Best Campgrounds in Northern California

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

The Best Campgrounds in Northern California: Where to Pitch Your Tent or Park Your RV

I was born and raised in Southern California, so I will always have my SoCal pride. However, when it comes to camping–Northern California is truly where it’s at. And I can admit that. I will gladly make the long drive from San Diego to just about anywhere in NorCal in order to experience some of the most beautiful campgrounds in America.

When it comes to camping in Northern California, you’ll find a little bit of everything. Think towering redwoods, dramatic coastlines, serene lakes, and alpine meadows — all within a few hours’ drive of each other. Northern California is truly a camper’s dream. Here’s a roundup of some of the best campgrounds in Northern California, complete with insider info on amenities and what to do nearby.

1. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground (Near Crescent City)

Why it’s awesome:
You’re camping among some of the tallest trees on Earth. This park is part of the larger Redwoods National and State Parks system, and it’s one of the lushest, greenest places in the state. The campground’s proximity to Smith River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Reservations are highly recommended between May and September. They can be made at ReserveCalifornia.

Amenities:

• Tent and RV sites (no hookups)
• Flush toilets and showers
• Picnic tables, fire rings
• Ranger programs in summer

Things to do nearby:

• Hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail or Stout Grove
• Kayak or fish in the Smith River
• Drive the scenic Howland Hill Road

Note: Vehicle Restrictions – Due to narrow roads and tight curves, RVs are limited to a maximum length of 25 feet, and trailers to 21 feet .

2. D.L. Bliss State Park (Lake Tahoe – West Shore)

Why it’s awesome:
Stunning lakeside scenery meets easy access to beaches and hiking trails, all with that crisp mountain air. There are so many beautiful campgrounds in Lake Tahoe, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. But the D.L. Bliss State Park is definitely a favorite. And, it’s one of the few campgrounds in Tahoe that allows dogs.

Reservations should be made well in advance, as this campground books up quickly. Go to ReserveCalifornia for reservations up to 6 months in advance. And note: the campground is closed for. the 2025 season.

Amenities:

• Tent and small RV sites (no hookups)
• Flush toilets, coin showers
• Beach access

Things to do nearby:

• Walk the Rubicon Trail
• Swim at Lester Beach
• Kayak or paddleboard the turquoise waters
• Fishing

3. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (Elk Prairie Campground)

Why it’s awesome:
Giant redwoods + roaming elk = a magical camping experience. Nestled within an old-growth redwood forest, Elk Prairie Campground offers a serene environment surrounded by towering trees and open meadows where Roosevelt elk often graze.

You can book reservations up to 6 months in advance on ReserveCalifornia.

Amenities:

• Tent and RV sites (no hookups)
• Flush toilets, coin showers
• Campfire programs in summer

Things to do nearby:

• Explore Fern Canyon
• Spot elk near the campground
• Hike or bike Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

4. Pinecrest Lake Campground (Stanislaus National Forest) – One of the best campgrounds for families in Northern California

Why it’s awesome:
This is a classic summer getaway with a family-friendly lake, hiking trails, and evening campfire movies in the outdoor amphitheater.

This is a very popular campground, and weekends and summer dates will book up far in advance. Reserve your campsite at recreation.gov. You can read more about this campground here.

Amenities:

• Tent and RV sites (no hook-ups, but some sites can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet).
• Flush toilets, no showers
• General store, marina, ice cream shop, restaurant and coffee shop
• There is also a lodge onsite for any non-camper friends

Things to do nearby:

• Swim, boat or fish on Pinecrest Lake
• Hike the Pinecrest Lake Loop Trail
• Watch movies under the stars at Pinecrest Amphitheater

5. Lower Pines Campground (Yosemite National Park – Yosemite Valley)

Why it’s awesome:
You’re right in the middle of the action — Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Cap — all just a shuttle ride or walk away. And really, I’m listing Lower Pines, but you can’t go wrong with any Yosemite campground. Lower Pines, Upper Pines and North Pines are all adjacent in Yosemite Valley, but even campgrounds on the other side of the park would be amazing.

Yosemite campgrounds are next to impossible to book, but if you’re flexible on dates and are persistent, you might be able to snag one! You book online at recreation.gov, and you only get once shot each month, as campsites are released an entire month at a time and sell out in seconds.

Amenities:

• Tent and RV sites (no hookups)
• Flush toilets
• Bear lockers at each site

Things to do nearby:

• Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls
• Raft the Merced River
• Explore Yosemite Valley by bike or shuttle

6. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (Near Burney) – One of the most beautiful campgrounds in Northern California

Why it’s awesome:
Home to one of California’s most breathtaking waterfalls, this campground feels like a hidden gem in the Shasta region. You’ll find both campsites and cabins here, although the cabins have no electricity or plumbing.

The 129-foot waterfall is the centerpiece of this campground, and you can enjoy it from an overlook or take a short .75-mile loop trail to enjoy it from a different vantage point. The proximity to Lake Britton also offers a host of fun water activities to enjoy.

Reservations can be made 6 months in advance on ReserveCalifornia.

Amenities:

• Tent and RV sites (no hookups); can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet.
• Cabins available
• Flush toilets, showers
• Camp store

Things to do nearby:

• View the stunning Burney Falls from multiple angles
• Fish, boat or paddle on Lake Britton
• Hike through forested trails and lava rocks

7. MacKerricher State Park (Fort Bragg)

Why it’s awesome:
Blufftop trails, tide pools, and wildlife galore — this is one of the best coastal campgrounds in Northern California. Glass Beach is renowned for its sea-smoothed glass fragments. Plus, Pudding Creek Beach and Main Beach are great spots for sunbathing and tide pooling. And Laguna Point is great for seal watching and tide pools as well. You’ll have plenty to do while enjoy the beauty of the coast.

Reservations can be made 6 months in advance on ReserveCalifornia.

Amenities:

• Tent and RV sites (some with hookups)
• Flush toilets and showers
• Accessible trails

Things to do nearby:

• Visit Glass Beach
• Ride the Skunk Train
• Watch for seals and whales
• Tide pools

8. North Grove Campground at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Why it’s awesome:
If you want to camp among ancient giants without the Yosemite crowds, this is your spot. The sequoias here are massive, and the setting is peaceful. This campground offers a serene setting among the towering giant sequoias and is conveniently located near the park’s visitor center and the North Grove Trail.

Reservations can be made six months in advance on ReserveCalifornia.

Amenities:

• Tent and RV sites
• Flush toilets, showers
• Visitor center and guided walks
• Camp store

Things to do nearby:

• Walk the easy North Grove Trail
• Visit the South Grove for more remote sequoia views
• Stop in nearby Arnold for restaurants and supplies

9. Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Santa Cruz Mountains)

Why it’s awesome:
This historic park — California’s oldest — was a top contender on. thelist of best campgrounds in Northern California before the Lightning Complex Fire in 2020. That fire burned down 97% of this state park. While recovery is ongoing, it might still be awhile before the campground is fully functioning. You can check updates here.

This state park has miles of trails for both hikers and horses. And you’ll discover a surprising number of waterfalls.

Amenities:

• Limited walk-in tent sites (check availability)
• Porta-potties and limited water
• Campground access may vary — check updates

Things to do nearby:

• Hike portions of the Redwood Loop Trail or Skyline to the Sea Trail
• Explore recovering forest ecosystems
• Combine with a visit to Santa Cruz beaches

10. Manzanita Lake Campground (Lassen Volcanic National Park)

Why it’s awesome:
An alpine paradise with volcanoes, bubbling springs, and clear lakes — all with fewer crowds than more famous national parks. This campground has 179 campsites and can accommodate tents and RVs. Some campsites can even accommodate rigs up to 67 feet! There are cabins and a separate group campground as well.

Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Amenities:

• Tent and RV sites
• Camp store, kayak rentals
• Flush toilets, coin-operated showers
• Nearby cabins

Things to do nearby:

• Paddle or fish on Manzanita Lake
• Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail
• Enjoy stunning night skies for stargazing

Final Tips for Camping in Northern California

• Book ahead: These sites often sell out early, especially in summer.
• Layer up: Weather can change fast — it might be 85°F at noon and 45°F by 9 p.m.
• Mind the bears: Some areas (especially Yosemite) require proper food storage.
• Check fire restrictions before you pack marshmallows.

Whether you want to wake up next to a waterfall, beneath ancient redwoods, or on the shores of a mountain lake, Northern California has the perfect campground for you. So grab your gear, plan your route, and get ready for some serious outdoor magic.

How to Get Reservations at the Best Campgrounds in Northern California

Securing a campsite at any of these amazing campgrounds can require a lot of pre-planning and luck, especially in the summer months. But there are some strategies that can help you out. I go over those tips to booking popular campgrounds here.

I also highly recommend my favorite camping app. Not only does it show you last-minute availability and scans for cancellations, it will even add campsites to your cart instantly. That’s a huge perk, and I have scored awesome campsites at both Pinecrest Lake and Yosemite with this app.

Other Camping Resources

For more camping resources, including the best family campgrounds in Southern California, be sure to peak through my other popular blog posts. I also share everything you need to know about camping at Big Sur State Park.

• Fun Campfire Games for Groups
• Quick & Easy Camping Meals
• California Camping Lakes
• Cooking Supplies for Camping
• Mammoth Lakes Campgrounds
• Nevada Beach Campground

Best of luck and happy camping!