Do you want to spend a short vacation enjoying nature in a campground in dramatic Pacific coastline areas with a group? Undoubtedly, you could land in the best camping spot in the most beautiful center of the world, North California.
No matter whether you pitch a tent on the edge of a tranquil lake and sleep under the spectrum of stars in the sky or lay down your head in a luxury R.V. to campsites with the facility of full R.V. hookups. Camping in the best spots helps you connect with nature and associatively heals the boredom mood. It strengthens the bond with family and friends.
Let’s discuss the best camping tourist spots in north California with swimming pools and pet-friendly camping facilities.
1.D. L Bliss State Park Campground, South Lake Tahoe
North California is full of campgrounds, including D.L. Bliss State Park Campground, which offers many amusement activities, such as hiking, scuba diving, fishing, and swimming in the preserved underwater lake. In addition to those amusement activities, it has a tourist point named Rubicon Point Light, the highest-elevation lighthouse in the United States.
It is located on the western shore of Lake Tahoe, just north of Emerald Bay State Park. Two hundred fifty families can be accommodated at the 250 campsites throughout the summer at the D.L. Bliss State Park. Each campsite holds picnic tables, fire rings, and parking space for one vehicle. Each campsite in the D.L Bliss State Park has an extra add-on of water and a coin-operated shower to be refreshed.
Address of D.L Bliss State Campground: Lester Beach Road, Tahoma, California
Book Here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=505
2. Jedediah Smith Campground, Redwoods National and State Parks
Jedediah Smith Campground was established in 1929 by the family of Lumberman Frank Stout, aiming to save the Redwoods League. However, the park was named after Jedediah Strong Smith, who explored this park from a few miles away from the ocean in the 1820s in the interior region of north California.
If you love to travel to remote regions deeply forested by ancient trees, this place could undoubtedly be a great attraction to you. According to a survey, this place is forested by 7% of old-growth redwoods left in the world. The Jedediah National and State Parks acquire more than 5500 acres of redwood areas in the state.
Jedediah Smith Campground Redwood Grove is situated on the bank of archaic and scenic Smith River, One of the longest, free, and originated natural rivers in the United States. Apart from the campground adventure, tourists can drown themselves in the amusement of fishing, snorkelling, and kayaking on the tranquil Smith River in Northern California.
Address Of Jedediah Smith Campground: Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
Book Here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=413
3. Mendocino Grove
What if you go to the campground to relax and charm your mind with full energy where nature speaks to you eloquently, and at the same time, you don’t have to give up any materialistic amusement you need in the city abode? Then, the simplest answer is Mendocino Grove.
Mendocino Grove is just one mile away from the most charming town, Mendocino, on the Californian coast. The campground area is arrayed with canvas safari-style tents, facilitated by a comfy bed with an extra add-on to a heated mattress with a dog-friendly set-up, woollen blankets and cotton linen. The tents are built on the surface area of a wooden platform, and the leather butterfly chairs occupy the deck, relaxing its master. All sites have a great picnic set-up with a grate for grilling and a picnic table.
For amusement, you can try a steam sauna and visit an expresso bar and various hangout spaces, including swinging in a hammock, gazing at a field of flowers, or kicking it on the beach. Making Mendocino Grove a centre point, you can visit following local hikes by a rental cycle.
- Spring Ranch (1/4 miles south on Highway 1 at Gordon Lane)
- Big River State Park (1/4 miles north)
- Van Damme State Park (1/2 miles south)
- Mendocino Headlands Trail (3/4 miles north)
- Russian Gulch State Park (3.7 miles north)
- Caspar Headlands State Beach (5.2 miles north)
- Point Cabrillo Light Station State Park (4 miles north)
- MacKerricher State Park (14 miles north)
- Jug Handle Beach & Reserve (6 miles north)
Address Of Mendocino Grove: 9500, 9601 CA-1, Mendocino, CA 95460, USA
Book Here: https://mendocinogrove.com
4. Manzanita Lake Campground
Manzanita Lake Campground is one mile east of Manzanita Lake, Northern California. Manzanita Lake is a scenic and serene camping destination for spending short holidays. The campground offers alluring views of Manzanita Lake and its forested landscape. This popular campground is ideal for family camping, RVs (Recreational Vehicles), and trailers.
The visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the tranquil lake. The campground offers a variety of facilities, including well-maintained tent site restrooms, potable water, and a camp store for essentials. Manzanita Lake offers a peaceful, serene beauty retreat in one of California’s amusing natural presences, no matter what your visiting purpose, adventure, or relaxation.
Address OF Manzanita Lake: On US Highway 89A, drive 21 miles south of Flagstaff or six miles north of Sedona.
Book Here: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233257
5. Summit Lake Campground
Summit Lake South Campground is located at an elevation of 6700 ft in Lassen Volcanic National Park. People who love nature and love to go on outings could fall in love with this campground surrounded by scenic and tranquil retreats. This campground is mapped on the park’s main road, offering easy access to the small but compact picturesque summit lake within walking distance.
The naturally added adventurous spot of the imposing 10,457-foot Lassen Peak, a lava dome volcano, towers over the volcano in this park, grabbing visitors’ attention with its beautiful scenic beauty just eight miles away from the campground. The Summit Lake Campground in the Lassen Volcanic National Park provides breathtaking and various hiking opportunities. On the opposite side of the south campground, the sister site Summit Lake North Campground is situated on the lake’s bank.
The park generally opens in mid-July due to high elevation and weather permitting. Visitors can enjoy multiple outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, cutthroat trout, horseback riding, or swimming in the lake’s clear, fresh, and refreshing water. Visitors can also experience hand-powered watercraft in the lake. For more details, contact their office address below:-
Address Of Summit Lake: Summit Lake North Campground Lassen Peak Highway Mineral, CA 96063
Book Here: https://bcparks.ca/summit-lake-park
6. Bowman Lake Campground
Bowman Lake Campground, located within Bowman Lake State Park in Chenango County, New York, is a peaceful remote retreat for people who love to spend idle time in a calm and relaxing mood. This campground features 150 campsites and eight rustic cabins providing potable water access through spigots and pit toilets.
The campground has a sandy lakefront for sunbathers, and swimmers can enjoy the lake. The visitor can hear the euphonical sound of 103 species of birds, which makes the ambience heavenly while visiting the lake. The trouts regularly stock the lake, allowing motorized and non-motorized vessels.
Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and, in winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a visitor can stay a maximum of seven days. Visitors are advised to bring bug repellent, as mosquitoes are very aggressive here.
Address Of Bowman Lake Campground: Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
7. Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay State Park (Eagle Point Campground) offers 97 campsites, divided into two loops: Upper Eagle Point (sites 1-33) and Lower Eagle Point (Sites 34-100). The campsites vary in size, with most parking spaces 18 feet long, whereas a few can accommodate 20-foot-long vehicles.
In Emerald Bay, visitors can choose from different campsite options, including tent-only, premium, and boat-in campsites, on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the facilities are standard in all campsites, compacted with a food storage locker, table, BBQ pedestal, fire ring, and grate.
Emerald Bay’s authority has designed the campground in a tourist-friendly way, with many amenities such as flush toilets, hot showers (for a fee), Laundry machines, fire pits, a 24-hour security camera, and drinking water. Extra Firewood and ice are sold on-site, and cell service is available.
Emerald Bay State Park is familiar with its rugged shoreline with clear, fresh and hygienic refreshment lake water, which creates a stunning picturesque when the shadow of the mountain transverses on the surface of the lake water.
This park is pet-friendly and one of the best places to camp with dogs in northern California. However, wandering around with pets in particular places is strictly prohibited. Pets are only allowed in campgrounds and boats. In the desolation wilderness, you can enjoy various activities like kayaking, biking, fishing, boating, canoeing, swimming in the freshwater lake, and more.
Address Of Emerald Bay: Emerald Bay State Park is at 138 Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California, 96150. For details, call 530-541-3030.
Book Here: https://www.campemeraldbay.org/
8. Angel Island Campground
Angel Island State Park, situated in the San Francisco Bay, offers one of the Bay area’s most scenic and pleasant experiences. Devasted by the hustle and bustle of urban life, visitors can refresh their minds and moods after spending 1-3 days here.
The San Francisco Bay is visible depending on a different perspective of the campsite placement, which has a total of 10 campsites. These sites are in high demand by visitors, especially on Saturday nights. All campsites are accessible via a 1-2 mile walk from the ferry landing.
Each campsite has a complimentary picnic table, a secure food locker, and a charcoal grill to power it. However, no wood fires are allowed inside the campground, and campers must bring their charcoal, as no charcoal is available inside the park. There are vault toilets available at some sites and outhouses at others. Be assured that no camping supplies or provisions are sold on the island, so visitors should come prepared.
Reservation should be made up to six months in advance as the popularity of Angel Island grabs the attention of campers, and the spots should be booked as early as possible. Angel Island is one of the good camping spots in northern California. The park is filled with some adventurous activities, and historical evidence is attached to this place.
Address Of Angel Island Campground: Tiburon, CA 94920, USA
Book Here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=468
9. Indian Wells Campground
Indian Wells Campground is a treasure trove of natural, serene beauty and an amalgamation of historical signs and movements. Once, Modoc Native Americans lived here. Diverse wildlife and stunning lava beds enrich the spot with quiet beauty and a natural ambience. Disclaimer is highly applicable to not sleeping on Lava beds, but on the other hand, living amidst the lap of nature enhances splendid experiences.
There are several campgrounds in North California, but Indian Wells Campground is the only campground located within the Lava Beds National Monument, which leverages the perfect base camping for explorers.
With 43 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, Indian Wells Campground features tents, pickup campers, small trailers, and motor homes up to 30 feet long. However, not all sites can accommodate motor homes, so plan your vacation accordingly. People who travel in a group can avail of primitive group sites as pre-booked reservations so as not to miss any adventure with the group. Whether you are camping under the stars at Lava Beds or availing yourself of the amenities of an RV community, Indian Wells powers a unique blend of history and natural closeness that makes it a must-visit destination for nature-lover campers.
Address Of Indian Wells Campground: Lava Beds Campground Rd, Tulelake, CA 96134, USA
Book Here: https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/indian-well-picnic-shelter/CT/100115/overview
10. Williams Hills Recreation Area
The Williams Hills Campground is a naturally beautiful, secluded, and private place situated on the south end of the Williams Hill Recreation Area in the hills above the Salinas Valley. The campground offers seven sites, which can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
At primitive campsites, campers can’t enjoy RV hookups, running water, or dump stations, but vault toilets are available for overnight campers. Campsites feature picnic tables and a fire ring, and there is no extra charge for staying overnight. Campers are advised to bring insect repellent due to the high presence of flies, mosquitoes, and bugs, depending on the season, to remain at ease.
Various activities in the Williams Hills Recreation Area allow people to experience adventure and help change the mood of the city’s hustle-bustle life to an energetic life. Campers can enjoy the adventurous thrill by attending rock climbing, various watersports, and hiking during pick season. In the off-season, visitors can attend wine tastings and agriculture tours. There are numerous museums to explore, and events are organized indoors in bad weather. A tour of the Pacific coast, just 60 miles away, can be a part of the relaxation.
Address Of Williams Hills Recreation Area: Lockwood San Ardo Rd, Bradley, CA 93426, USA
Book Here: https://www.williamhill.com/
11. Keysville North Recreation Site
Campers who love to spend idle time enjoying the outdoors, where convenient amenities are organized, can visit Keysville North Recreation Site, which offers a tranquil, pleasant environment. Situated next to the Rage Kern River, Keysville is prime for fishing, hiking, and many adventurous activities.
Once this area was used for mining, the structures of the spot were still visible on the recreation site. Kern River bisects the area where you can enjoy white-water river rafting, fishing, swimming, recreational gold panning, and dispersed camping. To make your trip more hospitable and pleasant, drinking water, electric hookups, and sanitary dump facilities are offered by the authority of Keysville Park. As an extra add-on bonus, you can avail yourself of reliable mobile services with a tranquil ambience and beautiful scenery.
Those who love to walk in a solitary place and love mountain bike races can be easily attracted to this park. As this place is situated a few miles from town, there is no problem with the availability of any goods or services.
One drawback in the area is the road condition, which can only be managed by vehicles. Walking or running on those land surfaces is strictly not recommended. Keysville North Recreation Site is a beautiful place to explore, but a significant disgrace is attached to this site. The campers should secure their particulars, and a few snatches have recently been heard on this place.
Address Of The Keysville North Recreation Site: Lake Isabella, CA 93240, United States
Book Here: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/14786