At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. Campsites include electric and water hookups, providing the perfect place to return to after a day at the lake. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. That said, lake camping in northern California during the chilly months can still be fun even without the swimming aspect. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort in Felton, CA Reservations accepted: Yes Best season: Spring, summer, fall Campsite types: Tent, RV, trailers, car camping, cabins RV hookups: Yes You understand that your consent is not a condition of purchase, and that you can opt-out at any time. Chelsea is a full-time RVer and roadschool mom who enjoys traveling the country with her two kids and her husband. Inspired by the surrounding natural beauty, art galleries in Half Moon Bay are packed with remarkable works from talented local artists. 15 Amazing California Lakes For A Camping Vacation - Daytrippen.com - Camping supplies delivered to your camp site (for an additional charge), including cooler rentals, ice, and smores kits. Then a few seconds later the "Worksource Center" and we are just past that on the same side of the road. On the east side of Donner Summit are a variety of lakes with camping opportunities. Northern California Lakes With RV Campgrounds | USA Today Sherri kayaking Lake Almanor at Sunset, with Mount Lassen in the . Reserve your camp site early for the best availability. Just keep in mind that the maximum camper length in these campgrounds is 35 feet. It's faster, much more scenic and a smoother drive. Off-road enthusiasts will have a heyday will the plethora of 4x4 trails in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. We have multiple sites to accommodate every type of camping from tent camping to tents-attached-to-cars and trucks, to pop-up campers to RVs with or without power and water hookups. Bring a tent and camp between the Douglas-firs and Western Reds. ******************NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED************FRANK'S DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH************ The park has a swim beach as well as a fishing area, and the hiking trail beside the lake is a wonderful way to soak in the beauty of nature. Or, go more remote with Holcomb Valley Campground and enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and picnicking (just remember to pack your own water supply). - Central Camp with tables, BBQ grills (propane provided), filtered water, and weekend fire dish run by staff. Camping in Northern California, California: Best Northern California And across the Avenue of the Giants from the campground, a scattering of hiking paths lead to the South Fork of the Eel River. Other seasonal campgrounds at Humboldt Redwoods include the southern Hidden Springs Campground and the Albee Creek Campground with less traffic driving by. 2023 California.com All Rights Reserved. The information provided on this website is done so without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. - Access to Holland Reservoir, our private lake, for swimming, boating, and fishing. Recreation Area Joshua Tree National Park Blythe, California Recreation Area Klamath National Forest Fort Jones, California Recreation Area Lassen National Forest Hat Creek, California Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! Brandy Creek RV Campground is located onsite and offers fresh water and a dump station, and welcomes RVs up to 35 feet in length. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquitos only restaurant, Frank's Diner. Discover the best of California. At least 20 lakes connect via an intertwining trail system stemming from the campground, including the impressive Gold Lake only a short walk away. Most of the campgrounds on this list can be reserved as well as those with first-come, first-served spots. - Some of the best stargazing in Northern California with frequent meteor showers. With water and electric hookup sites available, Lake Perris State Recreation Areais a lovely place to park your RV. Lakefront sites with concrete pads, water and electric, and fire pits. Shasta-Trinity National Forest Why you should camp here: The largest national forest in California with ample camping, scenic views, and tons of recreation. We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. Plan for plenty of stops to take pictures of this mystical environment. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese flies in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. These Chironomidae are harmless and do not bite. It encompasses a scarred landscape filled with eruptive history and lava tubes. 6 Amazing Lake Camping Spots in Northern California Area Status: Closed The popular Medicine Lake Recreation Area and adjacent Medicine Lake are located in the Medicine Lake Highlands in northeastern California. MacKerricher is a beautiful coastal park just north of Fort Bragg. The campgrounds at Clear Lake State Parkallow you to do all of these things within walking distance of your comfy little home-on-wheels. Northern California camping getaways range from beach vacations to lake camping. Of course, it also helps that lakes tend to be surrounded by beautiful greenery and wildlife, giving you a chance to reconnect with nature. Welcome to Blue Lakes Village - the coziest RV park in the Northern California Trees! A lake offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boating, and swimming, meaning there is plenty of fun to be had. Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and shade trees all make the sites quite nice, and the water access is definitely a major bonus. Between eight different campgrounds in the park, there are almost 500 campsites available for any kind of experience you want to have. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resortoffers campers some seriously awesome views of the lake, Shasta National Forest, and the majestic Mount Shasta. Some of the best camping in Northern California takes place in either state or national parks. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! Redwoods National and State Parks also offer backcountry campsites for those wanting some solitude among the redwoods. Here's where to experience the best lake camping. Collins Lake :: Northern California Fishing, Camping and Boating We have a 1600 acre lake and recreation area with 12 miles of shoreline, nestled in the beautiful California gold country foothills just over an hour North East of Sacramento between Marysville and Grass Valley. These are a few of our favorite places to head into the wilderness. She has written for such well-known sites and companies as Do It Yourself RV, RVLife, Fulltime Families, and Coach-Net, and loves sharing her experience and knowledge here on the RVshare blog. We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. California's Top Lake Camping Destinations Whether you're headed into NorCal or down south, your ideal camping spot awaits you. Address: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mineral, California, Official site: https://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm. North Forebay The three hundred acre Thermalito Forebay is a day use area. Turn right on Hwy 193. Tent Camping For information on Camping Rules and Safety and Pet Safety in the Park (Yes, your pets are welcome!) Less than an hour from LA, Lake Piru Recreation Areais in an absolutely amazing location. Phone +1 831-763-7063. The Best River Camping Destinations in California Campground is behind Frank's Diner. RVshare Respectful Community Policy The campground is popular throughout the year thanks to its proximity to numerous groves of very tall trees. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. Lake Oroville Lake Oroville is a beautiful place for a camping vacation. Shasta Lake Camping. During the winter, the campground converts to first-come, first-served and doesn't fill up as fast. North of the campground, the Granite Bay area of the park has several public boat ramps that access the water. For lake camping, head to one of several natural and artificial reservoirs on the north side of the state. Accommodating both tent and RV camping, the Antlers Campground is atop a bluff overlooking the Sacramento Arm of Shasta Lake. No hookups are available, and RVs are limited to a maximum length of 31 feet. Lakes are no exception, and California has some stunners. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. Each campground offers access to unique areas of the park, such as Bumpass Hell and Lassen Peak. The best lake campgrounds in Northern California are located in the Sierra Nevada region, Lake Tahoe region, and near the San Francisco Bay Area (Napa County). Shasta Lake is situated north of Redding and is a coveted vacation spot, particularly during the summer months. More than 50,000 trout are planted every spring, which means Collins Lake has the largest private planting program North of Sacramento. Fish Plant Log, Last week we received a plant of 3,500 Red Ear Sunfish Fish Plant Log, Last week we received a 1,600 pound Private trout plant including Trophy Rainbow Trout. We've built habitat areas for bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish to keep them plentiful and to keep Collins Lake among the best fishing lakes in the Northstate. Address: Avenue of the Giants, Weott, California, Official site: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=425. Looking for the best lake camping in southern California? Farther south, the best hiking trails near Santa Cruz inspire, with more redwood trees, ocean bluffs, and dramatic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Others have pay showers and laundry facilities close by. It's a place of big proportions, and among the lofty redwood trees that reach over 350 feet in length, the park also features over 100 miles of hiking trails and 250 standard campsites spread throughout three different campgrounds. What are you waiting for? The beautiful Trinity River is dotted with a number of small campgrounds which make great bases from which to enjoy the river. It comes as the . The Recreation Area is located in the Modoc National Forest at an elevation of 6,770 feet. Two popular "reservable" campgrounds at Shasta Lake are Antlers Campground and Lakeshore East Campground. Address. Crater Lake, California, USA 2. You see, the lake camping in southernCalifornia is different, but equally as lovely. While there are still some first-come, first-served sites out there, many are switching to a reservation system. The entire Mendocino Coast is lined with natural attractions and other places to camp. We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. ***The Mosquito Bridge will be closed beginning May 30th until further notice. Official site: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=432. Available for camper use we have: a private beach/dock, WiFi, restroom/shower, mini wash n' dry, fully-fenced dog park, camping games, patio space reserved for campers, and a budding community garden. Some of the best coastal camping in California is found on the Big Sur Coast, and the top campgrounds near Big Sur & Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showcase what makes this scenic section of the coast so special. Campgrounds along Lake Tahoe's western shore range from quiet little gatherings tucked back among the trees to grand state parks with lake views and desirable amenities. If you plan to visit, these are the ten campgrounds we recommend booking! It's a popular spot for activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, and SCUBA diving in the nearby underwater preserve. RVs and tents all find sites at Graham Hill. In this article we will discuss the best lake camping in California, so you can go in well informed and have the camping trip of a lifetime. 7. Our friendly and professional staff will be happy to assist you with camping reservations, current fishing information and any questions you may have. Modoc National Forest - Medicine Lake Recreation Area Nestled in the Inyo National Forest, not too far from June Lake, Mammoth Lakes offers a tranquil escape into the mountains. Additionally, since southern California tends to stay warm year-round, swimming and playing in the area lakes is almost always an option. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. On your right you will pass the 'Pinehurst Lodge', which is on google, an easy reference point and is 1 minute or less away (great food!). Take these incredible weekend road trips to explore the Golden State. Reservations : Camp Edison Online Reservations. Sunscreen is also a must, especially if you will be out on the water where the suns rays can be reflected onto your skin. All are within easy earshot of the ocean. Pinecrest Campground. The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California, according to its Website. My husband and I live in Sacramento, California, and camping in Northern California is our favorite pastime. From catfish and rainbow trout to largemouth and smallmouth bass, the two forks of Lake Isabella have a lot to offer. With plenty of campgrounds to choose fromincluding the Serrano campground nestled within walking distance of Big Bear Lakeyou can pick a new excursion every time you visit. Surrounded by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest near the city of Mount Shasta, Castle Crags State Park is named after the millions-year-old granite spires within its borders. California has you covered. Wondering where you should go for some awesome camping if you happen to be in the top half of the state? The scenic Folsom Lake has three campgrounds available, 30 miles west of Sacramento. From Clingans, head east on the 180 for exactly 13.8 miles to the 245 highway (it comes up quick with only 1 or 2 small signs), make a right, heading south. On 70 wooded acres at the northwest end of Trinity Lake, this outdoor paradise is the perfect base camp to enjoy the magnificence of the Trinity Alps. We have many sites made for you to choose from! Hike right on the ranch. The sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and accommodate primarily tents, SUVs, and small camper vehicles. For those interested in getting on the water, the Antler public boat ramp is adjacent to the campground. Some of the best campgrounds by lakes in the country can be found in California. Situated on 950 acres in the Sierra Mountains' foothills, Lake of the Springs RV Camping Resort offers an unforgettable wilderness experience. We are happy to help! Anglers, rafters, kayakers, and those who just love the outdoors seek out these less-well-known little treasures along the river. This unique sprawling 600-acre property is home to the largest privately-held reservoir in the North Coast region, perfect for swimming and catch & release fishing. California's Top Lake Camping Destinations Our beach offers stunning views of Upper Blue Lake. The 13 Best Lake Camping Spots in California | RVshare The campground has over 100 family sites available for tents or RVs. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. To fully explore the crown jewel of California's national park system, the best campgrounds in Yosemite preview it all. The subalpine lake resides southeast of Yosemite National Park another great stop to add to your itineraryand is part of the June Lake Loop, which encompasses four serene lakes. Join us for incredible fishing, hiking and campfires under the stars. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability. No, swimming is not always allowed. Here, visitors can take self-guided tours of underground lava tubes. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings. For a good look at everything the state has to offer, our article on the Best Hiking Trails in California provides a good guide to start planning a California adventure. We will do our best to assist you to have a memorable event and wonderful time at Harmony Pines!BYA Harmony Pines Camp facility includes: A fully equiped commercial grade kitchen; A dining hall and patio with a 138 capacity which can be divided into two seperate meeting rooms; A large 1,900-sqft multi-purpose round yurt for meetings, mediation, yoga, lecture, etc. This gorgeous body of water has been nicknamed The Jewel of the Sierra, and when you see it, youll understand why. Also in the Sierras is Mammoth Lakes, where many small lakes dot the Alpine landscape.Lake Shasta in Northern California and Big Bear Lake in Southern California also sit amid mountain environments. The most popular campground, Beal's Point Campground, is just north of the Folsom Lake Dam on the western shoreline. Larger vehicles are not advised. PG&E Recreational Areas Thousands of these trout are trophy sized, planted at 3 to 8 pounds and growing even larger. Please take note of the posted pics from directly across the street facing what you will see when you get here. These two public campgrounds are located on the Sacramento River arm of Shasta Lake in the town of Lakehead, California. Everyone loves lakes. The 22 sites at Lakes Basin are often occupied by trail hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders. Of course, if youre going to experience California lake camping, you will want to make sure you find the best places to do so. She has been writing for her entire life and has spent the last 6 years working as a freelance RV blog writer. California's Best Camping website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of any of its maps. Driving times may vary based on conditions. 16 Spectacular Northern California Camping Spots At any time you may encounter farming activities, building out of tiny houses for future bookings, or gardens in the process of creation. Explaining the Team's Las Vegas Move, The 7 Most Affordable Places to Live in the Bay Area, Uncover the Hidden Beach Gems Near Emeryville, California: A Coastal Adventure Awaits, An Overview of The University of California, Santa Cruz, Where to See Oppenheimer in IMAX 70mm format in California, The True California History Behind Christopher Nolan's Film "Oppenheimer", Top 5 Immersive Barbie Experiences in California To Live Out Your Barbiecore Dreams, Living the Dream in Lakeland Village, California, Discover Kingsburg, California: Your Perfect Sunshine Getaway, Sun Village, California: Your Haven of Sunshine and Vibrant Living, We're committed to helping you discover the places, people and businesses that make our state Golden. However, some states do offer exceptions for young children and the elderly. We share our precious water with the entire planet. The Antlers Amphitheater is also adjacent to the campground, and tours of the nearby Lake Shasta Caverns offer a popular day trip nearby. All rental fees are ways of our fundraising to fund our camp operation, maintenance, and youth development programs.Harmony Pines may also be turned in a beautiful place for a nature inspired wedding, family adventure, and reunion event with many exciting winter and summer activities. It has 57 sites surrounded by big trees with a mystical forest appeal. Shingletown, CA Living Springs Resort, a peaceful campground nestled in the woods with majestic tall pine and cedar trees close to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Glacier lakes surround this wooded campground in Plumas National Forest, next to the meandering banks of Gray Eagle Creek. This route also goes right by the nearest gas station on your way up! This includes the stunning Redwoods National and State Parks, preserving some of the last remaining old-growth coastal forests in the world. This one is located about an hour outside of San Diego, but based on the serenity found there, youd never know it. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. . Warm weather, exceptional landscapes, and the feeling of an endless summer make the Golden State the ideal place for lakeside camping. Tucked away in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Alpine View Campgroundis a wonderful place to get away and enjoy all that Trinity Lake has to offer. Medicine Lake Recreation Area, Modoc National Forest Big Bear is surrounded by SoCals San Bernardino National Forest and is best known as a ski destination thanks to its incredible ski resortsbut there is so much more to explore once the snowpack melts. You must take Rock Creek Rd. Hiking trails, mountain biking paths, boating ramps, and fishing spots stretch out in every direction, making this mountain hideaway the perfect place to spend a weekend. When spending time near a lake, children should always wear life jackets. The best campgrounds in Northern California highlight the vast array of environments found in this adventurous half of the state. If you hit the park entrance, you went too far, turn around drive back about 5 min and look for the 245 on your left. Jedediah Smith is one of three state parks jointly operated with Redwoods National Park. Read More: Top Things to Do in Fort Bragg, California. This Gold Country landscape just begs to be explored with plenty of incredible views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Both state parks and their campgrounds have hiker/biker sites that are most commonly used by hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. Lassen Volcanic National Park makes for a wonderful camping destination. Some of the best campgrounds in California are scattered through the coastal redwood region known as the Redwood Empire. Learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process. Address: Elwell Lodge Road, Blairsden-Graeagle, California, Official site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/plumas/recreation/recarea/?recid=11199. The Graham Hill Campground at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is one of the best campgrounds near Santa Cruz. See also Little Medicine Lake Picnic Area