Best Places To Camp In Northern California

Find the best places to camp in Northern California—experience stunning views, peaceful forests, and unforgettable outdoor escapes. Northern California is packed with amazing camping spots. You are an experienced camper or a beginner North Carolina provide you some peaceful and fantastic waterfall and sandy beaches. If you love to camping beside an amazing lake or relax nature views, and wonderful lake view. North Carolina provide you a perfect sites and destinations. Here you will find out the best time, thing that required, and best site for you. So get ready and zip the top bag and enjoy the new trip.  So get ready and zip the top bag and enjoy the new trip.  For official park details and reservations, visit the groundcamp reservation in Northern California.

1. Camping in Yosemite: A Northern California Icon

Yosemite is one of the best places to experience camping in Northern California, offering towering granite cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and peaceful pine-scented mornings. Perfect for those craving a wild and soul-refreshing escape.

Best Time to Visit:

1. You can visit here in Late Spring through Early Fall (May to September). These months offer the best weather and access to most park amenities.

Camping Equipment:

1. First take a strong tent, hiking sticks and boots and warm clothes and bear protected food storage

Camping Types:

1. This site is perfect for tent and RV camping Both tent and RV camping. The park has a range of campgrounds, from developed sites to more rustic options, including backcountry sites with a permit.

2. Redwood Retreat: Camp Beneath California’s Giants

Camp under the ancient redwoods in this magical stretch of Northern California. The towering trees and misty trails offer one of the most serene camping spots you’ll ever experience.

Best Time to Visit:

1. You can visit here in Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September). This period offers mild weather and less rain, ideal for exploring the redwoods.

Camping Equipment:

1. First take a strong tent, insect spray and warm clothes and bear protected food storage

Camping Types:

1. This site is perfect for tent and RV camping. The parks have developed campgrounds and backcountry sites for a more remote experience.

3. Volcanic Camping Adventure at Lassen Park

If you’re looking for unique places to camp in Northern California, Lassen’s geothermal wonders and volcanic peaks promise an unforgettable outdoor journey.

Best Time to Visit:

1. You can visit here in June to September. Snow can linger into early summer, so this period provides the best access to trails and campgrounds.

Camping Equipment:

1. First take a strong tent, and warm clothes and bear protected food storage 

Camping Types:

1. This site is perfect for tent and RV camping. This Park provide visitors ground camping with different facilities and sites for those who love privacy. 

4. Shasta-Trinity National Forest: Wild Beauty, Untamed Camping

This vast forestland offers some of the best remote camping in Northern California, with alpine lakes, rugged trails, and peaceful backcountry solitude.

Best Time to Visit:

1. You can visit here in June to September. During this time the weather is hot and dry. It is perfect for water activities and hiking.

Camping Equipment:

1. Bring a strong tent, hiking sticks and boots, swim gear for lake activities and bear protected food storage 

Camping Types:

1. This site is perfect for tent and RV camping. The forest give a chance for many ground camping different facilities and lakeside views. 

5. Point Reyes – Coastal Camping with Northern Charm

Few places to camp in Northern California match the ocean breeze and dramatic cliffs of Point Reyes. Ideal for beach lovers and quiet nature seekers.

Best Time to Visit:

1. You can visit here in Spring and Fall. These seasons provide mild temperatures and fewer crowds, with beautiful coastal scenery.

Camping Equipment:

1. First take a strong tent, rain coat, glasses, warm clothes and bear protected food storage 

Camping Types:

1. This site is perfect for tent camping. The park has several campgrounds, including some that are walk-in or backcountry.

6. Big Sur Escape: Cliffside Camping in NorCal

Big Sur’s dramatic coastline and hidden campgrounds offer one of the top camping experiences in Northern California. It’s raw, wild, and breathtaking.

Best Time to Visit:

1. You can visit here in May to September. This period offers the best weather and fewer chances of fog.

Camping Equipment:

1. First take a strong tent, hiking sticks and boots and warm clothes and bear protected food storage.

Camping Types:

1. This site is perfect for tent and RV camping.  Several campgrounds are located along the Pacific Coast Highway with stunning ocean views.

7. Mendocino Headlands – Seaside Camping Serenity

Camp near rugged cliffs and lush headlands—this Northern California gem is a peaceful coastal retreat, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Best Time to Visit:

1. You can visit here in Spring and Fall. These times offer mild weather and fewer crowds, ideal for coastal exploration.

Camping Equipment:

1. First take a strong tent, hiking sticks and boots and warm clothes and bear protected food storage.

Camping Types:

1. This site is perfect for tent and RV camping. The park offers campgrounds with coastal views and access to trails.

8. Joshua Tree National Park: A Desert Detour

While technically in Southern California, Joshua Tree is worth the mention for those exploring California’s diverse camping wonders. Starry skies and surreal rock formations create a dreamlike desert experience.

Best Time to Visit:

1. You can visit here in October to May. Summer temperatures can be extremely high, making these cooler months more comfortable.

Camping Equipment:

1. First take a strong tent, bear protected food storage, glasses and sleeping bag.

Camping Types:

1. This site is perfect for tent and RV camping. The park provides many ground camping with different facilities. As well as backcountry sites for a more remote experience.

9. Sierra National Forest: Hidden Gems in Northern California

Nestled between Yosemite and Kings Canyon, Sierra National Forest offers quiet, forested campgrounds that are some of the best-kept secrets in Northern California camping.

Best Time to Visit:

1. You can visit here in June to September. This period offers warm weather and access to most campgrounds and trails.

Camping Equipment:

1. First take a strong tent, hiking sticks and boots and warm clothes and bear protected food storage.

Camping Types:

1. This site is perfect for tent and RV camping. The forest offers a variety of campgrounds, from developed sites to more primitive options.

10. Kings Canyon & Sequoia: Camp Among the Giants

Majestic sequoias and deep canyons define this awe-inspiring camping destination. A top pick for anyone searching for the best places to camp in Northern California with a sense of grandeur.

Best Time to Visit:

1. You can visit here in June to September. This period provides the best weather and access to most of the park’s features.

Camping Equipment:

1. First take a strong tent, hiking sticks and boots and warm clothes and bear protected food storage

Camping Types:

1. This site is perfect for tent and RV camping. The parks have developed ground camping as well as backcountry sites for a more secluded experience.

Mention above all sites and location provide you the best camping experience. Select the site according to your taste. Planning to explore the Midwest next? Check out our latest guide on the Best Places To Camp In Iowa for scenic trails and riverside escapes.