Discover the best river, stream, or creek campgrounds in California (2024)

12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in California

96%(4829)Jug Handle Creek Farm20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CAJug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail. We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents. We also offer three lovely cabins, which have power and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom with a hot shower. Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve.Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.PetsPotable waterToiletsCampfiresShowersfrom$40/ night91%(972)Bridgeport Reservoir Campground33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · CABridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice!About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town.Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal.Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.PetsPotable waterToiletsCampfiresShowersfrom$27/ night97%(575)Diamond Gulch39 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres · Groveland, CACLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite.There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport.When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful!This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds.Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite.A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.PetsPotable waterToiletsCampfiresShowersfrom$30/ night98%(2069)Mill Creek Resort48 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Mineral, CAWelcome! We’re Jillian and Joe, along with our sidekicks Sonora + Ayla, the brains and the brawn behind Mill Creek Resort. Since 2017, we have been pouring every ounce of our love and energy into this landmark 1930’s resort. We take great pride in honoring it's rich history while creating a space for the next generation of mountain adventurers.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 and 2015 modern RV. We hope your path leads you here to experience all that Lassen has to offer. Miles of trails, pristine waters, dark skies, and wildlife abound, all awaiting to be discovered.Find your Wild, be kind, and leave no trace.PetsPotable waterToiletsCampfiresShowersfrom$35/ night95%(463)DABUDAGE7 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · CAA place to stay in southern Big Sur with camp sites and accommodations.Before sending an inquiry please read the listings.Also available as a host your own retreat venue starting at 360 per nightPetsPotable waterToiletsCampfiresShowersfrom$60/ night89%(290)Yosemite Westlake Camp33 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Coulterville, CALocated on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold. PetsPotable waterToiletsCampfiresShowersfrom$48/ night94%(33)Bowen Ranch Hot Spring Camp Retreat11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents180 acres · Lake Arrowhead, CARelax and recharge at this 160 acre off the grid campground surrounded by beautiful natural desert scenery and mountain views, and located just a short hike away from Deep Creek Hot Springs. Set up your own tent and campsite or rent one of our furnished glamping tents to stay while on the property. Events welcome! Check out our private hot spring pool sites and private cold spring pool sites we have available. Property hosts up to 300 guests. PetsPotable waterToiletsCampfiresShowersfrom$22.99/ night95%(1831)Finnon Lake Recreation Area39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CAMOSQUITO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM MAY 28TH TO AUGUST 4TH. ALL VEHICLES PLEASE USE ROCK CREEK ROAD - DIRECTIONS BELOW.From Sacramento on Hwy 50:At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road. Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED.Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe:make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area!Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residentsThe primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website.Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay.Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit.Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions.Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions.NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.PetsPotable waterToiletsTrashfrom$30/ night100%(1300)Cosumnes River Ranch25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Plymouth, CAWe are a family owned/operated ranch, located along the Cosumnes River, one of the last un-dammed rivers in California. As one of the last rivers flowing from the west slope of the Sierra without a major dam, the Cosumnes is a vital example of a healthy watershed.Our goal is to offer a unique outdoor experience for anyone looking for a place to spend time in the great outdoors.Whether you're looking for a single campsite, or a place for a larger gathering, we're excited to have you visit!Take your pick of activities available on site: swimming , gold panning, fishing, camp fires, wildlife watching, floating, hiking, and mountain biking to name a few. There are 3 miles of river to explore.Private and noise free. Porta potties on site.PetsToiletsfrom$90/ night99%(1352)Finley Camp13 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bodega Bay, CAFinley Camp is nestled along Finley Creek in West Sonoma County. Campsites are located in open flats surrounded by Coast Doug Fir, Alder, and California Bay forests. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate, and access to a porta potty and hand washing station. The campsites are located past the end of the county road allowing for a quiet peaceful experience. Enjoy a quiet stroll on site, the surrounding communities of Bodega, Bodega Bay, Valley Ford, and Tomales, or just enjoy a quiet day in camp. Our sites are located approximately 20 minutes from Bodega Bay. The campsites are 2.5 miles from the coast and the weather can be unpredictable. As a general rule, it is very similar to that of San Francisco.All camp sites are situated in a valley that offers protection from the coastal winds. The have both morning and evening shade. Sites #2, #6, #7, and #11 have the most space, while sites #4, #7, #8, #9 and #11 offer the most privacy. Sites 1-3, any combination of 5-7, and 12-13 are well suited for groups. Other site groupings work well depending on the number of sites being reserved. Site #8 is unique in that it has a wood deck/platform for tents. There are also NO wood fires allowed at site #8 as it is under the tree canopy. A propane firepit is provided for your use. You can bring a 5 gallon propane tank from home, or a full one is available for rent on site. We have beef available for purchase from calves raised exclusively on our ranch. This beef is 100% grass fed and finished and never given grain of any kind. We have various cuts available such as steaks, ground, roasts, ribs, or other various specialty cuts. All beef is cut and wrapped by a USDA certified butcher. It is raised in an organic manner from cows that freely roam on the pastures of the coastal hills we call home. For further information or for a price sheet, please inquire with the camp host. Well behaved dogs are welcome at Finley Camp. All dogs must be kept on leash at all times while on the property. There are no exceptions to this. Finley Camp is located on an active cattle ranch and directly adjacent to a neighboring ranch with cattle. Also be sure to check out our orchard tours. The apples ripen from Late July thru late November. We'll take you to our family orchard where you can pick apples, pears, or blueberries in season and taste yummy treats out of our family garden.PetsToiletsCampfiresfrom$95/ night98%(86)Redwood Mountain Retreat7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Scotts Valley, CAThis location is a private home, turned retreat center in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We are cradled by Mother Nature, in the middle of a Redwood forest, with fresh air and California sun, work together to create an environment that will insulate you from the chaos of today’s hectic lifestyles. Besides camping or overnight stays, we offer retreats to soothe your weary soul.The rooms for rent are part of the home, where I live. We will be sharing space. I have two dogs that live on the property - a British Labrador and a Goldendoodle. Please do not book if you don't like dogs. They are the sweetest dogs you'll meet. They serve to exuberantly welcome you, as well as guard, protect and warn me about unruly UPS drivers and the very scary turkeys that roam the mountains.This property is proudly woman-owned and operated. I love hosting women travelers and have built my tent sites, rooms, cabins, retreats and experiences to cater to women. That is to say, women want a little more comfort, a little more care, a little more thoughtfulness and little more bougie. If that's what you're looking for, this is it! Of course I welcome men too. In fact, there are quite a few men’s’ retreats hosted here. All will be comforted with the smells of the redwoods outside and the smells of fresh baked bread, inside. Come and join me for a night in the woods.Welcome to your Redwood Mountain Retreat,~DaisyPotable waterToiletsCampfiresShowersTrashfrom$63/ night
Discover the best river, stream, or creek campgrounds in California (2024)

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