Are you picturing a trip where you can enjoy both the freedom and adventure of RV camping and the stunning beaches of Northern California? There are many oceanfront RV parks sprinkled throughout the shore, so look no further. These campgrounds in Northern California offer the ideal fusion of unspoiled beauty and outdoor enjoyment, from the craggy cliffs of Mendocino to the sandy shores of Humboldt.
Imagine spending your days discovering tidal pools and hiking beautiful trails, and your evenings relaxing by a warm campfire on the beach while listening to the sound of waves smashing just feet from your campsite. The beaches and RV campgrounds in Northern California are sure to make for a wonderful holiday, whether you’re an experienced camper or a novice. So prepare to create lifelong memories.
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#1. Olema Campground
This campground is roughly an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, off Highway 1, just south of Point Reyes Station. Campers here enjoy a wide range of activities at their disposal, such as hiking, bird viewing, trails, kayaking, and beach fun. Thanks to the area’s closeness to the Point Reyes National Seashore. This campground is also described as being low-key, quiet, and well-maintained by reviewers.
80 RV campsites, 26 full hookup sites, and 54 water/electric sites are available at the park. Also, there are restrooms and showers, a dump station, free WiFi, a playground, horseshoes, volleyball, shuffleboard, and other activities. Even a laundromat is located there.
#2. Collins Lake
The Collins Lake Campsite has 12 miles of beachfront and 1,600 acres of boatable water. It is about an hour’s drive northeast of Sacramento. Additionally, it includes approximately 500 campsites, ranging from ordinary campsites with no hookups to sites with complete electricity and water, and it is refilled with 50,000 trout each year.
Camping during the off-season is permitted from November to February at a discounted rate. A big sand beach, boat launch, marina, playground, picnic area, volleyball court, general store, laundry facilities, and showers are just a few of the amenities the campground offers.
#3. Montana De Oro State Park
Camping at Montana de Oro State Park is an amazing experience. It is situated on the Pacific Ocean, 16 miles west of San Luis Obispo, just south of Morro Bay State Park. The area is home to sandy beaches, craggy cliffs, streams, coastal plains, hills, and canyons, as well as Valencia Peak, which rises 1,347 feet above sea level. Islay Creek Campsite, a 50-campsite enclave just inland from Spooner’s Cove, is located in Islay Creek Canyon, the park’s largest canyon.
Moreover, there are no water or power hookups, only the bare necessities of a fire ring, a table, and an asphalt parking area. Each campsite is spacious enough to prevent crowding, resulting in a peaceful camping experience. Besides, the camp serves as a fantastic starting place for hikes on the Reservoir Flats Trail, Islay Creek Trail, Bluff Trail, Hazard Peak Trail, Valencia Peak Trail, and Oats Peak Trail, among other nearby routes.
#4. Mystic Forest RV Park
Private RV resort Mystic Forest RV Resort, one of the best-liked campgrounds in Northern California is situated 17 miles south of Crescent City and 5 miles north of Klamath, California. 30 full-service RV sites with 30 AMP electrical, cable TV connection, and full water are available. The maximum length of the pull-through locations, which number 16, is 100 feet. In addition to a store offering food and gifts, the park provides restrooms, showers, and a laundry facility. Two miles to the north, at Wilson Creek Beach, is a 3/4-mile stretch of gray sand and rock beach, while two miles south, at Hidden Beach, is a private cove beach only accessible by trail.
Horseshoes are also available, and the kids will love playing on the playground and miniature golf course. The welcoming camp hosts provide a memorable camping experience while taking advantage of everything that this region of the state has to offer.
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#5. Morro Bay State Park
A stunning area called Morro Bay State Park is situated 13 miles north of San Luis Obispo. It has access to the beach spit that separates the park from the Pacific Ocean and is located near the marina there. Its natural land barrier creates a lagoon and harbor that provide opportunities for sailing, fishing, and bird watching. Morro Rock, a massive 581-foot volcanic rock that guards the entrance to the harbor and bay, is the park’s most recognizable landmark.
Together with an 18-hole Morro Bay Golf Course, the park features a museum with exhibits on Native American history, oceanography, and geology. 134 campsites with power and water hookups, a campfire pit, a picnic area, restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, and an RV dump station are all available at the campground. The campground is also close to the Bayside Café.
#6. Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach, one of the best campgrounds in Northern California which is 16 miles south of Santa Cruz, is, in the words of Goldilocks, “just right.” Within a minute or two, you can set up camp beneath shady pine trees and reach the beach. Nine of the more than 90 campsites are solely accessible to RVs. There are toilets, piped water, and coin-operated hot showers available here; however, RVers should be aware that connections are not offered. On ReserveCalifornia, you can reserve your site up to six months in advance; rates start at $35 per night.
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#7. Coast Campground
With four backcountry hike-in campgrounds, Point Reyes National Seashore is one of California’s most picturesque coastal parks. The Laguna and Fire Lane Trails, a 1.8-mile stroll, can be used to get to Coast Camping, which is 220 yards from the beach. There are vault toilets and water faucets, but the only cooking options are gas burners, charcoal, and canned heat. Depending on the site, camping spots can be reserved either three months or 14 days in advance. To book, head to Recreation.gov; campsites start at $30 a night.
#8. Tamales Bay
On the west side of Tomales Bay, starting north of Indian Beach in Tomales Bay State Park, boat-in camping is permitted on the national seashore beaches. The beaches here contain vault toilets, just like at Coast Campground; however, unlike Coast Campground, there is no potable water. Keep in mind that it is against the law for visitors to Tomales Bay to collect wood; be sure to buy firewood in West Marin and obtain a free fire permit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center prior to your trip. Each day, 20 camping licenses are available; to reserve one, go to Recreation.gov; rates start at $30 per night.
#9. Gesrtle Campground
Gesrtle Campground is one of the most amazing campgrounds to visit in Northern California. Salt Point State Park, a stunning coastal state park in Northern California, is not far from Grestle Campsite. In addition to having hundreds of extremely positive evaluations, the campgrounds are located only off Road 1 on the Pacific Coast Highway, like many other campgrounds on this list, making it one of the easiest places to get to.
#10. Bodega Dunes Campground
Sonoma Coast State Park, located on Highway One between Jenner and Bodega Bay, features some of California’s most stunning coastal scenery, such as enormous offshore rock formations and crashing waves. One could argue that Bodega Dunes is the best of the park’s four campgrounds. It has 99 constructed campsites and provides RVers with a dump station, flush toilets, hot showers operated by tokens, and a potable water fill station.
Notice that hook-ups are not provided. Sites can be reserved 48 hours to six months in advance for $35 per night. Nonetheless, a shared site is offered for $5 per person per night for thru-hiking and bike packing.
How Much Do Composites Cost in California?
The cost of a campsite in California can range from $40 to $90 per night, depending on the place and kind of campervan. Often, a site in a national park is less expensive than a private property. The supplier KOA also has special deals available (Kampgrounds of America).
How Do I Camp for Free in California?
Free camping is typically available in California on BLM and USFS land, and some of the better spots can be discovered by randomly turning down a dirt road with a cow guard and driving until you come across a pullout.
Do I Need a Permit to Camp in California?
A party of 1 to 12 people can camp for up to 14 nights with this $6 permit. Reservations for permits can be made up to six months in advance through recreation.gov, by dialing 1-877-444-6777, or by going in person to the park’s permit office. When you reserve a permit, you can decide which of the 15 authorized camping areas you’ll use.