KEY TAKEAWAYS

The best places for lake camping in Northern California are D.L. Bliss State Park, Ice House Reservoir, and Sugar Pine Reservoir.
Prime campsites with easy lake access get booked early, so plan ahead.
If you want to avoid the crowds, go in the second half of August or early September.

Looking for the best Lake Camping in Northern California? Then you’ve come to the right place.

There are plenty of camping lakes in Northern California, so choosing one that fits what you’re looking for can be difficult.

Let this list be the handy guide that will help you plan for your lakeside camping adventure that you have been dreaming of.

_{Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links meaning if you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.}

Table of Contents show

Lake Camping in Northern California

blue lake — Fallen Leaf Lake – Lake Camping Northern California

The best lake campgrounds in Northern California are located in the Sierra Nevada region, Lake Tahoe region, and near the San Francisco Bay Area (Napa County).

Most of the campgrounds on this list can be reserved as well as those with first-come, first-served spots.

Several options are off the beaten path with only basic amenities, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its beautiful scenery and retreat back to nature.

You will also find well-developed campgrounds that offer a bit more comfort, such as flush toilets, hot showers, RV hookups, and on-site amenities.

If you’re looking for secret camping spots in Northern California, you may just find them in this guide.

Best Lakeside Camping in Northern California

Lake Spaulding

Lake Spaulding is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Nevada County, about an hour and half from Lake Tahoe.

Nestled amidst lush ponderosa pine trees and surrounded by large granite boulders, Lake Spaulding Campground is a great venue for lakeside camping in Northern California.

The campgrounds have 25 fairly-spaced tent sites, 13 of which are available for walk-ins.

They also have limited spots for RVs in the overflow area by the boat launch.

Each site is well-shaded by trees and comfortably spaced from each other.

This provides a quiet and private atmosphere that is ideal for couples and families with kids needing a peaceful camp, especially after a day of outdoor activities in and around the lake.

This campground doesn’t get too crowded which makes it great for last-minute camping trips.

There are also multiple hiking trails nearby that you can explore as well as an epic swimming hole to escape the heat.

Lake Spaulding sits at 5014 ft of elevation, so the average high for the hottest month in July gets up to 84°F.

PROS	CONS
✅ Not too crowded ✅ Close to a swimming hole ✅ Don’t have to reserve way far in advance	👎 Campsites are not on the lake itself 👎 No showers

LAKE SPAULDING CAMPGROUND

Type: RV, Tent, Trailer
Number of Sites: 25 tent sites, 9 RV sites at the overflow spot
Cost: $30
Best Campsites: 3, 4, 5, 6, 12
Amenities: vault toilet, fire pit, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker, RV hookups
Showers: No
Cellphone Reception: No
Reservations?: Yes; FCFS (First-come, first-served) also available
Reserve Campground (Note: you have to choose the campground on the left-hand side to see the specific information for the lake)

Loon Lake – Loon Lake Campground

Loon Lake is a beautiful reservoir located in El Dorado National Forest, and is one of the popular camping lakes in Northern California.

Loon Lake Campground is located on the south shores of Loon Lake, which is preferred by visitors compared to the North Shore campground.

This option is quieter and has access to a nice boat launch.

The campsites are fairly close together, and the grounds are popular with RVs, campers with horses, and large groups.

This means that it can get a little crowded, especially during the busy season.

That said, the lake is gorgeous, and plenty of outdoor activities are available nearby to keep you busy during your stay.

If you love to hike, the campground is close to the Desolation Wilderness trail.

Also, access to a boat launch makes this a great spot for anglers to launch their boats and make a day fishing rainbow and brown trout.

Loon Lake also has plenty of first-come, first-served sites as well as dispersed camping.

Tip: The road leading up to the campground is very windy, so be prepared with Dramamine if you get car sick.

PROS	CONS
✅ Easy access to hiking trails to Desolation Wilderness ✅ Elevation makes for cool evenings ✅ Non-motorized boats are allowed, so it’s great for paddling	👎 Books up quickly so you need to book at least a couple of weeks in advance 👎 Lots of mosquitos during July/August

LOON LAKE CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer, Group
Number of Sites: 65 sites (includes: 9 equestrian sites, 3 group sites, 3 RV sites, and 1 tent-only site)
Cost: $28 (tent-only, standard, equestrian, RV), $56 (standard double)
Best Campsites: 4, 5, 7, 8, 10
Amenities: vault toilet, fire ring picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker
Showers: No
Cellphone Reception: No
Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
Reserve Campground

Union Valley Reservoir – Sunset Campground

Union Valley Reservoir is a man-made lake surrounded by Ponderosa pines, that is situated southwest of Lake Tahoe.

Located along the eastern shore of the Union Valley Reservoir, the Sunset Campground is a beautiful site sheltered by towering cedars and ponderosa pines.

Its three loops – Sunset, Meadow, and Shady – have sites with plenty of room, and a lot even sit right by the shore.

Though its main attraction is the reservoir with its family-friendly water activities, a paved 4.5-mile bike trail that follows the lake’s shore is also a favorite among campers.

This campground, with its 121 sites, has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place for families with kids.

PROS	CONS
✅ Newly refurbished, its facilities are clean and well-maintained ✅ Beautiful sunset views over the lake ✅ Plenty of hiking trails as well as a biking trail along the lake	👎 “First Come First Serve” sites remain available on the website, so you don’t really know if it’s available unless you’re already on the site.

SUNSET CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer, Group
Number of Sites: 121 single-unit sites (includes 30 tent-only sites)
Cost: $28 (tent-only, standard, RV), $56 (double), $84 (triple)
Best Campsites: 7, 21, 65, 115, 119
Amenities: vault toilet, showers, fire ring, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly (daily fee applies), food storage locker
Showers: Yes
Cellphone Reception: Yes
Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
Reserve Campground | Campground Map
Other Campgrounds: Fashoda, Wench Creek, Yellowjacket, Wolf Creek, West Point, Camino Cove, Smud, Azalea Cove, Jones Fork

Ice House Reservoir – Ice House Campground

Ice House Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake conveniently situated 11 miles off of Highway 50 right between Placerville and Lake Tahoe.

Ice House Campground‘s two loops are located on either side of the Ice House Reservoir’s boat launch and are popular with hikers, bikers, boaters, and anglers.

Campsites are located either along the water or far back amongst the trees.

Surrounded by Ponderosa pines, the scent of sweet vanilla wafts in the air, adding even more to its relatively laid-back and relaxed atmosphere.

Ice House Reservoir is excellent for swimming, particularly for kids, because of its easy access to the lake, soft sandy areas, and the water’s pleasant temperature, especially during late summer.

However, the campground’s orientation and location seem to cause noise to travel a bit throughout the camp, which can get a bit noisy when there are party-ers or larger groups nearby.

Tip: If you’re interested in dispersed camping, there are multiple spots along Ice House road.

PROS	CONS
✅ Has a resort nearby with a restaurant, gas, and general store ✅ Dispersed camping available ✅ Great for swimming	👎 The beach area is small and can get crammed 👎 It can get pretty loud and rowdy 👎 You need to book 6 months in advance to get a prime spot

ICE HOUSE CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
Number of Sites: 81 sites (includes 13 tent-only sites)
Cost: $28 single site, $56 double site ($2 more on all sites on holiday weekends)
Best Campsites: 18, 39, 48, 50, 61
Amenities: vault toilet, fire pit, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, RV hookups, general store
Showers: No
Cellphone Reception: Yes
Reservations?: Yes
Reserve Campground
Other Campgrounds: Silver Creek Group Campground, Fashoda, Sunset-Union Valley, Big Silver Group, Wolf Creek California, Wench Creek, Yellowjacket

Lake Berryessa

Lake Berryessa is a massive 20,000-acre lake situated in the hills that separate the Sacramento Valley from the Napa Wine Country.

This lake is located in Napa County with four campgrounds, all equipped with their own boat launches.

Putah Canyon, Spanish Flat, Steele Canyon, and Pleasure Cove Marina are all available for reservations.

Spring is a great time to camp here as the summers get really busy and toasty.

If you want direct access to the water, Spanish Flat is a great option with 55 campsites to choose from, although shade is quite limited.

This lake close to Sacramento has plenty of water activities such as water skiing, boating, and fishing.

A rental shop and marina offer boat rentals, paddleboard/kayak rentals, ski boats, and wakeboarding boats.

The campground rates are usually for 2 persons, but they do allow up to 8 people with a $4-$5/person add-on fee.

Most of the campsites are closely spaced from each other, and due to the lack of trees and shade in most areas, camping here can feel a bit too exposed.

Lake Berryessa is a popular site for younger crowds, giving the area a bit of a party atmosphere.

PROS	CONS
✅ Easy access to boat launches ✅ Boat rentals and other watercraft rentals readily available in the area ✅ Great for groups, especially younger campers	👎 Most campgrounds only have porta potties that often get pretty stinky 👎 Water levels can get really low 👎 Summers can be very hot, dry, and dusty

LAKE BERRYESSA

Type: Tent, RV, Cabin, Trailer, Group
Number of Sites: 377
Cost: Putah Canyon (fees for 2): $45 tent-only, $50 standard, $55 RV; Spanish Flat: $45 tent, $55 RV; Steele Canyon (fees for 2): $55/night RV, $45 tent; Pleasure Cove: $42 tent
Amenities: portable/flush toilets, showers, fire pits, picnic table, drinking water, pet-friendly, cell reception, food storage locker, RV hookups, general store
Showers: Yes
Reservations?: Yes
Reserve Campgrounds

Lake Tahoe – D.L. Bliss State Park

Lake Tahoe’s crystal blue waters and beautiful beaches draw millions of visitors to this alpine lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Lake Tahoe can easily top the list of best lakes to camp at in Northern California, and D.L. Bliss State Park features one of the lake’s most beautiful beaches.

And since it’s absolutely beautiful, you have to book 6 months in advance as soon as the reservations become available, or it will be nearly impossible to get a spot.

The campground is divided into three loops, with the Beach loop having the easiest access to the lake.

Even though the sites are close together, they are spacious and well-arranged, making them feel secluded and private.

This is one of the best camping spots in Lake Tahoe so make sure to book early, if not, you can keep an eye out for cancellations and maybe you’ll get lucky.

PROS	CONS
✅ Plenty of hiking trails to explore around the area ✅ Easy beach access to pristine waters of Lake Tahoe	👎 You have to book 6 months in advance 👎 Dogs are allowed in the campground but not on the beach and trails

D.L. BLISS STATE PARK

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer, Group
Number of Sites: 165
Cost: $30 standard, $45 lakefront
Best Campsites: 103, 149, 151, 156, 164
Amenities: flush toilets, coin-operated showers, fire ring, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker
Showers: Yes
Cellphone Reception: Yes
Reservations?: Yes
Reserve Campground

READ MORE: Lake Tahoe Altitude, Best Places for Sunset in Lake Tahoe, Best Breweries in Lake Tahoe

Fallen Leaf Lake – Fallen Leaf Campground

Fallen Leaf Lake is a somewhat hidden gem that is just under two miles from the popular Camp Richardson in Lake Tahoe.

This pet-friendly campground is located on the north shore of Fallen Leaf Lake, which is Lake Tahoe’s less crowded and lesser-known neighbor.

Fallen Leaf Lake Campground has over 206 campsites and is one of the best lakes to camp at in California.

The campsites are well spaced out, quite spacious, and surrounded by towering ancient pines that provide added privacy, so campers still feel secluded.

The lake is just a 5-minute walk from the sites on the south end of the campground.

Even though this campground is not as popular as the ones on Lake Tahoe, it’s still highly recommended to book months in advance.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Fallen Leaf Lake to keep you entertained.

You will have access to hiking and biking trails and one of the best waterfalls in Lake Tahoe.

This Northern California campground is very well-maintained so the bathrooms are always clean, and conveniently located in case you need to pick up some supplies.

PROS	CONS
✅ Paved parking spot for large RVs and Trailer ✅ Plenty of restrooms spread throughout the camp ✅ Easy access to South Lake Tahoe	👎 No views of the lake from the campground 👎 Need to book in advance for prime spots 👎 Bears are quite active in this area, so you really have to secure your food

FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer, Yurt
Number of Sites: 206 including 6 Yurts
Cost: $38/night, $100/night Yurts
Best Campsites: 21, 39, 119, 133A, 189
Amenities: flush toilets, coin-operated showers, fire pit, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker, general store
Showers: Yes
Cellphone Reception: No
Reservations?: Yes
Reserve Campground

Lake Alpine – West Shore Campground

Situated at 7300 feet, Lake Alpine is located in Bear Valley, about a half-hour past Big Trees SP and a 2.5-hour drive from Sacramento.

Lake Alpine West Shore Campground offers well-shaded sites that are spaced apart enough that you will have a lot of privacy.

The campground’s proximity to the water makes this a great place to camp out as it is practically on the lake’s shore.

Lake Alpine is one of the best lakes in California for camping and is also great for fishing and kayaking.

The lake sits at 7303 ft so the water is usually very cold, in case you want to go for a swim.

Unfortunately, the mosquitos here can get pretty vicious so make sure to bring plenty of bug spray.

If you’re looking a new lake camping spot this summer, this campground is clean and quiet with amazing camp hosts.

Tip: Pine Marten and Silver Valley Campgrounds are also great options on this Lake.

PROS	CONS
✅ General store, laundry facilities, showers, and restaurant nearby at Lake Alpine Lodge ✅ Great hiking trail near and around the lake	👎 Water can be too cold until well into summer 👎 Mosquitos are prevalent

LAKE ALPINE WEST SHORE CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
Number of Sites: 25
Cost: $27
Best Campsites: 11, 13, 16, 23
Amenities: vault toilet & flush toilets, fire pit, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker, general store
Showers: at Lake Alpine Lodge
Cellphone Reception: No
Reservations?: Yes, during peak season. FCFS available during the off-season if the campground is open
Reserve Campground

Northern California Camping Lakes

French Meadows Reservoir – French Meadows Campground

French Meadows Reservoir is fed by the Middle Fork of the American River and is located between the foothills and Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

This Lake is about a 1.5-hour drive from the town of Forest Hill, and getting to the area requires you to drive a narrow, winding paved road.

The canyon views are breathtaking but can be quite scary to drive at night so try to arrive when it’s still light out.

Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with a spacious and quiet campground that feels just remote enough to feel like you are on a nature retreat.

Some sites have easy access to the lake, but the trail can be a little steep in some places.

Make sure you wear sturdy water shoes, as much of the lakeshore is sharp rocks.

French Meadows Campground is pretty remote with no cell service, but you have access to running water and vault toilets.

The closest town is Forest Hill which is about an hour and a half away, so make sure you pack up your supplies accordingly.

Tip: If you get car sick, make sure to bring Dramamine with you.

PROS	CONS
✅ This lake is not as well known as others on the list ✅ Plenty of availability so its perfect for last-minute trips ✅ Access to nearby North Fork American River, which is great for paddlers	👎 Lakeshore is rocky all over, so you will need water shoes 👎 It can get very windy

FRENCH MEADOWS CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
Number of Sites: 75
Cost: $24 standard
Amenities: vault toilets, fire pit, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker
Showers: No
Cellphone Reception: No
Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
Reserve Campground

Donner Lake – Splitrock Campground

Located just outside of the town of Truckee, Donner Lake is this sister lake to the neighboring Lake Tahoe, which is only 20 miles away.

The historic Donner Memorial State Park Campground, located on the southeast shore of Donner Lake, is divided into three loops, with the Splitrock Campground just a short walk away from the lake.

Its 42 sites available may not be very far from each other, but they’re still relatively private and quiet.

Splitrock Campground’s proximity to the lake and its beautiful waters make up for the lack of privacy.

Donner Memorial State Park offers plenty of activities for the whole family.

The summer season is a great time to bring kids and have them participate in the park’s Junior Rangers program.

It’s a 1-2 hour nature and history walk where children learn more about the area’s history and the pioneers that placed the location on the map.

This campground gets booked up, so try to reserve your spot as soon as possible, or check out the other campgrounds nearby, Ridge & Creek.

PROS	CONS
✅ Nights stay relatively cool even during summer ✅ Beautiful and historic trails to explore nearby	👎 Campground is near train tracks and highway, which can get a little noisy 👎 Campsites are not on the water

SPLITROCK CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
Number of Sites: 42
Cost: $35 per night
Best Campsites: 122, 145, 147
Amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire pit, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker
Showers: Yes
Cellphone Reception: Yes
Reservations?: Yes, FCFS only during late in the season when there’s limited camping
Reserve Campground

Sugar Pine Reservoir – Giant Gap Campground

Sugar Pine Reservoir is located just 15 miles off of Highway 80, outside of the town of Colfax in Placer County.

Giant Gap Campground is a secluded area surrounded by cedar and Ponderosa pine trees on the north shore of the Sugar Pine Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest.

The campground is very close to the water, which has a nice rocky beach area you can have a picnic or get a tan while sunbathing.

The campsites are mostly flat and shaded, and the nearby trails are relatively easy to hike with a paved trail that goes around the lake.

The closest town for supplies is Foresthill, which is a half-hour drive for your last-minute needs.

The mosquitos can get pretty bad here, so make sure to bring bug spray.

PROS	CONS
✅ Plenty of easy hiking trails around the area ✅ Evenings are cool even during summer ✅ Paved pull-thru sites for trailers/campers/RVs	👎 Getting to the campground requires a 40-minute windy drive from the highway 👎 Summer mornings can get very warm

GIANT GAP CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer,
Number of Sites: 35
Cost: $24 standard and tent-only, $48 standard double
Best Campsites: 21, 23, 24, 26, 27
Amenities: vault toilets, fire ring, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker
Showers: No
Cellphone Reception: No
Reservations?: Yes
Reserve Campground
Other Campgrounds: Shirttail Creek, Forbes Creek (Group), Big Reservoir

Utica Reservoir – Sandy Flat Campground

Located in the Stanislaus National Forest, Utica Reservoir offers crystal clear and glass-like calm water.

For more experienced tent campers looking for a secluded place to dry camp, Sandy Flat Campground along the shore of the Utica Reservoir may be the site for you.

Its 11 first-come, first-served campsites are fairly well separated for privacy and have ample shade from red firs and lodgepole pine trees.

Utica and Union Reservoir prohibits motorized boats, so you can expect fairly calm and quiet waters that are great for fishing, paddling/kayaking, and swimming.

However, drinking water and trash service are not available in this campground, so make sure to bring lots of water during your visit and be prepared to pack out your garbage.

PROS	CONS
✅ Great hiking and mountain biking trails to explore around the area ✅ Only non-motorized boats and watercraft are allowed in the water ✅ Great for those planning a last-minute camping trip	👎 No potable water 👎 The restrooms are a bit worse for wear

SANDY FLAT CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, Group
Number of Sites: 10 single sites, 1 triple site (max. of 18 people)
Cost: $16/night single site, $48/night triple site
Amenities: vault, fire ring, picnic table, pet-friendly, food storage locker
Showers: No
Cellphone Reception: No
Reservations?: First-come, First-Served only
Other Campground/s: Rocky Point, Union East, Union West

Wrights Lake – Wrights Lake Campground

alpine lake with mountain in the background

The tranquil Wrights Lake is located in the Crystal Basin area southeast of Lake Tahoe off of Highway 50.

Wrights Lake Campground offers great views of the Sierra Nevadas and access to hiking trails leading to lakes in the Desolation Wilderness.

Most of its campsites are relatively close to each other, but if you want more privacy, some sites are hidden behind giant boulders.

This area is known for its hiking trails, but it also provides access to the beautiful Wrights Lake, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing day of fishing, sunbathing, and swimming.

Motorized boats are prohibited on the lake, so kayakers can peacefully paddle along its waters surrounded by beautiful mountain views.

The shallow water near the shore makes it safe for kids to swim in under adult supervision.

If you’re visiting the Eastern Sierras, another alpine lake you can camp at is one of the lakes in Mammoth, CA.

PROS	CONS
✅ Plenty of hiking trails to explore around the area ✅ Only non-motorized boats are allowed in the water; great for paddlers	👎 Sun can be a bit intense, especially during summer 👎 You need to book early, as spots get filled up fast 👎 Lots of mosquitos during July/August

WRIGHTS LAKE CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
Number of Sites: 75 sites including 19 tent-only and 9 walk-in sites
Cost: $28 ($56 for double sites)
Best Campsites: 1, 10, 31, 62, 63
Amenities: vault toilets, fire rings, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker
Showers: No
Cellphone Reception: No
Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
Reserve Campground

Jackson Meadows Reservoir – East Meadow Campground

Jackson Meadows Reservoir is a beautiful lake that sits at 6100 ft of elevation in the Tahoe National Forest, about a 3-hour drive from Sacramento

There are eight campgrounds around the lake, but the best one is the East Meadow Campground, located on the northeast shore.

This campground area is fairly wooded with pine and fir trees and is set very close to the lake’s shore.

It has 46 well-spaced campsites, with many having direct views and paths to the lake.

The surrounding trees provide ample shade and privacy for campers wanting a quiet retreat.

This campground, with its sandy beaches, is dog-friendly, which makes it a great place to camp if you are a family with a furry friend.

Tip: Bowman Lake is another camping lake close to this reservoir that you can check out if you want something remote.

PROS	CONS
✅ Easy access to a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail and other hiking routes ✅ Water is great for swimming in the summer ✅ Great place for star gazing	👎 It fills up fast, so you need to book ahead when the season opens 👎 Sometimes the reservoir can get low on water👎 Closest store for supplies is in Truckee, 30 miles away

EAST MEADOW CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
Number of Sites: 46 (44 single sites, 2 double sites; 26 have space for trailers)
Cost: $24 single, $48 double site
Best Campsites: 11, 12, 13
Amenities: vault toilet & flush toilets, fire ring, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker
Showers: No
Cellphone Reception: No
Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
Other Campgrounds: Pass Creek, Aspen, Jackson Point, Wood Camp, Fir Top, Findley
Reserve Campground

Lake Almanor – North Shore Campground

Lake Almanor is a massive reservoir that is located between Lassen and Plumas National Forest.

With over a mile of Lake Almanor’s shoreline on its property, the North Shore Campground offers its guests plenty of space to explore the lake with fun water activities for the whole family.

Under its new ownership, the campground has been working hard to make this well-shaded RV park and campground more family-friendly.

From tent sites with access to water to RV sites with hook-ups, North Shore is an ideal place for a camping retreat with your family or friends.

This is a great place to chill and laze away but still have access to many fun outdoor activities.

PROS	CONS
✅ Canoe and kayak/paddleboard rentals on-site ✅ Over a mile of shoreline ✅ Plenty of amenities available	👎 Some sites are small and very close to each other 👎 The lake is rocky, so make sure to bring water shoes when swimming

LAKE ALMANOR

Type: Tent, RV, Cabin, Trailer
Number of Sites: 34 tent sites, 94 RV sites with partial hook-ups
Cost: $40 tent, $50 RV
Amenities: vault & flush toilets, showers, fire pit, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker, RV partial hookups, general store
Showers: Yes
Cellphone Reception: Yes but weak
Reservations?: Yes
Other Campgrounds: Almanor Campground, Domingo Springs, High Bridge, Last Chance Creek, Rocky Point
Reserve Campsite

Manzanita Lake – Manzanita Lake Campground

The picturesque Manzanita Lake is situated inside of Lassen Volcanic National Park, just one hour outside of Redding.

Manzanita Lake Campground is not only one of the most popular camping destinations in Lassen Volcanic National Park, but it’s also the largest.

It is within walking distance of Manzanita Lake, where campers can go fish, paddle, or swim.

The Campground opens from mid-May to the end of November, with its peak season between May to mid-October.

From mid-October to the end of November, it’s usually considered “first come, first serve” season where campers can take their chance and snatch their favorite spot.

Sites are spacious, well-shaded, and fitted with amenities that will make for a comfortable stay, especially for families with kids.

A general store, laundry facilities, showers, and a gas station are located at the entrance for your convenience.

While you’re in the area, you can visit Subway Cave, which is a fun cave to explore nearby.

Burney Falls is also close by, with just an hour’s drive north of the campground.

PROS	CONS
✅ Only half of the campsites are for reservations during peak season, half remain first-come, first-served ✅ Plenty of nature to experience nearby ✅ Variety of hiking trails can be accessed from the campground	👎 Prime spots are usually quickly reserved during peak season so you need to book way in advance

MANZANITA LAKE CAMPGROUND

Type: Tent, RV, Trailer, Group
Number of Sites: 179
Cost: $26 (peak season), $15 (FCFS season)
Best Campsites: A11, A43, B44, C19, D3
Amenities: vault toilet & flush toilets, hot showers, fire ring, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker, RV hookups, camp store
Showers: Yes
Cellphone Reception: No
Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
Reserve Campground

Best Lake Camping in Northern California Map

How to Book Camping Lakes in Northern California

Most campgrounds on this list can be reserved through Recreation.gov.

The campgrounds located in the state parks are reserved through Reservecalifornia.com, while there is one through PG&E, and one a couple of sites that is privately run.

Most sites are on a 6-month rolling basis which means that on December 1st, you can reserve for June 1st, on December 2nd you can reserve for June 2nd, and so on.

HOW TO BOOK

The first step is to create an account with Recreation.gov ahead of time which is simple and straightforward.

If you are reserving a popular campsite and need to book 6 months in advance, make sure to do the following:

Have a few campsites pre-selected since sites get booked up very quickly.

Be logged in to your computer before 7 AM PST and be ready to book your campsite.

Add the campsite to your cart as soon as possible and you will have about 15 minutes before it’s released.

WHEN TO BOOK

As mentioned, most campgrounds release their availability 6 months before. You don’t necessarily have to wait for your entire camping trip’s dates to be released before you book.

For example, if your trip is from June 1st to 5th, you can reserve your campsite as soon as the availability opens up for June 1st, which would be December 1st on a 6-month rolling basis.

Best Time for Lake Camping in Northern California

If you want to enjoy the best summer weather and also hope to avoid the crowds, then go lake camping in the second half of August or early September.

Kids will be back in school, and most people will be finished with their summer camping trips for the year.

The weather will still be warm enough during the day for waterskiing and other lake-related recreation.

As the summer season winds down, getting reservations at campgrounds also gets easier.

Practical Tips for Lakeside Camping in Northern California

Bring bug spray

If there’s water, then mosquitoes will be on the hunt.

Make sure to bring high-quality bug spray so you don’t spend your camping trip scratching your bites.

Not all sprays are created equal when it comes to fending off mosquitos, and the best products have been tested extensively to ensure they keep bugs away.

Download offline maps

Most campgrounds in Northern California are well off the beaten track and far away from cellphone towers.

This means that there is very little chance that you will get a signal and will not have access to your GPS or maps.

Download the area map on Google before leaving for your trip, so you can access directions while in the park.

You might also consider downloading any trail maps from Alltrails if you plan to do any hiking.

Book in advance for prime lakefront campsite

Reservations fill up fast at most lakefront campgrounds in Northern California.

Book as early as six months in advance if you want to score the ideal site with lake views.

Booking early requires a little foresight and some extra early planning, but it means that you can get the perfect site at the best campgrounds on a lake.

Be bear aware

If you do some lake camping in California, don’t be surprised if you see a bear roaming through your campsite at night.

There are many black bears in Northern California, and they are attracted to all the trash and food left out by campers.

This careless behavior puts both the bears and campers at risk.

Make sure to store your food and aromatic toiletries in bear lockers, and remove trash to the dumpster at night.

Do your research

The conditions at the lake, and the campground can change as the season progresses.

Lake water levels often go down by late summer, and boat docks can often be dry.

Other things to research ahead of time are bathroom availability, whether there is running water, and if there is parking for extra cars.

Make sure to check pet restrictions

Just because you love your dog and want to take it everywhere does not mean that they are allowed in all parks and campgrounds.

This also applies to many hiking trails which strictly prohibit dogs.

Plenty of campgrounds, parks, and trails allow dogs on and off leash, so check before booking your campsite.

Fire restrictions may be imposed

Summertime means it’s fire season, and it’s not uncommon for restrictions to be in place on all types of fires.

These restrictions can range from rules regulating fires to campfire rings to severe restrictions where no fire is allowed, including cigarettes.

Plan accordingly so that you are prepared if the fire conditions change during your trip.

Unfortunately, the Golden State has suffered through many devastating forest fires.

Higher elevation means cooler temperatures

Many alpine or mountainous lake areas in Northern California are at higher elevations.

This means the weather will be cooler than down in the valley, and the nights can be very cold in comparison.

Make sure to bring plenty of cool weather clothing and a good sleeping bag rated for the nighttime low temperature at the campground.

Other Lake Camping in Northern California

Wrap-Up: Northern California Lakeside Camping

Lake Camping in Northern California is the perfect way to unplug and be one with nature.

So pack up your gear, choose your campground, get there, and experience relaxation only nature can provide.

Related: