updated April 2023
It’s the perfect time to start planning a North California camping trip with the family. California has so many campgrounds you are sure to find the perfect place to spend some relaxing days hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. If you are looking for a kid-friendly campground we’ve listed 18 of the best family campgrounds for Northern California.
Camping in California does not HAVE to mean roughing it! The campgrounds we’ve profiled are chock full of family-friendly features and activities to keep even the tween & teens happy and involved. Whether you are a seasoned camping pro or going on your FIRST camping trip — we promise – you’ll enjoy these campgrounds.
As parents ourselves, we know what’s important for a successful family camping trip.
- CLEAN BATHROOMS – so important for tent campers who rely on clean, well-maintained bathrooms and showers! Even if you have a bathroom with your RV, its essential to have nice bathrooms when you are out and about exploring the parks.
- KIDS’ AREAS & ACTIVITIES. While it isn’t essential to have organized activities for children, they are nice to have as an option. In addition – playgrounds and kid-friendly hiking trails are a must. (Click here for tips on camping with toddlers)
- CAMPSITE PRIVACY. No one wants to drive a couple hours from home with all their camping gear to just be crammed into a campsite practically on top of their neighbors! We know we’re back-packing into the wilderness, but bonus points for those campsites who have a measure of privacy so you can at least pretend you are miles away from society.
With these criteria in mind, here is our suggested list of best campgrounds for families in North California.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CAMPGROUNDS IN NORTH CALIFORNIA (LISTED NORTH TO SOUTH)
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground
- Del Loma RV Park
- McArthur-Burney Falls Rim Campground
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Donner Memorial State Park
- Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina
- Wrights Lake Campground
- Silver Lake West Campground
- Gerstle Campground
- Sonoma Coast State Park
- Lake Alpine Campground
- North Grove Campground
- Pinecrest Campground
- Anthony Chabot Regional Park
- Upper Pines Campground
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Camp Edison

Carl Bolstad
The whole family will enjoy exploring the miles of trails through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The majestic trees and the peaceful nature setting is a relaxing and rejuvenating place to just enjoy nature. From mid to late summer, the Smith River water levels are low enough to provide a natural water playground for kids (and adults) of all ages.
There are interpretive programs (summer), fishing, and scenic, foresty campsites. Camping season is open year-round. Campground amenities feature clean restrooms and hot showers ($).
Facilities | 10,000 acre park Really, really, REALLY big trees World Heritage Site & Biosphere Reserve Nature store Restrooms with flush toilets Amphitheater RV dump stationBoat rampMiles of hiking trails Bike trails Fishing White water rafting |
RV/Tent/Trailer Sites
Campsites: | 86 |
Site features: | Can accommodate tents, trailers up to 21 ft and RVs up to 25 ft. Picnic table, fire ring, campfire grate, and food storage locker. Max 8 people per site |
Hike/Bike Sites:
Campsites: | 5 |
Site features | For walk-in/bikers only. Picnic table, fire ring, grate, food storage locker. |
Group Camping Site:
Campsites: | 1 |
Site features | Can accommodate up to 50 people/15 vehicles. |
Cabins
Camper Cabins: | 4 |
Site features |


Location:
21720 Hwy 299
Big Bar, CA 96010
Phone: 530-623-2834
A low-key, family-friendly campground with large grass and river sites near fishing, hunting and rafting. Kids will enjoy mini golf, the swimming pool, as well as hiking and biking on nearby trails. Facilities are on the older side, but campers report that they are well-maintained and clean.
Facilities | Laser Tag park ($) Fishing (King Salmon, Steelhead) Game Room Mini Golf Swimming Pool Goats Volleyball Court BeachCamp Store Laundry Dump Station |
Sites:
Campsites: | 58 |
Site features: | Level sites, some with 30/50 amp full hook-ups. Plenty of room for pop-outs. 2 tents per site or 1 rig + 1 tent per site. |

Julio Mulero
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is within the Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau natural region. There is forest and five miles of streamside and Lake Burney shoreline. The amazing 129-foot Burney Falls is the centerpiece to this state park.
Kids can swim and wade in both the Falls and Lake Britton. You can also rent boats (or bring your own) for boating on the lake as well as fishing for trout, bass, bluegill and crappie. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon picnicking at one of the many family picnic tables near the lake, creek, and visitor center.
There are several hiking trails, including Burney Creek Trail which leads through the backcountry and Pioneer Cemetery Trail – a biking and hiking trail which follows a historic wagon trail to the Pioneer Cemetery.
Facilities | Hiking trailsPacific Crest Trail passes thru the park Boating Boat Ramps Boat Rentals Dump Station Horseback Riding Picnic Areas Fishing Learning/Visitor Center Interpretive Exhibits Scuba Diving/Snorkeling Beach Swimming Windsurfing/Surfing Geocaching Camp Store Wheelchair Accessible |
Tent Sites:
Campsites: | 17 |
Site features: | Picnic table, food lokcer, fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets, showers & tap water are nearby. |
RV/Camper Sites:
Campsites: | 85 |
Site features: | Picnic table, food lockers, fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets, showers & tap water are nearby. |
Cabins:
Cabins: | 24 |
Site features: | 1 and 2-bedroom cabins. Walking distance to Burney Falls. Well-insulated, equipped with propane heaters, platform beds & foam pads, covered porch. Campfire ring, picnic table and space to pitch a tent. (bring your own sleeping bags and lanterns). No electricity or running water. |

wikiphotographer
Location:
Near Redding and Susanville
Phone: 530-595-4480
Lassen Volcanic National Park campgrounds are located between 5,700 – 6,800 ft – so be prepared for chilly mornings and nights. There are eight separate campgrounds throughout the park with over 500 campsites.
With over 150 miles of hiking trails, you could quite literally spend a week hiking and never walk the same trail twice. In the winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular. There are ranger-led programs in both summer and winter for all ages.
Facilities | Steaming fumaroles (opening near a volcano through which hot sulfurous gases emerge) Lakes Volcanoes150 miles of hiking, biking trailsMuseumPaddleboard, kayak on Manzanita Lake Cross-country skiing Snow-shoeing |
8 Campgrounds in Lassen Volcanic
Butte Lake Campground
Open Dates: 5 June – 20 October
Campsites: | 101 |
Site features: | Vault toilets, drinking water (No water after Sept 8th.), Boat launch, RV sites, Partly reservable. |
Group sites: | 6 |
Site features: | Vault toilets, drinking water (No water after Sept 8th. ), RV sites, Reservations required. |
Juniper Lake Campground
Open Dates: 26 June – 6 October
Campsites: | 18 |
Site features: | Vault toilets, Boat launch. Water not available (lake water only) |
Group sites: | 2 |
Site features: | Vault toilets, Boat launch, Reservations required. Water not available (lake water only) |
Lost Creek Group Campground
Open Dates: 19 June – 22 September
Campsites: | 8 |
Site features: | Vault toilets, drinking water, RV sites, Reservations required. |
Manzanita Lake Campground
Open Dates: 1 June
Campsites: | 179 |
Site features: | Flush toilets, vault toilets, drinking water, boat launch, RV sites, Pay showers/laundry services nearby, dump station, partly reservable |
Group sites: | 5 |
Site features: | Flush toilets, vault toilets, drinking water, boat launch, RV sites, Pay showers/laundry services nearby, dump station, reservations required |
Camping Cabins: | 20 |
Cabin features: | Accessible, vault toilets, drinking water, boat launch, pay showers/laundry services nearby, dump station, reservations required. |
Summit Lake NORTH Campground
Open Dates: 26 June – 29 September
Campsites: | 46 |
Site features: | Flush toilets, drinking water, boat launch, RV sites, Partly reservable |
Summit Lake SOUTH Campground
Open Dates: 26 June – 29 September
Campsites: | 48 |
Site features: | Vault toilets, drinking water, boat launch, RV sites, Partly reservable. |
Southwest Walk-In Campground
Open Dates: 1 June
Campsites: | 20 |
Site features: | Flush toilets, vault toilets, drinking water, No reservations. |
Warner Valley Campground
Open Dates: 12 June – 12 October
Campsites: | 20 |
Site features: | Vault toilets, drinking water, RV-sites, No reservations. |

Ken Lund
The infamous Donner Party’s journey West back in the 1830’s is one of the tales from history that few can forget! Families can come visit this beautiful state park located just east of the Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada. Learn more about the Donner tragedy, the Chinese railroad builders, Washoe life, the 1840s emigration and more at the extensive visitors center.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for Kokanee salmon and trout from Donner Lake and Donner Creek. Camping is open Memorial Day to mid-October (weather permitting). At Donner Lake you can picnic and swim and lounge at the sandy beach.
Facilities | Public boat launch (fee) Boat rentals Hiking trails Picnic Areas Guided tours Beach Windsurving/surfing Pioneer Monument Visitors Center Restrooms with hot showers Sanitary Dump Pets Allowed ADA Accessible |
Camping Sites:
Campsites: | 154 |
Site features: | Picnic table, food locker, fire ring. Max 8 people per site. Pets OK (on leash and always attended). Max length of trailers is 24 feet. Max length of RVs is 28 feet. No Hookups. |

Jonathan Cook-Fisher
Location:
1900 Jameson Beach Rd
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Phone: 800-544-1801
Camp Richardson has plenty of activities for both summer and winter campers. In the summer there is boating, biking, and hiking, fishing, swimming and more. In the winter you can cross country ski, snowshoe, ice-skate, and sled!
There is a full-service marina with boat rentals, restaurant on the lake, general store, sports center (where you can rent bikes, paddle boards, and other sporting equipment) and an ice cream shop.
Campsites are walking distance to the lake.
Facilities | 20-mile paved bike trail Hiking trails Water taxi (bikes ride free) Camp store Cell phone service Sanitary dump Firewood Wifi Restrooms with flush toilets and showers Resort with lodging and dining Snack bar |
Tent Camping:
Campsites: | 200 |
Site features: | Picnic table, bear-proof food locker, fire ring. No pets allowed. |
RV Camping:
Campsites: | 100 |
Site features: | Water & Electric hookups. Picnic table, fire ring. No pets allowed. |

photo used with permission from Periwinkle Campground
Location:
Kyburz, CA
Phone: 530-644-2324
Families who love to explore the outdoors will enjoy this campground set against the background of the Sierra Nevadas. Summer activities include bike, hike, boat, fish, swim, horseback ride, off-road vehicle, rock climb, and wildlife watch. Winter activities – show shoeing, hiking, and shivering. The campground is in the timber belt and is close to Wright lake shore.
Facilities | Hiking trailsWildflowers & birding 40-acre Wrights Lake Equestrian Trails Educational programs Mountain Biking Off-Roading on Barrett Lake Jeep trail Overnight hiking permits available Swimming Fishing Non-motorized boating Amphitheater Water (seasonal) |
Tent Only Camping:
Campsites: | 19 |
Site features: | Picnic table, fire ring, bear-proof food locker. Pets ok, on leash and attended. |
Tent/Trailer/RV Camping:
Campsites: | 47 |
Site features: | Picnic table, fire ring, bear-proof food locker. Pets ok, on leash and attended. |
Equestrian Camping (tent/trailer/RV):
Campsites: | 15 |
Site features: | Must have at least 1 equine or other pack animal per site. Vault toilets, piped water, picnic table, fire grill, bear-proof food locker. |

Carson Pass Highway
Pioneer, CA 95666
Phone: 530-295-6824
A hidden favorite campground, Silver Lake West is quiet, peaceful, and campsites are private. The scenery is picturesque and exactly the place to relax and recharge from life. Kids will enjoy the hiking trails, scrambling on the large boulders, and swimming at nearby Silver Lake.
This is a low-key camping experience for families seeking a special time in nature.
Discount for seniors, disabled, and military.
Facilities | Fishing Swimming beach Trails Pets OK Mountain biking trails Boating Fishing Vault toilets, piped water in restrooms First-come, first served for campsites |
Tent/Trailer/RV Camping:
Campsites: | 42 |
Site features: | Tents, small RVs, and trailers (max length is 24 ft). Please fill RV and trailer water tanks prior to arriving at park. Picnic table, fire ring & grill, bear-proof food locker. |

Velvet Elevator
Located on the oceanside of Highway 1 adjacent to Gerstle Cove, a State Marine Reserve. This is a small family-friendly campground with only 30 sites total.
Kids will love exploring the numerous tidal pools during low tide – just be very careful when handling the animal habitats as it is easy to hurt the fragile marine animals. You can see sea stars, muscles, sea urchins, and tiny young fish who spend their lives in the tide pools.
Divers come from afar to free dive in the healthy kelp forest located in Gerstle Cove. You can also boat, windsurf, and fish. Its possible to spot Gray Whale migrations along the coast January – April.
Facilities | Fishing (with valid fishing license) Tidal Pools 20 miles of hiking & horseback trails Picnicking Diving Visitor Center Interpretive Exhibits Snorkling Beach Windsurfing Geocaching Boating Underwater kelp forest |
Tent/Trailer/RV Camping:
Campsites: | 30 |
Site features: | Paved pad, picnic table, food locker, fire ring, grill. Drinking water and flush toilets located nearby. Reservations strongly advised Mar 15 – Oct 31. |

harminder dhesi
Sonoma Coast State Park has sandy beaches, secluded coves, rugged headlands, natural arches, a craggy coastline with tide pools and offshore reefs. Families will enjoy spending their holiday exploring the 16 miles of shoreline along the Pacific Ocean. From Dec – April there are volunteers at the park to help visitors spot the annual gray whale migration. Year round you will see harbor seals – with pup season running from Mar- Jun (never approach a seal pup who is alone on the beach – he is just waiting for Mom to come back from feeding in the ocean).
If you have a California fishing license, you can try your luck catching rockfish, perch, salmon, steelhead and smelt. You can also collect mussels and cockles. Hike or bring your own horse to enjoy the 5-mile trail system that winds through Bodega Dunes.
Amenities | 16-miles of coastline Visitor center Fishing Boating Whale watching Hiking Picnic areas Wildlife viewing |
Bodega Dunes Campground– the most amenities
Campsites: | 99 |
Site features: | Picnic table, food locker, fire ring. Bathrooms + showers. Max RV/trailer length is 31 ft. No hook-ups. |
Wrights Beach Campground – less fancy, does have bathrooms but no showers
Campsites: | 27 |
Site features: | Picnic table, food locker, fire ring. No hook-ups – max trailer/RV length is 31 ft. Tap water available at restrooms. |
Willow Creek Campground – “Environmental Camp” – primitive, few amenities
Campsites: | 11 |
Site features: | Walk-in sites. Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilets. |
Pomo Canyon Campground – “Environmental Camp” – primitive, few amenities
Campsites: | 20 |
Site features: | Walk-in sites. Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilets. |

don graham
Location:
4000 CA-4
Arnold, CA 95223
Phone: 209-795-1381
Families will love spending the day at 180-acre Lake Alpine. You can boat (boat rentals are available), fish, and swim. There is a 4-mile hike loop around the lake which makes for a great nature hike that isn’t too difficult.
The 25 campsites are all within walking distance of the lake. Lake Alpine Lodge has a restaurant and a general store to pick up any supplies you might need. The park rangers offer programs in the summer for families including evening campfire programs.
Facilities | Bike trails Fishing in Lake Alpine Boating/boat ramp OHV trails Swimming Rock climbing Wildlife viewing Interpretive programs (summer months) Restaurant (Lake Alpine Lodge) General Store Boat rentals |
Tent/Trailer/RV Camping:
Campsites: | 25 |
Site features: | Picnic table, fire ring, restrooms with flush toilets. No hook-ups. Pets OK. |

Phae
Location:
Arnold, CA 95223
Phone: 209-795-2334
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is home to two groves of giant redwoods. Families will enjoy the hiking trail that winds through the forest of the mammoth trees. You can attend interpretive programs taught by park rangers, wildlife lectures, and guided nature walks. Children ages 7-12 can partake in the Junior Ranger activities and children ages 3-6 can join int the Junior Cubs.
Facilities | Historical/cultural site Picnic areas Visitor Center Biking/Hiking trails Fishing Guided tours Beach area Geocaching |
Tent/Trailer/RV Camping:
Campsites: | 58 |
Site features: | Picnic table, food locker, fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets located nearby. Max trailer/camper/RV length is 30 ft. |

Giles Douglas
Location:
18 Pinecrest Lake Rd
Pinecrest, CA 95364
Phone: 209-965-3116
Pinecrest campground is a popular camping spot for families who want to enjoy playing at Pinecrest Lake. You can rent small boats, go fishing or swimming, or paddleboard at the lake. There is a 4-mile hiking trail that circles the lake and a paved biking trail. Senora Pass is located nearby and is a scenic winding highway that has guided people across the Sierra Nevada since 1852.
Due to the popularity of this campground, you need to make reservations for camping anytime Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend.
Facilities | Swimming Beach Marina Lake Amphitheater Bike rentals Boat rentals Visitor Center Hiking trails Horseback riding trails Boating Fishing Dump station |
Tent/Trailer/RV Camping:
Campsites: | 196 |
Site features: | No hook-ups. Picnic table, fire ring. Paved parking pad. Drinking water and restrooms with flush toilets nearby. |

dwan
Location:
9999 Redwood Rd
Castro Valley, CA 94552
Phone: 1-888-327-2757
Only 30 minutes away from downtown Oakland, Anthony Chabot Regional Park is a local gem for outdoor recreation. There is year-round camping near Lake Chabot and over 70 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. The campground has easy access to all the recreational activities the park has to offer.
Facilities | Lake Chabot Fishing (lake stocked with game fish)Canoeing & kayaking Hiking trails Horseback riding (equestrian center) 18-hole public golf course Amphitheater Bait shop Boat Rental Camp store |
RV/trailer campsites:
Campsites: | 12 |
Site features: | Full hook-ups (sewer, water, 30 amp electrical), picnic table, fire ring + grill. Restrooms with showers nearby. |
Hike-in campsites:
Campsites: | 10 |
Site features: | Vehicle parking nearby. Picnic table, fire ring + grill. Restrooms with showers nearby. |
Tent Camping/No-hook up camping:
Campsites: | 53 |
Site features: | Picnic table, fire ring + grill. Restrooms with showers nearby. |

Robbi Baba
Location:
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Phone: 1-209-372-8502
If you’ve got a trip to Yosemite National Park planned, Upper Pines Campground is a great home base for exploring. You can hike to Half Dome and Glacier Point is also easily accessible. There is so much to do in Yosemite National Park that a family can stay busy and entertained for an entire week without a problem. There are trails, rivers, cliffs, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, cross-country skiing, and more. The possibilities are endless.
We must offer a small word of warning about Upper Pines Campground: Yosemite is a very, very busy park – every year from April to October MILLIONS of people visit the park. Know ahead of time, there won’t be peace, quiet, and solitude. Campsites are close together, there are crowds (get up early to beat the rush on the most popular hiking trails), and it can have the general feel of a big festival.
Amenities | 750 miles of hiking trails Guided tours Ranger and interpretive programs Guided horseback rides Equestrian trails Fishing Biking trails, roads (rental bikes available) Rock climbing Boating Rafting Swimming Winter sports Picnicking Dump station |
Tent/RV/trailer campsites:
Campsites: | 238 |
Site features: | RVs up to 35 ft, trailers up to 24 ft. Fire ring, picnic table, food locker. Bathrooms with drinking water and flushing toilets located nearby. No hook-ups. |

Markus Spiering
Big Basin Redwoods was established in 1902 and is California’s oldest state park. The main attraction here are the hundreds of gigantic Redwoods – some trees are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. The trees are ancient, some estimated at 1,000 to 1,800 years old.
Big Basin has four campgrounds all nestled in the ancient redwoods. There is also a horse camp, a group campground, and backcountry trail camps (reservations required). There are no longer tent cabins due to the complete loss during recent forest fires.
Amenities | Redwood trees 80 miles of hiking trails Waterfalls Abundant wildlife (deer, raccoons, bobcats, birds) Nature and history center Bicycling (on fire roads) Gift shop Museum General store Dump station |
Standard campsites:
Campsites: | 142 |
Site features: | No hook-ups. Some sites can accommodate RVs up to 27 ft and trailers up to 24 ft. |
Group Campground:
Campsites: | 4 |
Site features: | Sequoia Group Campgrounds can accommodate groups up to 50. Sky Meadow Group Campgrounds can accommodate up 40 people. |
Horse Camping:
Campsites: | Located at Rancho del Oso |
Site features: | Reservations required. No dogs. Call 831-338-8861 to inquire. |

Ken Lund
Location:
101 N. Big Trees Park Rd
Felton, CA 95018
Phone: 1-831-335-4598
The entire family can fit inside the famous Freemont Tree at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The 40-acre grove of old growth redwoods is a majestic backdrop to an easy Redwood Grove Loop trail. You can also fish catch and release for steelhead in the San Lorenzo River.
Take a ride on the heritage railway with an authentic 1880’s steam locomotives with Roaring Camp Railroad. Take the 75 minute ride through the ancient redwood forest in the open-air cabins – sure to please any train lovers in your group!
Amenities | 4,650 acres of forested and open land Biking Wildlife viewing Visitor center Fishing Geocaching 40-acre old-growth redwood tree grove Tourist railroad Swimming |
Standard campsites:
Campsites: | 107 |
Site features: | Picnic table, food locker, and fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets located nearby. |

Dru Kelly
Location:
42696 Tollhouse Rd
Shaver Lake, CA 93664
Phone: 1-559-841-3134 ext. 6
Camp Edison was built in 1963 and sits in a pine forest adjacent to Shaver Lake. The campground is open year round with summer and winter outdoor activities that will please any active family. 43 campsites are full hook-up including cable TV and the rest have electric and cable TV. You can check this website that has a detailed description of every campsite with a photo and notes on ease of parking your camper.
You’ll be able to swim, boat, fish, hike, and view wildlife during your stay at the campground. There are lots of kids running around and during the summer the camp hosts fun events and activities like ice cream socials and kids’ movies in the amphitheater. Camp Edison is a solid pick for camping families.
Amenities | 35 miles of trails RV disposal sites Electric and Cable TV available WiFi ($) Boat ramp Laundry Showers General store Swimming beach Picnic areas Horseshoes Tent trailers & travel trailer rentals available |
Full Hook-Up Sites:
Campsites: | 43 |
Site features: | Electric, water, sewer, cable TV. Picnic table, fire ring. |
Partial Hook-Up Sites:
Campsites: | 209 |
Site features: | Electric, cable TV. Picnic table, fire ring. |
