RV travel and destinations

The 20 Best Campgrounds in Northern California

Posted on August 14, 2023

The 20 Best Campgrounds in Northern California

Searching for the best places to camp in Northern California?

We've got you covered.

This guide reveals the top-rated RV campgrounds in Northern California, all located within a day's drive from San Francisco.

Ready to find out which campgrounds made the list?

Let's get started.

Map of the campgrounds

The Best Campgrounds in Northern California

Silver Lake West Campground

Location: Pioneer, California.
Distance from Sacramento: 93 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 87 miles.

42 sites | no hookups | $25 to $35 per night

  • Open seasonally.
  • First come, first served.
  • Dry campsites.
  • Potable water filling stations.
  • Sites have a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear-resistant food storage locker.

Why you should camp here

Silver Lake West Campground is located near Silver Lake and the area's popular outdoor attraction, the potholes — a series of swimming holes from little streams flowing from the lake. The campground is open from mid-May through mid-October and features well-maintained vault toilets and potable water. Silver Lake Campground is best for small RVs under 24 feet long.

Wrights Lake Campground

Location: Kyburz, California.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 93 miles.
Distance from Sacramento: 87 miles.

68 sites | no hookups | $28 to $56 per night

  • Open seasonally.
  • Reservations required.
  • Dry campsites.
  • Potable water filling stations.
  • Vault toilets.
  • Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring.

Why you should camp here

Wrights Lake Campground, located in the Eldorado National Forest near Kyburz, California, has scenic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and is close to Wrights Lake's shore. This seasonally operating campground is open from July to the first part of September and is the ideal location if you're looking for a place to set up camp and paddle, fish, or hike.

Flying into Reno? Did you know you can rent a nearby RV and get it delivered to you at the airport?

Cher'ere Campground and RV Park

Location: Klamath, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 333 miles.
Distance from Eugene, Oregon: 244 miles.

71 sites | full hookups | $35 to $65 per night

  • Open seasonally.
  • Reservations required.
  • Pet friendly.
  • Every RV site has full hookups, a picnic table, and a fire pit.

Why you should camp here

Cher'ere Campground and RV Park is located along the Klamath River and is just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean and California's Redwood National and State Parks. This seasonally operating campground is open from May to October and is one of the best-kept secrets in the area. You won't run out of things to do during your stay at Cher'ere Campground and RV Park. It's an excellent place to stay if you enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, and birding.

Duncans Mills Camping Club

Location: Duncans Mills, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 83 miles.
Distance from Sacramento: 125 miles.

105 sites | full hookups | contact the park for prices

  • Open seasonally from March 1 to November 30.
  • Reservations required.
  • Pet friendly.
  • Riverfront sites are available.
  • Every RV site has partial or full hookups, a picnic table, a grill, and a fire pit.

Why you should camp here

Duncans Mills Camping Club, located on the Russian River in Northern California, is close to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and Sonoma County's world-class wineries. This member's-only RV campground has amenities like a pool, gym, private beach, free kayak and canoe rentals, and much more. Nonmembers can stay and take a tour of the campground and try out the facilities before joining the club.

North Grove Campground

Location: Arnold, California
Distance from San Francisco: 155 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 127 miles.

74 sites | full hookups | $33 to $40 per night

  • Open seasonally from March through November.
  • Reservations required.
  • Full and partial hookup sites are available.
  • Dump station.
  • Sites have a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear-resistant food storage locker.

Why you should camp here

North Grove Campground is located in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Calaveras Big Trees State Park is known for its two giant sequoia tree groves, ancient volcanic formations, and the Stanislaus River. The park has summer programs, kid's programs, guided hikes, and evening activities, so there is something for everyone to do during their stay. Because of the thickly-forested campground, RVs over 30 feet long are not permitted.

Jackson Rancheria RV Park

Location: Jackson, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 126 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 136 miles.

100 sites | full hookups | $85 per night

  • Reservations required.
  • Every campsite has full hookups, a picnic table, and a grass lawn.
  • Free shuttle service from the RV park to the casino and general store.
  • The heated pool and spa are open year-round.
  • Off-leash pet park.

Why you should camp here

Jackson Rancheria RV Park has everything you need to stay and play without leaving the property. The campground sits adjacent to the casino, with several eateries like a bakery and cafe to a fine dining restaurant. The campground has amenities like outdoor games, a putting green, a general store with groceries, a touchless RV wash, and a gas station.

Mt. Lassen Shingletown KOA Holiday

Location: Shingletown, California
Distance from San Francisco: 235 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 165 miles.

35 sites | full hookups | $70 to $95 per night

  • Reservations required.
  • Open seasonally from April through the end of October.
  • Campsites have full and partial hookups with a picnic table and fire pit.
  • The campground hosts special events for campground guests throughout the season.
  • Playground, market and gift shop, outdoor activities, tire swing, pool, and dog park.

Why you should camp here

Mt. Lassen Shingletown KOA Holiday is located close to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lake Shasta, and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park and is the perfect campground for people who love the outdoors. Whether you want to hike, swim, or relax at your campsite, you will love the tree-lined campground and its many amenities.

Plan your camping trip the EZY way — have your RV rental delivered and set up in the campground!

Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park

Location: Clio, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 230 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 59 miles.

200 sites| full hookups| $45 to $65 per night

  • Open from April through October.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Back-in and pull-through sites have various features and amenities.
  • Dog friendly.
  • Monthly discounts are available.

Why you should camp here

Clio's River's Edge is located along the Middle Fork of the Feather River and is close to over 100 lakes and fishing streams. You'll find spacious sites inside the campground, an off-leash dog park, a playground, and family-fun activities like horseshoes, corn hole, and bocce ball.

Angels Camp RV Camping Resort

Location: Angels Camp, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 134 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 151 miles.

100 sites| full hookups| $65 to $85 per night

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations required.
  • The campground has a community fire pit, swimming pool, dog park, playground, laundry room, and outdoor games.
  • Full hookups with a fire pit and picnic table at each site.
  • Camping club discounts and weekly and monthly rates are available.

Why you should camp here

You will love Angels Camp RV Camping Resort because it's located within a few hours from California's most popular places to visit, like Yosemite National Park and Bear Valley Ski Resort. Whether you're interested in fishing, visiting historic places, or playing golf at a championship course, you'll find what you're looking for at Angels Camp.

Ocean Cove Campground

Location: Jenner, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 94 miles.
Distance from Sacramento: 137 miles.

100 sites| no hookups| $40 to $45 per night

  • Open seasonally.
  • Individual campsites are first come, first served.
  • Oceanfront and tree-lined campsites are available.
  • Sites have picnic tables and fire pits.
  • Patrons can use the hot showers, pit toilets, general store, and boat ramp.

Why you should camp here

Ocean Cove Campground is a coastal paradise located along California's Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The PCH is one of the most scenic drives in the country, and Ocean Cove Campground is just one of the highlights along the route. Ocean Cove is an island surrounded by state and country parks, making the campground feel private and secluded.

Yanks RV Resort

Location: Greenfield, California.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 87 miles.
Distance from Sacramento: 93 miles.

110 sites | full hookups | $65 to $85 per night

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Full hookup RV sites, including 30- and 50-amp electric service, water, and sewer.
  • Campsite amenities include picnic tables, a BBQ grill, and a fire ring.
  • Comfort features include bathhouses, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi access.

Why you should camp here

Yanks RV Resort is a beautifully landscaped resort with luxurious facilities. The Olympic-sized pool, fitness center, game room, playground, and designated dog-walking area will help you feel at home on the road. One of the best features is this park's proximity to the Monterey Peninsula, Pinnacles National Park, and California's Central Coast world-class wineries.

Rent an RV near San Francisco

RVezy has RV rentals you can drive, tow, or have delivered directly to your favorite campsite.

View RV rentals near San Francisco

Ancient Redwoods RV Park

Location: Redcrest, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 230 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 379 miles.

49 sites | full hookups | $50 to $60 per night

  • Open seasonally from mid-April to the end of October.
  • Reservations can be made by calling the park.
  • Campsites are spacious with full hookups.
  • Big rig friendly.
  • Campers have access to clean restrooms, showers, a laundry room, and a convenience store.

Why you should camp here

Ancient Redwoods RV Park is located along the historic Avenue of the Giants, a street known for the oldest and tallest trees in the world. When you stay at Ancient Redwoods RV Park, you get to sleep among these giant, remarkable trees. The campground and souvenir shop are family owned and operated and camper-rated as some of the best campgrounds in the area.

Mystic Forest RV Park

Location: Klamath, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 338 miles.
Distance from Sacramento: 355 miles.

30 sites | full hookups | $48 per night

  • Open seasonally.
  • Reservations can be made by calling the park.
  • Wi-Fi and cable TV are available at every site.
  • The unpaved campsites have full hookups and can accommodate rigs up to 100 feet long.
  • Restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities are available for registered guests.

Why you should camp here

Mystic Forest RV Park is located among California's coastal redwood trees a mile from Redwood National and State Parks. Other points of interest, like access to the Pacific Ocean, the Klamath River, and the Trees of Mystery, are less than a ten-minute drive from the campground. Aside from the prime location, the campground has plenty to do for kids and adults, from hiking and horseshoes to mini golf and a playground.

Black Oak Casino Resort

Located in: Tuolumne, California
Distance from San Francisco: 141 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 176 miles.

75 sites | full hookups | $60 to $75 per night

Why you should camp here

Black Oak Casino Resort has something fun for the whole family. You can try your luck in the casino, take the kids bowling on the family-fun floor, play golf, and have top-notch amenities at your campsite. Black Oak Casino Resort truly lives up to the stay-and-play concept because once you're parked, you can ride the courtesy shuttle to and from any of the resort's attractions.

Golden Pines RV Resort and Campground

Location: Arnold, California
Distance from San Francisco: 157 miles.
Distance from Sacramento: 124 miles.

23 sites | full hookups | $55 to $80 per night

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations required.
  • Each campsite has full hookups, a fire pit, and a picnic table.
  • The campground has a seasonal swimming pool, bathhouses with showers, flushing toilets, and a laundry room.
  • Close to several wineries, guided outdoor activities, and local shops and restaurants.

Why you should camp here

Golden Pines RV Resort and Campground is a tall-pine campground located within the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Stanislaus National Forest. The campground is located just a few miles from one of the other campgrounds on our list, North Grove Campground, but this park is smaller and less known. If you can't get a campsite at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, make Golden Pines RV Resort your next best choice. Since Calaveras County is in the heart of so many trees and bodies of water, you will have plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, paddle, and fish during your stay.

Pioneer RV Park

Located in: Quincy, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 230 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 80 miles.

62 sites | full hookups | $45 to $60 per night

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations required.
  • Choose from a pull-through or back-in campsite with either water and electric or full hookups.
  • Amenities include a laundry facility, dog wash, free Wi-Fi, and propane sales.
  • Weekly and monthly discounted rates are available.

Why you should camp here

Pioneer RV Park is the perfect place to stay if you want to spend time in the great outdoors. Lake Almanor is one of the largest man-made lakes in California, and it is less than an hour from the campground. Bucks Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Lassen Volcanic National Park are also located within a short drive, so you won't run out of scenic places to explore during your stay.

Lake of the Springs Campground

Located in: Oregon House, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 153 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 125 miles.

556 sites | full hookups | $60 to $80 per night

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations required.
  • Pet friendly with an off-leash dog park.
  • All campsites have water and electricity, and select sites have sewer hookups. The campground has a dump station for campers who don't have sewer hookups at their campsite.
  • Restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
  • Swimming pool, marina, mini-golf, and much more.
  • Tons of outdoor games and activities for children, youth, and adults.

Why you should camp here

Lake of the Springs Campground is a Thousand Trails campground nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Thousand Trails campgrounds give members discounted camping rates, but good news! You don't need to be a member to stay here. This campground has a private lake, boat rentals, and activities like panning for gold — all on-site.

Mountain Gate RV Park

Located in: Redding, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 225 miles.
Distance from Reno, Nevada: 206 miles.

108 sites | full hookups | $40 to $70 per night

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations required.
  • All sites have full hookups, and campers can choose a standard, deluxe, premium, or patio site.
  • Convenience store.
  • Fenced dog park, pool, spa, and a group bonfire pit.

Why you should camp here

Mountain Gate RV Park is a highly-coveted, full-service RV park located close to Shasta Lake and Mt. Shasta. Every site is big-rig friendly with full hookups, and the campground amenities are top-notch. Aside from the beautiful location, people love to stay at Mountain Gate RV Park because of the friendly and caring staff and the immaculate facilities.

Gerstle Cove Campground

Located in: Jenner, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 96 miles.
Distance from Sacramento: 138 miles.

30 sites | no hookups | $35 per night

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations recommended.
  • Sites have a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear-resistant food storage locker.
  • No dump station.
  • The campground has drinking water and restrooms but no showers.

Why you should camp here

Gerstle Cove Campground is located in Salt Point State Park on the coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Driving to the campground is almost as spectacular as staying there because of its location along the historic Pacific Coast Highway. The park has plenty of places to explore and things to do, but the highlight is the Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve, the oldest and smallest marine protected areas. The Gerstle Cove Campground accommodates motorhomes up to 36 feet long and trailers up to 31 feet long.

Francis Beach Campground

Located in: Half Moon Bay, California.
Distance from San Francisco: 29 miles.
Distance from San Jose: 42 miles.

52 sites | partial hookups | $35 to $65 per night

  • Open year-round.
  • Reservations recommended.
  • Although some of the campsites have no hookups, the majority of the sites have electrical hookups.
  • Every site has a picnic table and a fire ring.
  • The campground has restrooms, coin-operated showers, and a dump station.

Why you should camp here

Francis Beach Campground is a beautiful campground located inside Half Moon Bay State Beach. Half Moon Bay is best known for its crisp, cool climate and its winding stretch of soft, white sand. The park has so much to see and do, with the highlights being the multi-use coastal trails and the four different beaches. The family campground is located within the Francis Beach portion of the park. Francis Beach Campground accommodates motorhomes and trailers up to 40 feet long.

Don’t have an RV? No problem

RVezy has a large selection of RVs ready to rent throughout California. Whether you’re looking to go on an inner-state road trip in a cool-looking campervan, tow a travel trailer with your truck, or get a large fifth wheel delivered for a luxurious stay at a single campsite, RVezy has something for every trip type and budget.

Related reads

24 Campgrounds That Prove California is the Best Place to Camp
Beginner's Guide to Reserving the Right RV Site
How to Use the RV Hookups in a Campground


Meagan Butler
Meagan Butler

Meagan is a glitter-loving, trailer-towing RV content writer. When she's not camping in her Winnebago Solis, she spoils her dogs, takes landscape photography, and supports the RV community.

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