Best Campgrounds in Northern California

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

Whether you’re looking for the best RV camping in Northern California, peaceful tent camping beneath the redwoods, or a family-friendly campground on a lake, Northern California has something for everyone. From the rugged Pacific coastline to Yosemite’s granite cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, this part of the state is home to some of the most unforgettable camping destinations in California.

I’ve camped all over California with my family, and Northern California continues to be where we return year after year. Whether you’re traveling in a motorhome, towing a travel trailer, or pitching a tent for the weekend, these campgrounds offer incredible scenery, great hiking, and memorable outdoor adventures.

Also, I’d like to note that I would easily add Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground to this list, but it’s technically Central California. So I guess I’ll need to make a third list with all the Central California faves.

What Makes These the Best Campgrounds in Northern California?

There are hundreds of campgrounds scattered throughout Northern California, but not all offer the same experience. When choosing the best campgrounds in Northern California, I looked for places that combine beautiful scenery, well-maintained campsites, fun activities, and easy access to hiking, lakes, beaches, or national parks.

I also considered campgrounds that work well for different styles of camping. Some are perfect for tent camping beneath towering redwoods, while others have spacious RV sites that can accommodate larger trailers or motorhomes. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a week-long road trip, these campgrounds consistently rank among the best places to camp in Northern California.

RV Camping vs. Tent Camping in Northern California

One of the things I love most about camping in Northern California is that there’s something for every type of camper.

If you’re traveling in an RV, many of these campgrounds offer spacious sites with easy access for larger rigs, while a few even include full or partial hookups. RV camping makes it easy to explore destinations like Yosemite, Lassen, and the California coast while still enjoying many of the comforts of home.

Tent campers have just as many incredible options. Some of the most scenic campgrounds in Northern California are tucked beneath giant redwood trees, alongside alpine lakes, or just steps from the beach. Waking up surrounded by nature is hard to beat, especially at campgrounds like Jedediah Smith Redwoods, Prairie Creek, and Pinecrest Lake.

Best Northern California Campgrounds

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. This campground can’t accommodate RVs larger than 18 feet.

Reservations should be made well in advance, as this campground books up quickly. Go to ReserveCalifornia for reservations up to 6 months in advance.

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

Best for:

• Tent camping
• Camping with dogs
• Lake activities

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. It’s one of my kids’ favorite places to camp for a variety of reasons. They love the outdoor movies, walking on the floating logs and getting ice cream at the store. This campground just has that nostalgic summer lake feel.

This is a very popular campground, and weekends and summer dates will book up far in advance. In fact, it’s high on my list of best summer campgrounds for families. 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

Best For

• Families with kids
• Small RVs
• Swimming
• Fishing
• First-time campers

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. Lower pines just happens to be our favorite due to its proximity to the river and to the meadow. We love taking evening walks in the meadow and spotting all the deer.

Yosemite campgrounds feel 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

Best For

• Bucket-list camping
• Smaller RVs
• Hiking
• Families
• National park lovers

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

Which Northern California Campground Is Right for You?

If you want…	Go here
Best RV camping	Manzanita Lake
Best tent camping	Jedediah Smith
Best for kids	Pinecrest
Best lake camping	D.L. Bliss
Best beach camping	MacKerricher
Best redwood camping	Prairie Creek
Best waterfall	Burney Falls or Yosemite
Best hiking	Yosemite
Best wildlife	Prairie Creek
Best weekend getaway	Calaveras Big Trees

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’re planning your first family camping trip, searching for the perfect Northern California RV campground, or looking for a quiet tent campsite surrounded by towering redwoods, these destinations offer some of the very best camping experiences in the state. Every campground on this list has something unique to offer, from pristine alpine lakes and dramatic waterfalls to rugged coastlines and ancient forests. No matter which one you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable Northern California camping adventure.

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, but it will also 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best campground in Northern California for families?

If you’re camping with kids, Pinecrest Lake Campground is one of my favorite family campgrounds thanks to its shallow swimming areas, hiking trails, marina, restaurants, and summer activities.

Which Northern California campgrounds have RV sites?

Many of the campgrounds on this list accommodate RVs, including Manzanita Lake, MacKerricher State Park, Lower Pines, Pinecrest Lake, and McArthur-Burney Falls. While most national and state park campgrounds don’t offer hookups, they still provide spacious RV sites and excellent amenities.

What is the best campground among the redwoods?

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park are two of the best places to experience towering old-growth redwoods while camping.

When should I book Northern California campgrounds?

For summer camping, reserve campsites as soon as reservations open. Popular campgrounds like Yosemite, Pinecrest Lake, and Lake Tahoe often sell out within minutes. Campers frequently discuss how competitive reservations have become, making advance planning essential.

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!