Southern California is legendary for its sparkling beaches, sizzling deserts, and laid-back lifestyle. While its natural wonders deserve the fame and recognition they receive, they are certainly not all that California has to offer. The northern part of the state boasts towering redwoods, beautiful lakes, and plenty of mountains, hills, and valleys to explore, making it a paradise for nature lovers and campers. For those looking for a new adventure, here are seven of the top campgrounds in Northern California that deserve a visit.

Best Time to Camp in Northern California

While Northern California is fantastic for camping all year round, the best times to visit depend on what you’re looking for. Summer is always popular because the warm, sunny weather allows for a variety of activities. Hiking, biking, swimming, and sightseeing are popular things to do during the summer season. Camping during the cooler months, like April-May and September-October, can be a good strategy if you want to enjoy all of the same things with fewer crowds.

If you’re not a fan of the heat, camping in Northern California is still an option, as winters are mild in most locations. The temps are perfect for exploring the outdoors while still being comfortable, and you'll have a warming campfire to look forward to at the end of the day.

7 Top Campgrounds in Northern California

You’ve probably already heard of the most popular parks and campgrounds in Northern California, but we’ve rounded up seven hidden gems that you might not yet be familiar with yet. These campgrounds are great for RV camping and have a mix of activities and natural beauty. If you’re ready to hit the open road, here are seven spots to add to your route.

Kamp Klamath RV Park

On the shores of the Klamath River, Kamp Klamath RV Park is located in the breathtaking Redwood National Park and is just a short distance away from Jedediah Smith Redwoods, Prairie Creek, and Del Norte Coast State Parks. The Klamath has the best salmon and steelhead fishing in California and is popular all year round for hiking and biking. There’s an abundance of wildlife to spot in the forest, like bears and birds, as well as sea lions and seals at Klamath Beach, where the mouth of the river meets the Pacific.

Campers can enjoy activities unique to the area, like whale watching or visiting Trees of Mystery, one of Northern California’s top attractions. Here, you can walk through the magical forest, take a gondola through the treetops, and browse a collection of native artifacts and artwork. You can also make a visit to the Tour Thru Tree, a giant redwood that’s 2.5 miles north of the campground.

Sites: There are over 100 sites available for RV and tent camping. RV sites are $58 a night.

Amenities: 

• 30 or 50-amp electric hookups

• Water and sewer hookups

• Laundry facilities

• Cable and Wi-Fi

• Flush toilets

• Hot showers

• Drinking water

• Picnic tables

• Fire rings

Indian Well Campground

Lava Beds National Monument is a volcanic area formed by lava flows from thousands of years ago. There is only one campground at the monument: Indian Wells Campground. This popular campground is only half of a mile away from the cave loop, one of the monument’s top attractions. Visitors can explore the lava tube caves, hike any of the 13 available trails, and learn about the history of the park at the Visitor Center.

Besides caves, you can also get a history lesson and learn about Native American rock art and important battlefields nearby, or explore the desert and observe the area’s array of wildlife. Depending on when you visit, you can also try activities like horseback riding, snowshoeing, and hiking.

Sites: There are 43 sites total ($10 per night) that can accommodate trailers and motor homes up to 30 feet, although not all sites can fit RVs.

Amenities: 

• Picnic table

• Fire ring

• Grill

• Flush toilets

• Drinking water

• No hookups, showers, or dump stations

Hayward Flat Campground

One of the most popular spots to set up camp within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is Hayward Flat Campground on the shores of Trinity Lake. The abundance of trees gives the campground plenty of shade, while the lake provides endless possibilities when it comes to water sports and activities. Campers can swim, boat, fish, and kayak on the lake or hit the hiking trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For those interested in wildlife, it’s not unusual to spot black bears, bobcats, and all kinds of birds.

The nearby town of Weaverville is on the National Register of Historic Places. If you want to take a break from nature, stop by to enjoy quaint shopping and dining.

Sites: There are 98 campsites spread out over five loops, 24 of which are for RVs. $23 per night for single sites, $46 for doubles.

Amenities:

• Tables 

• Fire rings

• Bear-proof lockers

• Drinking water

• Flush toilets

• Sanitary dump

• No hookups

Portola Redwoods State Park Campground

Portola Redwoods State Park Campground sits in a shady redwood forest that feels like it’s a world away from nearby Silicon Valley. Towering trees, wandering creeks, and tumbling waterfalls are just a few of the things you can see as you explore the trails. This park provides ample opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings and the peace it has to offer. The primary activities are hiking and biking along 18 miles of nearby trails that showcase the magic and wonder of the forest.

Sites: 55 family campsites for $35 a night.

Amenities:

• Picnic tables

• Fire rings

• Water hookups

• Toilets 

• Showers

• Drinking water

Clark Fork Campground

Clark Fork Campground sits inside the Stanislaus National Forest on the banks of the Stanislaus River. The forest boasts a number of lakes and ponds that are close to the campground. The proximity of the campground to different bodies of water means visitors have ample opportunities to enjoy water activities like boating, fishing, paddling, swimming, and even windsurfing. On land, campers can hike, bike, ride horses, and rock climb.

Clark Fork has two loops for camping. A-Loop opens earlier and closes later in the season than B-Loop. It is equipped with vault toilets. B-Loop is bigger and has flush toilets for campers. A-Loop is slightly higher in price ($26 per night) than B-Loop ($23) and is cash-only.

Sites: 28 sites in A-Loop, 60 sites in B-Loop

Amenities:

• Picnic tables

• Fire rings

• Vault and flush toilets

• Drinking water

• Sanitary dump

• No hookups

Putah Canyon Campground

There’s more to discover in Napa County than rolling vineyards and sophisticated wines. Putah Canyon Campground, located on the shores of Lake Berryessa at the mouth of the Putah Creek Canyon, offers excitement and adventure for the whole family. The lake attracts visitors who want to do all things aquatic, such as waterskiing, fishing, swimming, boating, and paddling. On land, campers can explore the trails on foot or by bike. You can hike solo or be accompanied by a Ranger to learn more about the area and see important sites along the way.

Putah Canyon Campground is designed for dry camping, so keep this in mind when stocking up your RV. This camp is only open seasonally, so you'll need to plan your trip between May and September.

Sites: 36 RV sites that cost $55 per night.

Amenities:

• Picnic tables

• Grills

• Toilets

• Drinking water

• Sanitary dump

• No hookups

Loon Lake Campground

Loon Lake Campground is on the southwest shore of Loon Lake in the Crystal Basin, part of the Eldorado National Forest. The area draws in visitors looking to enjoy the lake, as well as those planning to explore the surrounding forest. When it comes to water sports, the top draws are angler fishing, boating, swimming, and paddle boarding. Back on land, campers can ride horses, bike, or explore the area using off-road vehicles.

Due to its location, campers can also use the campground as a base for exploring the nearby Desolation Wilderness, Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Lake Tahoe. The camp itself has plentiful fir trees, boulders, and peaks.

Sites: The campground has 53 total sites, 31 of which are large enough for RVs. There are also two group sites that can accommodate up to 50 people.

Amenities:

• Picnic tables

• Fire rings

• Bear-proof lockers

• Drinking water

• Sewer hookups

• Sanitary dump

• Vault toilets 

Visit the Top Campgrounds in Northern California with Cruise America

RV camping gives you the opportunity to hit the open road and explore the natural beauty of Northern California at your leisure. It's the perfect way to discover the magic of the redwood forests, lakes, and mountains that are scattered across the region.

Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, Cruise America has a wide range of RVs available that will allow you to camp in total comfort. Reach out to our team of experts to learn about our RVs and which one is the best for your needs. Once you have your vehicle, there’s a world of adventure waiting for you in Northern California!