With the warm weather picking up & summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about camping trips. Camping is just one of those extraordinary things that help you to detox completely from your normal life, get some fresh air, & make some incredible memories, unlike any other. But some camping spots are better than others. Arguably, some of the absolute best camping spots to truly rejuvenate & adventure is located in northern California. So for today, we’re going to talk about the absolute best camping spots in California to make the most of your trip. Let’s get started.
1. Lake Tahoe
Perhaps the most popular camping spot in all of California is Lake Tahoe. Surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks & a gorgeous clear blue lake, this location has it all. Everything from hiking, to swimming, to the fresh mountain air, waterfalls, & even beautiful wildlife can all be found & experienced in this healing sanctuary. Not to mention, there are dozens of different campsites to choose from all around the lake, the most popular being Camp Richardson. Whether you want to camp closer to the town, along the mountain peaks, near the marinas, or even buried in the woods, Tahoe has it all. To learn more about camping & other activities to do here, be sure to check out our article on year-round activities in Lake Tahoe here. Overall, Tahoe is truly a scene out of a fairytale & is the perfect getaway for the whole family.
2. Yosemite
The next on the list is Yosemite. Full of quiet forests, stunning glacier peaks, & breathtaking waterfalls, this is one of the best nature spots to be if you’re looking for a true escape. With the option of hiking, swimming, lounging & more, while visiting, you’ll witness some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire world. If you’re looking for a prime camping spot here, you’ll want to check out Lower Pines Campground. Here, you’ll get to experience Yosemite Valley, which is considered to be the most popular spot in this area. But make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time, though, as this campground fills up very quickly! In addition, if you’re looking for a cabin, the Half Dome Village is the best place to be. Ultimately, Yosemite is one of the mother earth’s most beautiful masterpieces full of stories just waiting to be told.
3. Redwoods National Forest
One of the most famous camping & hiking spots in northern California is the Redwood forest. Home to the tallest trees in the entire world, this is one of the best places to visit for a detox. The aesthetic of this landscape all is very healing & believed to even be spiritual. Thick, green, & luscious bushes & trees surround you, truly making it seem like a scene out of Lord of The Rings. When it comes to camping, this site offers over 80 campsites to the public that include everything from peaceful in-park camps to oceanfront camps in the grasses behind the basin. This is the perfect variety for people from all over the world. You can also learn all about these campsites in the article, “6 Best Campgrounds in Redwood National & State Parks” for a more insightful explanation of each.
4. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Next on the list in the mystical Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is truly one of the most fascinating preserved volcanic parks in California. With everything from lakes, hot springs, hydrothermal areas, & over 150 trails to explore, this spot truly has it all. Not to mention, the remnants of this volcanic site can be found at the Bumpass Hell, where you’ll find steam vents & boiling pools to truly set the mood. In terms of camping, Manzanita Lake is the spot to be. Here you & your family can enjoy swimming & hiking with the most stunning view of Lassen herself. Ultimately, this is one of the most exciting spots to camp & visit for the whole family.
5. Lava Beds National Monument
Now, if you’re looking for a camping spot that’s totally out of the norm, the Lava Beds are where you want to be. Here, you can explore over 700 caves, including a cave full of dangling icicles! Not to mention, in the surrounding area, you’ll get to see sites such as craters & even volcanic fields. Talk about a one-of-a-kind opportunity! In terms of camping, this site only has one campground, which is the Indian Well Campground that has under 50 spots available, so be sure to reserve yours ahead of time! On the off-chance you can’t book it in time, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of other spots to go! You can read more about other housing options here.
6. Mount Shasta
And lastly, Mount Shasta is the largest volcanic peak in all of the US. Driving up the road to it, you’ll feel as if you’re driving up on mount Fuji herself. One of the most popular campsites here is the Lake Siskiyou, offering you a camp by a lake & an incredible background of Mount Shasta in the background. Not to mention, this camp also features a grocery store, hot showers, laundry, & more, making it a more convenient spot for those who are new to camping. With lots of options for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, & even cave exploring, this is the prime spot to be for an adventurous heart. Spend a weekend in Shasta & we guarantee you’ll find a level of peace unlike ever before.
