California is a fantastic place to camp, particularly in the summer.
When it comes to RV camping in Northern California, the Golden State has a little bit of everything.
In Northern California, there are hundreds of excellent RV parks to select from.
There are campgrounds around waterfalls, such as Fowlers Campground, which is close to McCloud Falls.
There are also several fantastic beachfront camping in California.
Francis Beach RV and Wesport Beach RV are two of the nicest beach campsites, with ocean views straight from your spot.
Northern California boasts several excellent lakefront RV parks, including the renowned Collins Lake Campground, if you want to stay near a lake.
Summary
| Guide | RV Camping in Northern California |
|---|---|
| Things to bring | Torch, tent, etc. |
| Campgrounds | Patricks Point State Park Campground and more |
| Best places | Santa Cruz and more |
| Situated | California |
RV Camping In Northern California
1. Patricks Point State Park Campground
The Patricks Point Campground is close to the beach and in a lovely Redwood Forest along Northern California’s rough coastline.
Trinidad, a charming seaside town, is about a 15-minute drive from the campsite.
This little village is home to some of the greatest seafood restaurants as well as charming souvenir shops.
It is one of Northern California’s nicest beach communities. In Patricks Point, camping feels like you’re in your own forest.
Trees, ferns, and plants surround each spot, providing privacy. There are 124 campsites available, accommodating tents, RVs, and trailers.
The ocean is not visible from the campgrounds, although it is only a short walk away.
Address: 4150 Patricks Point Dr. Trinidad, CA
2. Mt Lassen Shingletown KOA Holiday
The Mt. Lassen Shingletown KOA Holiday is just a short drive from Lassen National Park among the forest’s pines, oaks, and cedars.
This campsite is available all year and is one of the best RV campgrounds for families in Northern California.
Back-in and full hookup pull-through sites are available for RVs up to 65 feet long. Tent camping spots and complete cottage rentals are also available.
Because the campsite is at 3900 feet above sea level, the region receives snow in the winter and colder mountain temperatures in the summer.
There are lots to do in and around this lovely campsite. A heated pool, playground, dog park, bike rentals, and a variety of other enjoyable activities are available.
Address: 7749 KOA Road. Shingletown, CA
3. Collins Lake Campground
The Collins Lake Campground is between Marysville and Grass Valley, roughly a one-hour drive from Sacramento.
Year-round lakeside camping is available close to the beautiful Collins Lake. There are several RV and tent sites you can use.
Others of the campsites have full hookups, and some are even directly on the lake.
Collins Lake Campground offers various services, such as bathrooms, laundry cabins, and a general store.
The general shop, according to many, provides the greatest ice cream in town!
Biking, boating, fishing, hiking, and watersports are all popular activities around Collins Lake.
A boat launch and a swimming beach are also near the campsite. You can also rent a patio boat, fishing boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.
Address: 7530 Collins Lake Rd. Browns Valley, CA
4. Fowlers Campground
Did you know that you may camp right next to one of Northern California’s most beautiful waterfalls?
Fowler’s Campground is on the McCloud River’s bank, just 10 minutes from the charming mountain town of McCloud, California.
From late April to mid-November, this campsite on the east slope of Mt. Shasta is available.
Because this campsite is at the height of 3,390-feet, the opening and closing dates for each camping season changes by the snow conditions.
Fowler’s Campground features 39 distinct campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents to choose from.
They offer a variety of RV maximum sizes, the longest of which is 30 feet.
The campsite is well-known for its closeness to McCloud Falls, consisting of three distinct waterfalls.
Address: Fowler Public Camp Rd. McCloud, CA
Read: Camping In Santa Barbara
Read: Camping In Texas
Best Places To Visit Near Northern California
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a traditional little coastal town with gorgeous sandy beaches, world-famous surf, breathtaking mountains covered in ancient redwood forests, quiet organic farms, and a growing wine and beer culture on the northern end of Monterey Bay, approximately 32 miles from San Jose.
Students from the University of California, Santa Cruz, add to the lively atmosphere, and visitors adore the historic Santa Cruz’s combination of natural beauty and old-town charm, as well as the fantastic entertainment options at the oceanfront amusement park and the lovely Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
At Steamer Lane or Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, you may learn to surf, observe skilled surfers, and get into the surfing atmosphere. In Santa Cruz, there are a variety of things to do.
San Jose
The San Jose is the technical epicenter of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area.
San Jose is known as the home of several IT companies, but it is also a lovely modern city with a busy downtown that includes 250 restaurants, nine theaters, and numerous art galleries and museums.
Its stunning architecture pays homage to the city’s illustrious heritage.
The Winchester Mystery House and the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum are two of the most popular tourist attractions.
You’ll travel through Japantown, one of the few remaining in the United States, the artistic SoFA District, bustling San Pedro Square, and the Convention and Cultural District, which features a diverse range of performing arts events. In San Jose, there are a variety of things to do.
Checklist Before RV Camping In Northern California
The following is a list of the most common camping and boondocking equipment and supplies.
Use this checklist to make a list of everything you’ll need.
- Flashlight
- Batteries/bulbs
- Tarp
- Rope
- Water container
- Signal whistle
- Pocket knife
- Freeway map
- Park/ forest maps
- Wallet & license
FAQ
Do I have to make a camping reservation?
For most RV camping areas, yes, you have to make a camping reservation.
Still, some could take the first serve, first-served basis, so you have to check it individually to see if they accept you without reservation.
Can I do BBQ in the RV camping area in Northern California?
There is no single rule about this. The rules differ depending on which park, Campground you are in.
Can I bring a pet to RV camping areas in Northern California?
With some exceptions, in general, dogs, cats, or other pets can not enter camping areas, but this might differ from camping area to camping area.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
