Private & Secluded Camping in Northern California: 7 Remote Campgrounds to Explore
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Kate Freeman
Author
Secluded campgrounds mean listening to the quiet and sometimes enduring challenging adventures. Whether you want to actually be secluded from people or just feel so, there will be a campground on this list for you! These isolated Northern California campgrounds are great for a relaxing getaway away from it all. In the vast wilderness of this breathtaking region, there are plenty of remote campgrounds from which to choose.
But days that begin and end in places like this are worth every second.
1. Jedediah Smith Campground: Crescent City
Jedediah Smith Campground, 1461 US-199, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
This lesser-known Northern California campground is located right outside of Crescent City. Camp by the Smith River among the redwoods in this unforgettable park. Frequent visitors love how quiet it is here, but it's also close enough to town to enjoy dining out. From Jedediah Smith Campground you can explore the area– hiking, beaches, and more! Friendly rangers occasionally give talks about all sorts of nature-related subjects. This campground is not tightly packed so you’ll be able to experience some solitude. Book this year-round campground in advance!
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2. Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins: Shingletown
Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins, 39489 CA-44, Shingletown, CA 96088, USA
These small and rustic cabins are located in Lassen Volcanic National Park on a small lake. Aside from the neighboring cabins, the lake is not very crowded, especially compared to places like Lake Tahoe. The cabins, available from late May through early October do not have electricity, so you'll need to bring your own lights. This adds to the rustic feel and seclusion of this area. Don’t be surprised to see deer walk right by in the early morning hours. A camp host and a small store can help you with any issues that arise and replenish you during your stay. This is a great way to explore Lassen Volcanic National Park.
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3. Wright's Beach Campground: Bodega Bay
Wright's Beach Campground, 7095 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA
Wright’s Beach Campground is located right next to the sand at Wright’s Beach. Get a spot with a view of this peaceful Northern California beach and fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing. While this campground is often booked, if you visit in the cooler months there may be fewer people on the beach. Some of the campsites have more privacy than others due to bushes and trees.
Discover more on the Sonoma Coast State Park web page.
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4. Sims Flat Campground: Castella
Sims Flat Campground, 26987 Sims Lookout Rd, Castella, CA 96017, USA
Next to the Sacramento River, Sims Flat Campground is a hidden gem. North of Redding and south of Mt. Shasta, the town of Castella is a picturesque spot to set up camp. This small spot has 19 campsites with fire pits that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you find the sound of a train peaceful, this campground is for you – a train passes nearby every so often. From this campground, usually opened by the last Saturday in April and closed in mid-November, you can explore the Sims Bridge, a suspension bridge constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
5. Grover Hot Springs State Park: Markleeville
Grover Hot Springs State Park, 3415 Hot Springs Rd, Markleeville, CA 96120, USA
On the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada and south of Lake Tahoe is Grover Hot Springs Campground. Enjoy beautiful mountain views of snow-capped peaks from the stunning meadow that the campsite is located on. The campground has hiking trails and fishing spots, plus a hot spring and a cold pool. Spacious campsites offer some seclusion from other campers. There is also a nearby creek where you can cool off in the warmer months. Camping is available year-round at this lovely state park.
6. Crane Flat Campground: Groveland
Crane Flat Campground, 717 Big Oak Flat Rd, Groveland, CA 95321, USA
Located in Yosemite National Park, this campground is a great starting point to explore the area. It’s impossible to visit Yosemite and be secluded from people, but at 6,200 feet elevation, you’ll feel far away from it all. This campground is only 17 miles away from Yosemite Valley and is usually less noisy than the campgrounds in the valley. Reservations are required in advance for this spot open from Oct. 30 –Aug. 15. For further details, visit the Crane Flat Campground web page.
7. Wright's Lake Campground: Kyburz
Wrights Lake Campground, Kyburz, CA 95720, USA
If you want seclusion from populated areas, Wrights Lake Campground is for you. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, this campground is on the edge of Desolation Wilderness. Situated next to a beautiful high-altitude lake, visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and birding. At 7,000 feet, this high-elevation campground is covered in pine and fir trees. Campsites are open from late June - October and Kyburz offers so much for a tiny NorCal town.
Secluded campgrounds and other NorCal campgrounds can be found on the California State Parks website. Where is the most secluded place you’ve ever camped? Tell us in the comments below.
Have you ever considered renting an RV? While you’re traveling through, consider taking one of these fascinating day trips in Northern California.
Here Are 15 Unique Day Trips In Northern California That Are An Absolute Must-Do
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More to Explore
Camping In Northern California
What are the best places to camp in Northern California?
Here is a list of the top-rated campgrounds to explore. Some of the highlights include the following:
- Gold Bluffs Beach Campground (Orick): Located in the lovely Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this year-round camping area offers beach landscapes for miles.
- Salt Point State Park (Jenner): A network of more than 20 miles of hiking trails and an underwater park are some of the amenities of this peaceful place.
- Russian Gulch State Park (Mendocino): Inside this seasonal park you'll find a 36-foot waterfall among the impressive redwoods and other wildlife. The coast also provides a mysterious cave called Devil’s Punchbowl!
- Tolowa Dunes State Park (Crescent City): This pretty space offers two primitive campgrounds with only the essentials provided. It began as an ancient sand dune complex offering interesting habitats that attract various creatures.
What are some of the best wildflower trails in Northern California?
- Four Lakes Loop Trail (Trinity Center): For some excellent wildflower hunting, follow this 12.8-mile trail through meadows, past lakes, and majestic mountain peaks. The wilderness on this hike is unparalleled in attracting birds, deer, and other woodland creatures. You can even swim in the lakes!
- Point Reyes National Seashore (Point Reyes Station): With more than 500 species of plants and animals to discover, you'll surely bump into something interesting on this gorgeous hike. The greatest number of seals show themselves from December through March.