The foothills at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains boast some of the most gorgeous scenery in Northern California. This Gold Country landscape just begs to be explored with plenty of incredible views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Collins Lake is one destination that you’ll find tucked away in these foothills. A 1,600-acre lake, camping, and recreation area, Collins Lake is open year-round for outdoor fun, including a magnificent campground right on its shores. Check out this awesome opportunity for lake camping in Northern California:

Nestled in the Gold Country foothills between Marysville and Grass Valley, Collins Lake is a year-round playground where you can enjoy endless outdoor activities and natural splendor.
Collins Lake/Facebook
Boasting 12 miles of pristine shoreline, Collins Lake makes a fantastic spot for a day or weekend of fun. Fishing, boating, picnics, or just enjoying the beach are all popular ways to pass the time here.
Collins Lake/Facebook
Of course, Collins Lake also makes an awesome camping destination! They offer tent sites, RV sites with hookups, and cabins, all of which are located right along the lake's shoreline and boast the most spectacular views.
Collins Lake/Facebook

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The lakefront campground comes with all sorts of amenities that make it ideal for family camping trips. Campers can enjoy access to a boat launch, marina, shady picnic areas, a general store, laundry, and hot showers during their time here.
Collins Lake/Facebook
Don't forget your fishing gear! Lake Collins is famous for its big bass and trophy trout. More than 50,000 trout are planted here every spring, so the fishing is fantastic. You can even check the fishing report before you arrive to get an idea of the lake's current conditions.
Collins Lake/Facebook
You'll want to bring your hiking shoes, too. The Hidden Spruce Trail is a lovely trek along the lake's shoreline. The easy 3-mile hike offers scenic views of the lake and its surroundings. It's especially beautiful during spring when the wildflowers come to life!
Collins Lake/Facebook
The campground at Collins Lake is great for a fishing getaway in a perfectly tranquil corner of Northern California. Visit the Collins Lake website to check the campground's availability and book your spot online.
Collins Lake/Facebook

Check out the brief drone video below for a gorgeous perspective of the lake:

Have you gone camping at the beautiful Lake Collins before? If not, you definitely need to add this destination to your to-do list! And while you’re at it, be sure to share your favorite lakes in Northern California for camping with us in the comments below.

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More to Explore

Collins Lake Camping

Sarah M. | April 07, 2022

Where are some other beautiful places to go for Northern California camping?

If it's a quick, last-minute camping retreat in Northern California you're pining for, you'll want to check out these no-reservation campsites:

 

What are some other beautiful places to go camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains?

 

One of the most beautiful places to go camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains is Donner Memorial State Park. Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada, Donner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass. Don't let its torrid history deter you; today, this campground in NorCal is a place we simply can't get enough of!

Are there any places to go camping on the beach in NorCal?

Here in our little corner of the Golden State, we're all about the water. It just doesn't get much more beautiful than the Pacific Ocean, check out this list of beautiful places to go camping on the beach in Northern California:

  • Caspar Beach RV Park and Campground
  • Wright's Beach Campground
  • Doran Campground
  • Manchester Beach KOA
  • Bodega Dunes Campground

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