It seems small towns have the best farmers markets, and that is certainly the case with SLO. Our highlight is a camp fire bowl with bench seating with a stage to display camper talent which is perfect for the evening fire and roasting smores (bring the fixings). Within walking distance, we offer a 1 bedroom/1 bathroom cabin with propane heat and AC. Be sure to drop byCosteaux French Bakery. Whether youre on the road or at the campground, we have an array of activities to absorb and inspire. Youcanevenlaunch from a campground (and full-service lodge) that emphasizes a commitment to preserving and celebrating its surroundings. It has a 2-stage filter that removes over 99.999% of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. The California Academy of Sciences, a nonprofit, educational and research institution, includes Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and the Natural History Museum each with excellent displays, exhibits and programs. No wonder this is one of the best Northern California campsites! Then there are the amenities, which are not typically found at traditional campgrounds. We do not allow wood fires at the individual sites but each site has a propane firepit for ambiance (not cooking) that requires you to purchase a 20 lb. 1166 Asti Ridge Rd. Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. ft. patio overlooks the stunning Trinity River, so you have the perfect dining experience. Marysville. Mug: Youll want a mug for morning coffee or tea! We have propane BBQs (we provide the propane for BBQs) located throughout the property. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Kayaks are available at no charge. South of San Francisco Elkhorn Slough is one of Californias largest wetlands and part of a National Estuarine Reserve located in central Monterey Bay. Yoga is offered daily at 9:30 am and there is a 3/4-mile trail that leads through a forest of bishop pines to an ocean viewing deck. For more information on camping in Northern California, visit Hipcamp. The camp was owned by the Boy Scouts from 2011-2015. From stargazing in a Dark Sky Park to seeing rhododendrons bloom in the mountains to good old-fashioned apple picking theres plenty to get outside an do without breaking the bank. If you just want a water filter/water bottle set-up, I recommend theGRAYL Geopress. Campsite 1 is the preferred site, as it is secluded from the other sites. The Cascade Range starts in Northern California and stretches all the way north to British Columbia. (Moss Landing.1 (831) 633-5555 or www.elkhornslough.com), Laugh at the fish. From late March through mid-May and Labor Day through October, it is only open Friday and Saturday nights. Sunhat: To keep sun off your face I recommend apackable hatlike this one which has a strap so it wont blow off in guests of wind and you can easily wear it on your back when you dont feel like wearing it on your head while hiking, boating, and enjoying Northern Californias beautiful scenery! Since 1963, campers have been enjoying year-round camping at Camp Edison's scenic campsites. Orr Hot Springs Resort - Ukiah, California. trailer length is 15 feet, There are also designated hike and bike sites and group sites, Restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated showers, 43 sites: most are first-come, first-serve, Firewood is available for purchase during the summer, Restrooms with running water, sinks, and flush toilets. In the winter, we are close to a number of ski resorts and winter sports activities. Since 1963, campers have been enjoying year-round camping at Camp Edisons scenic campsites. FRANK'S DINER IS CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH. The Reserve is an important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including sea otters, harbor seals, feeding sharks, giant slugs, waterfowl and migratory shorebirds. 11560 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117, USA. Follow it right into San Francisco and Golden Gate Park, an urban oasisfull ofabundanteducationalopportunities. However, there are far more alluring things that draw travelers to NorCal than just the thinner crowds. The LifeStraw set-up I recommend is this one:LifeStraw Flex. Located in the idyllic landscape of Ukiah, Orr Hot Springs Resort offers some of the most wonderful yurt camping experiences in Northern California. The kitchen is equipped with two refrigerators, a stovetop and range and a triple sink for easy cleanup. ft. yoga studio (used for movement, meditation, and classes), a 1700 sq. No problem. There is limited internet only available for purchases at the setore. Its location near the Visitor Center is open year-round, which makes it easily accessible for guided hikes in the redwood forest and great activities for the kids to explore. Mendocino Grove also offers a bocce ball court, corn hole, games, books, and relaxation hammocks. San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, 19 Franklin St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045, USA. This unique sprawling 600-acre property is home to the largest privately-held reservoir in the North Coast region, perfect for swimming . Along the South Lake Tahoes Lester Beach, campers enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, or just relaxing in the sand. "FCFS"= First Come First Served. (1(707) 464-6101 or www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm), Follow a sky trail. They will be available to help if help is needed. AtSanta Cruz North / Costanoa KOA, roughly 50 miles south of San Francisco along the coast, the on-site activities director can point you toward everything from birdwatching and stargazing opportunities to hikes past wildflowers and elephant seals. You must take Rock Creek Rd. The kids will want to explore the Visitor Center and Nature Museum and take part in the Jr. Ranger (ages 7 12) and Big Basin Nature Club (ages 3 6) programs. Location: Lester Beach Road, Tahoma, CaliforniaReservations: Make online atreserveamerica.com. Sleeping bag (30 degree or colder): While you maybe camping in California, that doesnt mean it doesnt get cold at night especially on the Northern California coast! This surfers paradise was made for those who love to catch the waves, but also for those who love the outdoors. Youwillfind it enchanting. Tucked among the redwoods is Emerald Forest Cabins & RV, a quaint camping spot with 30 amp hookups, water, sanitary dumps, and pull-through sites. This makes for a great picnic spot as well, so pack some snacks with you. Camping at a KOA campground in Colorado gives you the chance to explore one of our most . Indian Well Campground, Lava Beds National Monument. There is no telephone or internet service to interrupt your peace and quiet..OurMain Housewas built in 1952 and retains the flavor of the 50s. We hope you'll consider trying out a unique night of wine country glamping with us on the Russian River. Make your first activity of the day a trip to Pismo Beach for one of Californias top surf spots. 101) in Northern California. Weve been told that our bathrooms are the cleanest ever and have changing tables and diaper pails. TheSanta Cruz Surfing Museumis a must-see. This is the perfect place to say when one day is not enough to explore the parks 28 miles of trails or to enjoy fishing in the Sacramento River. Though known primarily for its sequoia trees, there is a lot more than these ancient arboreal beasts to enjoy while at Yosemite National Park. Sunglasses: To give your eyes a break from the sun during your daily activities. With 37 acres to explore, Mendocino Grove has spacious Safari-style Classic and Family tents, fully outfitted with comfortable heated beds, warm-down comforters, wool blankets, crisp cotton linens, lanterns, and more. Check out our list of seven national parks for solo travel and get planning! During these months, you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through my links. Discover the best of California camping, view our spotlighted campgrounds featuring tent camping, RV spots, and cabin rentals. Why You'll Love Manchester Beach KOA. We also have a propane grill and charcoal BBQ located in the common area for all to use. Bear canister:Keep your food away from bears with thisbear-resistant canister! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Rates: $50-120/night. Joe and Wendy live sustainably off the land and offer workshops on a number of sustainable practices. Just minutes away from the Lava Beds National Monument in Californias northeast corner is a great place to pitch your tent or park your RV in a quaint NorCal campground before exploring the cinder cones, craters, lava tubes, and over 700 caves. Outside the tent, guests have a personal fire pit, a covered porch with patio furniture, and a large picnic table. Backpacking stove:This will depend a bit on your set-up and whether or not your campsite has grills or fire pits (and if youre allowed to use those fire pits!). Total of 31 sites for RVs, trailers, and tents. KOA Holiday - Basecamp for the Great Outdoors, KOA Resort - The Destination for Recreation. No internet service. Find it here. In 1933, the Union Lumber Company donated the property to the Boy Scouts of America. However, keep in mind that San Francisco Bay is quite foggy and a working, busy harbor. 1 (707) 464-4900 or www.oceanworldonline.com), See the big reds. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquitos only restaurant, Frank's Diner. Don Ellis has owned and managed the Strawhouse Resorts since 1998. To plan your next Northern California camping adventure, weve done all the research for you. From majestic to cultural and quirky, it is also the location of the End of the Trail Museum showcasing the largest private collection of Native American artifacts, clothing, pottery, baskets, weapons and tools. If rock climbing isnt your gig,then you willlove the fact that you can hike to the top. 1(805) 927-2020 or www.hearstcastle.org), 2003 Travel Communications, Inc. Sites with the best view are supposedly 119 and 121, so book those if you can! or stroll through the redwood groves. Pet a shark. - Central Camp with tables, BBQ grills (propane provided), filtered water, and weekend fire dish run by staff. Healdsburg is also a great place to experience the Redwood forest in all its glory with some family-friendlyhikes. A furnished yurt and tent platform with two dome tents are also available to rent. We have a 5 acre meadow, and orchard with 50 trees, peaches pears, apples, cherries, plums, pluots, apricots and grapes. $95. Camp Nauvoo was originally bought by the LDS church in the 1960's for a girl's camp. 3) Entire Property (Camping Compound and Lodge). Continue north through Sonoma County, world-famous for its wineries and its coastal drive. Our state park system includes 1.3 million acres of land, protects nearly a third of the coastline and maintains over 14,000 campsites and 4,500 . If you're driving along the northern portion of the Pacific Coast Highway, this campground is a must see stop. It was the setting for Return of the Jedi. Healdsburgis right in the heart of Sonoma County, which means youwillfind some of the best wines in the country here, sans all the Napa Valley crowds. Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. In this neighborhood,you willexperience the old San Francisco when the railroad tycoons ran this city. NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Tent camping made better, because KOA amenities are right down the path. For families (up to 8), old friends, folks who like to fish, or just for a very special get-away.We also have a plenty of places to camp. Click here to find out more information or to book a reservation. This region of California has been called the Lost Coast. On Highway 199 (Redwood Highway), northeast of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, in Six Rivers National Forest, are three very nice campgrounds. Laura Gray is a freelance writer and retired elementary teacher based in Norfolk, VA. She spends her summers enjoying the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, traveling the world, and exploring the beautiful United States. Reservations : Camp Edison Online Reservations. If youre interested in hitting the road and exploring alone these national park destinations should be at the top of your list. While youarein the area, be sure to hit up Cannery Row for some cute little seaside shops. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: This unique sprawling 600-acre property is home to the largest privately-held reservoir in the North Coast region, perfect for swimming and catch & release fishing. Its a good 3-season tent with loads of headroom, easy pitching design for fuss-free set-up, and theres plenty of room for two people to share. 5 sites, but each of the five sites are large enough for ten people. Each month, direct to your email inbox, we'll send the best camping Half Dome is another must-see spot in the park. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Book now and receive 10% off with code CNNSUMMER at Tripadvisor. Bring your own life jackets if you need them. Even better is that their campground has two bath houses with hot showers to add a camping-cherry on top. Just a 20-minute drive from San Francisco, tiny Kirby Cove in Marin Headlands is a scenic retreat with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Relax, you're with friends. While living in Northern California, I ran to REI for last-minute camping, kayaking, or cycling. 6. Otherwise, enjoy the view and the other people scaling this 3,000-foot rock. Nestled in 12 acres of cedars and towering pines on the south side of Lassen Volcanic National Park, we offer 9 cabins open year-round, along with 17 campsites, some featuring glamping tents and 8 RV spots, one featuring a vintage 70's trailer. Pacific Coast Highway (a.k.a. We decieded to open the property to the public in 2015 for camping in the summer. From the Pacific to the Sierra, these are the best campsites in Northern California. This is the place to pet a shark, clap with the sea lions and laugh at the fish. 2) Camping Compound with Yurt and 2 Dome Tents - Outdoor showers with hot water. Plus, only 50% down is required to book on all future bookings . Cost: $24/night. Grab some good old-fashioned junk food while youarevisiting, and then head to Natural Bridges State Beach for views of one of Californias most iconic beaches. Marysville is officially the oldest settled town in Northern California. If youarelooking to add some adventure to your experience, head to Old Fishermans Wharf for a whale-watching tour or kayaking in the bay. Leashed pets are permitted, but leashes should not be longer than 6 feet. The other train no longer needed for logging, trudges under giant redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain. Region: Shasta and Trinity. KOA is dedicated to connecting people to the outdoors and each other by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Water Filter:There are a wide variety of water filtration systems and treatments, but I have two preferred brands: LifeStraw and GRAYL. TheOtter Space Conference Centerwas purchased in 2002 by Dr. Peter Alsop as a place of peace and healing, where human service professionals have come to train with Dr. Alsop and learn how to help children and families cope with issues such as chemical dependency, loss and grief, child abuse and trauma. At KOA, we offer a wide range of places to camp in Colorado, each of which provides accessible laundry facilities, playgrounds for the kids, clean bathrooms with hot water and, at many campgrounds, even organized activities you can choose to participate in. Our completely fenced Group Camping Area on top of a knoll with breathtaking views offers eight plus camping sites and accommodates up to 32 campers. propane cannister on site (add in extras) or pay cash on site. **All VEHICLES - TRAILERs AND RVs Reserve a stay atColeville / Walker KOA Holidayto get some rest before continuing your trip. Driveacross a few times and swap drivers so each person gets a chance to soak in the views. Learn More, Plan the perfect trip from home or on the road with the official KOA app. Home to CalPoly, youll certainly see students abound here, but theywill most likelybe enjoying the offerings of the town more than studying (whowould blame them?). Because there is so much to see in this city,consider bookinga walking tour. From glamping to standard camping, check out these top RV parks along the northern California coast for RV travelers. Address: 33655 Geysers Rd, Cloverdale, CA. The scenic, coastal beauty of famed Highway 1 provides the perfect ocean-swept backdrop for a dream vacation tour of Northern California. Were Jillian and Joe, along with our sidekicks Sonora + Ayla, the brains and the brawn behind Mill Creek Resort. Ranked # 6 on Yelp's Top Places to Camp in the US, Mendocino Grove has something for everyone! 1. In the morning, head over to the Meadow Commons where can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and a breakfast surprise . El Capitan Canyon is an amazing glamping experience! The serenity the Redwoods provide is unlike anything youwillexperience elsewhere. However, by taking your travels further up north, there is a great deal to see that will wow you in ways SoCal never could. There is also some great food to be had here, particularly the clam chowder. Mendocino Grove shared retro bathhouses offer hot showers both indoor and out, organic bath products, fluffy towels and a dog wash. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese flies in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. - Access to Holland Reservoir, our private lake, for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Boy Scouts began using the site in the summer 1934 and continue to use the property for several weeks every summer.In 2012, Allan Hemphill, his son Brian, and a small group of family friends purchased the property from the Boy Scouts. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. With this in your virtual pocket, you will get discounts on camping so you can extend your NorCal road trip and enjoy more of all the beauty. Spork or similar utensil:You cant forget asporkwhile youre backpacking! Boasting over 35,000 sea creatures, Monterey Bay Aquarium has wonders that will keep you occupied for hours, including sea otters, hammerhead sharks and much more. Check it out for yourself to see. In a world increasingly connected in the digital sense, we invite you to come up and get back to your roots, and connect with people the old fashioned way. The lodge accommodates up to 20 people with a commercial-style kitchen that can feed up to 50 people comfortably. Please be sure to add pet fee in extras upon check out. However you feel about ghosts, this mansion is an architectural marvel and worth the price tag to get in. Wildhaven is surrounded by vineyards on 3 sides and is in the middle of the famous Alexander Valley wine-growing region. Please note that reservations made between April 10 th and April 17 th cannot be modified and cancellation will result in forfeiture of 100% of the associated fees. Securing the spot for the top family campsite is this true gem of a lake, a jewel set at the foot of Mount Shasta at 3,181 feet, the prettiest lake on the I-5 corridor in California. Thisgives you more time to enjoy its splendor in full. : at the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then, for an adventure, there is ourRomantic Tipi, that sleeps two (or three), and has its own fire pit and full size bed.OurRiverview Yurtwill appeal to folks who want a full kitchen, a private shower and flush toilet overlooking the Klamath river from the 50 x 50 foot upper deck. Enjoy taking a guided nature walk, attend campfire talks, visit the park waterfalls (Berry Creek Falls is a stunner!) Wheelchair accessible tents are also available. Check out theseKOA Campgroundsalong your NorCal road trip: This only skims the surface of all there is to see in this part of the great state of California, and KOA ishere to greet youeach step of the way with Tent Sites, RV Sites and Camping Cabins along the northern California coast. We have traditional dirt camping, canvas tents on platforms, teepees and glamping tents for those that want the comforts of home. Read my privacy policy and disclaimer here. Location: 3122 Veterans Blvd. VisitCowells Beach for some great waves that will start your day off just right. The next day, you might opt to drop some putts at the campgrounds nine-hole golf course. Monthly camping tips, recipes, giveaways and more! Fort Collins / Lakeside KOA Holiday. Plus, our Northern California campground is a short distance away from Sacramento. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. We have 50 acres of beautiful forest sprinkled with redwood trees. Enjoy earth, ocean, and space all at the same place. Don and Julia continue to work hard side-by-side to bring much value to the community. The first thing youll notice (and appreciate) is the smaller crowds up north as things can get pretty busy the further south you go. This welcoming park is open all year round and makes an ideal base for a wide variety of area activities. Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. North of San Francisco is California wine country, where the rolling hills of Napa host a variety of camping and glamping getaways for campers to escape the city. CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account. Those seeking more comfort and features can book tents with 2-person hammocks, festive string lights, and unobstructed views towards the Mayacamas mountains. Pinecrest Campground is one of northern California's most popular campgrounds, thanks to its excellent location near Pinecrest Lake. Note: Some campgrounds in Northern California come with bear boxes, so this may not be necessary. While staying at Manchester Beach KOA, you have a huge diversity of California's tural treasures at your . Sometimes we see timid black bears who run from humans but sometimes can be seen grazing in the meadow with the black-tail deer. On board with each trip a naturalist aids passengers in understanding the dynamics of slough ecology and evolution. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle. While walking around the park . Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOAs family of campground brands KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort today serve more than a million camping families each year. Cloverdale, CA Online: koa.com Rental Options: (See "Extras" for additional rentals) However, it's essential to consider that popular campgrounds may be more crowded during the peak summer months of June, July, and August. In addition to the 500,000-gallon saltwater aquarium with touch pools and underwater viewing, visitors will also see otters, bat rays and sea lions. We have a compressor on site to blow up your air mattresses or float toys. We hope your path leads you here to experience all that Lassen has to offer. The camp sites are placed along the creek or the bluff overlooking the creek. Clothing: It can get chilly at night so plan accordingly. flickr/brian baer. For breakfast, grab somegranola with blueberries and milkpackets and some tastyKuju instant coffee!Of course, you could also bring a cooler and some meat, sausages, and vegan goodies if you want to grill things up or have a BBQ. Boating, swimming, and paddling are popular Tahoe pastimes, and thanks to numerous hiking trails and a big mountain biking scene, visits can be as action-packed or as relaxing as you want. We are also a great base site for those wilderness enthusiasts with access to all the El Dorado National Forest including Desolation but want a hot shower at the end of the day. Head a bit south to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for some seriously dramatic ocean views, but also for some fabulous hiking and cute sea otter spotting. We do NOT HAVE refrigeration, and we now have some solar battery electricity for lights at nigh or if the generator is on. You can wander around Old Town Eureka,detour to the charming Victorian community of Ferndaleor head for the wetlands and dunes of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing sets, seesaw and tractor play. Great if you camp a lot, but for beginners, you may want to start with a more affordable version until you decide you really are a camping person. It has full hookups, is very level and easy to drive on, and has showers and restrooms. From its towering valley and sprawling backcountry to its curious black bear population, Yosemite constantly engages and excites. A walking tourwill hit all the hot spots but also give you great insight into some of the citys secret spots and fun history. We take venmo or cash. Rock climbers take on bouldering and multi-pitch routes, hikers enter the lottery for a chance to scale the cables of Half Dome, and most visitors delight in Yosemite Falls and Mariposa Grove. Encompassing over one million acres, Shasta-Trinity National Forest is the largest national forest in California and a haven for campers. Site 176 is large and offers a lot of privacy. No matter what, be sure to get your California campfire permit before embarking to any of these Northern California campgrounds. San Francisco. Glenwood Springs West / Colorado River KOA Holiday. Founded in 1843 by settlers from the East, the first non-native explorers arrived in 1828.