Northern California has long been a top destination for camping, and it’s no wonder why. A sunny, warm climate paired with great weather year-round makes it absolutely perfect for fun outside activities!
Outdoor activities such as hiking and camping are popular in Northern California due to their proximity to national parks, state parks, mountain ranges, forests, and deserts. With everything from beautiful beaches and lakes to breathtaking redwoods, Northern California’s scenery and wildlife will have you coming back for a long time!
If you or your family are planning on embarking on a camping trip to this area, check out our list of the best campgrounds in Northern California for your next adventure.
We totally get it–it can be really hard to decide where to camp in Northern California, so we did the research and the heavy lifting for you! This guide has narrowed it down to the top 18 best campgrounds in the region.
At the end of the post, we’ve included a few extra glamping spots for those of you looking for a more elevated camping experience. We hope you find something perfect for your next camping trip.
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Best Campgrounds in Northern California
Here is our list of the best tent and RV camping spots in Northern California.
1. Sue-meg State Park Campground
Trinidad, CA
Located 30 miles from Eureka, Sue-meg State Park (formerly named Patrick’s Point State Park) is the perfect meeting place for California’s diverse scenery, culture, and wildlife.
The park’s two campgrounds offer front-row access to pristine beaches and lush forests. Spend your days whale-watching or exploring tide pools, and experience history at the Yurok Sumêg Village. You can even hunt for agates at Agate Beach, one of my personal favorite pastimes here!
The campgrounds have no hookups, but the 124 beach-side campsites offer flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water.
What You Need To Know:
- Address: 4150 Patricks Point Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570
- Campground Information: 124 tent and RV campsites
- Campground Amenities: Drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits, dump station, restrooms, coin-operated showers, firewood available for purchase
- Pets Allowed: Yes, dogs are permitted only in the campground and day-use areas. Except for service animals, dogs not allowed on trails/beach.
- Hookups Available: No.
2. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Burney, CA
Located 65 miles east of Redding, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park offers a perfect getaway for families of all ages.
The park’s centerpiece is the 129-foot Burney Falls, which is not the highest or largest waterfall in the state, but quite easily the most beautiful! Additionally, there are five miles of hiking trails here, including part of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail.
Just a short hike from the campsite, you’ll find peaceful Lake Britton and the iconic Burney Falls! You can view Burney Falls from the various overlooks adjacent to the parking lot, or hike the short trail down to the base of the falls.
Looking for more activities? Drive or hike to the nearby Lake Britton and rent patio boats, paddle boats, motor boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards for a day out on the water.
The campground has over 100 no-hookup sites, with restrooms, showers, food storage lockers, and fire rings, plus easy access to grills and boat launches. If you’re able to snag a spot at this campground, you’re in for a real treat as this is one of the best RV campgrounds in Northern California!
What You Need To Know:
- Address: 24898 CA-89, Burney, CA 96013
- Campground Information: 102 campsites (17 of the sites are designated for tents only while the rest can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents). There is also a Hike & Bike site as well as rustic one and two-bedroom cabins available for rent. The park cannot admit entrance to vehicles over 32 feet for day-use or camping. Additionally, only a limited number of oversized vehicles (less than 32 feet in length) will be admitted into park.
- Campground Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, showers, boat launches, food locker, store
- Pets Allowed: Yes, but dogs are allowed only in parking lot, paved roadways, and campgrounds. Dogs are NOT allowed on trails or day-use areas.
- Hookups Available: No.
3. Pinnacles Campground
Pinnacles National Park, CA
As one of the country’s least-visited national parks just 76 miles from San Jose, CA, you can truly enjoy Pinnacles’ unique landscape free of crowds by staying at Pinnacles Campground. The park encompasses 26,000 acres of unique rock formations and remnants of an extinct 23 million-year-old volcano.
Pinnacles Campground, on the east side of the park, has 134 campsites, and 30 RV hookups. Campers also have access to potable water, WiFi, and food lockers. Within the campground, you can also enjoy a swimming pool (from April through September), campfires and picnic tables.
Within the national park itself, you can brave a journey into Bear Gulch Cave, home to a colony of bats! Hiking and rock climbing are also very popular activities in Pinnacles, as is watching for the majestic California condor overhead.
If you’re looking for just one hike to hit up, my favorite hike here is by far the 5.5-mile Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop, sure to wow you with impressive views.
What You Need To Know:
- Address: 2400 Hwy 146 Pinnacles Area, Paicines, CA 95043
- Campground Information: 134 campsites, and 30 RV sites with electric hookups
- Campground Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pit grills, flush toilets, pay-showers, amphitheater, grocery store, food locker
- Pets Allowed: Yes.
- Hookups Available: Yes, RV sites have hookups at 120 volts with 30-amp service.
4. Wawona Campground
Yosemite National Park, CA
Just 27 miles (about 45 minutes) south of Yosemite Valley, Wawona Campground is the perfect place to experience one of the country’s most stunning national parks.
Yosemite National Park’s trails, cliffs, roads, and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park!
Hikers and history-lovers alike can enjoy the nearby Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Pioneer History Center. Plus, the park’s biggest sites, like Yosemite Falls and El Capitan, are located less than an hour’s drive away.
The 97 sites offer fire rings, picnic tables, and food lockers, and as well as restrooms, drinking water, and a grocery store (showers are available in Yosemite Valley).
What You Need To Know:
- Campground Information: 97 campsites (tent and RV sites, 1 group site, and 2 horse sites). Be aware that nearly all campground reservations in Yosemite for the months of May through September and for some other weekends are filled the first day they become available.
- Campground Amenities: flush toilet, drinking water, picnic table, fire ring, sanitary dump, and food storage locker. A general store and gas station are located about a mile south of the campground.
- Pets Allowed: Yes.
- Hookups Available: No.
5. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur, CA
This park may only have two camping spots, but they are well-known to be some of the best camping in Northern California (even in all of California)!
If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the two campsites at Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP, then you are in for a really unique camping experience. At this state park is a pair of 2 magical, highly-coveted environmental campsites located on the west side of Highway 1 south of McWay Falls.
Let me tell you, getting reservations here is no easy feat. These sites are extremely popular year-round and usually fill up six months in advance.
I was able to secure one of the campsites a few years back, and to this day, it remains one of my most memorable camping experiences! Amenities are simple and include a picnic table, fire ring, trash cans, and pit toilets.
Despite the limited amenities, being able to sleep and wake up to the sounds of the Pacific Ocean’s crashing waves and sights of redwoods and coastal views were well, well worth it.
You will need to carry in all your belongings, water, and firewood from the parking lot, so do bring a wagon to help you out!
What You Need To Know:
- Address: 52801 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
- Campground Information: 2 environmental campsites (Maximum occupancy: 4 people per site). These sites are extremely popular year-round and usually fill up six months in advance.
- Campground Amenities: Picnic table, fire ring, trash cans, pit toilets. You must bring your own firewood. Please note that the only running water is across Highway 1 near the restrooms.
- Pets Allowed: No, no dogs are permitted in the campground or on park trails.
- Hookups Available: No.
6. Kirk Creek Campground
Los Padres National Forest, CA
If you’re looking for views, Kirk Creek Campground simply can’t be beaten. Located 60 miles south of Monterey (in southern Big Sur) and on the doorstep of Los Padres National Forest, Kirk Creek has everything from peaceful oceanviews to miles of wilderness.
And with just 33 campsites, you’ll have nature at your fingertips, almost all to yourself! Come prepared though, as Kirk Creek does not offer hookups or potable water. However, you will have a picnic table, fire ring and grill.
Camping here also gives you convenient access to heavy-hitter attractions like Sand Dollar Beach, McWay Falls, and hiking in Los Padres National Forest for no additional cost! If you want a break from all the ruggedness, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the nearby Lucia Lodge.
What You Need To Know:
- Address: CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
- Campground Information: 33 RV and tent sites up to 8 people; maximum vehicle length: 30 feet.
- Campground Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pit grills, vault toilets (no hookups, no dump station, no potable water)
- Pets Allowed: Yes. Dogs are not permitted on trails. The beach is dog-friendly, as long as dogs are leashed and waste is picked up.
- Hookups Available: No.
7. Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground
Big Sur, CA
Located in the heart of Big Sur, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park’s campground is the perfect home base for exploring the more wild side of the picturesque Big Sur area.
The campground features ample shade provided by Redwood and Sycamore trees, while the rest of the state park features an 80-foot waterfall that flows from granite cliffs into the ocean, as well as panoramic views of the coastline!
With 189 campsites, and amenities including water spigots, showers, laundromat, and dump station, you can enjoy a comfortable camping experience underneath the redwoods. There is also a Campfire Center that offers evening programs on the weekends during peak season.
Known as a “mini-Yosemite,” Pfeiffer Big Sur has amazing hiking, including a 10-mile trail that leads to the rural Sykes Hot Springs.
You can also leave the park to access Pfeiffer Beach and more Big Sur beaches!
What You Need To Know:
- Address: Pfeiffer Big Sur Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920
- Campground Information: 189 RV and tent sites situated on or near the Big Sur River; riverfront sites cost a bit more than the standard sites. Reservations usually fill up six months in advance, even in the winter.
- Campground Amenities: Market, drinking water, picnic tables, fire pit grills, dump station, toilets, token-operated showers, food storage box.
- Pets Allowed: Yes. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, no dogs on trails.
- Hookups Available: No.
Read More: 2-Day Big Sur Itinerary: 24 Best Things To Do For An Epic Road Trip In Big Sur, CA
8. D.L. Bliss State Park Campground
South Lake Tahoe, CA
One of Lake Tahoe’s best campgrounds, D.L. Bliss State Park is unmatched for its views, hiking, and camping opportunities.
Located on the southwest side of Lake Tahoe, you can enjoy the lake’s swimming, fishing, kayaking, and even scuba diving. You can also enjoy the pristine wilderness of the park’s hiking trails, interpretive programs, and wildlife watching.
D.L. Bliss’s 140 campsites are great for tent campers, but can only accommodate campers up to 18 feet, and up to 21 feet at nearby Emerald Bay State Park.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also consider one of the hike or bike campsites. The park also offers 20 primitive campsites that you can access only by boat.
This Northern California campground offers restrooms, showers, tap water, food lockers, and a dump station, but no hookups. There are also convenient outdoor showers to rinse the sand off of you after a dip in the lake.
What You Need To Know:
- Address: 9881 CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Campground Information: 140 campsites, up to 8 people per site
- Campground Amenities: Market, beach access, phone service, drinking water, picnic tables, dump station, toilets, showers, food storage box.
- Pets Allowed: Yes. Dogs are allowed in developed areas only, which include campsites, paved roads and paths, dirt fire roads, and paved parking areas. Dogs are also allowed in developed picnic areas and day-use areas. Dogs are NOT allowed on beaches or dirt trails.
- Hookups Available: No.
Read More: 3-Day Lake Tahoe Itinerary: The Perfect Summer Weekend
9. Manzanita Lake Campground
Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Manzanita Lake Campground is the perfect home base to explore the fascinating Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Located 48 miles west of Redding, CA, Manzanita Lake is most well-known for its gorgeous lake views of Manzanita Lake, but it also has easy access to the Lassen Peak hike, featuring the largest volcano in the park at 10,457 feet. As an added bonus, Lassen Volcanic’s night sky is unbeatable!
The campground has 179 campsites, with food lockers, tap water, restrooms, showers, and a dump station. You can also make use of the camp store and kayak rentals to get out on the lake.
What You Need To Know:
- Address: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mineral, CA 96063
- Campground Information: 179 tent and RV campsites, up to 6 guests per site. Has 4 loops: A and C are reservable and B and D are first-come-first-serve. No phone service.
- Campground Amenities: General store, kayak rentals, drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits, dump station, restrooms (flush toilets in summer, vault toilets off-season), pay showers
- Pets Allowed: Yes.
- Hookups Available: No.
10. Casini Ranch Family Campground
Sonoma County, CA
The lovely Casini Ranch Family Campground in Sonoma County is the perfect family escape. Situated on the Russian River, this campground began primarily as a spot for fishermen to spend the day. Today, this year-round campground not only offers access to beautiful scenery but has plenty of activities within the grounds themselves!
Particularly for RV campers, the campground is able to accommodate RVs of any length and size (50A, 30A or 20A). You’ll get all the amenities you need, including full hookups, grills, restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
During your stay, you will be shocked to discover exactly how much there is to do here. Campers can enjoy movie nights, hayrides, interacting with the animals on the property as well as amenities such as the arcade room, recreation hall, playgrounds, 2 enclosed dog parks, volleyball, baseball, kayaking, and other family programs.
Plus, you’re just a short drive away from wine country and the beautiful Sonoma Coast State Park!
What You Need To Know:
- Address: 22855 Moscow Rd Duncans Mills, CA 95430
- Campground Information: Tent and RV campsites, as well as sleeping cabins, cottages, and RV bunkhouses
- Campground Amenities: Arcade room, recreation hall, playgrounds, 2 enclosed dog parks, volleyball, baseball, kayaking, phone service, drinking water, picnic tables, dump station, restrooms, showers, big rig access
- Pets Allowed: Yes.
- Hookups Available: Yes.
11. River Bend Campground
River Bend Resort is a Russian River and Sonoma County gem that has the ability to accommodate literally any type of traveler. Not only do they have tent sites and RV sites, but they also have glamping tents, family cabins, and even Volkswagen Bus camping! How cool is that?
With River Bend Resort being situated right on the Russian River, there is plenty to do. Outside of the resort, you can spend time floating down the river, visit nearby towns of Forestville and Guerneville, and grabbing a meal/drink at the popular Russian River Pub.
On the property, there is a gaming arcade, sports court, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds to keep everyone entertained. There is also a dog walking area, general store and a lovely private beach on the river exclusively for guests!
What You Need To Know:
- Address: 11820 River Rd, Forestville, CA 95436
- Campground Information: Tent, RV campsites, luxury canvas tents, cabins, and VW bus sites
- Campground Amenities: Arcade room, playgrounds, outdoor rustic theater, dog area, horseshoe pits, private beach, general store, WiFi, drinking water, picnic tables, dump station, restrooms, coin showers, big rig access
- Pets Allowed: Yes.
- Hookups Available: Yes.
12. Francis Beach Campground
Half Moon Bay, CA
Located on the gorgeous Half Moon Bay State Beach, this campground is beach camping at its finest! One big draw–it’s by far one of the best places to watch the sunset over Half Moon Bay.
The 52 campsites are just off the sand, with ocean views and amenities such as a dump station, showers, and restrooms. There are both tent and RV camping sites offering electric hookup or dry camping. There are no water or sewer hookups, but there is a dump station and a water filling station. Quarter-operated hot showers are available as well.
The beach is easily accessible with a paved ramp leading down the sand. The day-use area features a large picnic area with barbecues and restrooms with running water. The beach’s Coastside Trail is a great place for easy hiking and biking, and you can even get in some whale watching while you’re relaxing at the beach!
What You Need To Know:
- Address: Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
- Campground Information: 52 tent and basic RV campsites, up to 8 guests per site
- Campground Amenities: Phone service, drinking water, picnic tables, dump station, restrooms, coin-operated showers, big rig access, firewood available for purchase
- Pets Allowed: Yes.
- Hookups Available: No.
13. Oh Ridge Campground
June Lake, CA (Eastern Sierras)
Four hours southeast of Sacramento, Oh Ridge Campground is located off the beaten path in the Eastern Sierra region, but the trek and effort to get there is well worth your time!
Located on the picturesque shores of June Lake, campers can enjoy a whole variety of activities like swimming, fishing, boating and hiking in the Inyo National Forest.
Outside the campgrounds, you can go hiking into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, or go on a backcountry adventure with a Frontier Pack Train. Mammoth Lakes, CA is not too far either, meaning you can experience alpine town life, lake life, and camp life all in one trip!
The 140 campsites include restrooms, tap water, and food storage, although no showers or hookups are available. However, the nearby resort offers showers and basic groceries and camping supplies.
What You Need To Know:
- Address: June Lake Loop, June Lake, CA 93529
- Campground Information: 140 tent and basic RV campsites, up to 6 guests per site
- Campground Amenities: Phone service, lake access, market, drinking water, picnic tables, food storage lockers, fire rings, dump station, flush toilets, big rig access, firewood available for purchase
- Pets Allowed: Yes.
- Hookups Available: No.
Read More: Best Things To In California’s Eastern Sierra: Yosemite, Mammoth, Bishop, and More
14. Jedediah Smith Campground
Crescent City, CA
If you’re looking to camp among the redwoods, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is the place to be. The Jedediah Smith Campground is located in the far north of Northern California near Crescent City, just 30 minutes from the Oregon border along the Smith River.
There are several hiking trails from the campground, as well as summer interpretive programs. You can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and rafting down the scenic Smith River!
If you’ve exhausted the list of things to do in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, then consider spending a day at the beautiful Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park which spreads over 14,000 acres.
RVs up to 25 feet can camp here, and amenities include showers, restrooms, tap water, and a dump station. No electric, no water or sewer hookups. The campground also accommodates tent campers and also offers ADA-accessible cabins.
What You Need To Know:
- Address: 1461 US-199, Crescent City, CA 95531
- Campground Information: 86 campsites, up to 8 people per site (50 are for RVs, trailers, or tents. 16 sites are designated tents only.) Reservations can be made for stays from May through September. At other times campsites are first-come, first-served.
- Campground Amenities: Market, amphitheater, drinking water, picnic tables, dump station, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, firewood for sale.
- Pets Allowed: Yes.
- Hookups Available: No.
15. Salt Point State Park
Jenner, CA
Located just 67 miles north of San Francisco, in Jenner, CA sits the hidden gem of Salt Point State Park and its two very picturesque and tranquil campgrounds. This is the campground for you if you want a weekend full of rugged coastal views and fresh ocean air.
In terms of what you can do in the area, well, there’s a lot the Sonoma Coast can offer you. Campers at Salt Point State Park Campgrounds are close to some of the most breathtaking scenery along the California coast.
Start your adventure off with a visit to historic Fort Ross, or spend half a day discovering all the trails, beaches and overlooks around Salt Point State Park.
From there, hop in your car and drive to the entertaining town of Bodega Bay where you can stroll the streets, peruse the shops, or even try whale watching from Bodega Head.
For those of you who want something more adrenaline-pumping, you can go mountain biking along the many dirt roads, or head out onto the waters of Bodega Bay for some epic windsurfing and kiteboarding!
What You Need To Know:
- Address: 25050 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450
- Campground Information: Two campgrounds: Gerstle Campground and Woodside Campground. Combined, there are 109 campsites–30 at Gerstle Cove and 79 at Woodside. Aside from the walk-in tent sites, all of the campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Gerstle Cove Campground is open year-round (first-come, first-served October through mid-March); Woodside is open April through early September.
- Campground Amenities: Restrooms with toilets (no showers), drinking water, picnic tables, food storage lockers, fire rings, firewood available for purchase.
- Pets Allowed: Yes, but must be on-leash at all times and are not permitted on the trails or on the beaches. They must be kept in a tent or vehicle at night.
- Hookups Available: No
16. Russian Gulch State Park
Mendocino, CA
Russian Gulch State Park is an excellent camping spot in Northern California for several reasons. You’ll get nothing less than stunning natural beauty, excellent camping facilities, and a super convenient location!
Firstly, the park is nestled between towering redwoods and rugged coastline, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and nature walks. The park has a diverse range of trails, including a waterfall trail that leads to a stunning 36-foot waterfall!
Additionally, the park boasts a pristine beach, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Camping facilities at Russian Gulch State Park are excellent, with campsites that are well-maintained and offer amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and access to showers and restrooms. The park also offers a variety of camping options, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping.
Should you need a break from the great outdoors, you’ll be glad to know that the park is conveniently located near the town of Mendocino, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it a great day trip away from the campgrounds.
- Address: Highway 1, two miles north of Mendocino
- Campground Information: The park is 2 miles north of the town of Mendocino on Highway 1. Turn west onto Brest Rd, then turn south onto Point Cabrillo Rd. Proceed south to the park entrance. There are 26 standard campsites, four equestrian campsites with corrals, and one group site. Reservations are strongly recommended in the summer.
- Campground Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers, drinking water, picnic tables, food storage lockers, grill, firewood available for purchase.
- Pets Allowed: Yes. Dogs allowed in campground, beach, and trails west of Highway 1. Dogs not allowed on Fern Canyon Trail or trails east of Highway 1.
- Hookups Available: No
17. Bodega Dunes Campground
Bodega Bay, CA
Bodega Dunes Campground is a fantastic camping spot in Northern California. It is located just a short walk away from the beautiful Bodega Bay, which provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and surfing.
The campground itself is situated in a scenic coastal dune environment, surrounded by coastal grasses and wildflowers. Additionally, the campground offers a variety of camping options, including walk-in tent sites, group campsites, and RV sites, all of which are well-maintained and offer amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restrooms and showers.
Another great feature of Bodega Dunes Campground is its location near the town of Bodega Bay, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the famous Fisherman’s Cove, where you can buy fresh seafood right off the boats!
The campground is also conveniently located near other attractions in the area, such as the Sonoma Coast State Park, which offers hiking trails with spectacular views of the coastline.
- Address: Off Highway 1, Bodega Bay
- Campground Information: There are 99 campsites available during the high season. Reservations can be made from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
- Campground Amenities: Picnic table, food locker, fire ring, restrooms with flush toilets, token showers, tap water, amphitheater, and dump station.
- Pets Allowed: Leashed dogs allowed in campground – No dogs allowed on dunes or beaches.
- Hookups Available: No
18. Kirby Cove Campground
Sausalito, CA
Kirby Cove Campground is another excellent camping spot in Northern California conveniently situated in a beautiful and secluded cove just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. This campground provides some of the most stunning views of the bridge and the city skyline!
The campground itself is nestled in a grove of eucalyptus trees, providing a peaceful and serene environment. Additionally, the campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites and group sites, all of which are well-maintained and offer amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restrooms and water.
Another great feature of Kirby Cove Campground is that there’s so much to do around it. This includes its proximity to a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain biking trails in the nearby Marin Headlands.
Visitors also enjoy exploring Battery Kirby, a historic army battery in use from 1898-1934. The Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site SF-88 are also close to the campsite. The beach at Kirby Cove is also a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
The best part about it? The campground is only accessible by a steep 1-mile hike or by a limited shuttle service, which adds to the feeling of seclusion and makes it a great spot for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Address: 948 Fort Barry, Sausalito, CA 94965
- Campground Information: Five overnight camping sites and one day-use picnic site. A steep, mile-long trail to the cove begins at the parking area above Battery Spencer on Conzelman Road. Although campsites are available by reservation only (recreation.gov), the public is invited to walk the trail and picnic on the beach or bluffs.
- Campground Amenities: Pit toilets, barbecue pits, picnic tables, and fire rings are available, but there’s no potable water.
- Pets Allowed: No pets are allowed at Kirby Cove.
- Hookups Available: No
Best Glamping Spots in Northern California
Is roughing it or sleeping on the ground just not for you? These next few are going to be perfect for those looking for a more elevated, luxurious camping experience.
19. Mendocino Grove
Mendocino, CA
Mendocino Grove is where you’ll experience a luxury camping experience in the coastal woods of Mendocino.
Here, you and your party will enjoy all the perks of camping without the hassle of having to worry about tent/camping gear.
Encompassing 37 acres, Mendocino Grove features 60 spacious safari-style canvas tents, fully-outfitted with comfortable beds, warm down comforters, wool blankets, lanterns, and more.
Planning a visit during the cooler months of the year? You’ll get a cozy bed with electric blankets for those chilly nights.
The campground offers a lot of fun activities on-site, including bocce ball, corn hole, a private hiking trail with guided hikes on the weekends, games, books, and hammocks for relaxing in.
Mendocino Grove also provides easy access to off-site adventures, dining, and shopping!
20. AutoCamp Russian River
Guerneville, CA
AutoCamp Russian River is another wonderful glamping venue in Northern California.
Aside from the modern Airstream units, luxury tents, and suites you’ll get to stay in, some of the perks of AutoCamp include WiFi, free bicycles for use, fire pits, and even a clubhouse for hanging out in, a store for snacks and supplies, plus weekly activities like yoga and live music.
Each Airstream unit is furnished with a TV, refrigerator, microwave, sofa bed, walk-in shower, dining area, and patio. A private fire pit with a grill and outdoor deck furniture are also available.
The Russian River is located just across from the property, while the Pacific Ocean is ~10 miles away. Other activities offered in the area include wine tasting, golfing, cycling, and hiking.
21. AutoCamp Yosemite
Midpines, CA
Located in the little area of Midpines, AutoCamp Yosemite will immerse you in lush vegetation, while providing pretty luxurious accommodations.
Being just a 1-hour ride from Yosemite National Park, the property offers different kinds of accommodations, including luxury tents, suites, and the guest-favorite Airstream!
The entire complex has a modern, minimalistic, yet rustic vibe about it, making it the perfect place to call home base when exploring the beautiful Yosemite region.
22. Safari West
Santa Rosa, CA
Last but not least is Safari West, a fantastic glamping experience in Northern California that offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the wildlife of Africa without leaving the continent.
Safari West is home to over 1,000 animals from 90 different species, including giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and lemurs. Visitors can take guided tours to see these animals up close and personal, and even participate in a feeding experience.
But the property isn’t just a daytime experience, it can be an overnight experience too! Safari West offers luxurious tent accommodations that are designed to provide visitors with an authentic safari experience. Each tent is equipped with comfortable bedding, private bathrooms, and outdoor seating areas to enjoy the beautiful views.
When visitors stay at Safari West, they can expect to be fully immersed in the African wildlife experience. The tents are luxurious and comfortable, so you won’t feel like you’re roughing it while you’re here.
Visitors can take guided tours to see the animals up close, participate in a feeding experience, or take a bird-watching walk. There are also several family-friendly activities available, including playgrounds and animal encounters. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the property, which includes rolling hills, oak trees, and vineyards.
Overall, a stay at Safari West is a unique and unforgettable experience that combines luxury camping with wildlife adventures.
Read More: Safari West Review: Is Safari West Worth The Money?
And that rounds out our post on the best campgrounds in Northern California! All in all, choosing to stay at one of the many Northern California campgrounds is an affordable way to explore the magic of this region.
I hope you were able to find the perfect Northern California campground for your upcoming outdoor adventure. Happy travels!