes up to 18 feet

D.L. Bliss State Park Scenic Beauty

Lester Beach and Calawee Cove are the park’s crown jewels that feature crystal-clear waters where visitors can swim, scuba dive, and paddleboard. The legendary Rubicon Trail winds along the lake and leads hikers to Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay, offering breathtaking views. Majestic sugar pines, ponderosa pines, and incense cedars thrive in the granitic soil and create a stunning natural backdrop.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park stands majestically in the Cascade Range. This natural wonder ranks among California’s most impressive sights. The park features the stunning 129-foot Burney Falls that creates a spectacular display as water tumbles down volcanic rock.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Explains

This magnificent state park covers 910 acres with a variety of landscapes that showcase lush forests and stunning geological formations. Visitors can view the falls from several spots, though the most breathtaking sights await at the falls’ base. The park welcomes most guests between April and October. Nature enthusiasts should plan their visits during weekdays to avoid larger crowds.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Activities

Lake Britton is the heart of recreational activities at the park. Visitors can enjoy:

• Swimming and boating in the pristine waters
• Fishing and exciting water sports
• Scenic hiking trails that connect to the famous Pacific Crest Trail
• Natural settings perfect for photography and wildlife spotting
• Crystal-clear waters ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Camping Options

The park’s campground offers 104 well-equipped sites just a short walk from the falls. Campers can choose from several options. Standard spots accommodate both tents and RVs up to 32 feet, while dedicated areas serve tent campers exclusively. The park provides rustic cabins with one or two bedrooms and sets aside special spots for PCT hikers and bikers.

Campers will find everything they need for a comfortable stay. The grounds come equipped with drinking water, flush toilets, and hot showers. A convenient dump station serves RV guests. The park’s visitor center and camp store stock camping supplies, snacks, and firewood for your outdoor adventure.

Bodega Dunes Campground

Nestled along the shoreline of Bodega Harbor in Sonoma Coast State Park, Bodega Dunes Campground is a chance to experience coastal camping at its best. 98 single-family campsites lie scattered among spindly cypress trees and rolling sand dunes.

Bodega Dunes Campground Overview

The campground welcomes visitors with 18 sites available throughout the year. From early May to October, it operates at full capacity. Campers can choose between tents and RVs up to 31 feet long, with three loops offering unique spots ranging from protected dune areas to sunny, open spaces.

Bodega Dunes Campground Facilities

Your campsite comes with everything you need:

• Table and fire ring with grill
• Bear-proof food storage box
• Clean flush toilets and hot showers (coin-operated)
• Fresh drinking water stations
• RV dump station

The campground offers reliable cell service and features four well-maintained restrooms with shower facilities. Travelers on foot or bicycle can find special hiker/biker campsites that are available throughout the grounds.

Bodega Dunes Campground Beach Access

Bodega Dunes Campground sits within the magnificent 5,000-acre expanse of Sonoma Coast State Park. Visitors can explore more than ten miles of breathtaking shoreline. The dunes feature a five-mile network of trails that lead to South Salmon Creek Beach, just a mile away. Nature enthusiasts flock to Bodega Head in winter months. This spot ranks among the North Coast’s best whale-watching locations, where visitors can spot gray whales as they migrate from December through April.

Lake Siskiyou Resort and Camp

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Lake Siskiyou Resort and Camp sits at the base of Mount Shasta and provides a pristine outdoor experience with stunning mountain views. The destination welcomes families and combines lakeside activities with cozy accommodations. Visitors can use this perfect basecamp to learn about Northern California’s natural wonders.

Lake Siskiyou Resort and Camp Setting

The resort stands at an elevation of 3,200 feet with breathtaking views of Mount Shasta and the Shasta Trinity National Forest. A magnificent 2/3-square mile lake serves as the centerpiece, creating a peaceful backdrop. Natural shade and privacy abound in the surrounding forest areas.

Lake Siskiyou Resort and Camp Activities

Lake Siskiyou offers amazing recreational activities:

• Swimming in crystal-clear waters
• Boating and kayaking on the lake
• Fishing from multiple access points
• Hiking the 7-mile lake trail
• Birdwatching in natural surroundings

The resort’s marina provides boat rentals alongside a swimming beach with water slides and a camp store that sells fishing tackle. A scenic trail that circles the lake has managed to keep its pristine condition. Visitors can access beautiful viewpoints and multiple trailheads throughout the year.

Lake Siskiyou Resort and Camp Accommodation Options

Lake Siskiyou Resort welcomes guests with accommodations that match different priorities. Cabin options blend comfort with convenience, ranging from intimate studios to roomy three-bedroom houses. Visitors can book these spaces starting at $153 per night. The welcoming campground offers 149 camping spaces that include 116 full hookup sites and 33 water/electric sites. RV enthusiasts will find plenty of space with sites that fit vehicles up to 60 feet long, offering both pull-through and back-in options.

Utica and Union Reservoirs

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, twin reservoirs Utica and Union showcase crystal-clear waters against dramatic granite backdrops. These mountain gems started as mining operation sites. Today, they stand as pristine spots that outdoor enthusiasts love to explore.

Utica and Union Reservoirs Location

Utica and Union Reservoirs lie off Spicer Reservoir Road, approximately two miles from Highway 4. Gravel roads provide access to both reservoirs and lead to their distinct camping areas. These reservoirs blend accessibility with wilderness seclusion perfectly.

Utica and Union Reservoirs Scenic Beauty

These stunning reservoirs showcase impressive granite formations and scattered islands, especially at Utica Reservoir. Crystal-clear waters create perfect conditions for photographers and explorers. Utica’s west side features a shallow swimming hole surrounded by large granite slabs where visitors can sunbathe comfortably.

Utica and Union Reservoirs Activities

These beautiful reservoirs welcome visitors who enjoy non-motorized recreation. Utica Reservoir manages all boating activities without motors. Visitors can enjoy:

• Kayaking and canoeing around scenic islands
• Swimming in pristine waters
• Fishing in both reservoirs
• Mountain biking on the Slick Rock Road

The area’s four campgrounds provide 52 sites for overnight stays. Sandy Flat and Rocky Point serve Utica, while Union East and West welcome campers. Union Reservoir has a primitive boat launch where boats must stay under five mph. Utica’s two dirt ramps allow visitors to hand-launch their non-motorized vessels.

Gualala Point Regional Park

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Gualala Point Regional Park stands where the Gualala River meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a stunning display of natural harmony. This 103-acre oceanfront park stretches across both sides of Highway 1 and provides visitors a unique blend of coastal and riverside experiences.

Gualala Point Regional Park Overview

This beautiful park combines a vast beach and estuary system that goes together with one another with a riverside forested campground. Visitors can explore the center during most weekends and learn about North Coast history, Native American heritage, and the local marine environment. The park’s prime location creates perfect opportunities for outdoor activities while the atmosphere remains peaceful and uncrowded.

Gualala Point Regional Park Camping Options

This cozy campground features 19 sites that are managed to keep in excellent condition for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 24 feet in length. Camping amenities include:

• Flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers
• Electrical outlets in restrooms
• Generator usage allowed from 8 AM to 8 PM
• Six walk-in sites nestled in a peaceful bay tree grove

Gualala Point Regional Park Natural Attractions

The park features 2.9 miles of coastal trails that connect its natural wonders. Whale Watch Point serves as a perfect spot to observe migrating whales. The available beach trail rewards visitors with spectacular views of offshore rock formations. Stretching southward, the Bluff Top Trail links to The Sea Ranch coastal access trails and creates extended hiking possibilities for adventure seekers.

Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds

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Lassen Volcanic National Park’s campgrounds provide a unique camping experience among otherworldly volcanic terrain in Northern California’s most active geothermal region.

Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds Overview

Lassen Volcanic National Park’s seven distinct campgrounds welcome visitors, though some remain closed in 2024 due to fire recovery. Recreation.gov handles advance reservations that guests can make up to six months ahead. Each campsite gives you the essential amenities – a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant storage locker that keeps visitors safe.

Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds Expresses

The park has these notable camping areas:

• Manzanita Lake Campground: A premier location Features 91 sites and offers extensive amenities with a camper store
• Summit Lake: The area splits between North and South sections and provides 51 combined sites
• Southwest Walk-in Campground: Winter enthusiasts prefer this year-round camping option

Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds Activities

The park features more than 150 miles of trails that lead adventurous visitors to:

• Hydrothermal features and volcanic formations
• Pristine mountain lakes
• Wildflower meadows
• Winter recreation areas

Park safety rules require visitors to store food in bear-proof containers and limit fires to designated rings. Visitors can connect to free WiFi at the visitor center, but cell service remains limited across the park grounds.

Richardson Grove State Park

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Richardson Grove State Park is 101 years old. This North Coast landmark was one of the first redwood state parks. The park protects approximately 2,000 acres of old-growth coast redwoods and the scenic South Fork Eel River.

Richardson Grove State Park Redwood Experience

Ancient redwoods welcome visitors to an intimate encounter with these towering giants along the Grove Nature Trail, an available pathway that showcases the park’s oldest trees. Visitors can start their journey from the day-use area through multiple entry points and experience the forest’s peaceful surroundings that support a rich ecosystem.

Richardson Grove State Park Camping Options

Three distinct family campgrounds provide 170 campsites at this beautiful park:

• Huckleberry Campground: Select sites sit peacefully among old-growth redwoods
• Madrone Campground: A natural blend of tanoak woodland and small redwoods awaits campers
• Oak Flat Campground: Scenic riverside spots create perfect camping locations

Each campsite has a picnic table, food locker, and fire pit. Modern restroom facilities and coin-operated hot showers serve all campers. The park’s roads and spaces can handle RVs up to 30 feet and trailers up to 24 feet long.

Richardson Grove State Park River Activities

The South Fork Eel River boosts the camping experience with its pristine swimming holes, especially when you have access from the Dawn Redwood Group Campground. June and July offer optimal swimming conditions. Licensed anglers can enjoy catch-and-release fishing throughout the year. The river’s easy access from the campgrounds makes it a perfect spot for summer activities and family fun.

Lake Oroville Boat-In and Floating Camps

Lake Oroville features a groundbreaking approach with California’s only floating campsites. The lake’s double-decker platforms create a perfect setting to enjoy its pristine waters and scenic beauty.

Experience Lake Oroville’s Unique Boat-In and Floating Camps

Lake Oroville offers ten floating campsites, each accommodating up to 15 people and three vessels. These innovative platforms blend adventure with comfort and feature:

• Sheltered living spaces with picnic tables
• A spacious sun deck above for tent camping
• Propane BBQ grills with food prep stations
• Clean restrooms and secure storage lockers

Lake Oroville Boat-In and Floating Camps Activities

Lake Oroville offers five boat-in campgrounds with different sizes alongside its floating campsites:

• Foreman Creek (26 sites)
• Bloomer Point (25 sites)
• Craig Saddle (18 sites)
• Bloomer Knoll and Goat Ranch (5 sites each)

The lake’s waters welcome visitors to enjoy fishing, water skiing, and paddleboarding. Boat-in campsites blend traditional camping with exclusive water access to create a unique outdoor experience.

Lake Oroville Boat-In and Floating Camps Practical Information

You can book floating campsites up to six months ahead at $175 per night. Here’s what you need to know:

• Your stay starts at 4:00 PM and ends at noon
• Leave your pets at home – they aren’t allowed on floating campsites
• Sites sit within 5 MPH no-wake zones
• You must bring your own drinking water and safety gear

Boat-in campgrounds welcome up to eight people per site and have standard amenities. Each spot comes with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets are just a short walk away.

Seacliff State Beach

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Seacliff State Beach shines as a historic gem on the Monterey Bay coastline. This 92-year-old beach blends rich maritime history with scenic coastal beauty. The iconic SS Palo Alto, a concrete ship, remains proof of California’s innovative maritime past.

Seacliff State Beach Location

Seacliff State Beach lies just off Highway 1 near Aptos and connects easily to Santa Cruz and Capitola. A one-mile stretch of pristine shoreline welcomes visitors with sweeping views of Monterey Bay. The park currently open with restricted services faces limitations from severe storm damage that occurred in early 2023.

Seacliff State Beach Attractions

Seacliff State Beach offers several remarkable features. The historic SS Palo Alto concrete ship stands as the beach’s iconic centerpiece. Visitors can enjoy a pristine mile-long white sand beach that provides excellent swimming conditions. The area serves as a natural habitat where people spot whales, sea lions, and dolphins. The beach also features convenient covered picnic areas and an educational visitor center.

Nature enthusiasts can watch whale migrations in winter and spring. The beach’s permanent residents include playful sea otters and diverse shorebirds that call this coastal haven home.

Seacliff State Beach Camping Experience

Storm damage has temporarily closed the campground’s 35 RV sites. The rebuilding process has already started. The facility accommodates RVs and trailers with hookups at the time of operation. New Brighton State Beach offers the nearest camping alternative. Visitors can still enjoy their coastal camping adventures in the area.

Conclusion

Northern California’s camping spots showcase nature at its finest. You’ll find everything from towering redwoods at Richardson Grove to volcanic landscapes at Lassen National Park. These ten spots are among the best outdoor getaways around. Each location brings its own natural charm and comes with great facilities. Campers can choose between classic forest sites and unique floating camps at Lake Oroville. This variety makes the region perfect for both first-time campers and outdoor veterans.

These amazing spots welcome visitors throughout the year, though some areas have seasonal access limits. Each location manages to keep its facilities in great shape and provides easy access to outdoor activities. Campers get to experience California’s natural wonders up close. Bodega Dunes offers stunning coastal views, while Lake Siskiyou shows off mountain landscapes. The ancient redwood groves bring a peaceful escape. Northern California’s campgrounds create lasting memories for anyone who loves nature.

FAQs

Can I camp at no cost in California’s national forests?
Yes, you can generally camp for free in most of California’s national forests unless specified otherwise. These forests are public lands managed by federal agencies like the Forest Service.

How can I identify an ideal camping spot?
To find the perfect camping spot, look for sites that offer direct access to natural features such as rocks, trees, and creeks. You can also check online for photos, reviews, or maps of the campsite to see if there are any nearby water bodies, which could enhance your camping experience.

Where is dispersed camping permitted in California?
Dispersed camping is allowed in California’s National Forests, with the exception of areas around Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, Bass Lake, Redinger Lake, and the Merced River Canyon. Remember, a campfire permit is required at all times if you plan to have a fire outside of a developed campground.

I’m searching for a camping spot in Northern California, preferably within a 5-hour drive from San Francisco. Any suggestions?
For a camping trip within about 5 hours from San Francisco, particularly along the coast, consider exploring places like Bodega Dunes Campground or Gualala Point Regional Park. These spots are ideal for car camping and offer beautiful coastal views and various recreational activities.