California is almost never the state of mind and the state of wonder. If you are an outdoors enthusiast and nature lover, Northern California is definitely a destination that you should not miss.
With its stunning scenery and diverse landscape, California can be one of the best places to camp if you’re looking for a place to set up a tent and spend some time in nature. The weather also makes camping (in most places) pretty much year-round.
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Make camping Northern California a priority on your list of things to do.
Camping in Northern California is a great way to be outdoors, but you have to make sure that you are prepared. This should be one of your top priorities when planning a trip.
Make sure that you have the right gear for camping. If you don’t already own it, check out some camping stores and see what they have available. You want to be sure that all of your gear works together well and will allow for maximum comfort during your visit. For example, if you plan on cooking food over an open fire then make sure to bring enough fuel for cooking (charcoal or propane), cooking utensils like pots and pans, plates and bowls as well as eating utensils such as knives and forks!
If possible try renting or borrowing some gear from friends who might already own it instead of buying everything new!
Backpacking
Backpacking is a great way to experience the outdoors. When you hike, you are able to get away from it all and focus on your surroundings.
There are many great places to go backpacking in Northern California. If you want something more tame, try one of the state parks like Lake Tahoe or Lassen Volcanic National Park, which has some spectacular views of Mount Shasta if you go in the right season. For more challenging terrain (and scenery), check out Mount Diablo State Park near San Francisco or any of California’s other mountain ranges such as Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak near Redding/Mendocino County Line Road; Yosemite National Park; Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks; Sierra Nevada Mountains around Bishop/Lake Isabella area; North Coast Region from Sonoma County through Mendocino County.
Camping
Camping is a great way to experience the outdoors and save money. Not only do you get to be outside in nature, but you also get to save money on lodging costs by sleeping in your own tent or RV. Camping is also a great way to spend time with friends and family, whether it’s going on an adventure trip or just having a relaxing weekend away from home.
Tourist attractions
It’s not all about the outdoor activities, though. Northern California has plenty of sights to see and visit that are sure to impress any tourist. Here are some of our favorites:
- Bodie Ghost Town: Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Bodie was once an active gold mining town established in 1859. Today it is a preserved ghost town with many original buildings still standing as well as restored ones used for museums and other uses. It also happens to be one of the largest open-air museums in California!
- Burney Falls: The beautiful Burney Falls is located in Shasta County on the south end of Lake Shasta, which itself is one of California’s largest reservoirs and a popular destination for camping and fishing trips (and yes, even waterskiing). The waterfall itself is named after pioneer settler Samuel Burney who operated a lumber mill nearby from 1857 until his death from cholera three years later; today you can hike up behind the falls or drive through them by car!
- Castle Crags State Park: Located near Castella on Highway 299 towards Gold Rush country (don’t forget your pan!), this park offers incredible views along its hiking trails including those leading up Castle Dome Peak which tops out at over 2200 feet high!
Things to do
- Hiking: A variety of trails and paths are available within the park, including a 10-mile trail that provides access to several lakes. You can also enjoy a guided tour with one of our hiking guides, who will lead you through the rugged terrain and help you spot wildlife.
- Biking: The park has over 50 miles of bike trails for both novice and experienced riders alike. Our friendly staff is available to assist with your journey into nature as well as offer tips on how best to navigate these trails safely.
- Fishing: There are numerous lakes in Yosemite National Park where you can fish year round! If you’re an experienced angler looking for some peace and quiet to unwind from your busy life at home then this is definitely one activity we recommend doing during your stay here at campgrounds Northern California parks near me! We have all kinds of fishing spots where people like going every day! Come find out why they keep coming back time after time again!
Where To Stay
Once you’ve selected your destination and have decided to base your trip around it, the next step is to decide where you’ll stay. There are many options available in Northern California, so let’s take a look at some of them:
- campgrounds and RV parks
- lodging (hotels/motels)
- bed and breakfasts
- hostels
- cabins or vacation rentals (i.e., cottages)
Campgrounds and RV Parks
There are many public and private campgrounds throughout the region. Most of these are located near the coast, but there are also some in the mountains. The list below is just a sampling of what you’ll find when you explore Northern California’s camping options.
- Campground: Mendocino Coast KOA
- RV park: Redwood National and State Parks
- Cabins: Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (reservations required)
- Resort: YMCA of San Francisco Bay Area – Mill Valley (reservations required)
- Bed & breakfast: B&B Inn at Healdsburg
Fishing
With so many lakes and rivers in Northern California, the question isn’t whether you’ll find a lake or river to fish. The question is which one?
Some are better for fishing than others. Lake Tahoe is known for its trout fishing; if you’re looking for something more challenging, try Folsom Reservoir or Don Pedro Reservoir (it’s named after an old gold miner). If your idea of fun is catching massive salmon or trout on fly rods in a quiet setting, try the Salmon River near Oroville or any of our other famous rivers like the American River or Feather River.
Conclusion
These are the best places to go camping Northern California if you want to get away from it all, disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
