Camping in Northern California with swimming

From the Pacific to the Sierra, these are the best campsites in Northern California.

89% (1679 reviews)
89% (1679 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Northern California

Star Hosts in Northern California

Available this weekend

12 top campgrounds in Northern California with swimming

98%
(2055)

Mill Creek Resort

48 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Mineral, CA
Welcome! We’re Jillian and Joe, along with our sidekicks Sonora + Ayla, the brains and the brawn behind Mill Creek Resort. Since 2017, we have been pouring every ounce of our love and energy into this landmark 1930’s resort. We take great pride in honoring it's rich history while creating a space for the next generation of mountain adventurers. Nestled in 12 acres of cedars and towering pines on the south side of Lassen Volcanic National Park, we offer 9 cabins open year-round, along with 17 campsites, some featuring glamping tents and 8 RV spots, one featuring a vintage 70's trailer and 2015 modern RV. We hope your path leads you here to experience all that Lassen has to offer. Miles of trails, pristine waters, dark skies, and wildlife abound, all awaiting to be discovered. Find your Wild, be kind, and leave no trace.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$35
 / night
99%
(875)

Maple Creek Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Cohasset, CA
The Maple Creek Ranch and Tree Farm has been family owned and operated since 1934. The patriarch of the family, whose family had moved here from Sweden, had a great love of the forest and trains. The property was one of the first certified tree farms in California with the goal of nurturing a healthy forest. In the 1960’s, a mile of railroad tracks was laid and the whistle of a small, steam engine train could be heard throughout the community. Local residents and kids were treated to free train rides and special events for many years.There is a natural spring with a small creek that supplies the ponds with fresh water year around. There is also a small canyon on the property with a larger stream called Mud Creek. The land is rich in Indian history and there a artifacts and other signs on the Indians presence.The Cohasset area is relatively unknown. 15 miles from our property is Deer Creek and the Lasson National Forest is about a 2 hour drive north.  While staying with us you can pitch your tent on our private 500 acres. We have 2  primitive camping spots on our property. Each spot has a picnic table and fire pit. There is a flush toilet shared for both camp sites. * During freezing weather the toilets may be closed so they don’t freeze! Please check before booking *The spots are spread out to ensure privacy. Our property is surrounded by the forest and is loaded with deer, squirrels, turkeys and other forest animals. We have numerous walking trails, a fresh water pond for fishing and swimming. Please notify us if you have an RV.  Site 1 is best for RV's. Site 2 can accommodate smaller RV's. We look forward to meeting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$60
 / night
91%
(175)

Gelmsters Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Orland, CA
My dad bought the farm in 1975 and it used to be a working dairy and sheep farm. My dad passed away while cutting our oat field on mothers day 2003, our little farm started to break down. We have recently been working on it to bring it back to life and hope to have it up and running strong again soon. Hopefully have a produce stand or garden soon to offer more options for our guests.Learn more about this land:Our farm is 3miles west of town within 10 miles to lake for fishing, boating, hiking, and even disk golf. Right off of I-5 by a Pilot travel center. Public pool 3miles(1pm-5pm, water arobics Tue and Thur 6-7pm $2, family night Tue and Thur 730-9pm June-Aug) as well as shopping and dining within 3miles. Great sunset and area to roam for a bike ride or walk in the country in our little hick town with only about 8000 population. It is very likely you will hear animals so if your a light sleeper you may want ear plugs. Chickens crow, cows bellow, and dogs bark. Driveway is rough and we are working on getting it fixed asap so please take your time coming up. There is FIELD roaches you may see soon after we irrigate, they are bigger then the nasty cockroach but harmless. The wind can be up to 30mph at times so be prepared with extra rope to tie down and secure if your in a tent also park vehicle to help block from wind and driveway. It does get up into the 100° here during summer so it would be good to have shade or plan to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day. Longer stays are best done at sites 4 and 3 further from the driveway. Quick stops just to sleep are best at 1 and 2.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$20
 / night
98%
(373)

Trinity Outpost Wilderness Resort

15 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · 122.928142, CA
Private Tent Camping: under the stars. Park at your campsite! Community areas, swimming holes, creek running through ALL campsites, shared lodge & rustic accommodations. No fee for children or dogs~ Follow for update tweets @ResortTrinity Trinity Outpost Wilderness is a private campground that is committed to the land-sharing ethos of Hipcamp preserving ecology and defending habitat for wildlife and pollinators. The mineral springs and trails are open to the public during the daytime. We also host with WWOOF, we have many cultural exchange volunteers helping us bring life back to this historic land building an organic farm and sustainable inclusive community. The campground is your to book but is also surrounded by National Forest Land which belongs to everyone. We expect zero exceptions to the leave no trace standards we have put forward for our private land share. Fall asleep stargazing under a dark sky, surrounded by trees, water and wildlife. Wake up to birds chirping then a 10 min hike to visit the Cold mineral springs bubbling out of the mountainside, attracting many types of wildlife along with people seeking out the healing properties of the sulfur scented spring water. Sacred healing mineral spring "Deadshot" named by the native peoples for its ability to cure all ailments with 'one shot'. Nipisum or 'health water' was later bottled by the California Medicinal Springs Co. after the land was homesteaded in 1886. This historic retreat rests at the foot of lower Chanchelulla 'black rock' Mountain. Bordering a Wilderness Area this land is pristine and wild inhabited by many animals and incredible bio-diversity such as Pileated Woodpeckers, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Blackhawk, Goshawk, Great Horned Owl, Flying Squirrel, Pacific King Snake, Salamanders and Protected Spawning Rainbow Trout. 100+ acres with private hiking trails along the stream for easy trekking, and summit trails (climbing up to almost 6,000 ft.) to the peak. Our aim is to restore the land from the last 100 years of habitation using innovation to renovate the campground and baths for the next 100 years. With your help we hope to revitalize the community of Trinity County, as well as educate and generate support for WILDERNESS, public forest lands and the agencies that manage them.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$25
 / night
90%
(5)

Site Along Salt Creek

2 sites · RVs3 acres · Redding, CA
Learn more about this land: Quiet peaceful location to park your RV or bring your camper! Springing new life in the middle of the Carr Fire burn scar. Access to Salt Creek trail leading to Reddings west side trail network and the Sacramento river (3 miles on the trail). Perfect for mountain bikers, cyclists, and hikers looking for a unique experience. Family owned property for over 25 years.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$75
 / night
96%
(176)

Grub Farm

2 sites · Tents16 acres · Chico, CA
Grub Farm is a magical place. Come camp on a working organic vegetable farm and sleep under the walnut grove. 
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
96%
(36)

Blue Belly Cabin

1 site · Lodging12 acres · Manton, CA
We found our happy place and want to share it on HipCamp.Blue Belly Cabin is a contactless cabin on 12 acres of land that sleeps 4 comfortably. 1 bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and great room with sleeper sofa. There are fabulous sunrises, sunsets and panoramic mountain views for you to enjoy. It snows sometimes at our cabin but usually stays only a day. Many campers come to our cabin to work while simultaneously enjoying nature right outside the cabin. For the hot days we have a swamp cooler and portable A/C unit so you stay comfortable. For the cold days we have a wood burning stove that heats the big room and keeps you toasty and portable electric heaters for the bedroom and bathroom. We have a heated mattress pad on the bed and an electric blanket for the sleeper sofa and extra comforters. There is a propane fire pit and propane bbq outside for you to enjoy. Blue Belly Cabin is a huge slice of peace. There's a large area outside the cabin where you can pitch tent(s) for more people. Nearby, there are premier fishing spots, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, swimming, waterfalls, national forests, trails to hike, 6 wineries and much more. We are 35 mins from Lassen National Park, 45 mins from Shasta Lake and dam. MacCumber reservoir is 25 mins away. We are 30 mins east of Redbluff and the nearest small town with gas stations, grocery and hardware stores is 17 mins away.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$120
 / night
65%
(10)

Farias Urban Farmhouse

4 sites · RVs, Tents1 acres · Redding, CA
Learn more about this land:A beautiful 2.0 acre lot in Rural residential area of Redding! Enjoy the open private space of a property with a seasonal flowing creek (fall, winter and early spring)  property snuggled in a natural rural area of City. Property is secluded in a rural residential neighborhood which is close to City amenities restaurants, financial institutions and abundance of recreational activities in surrounding area. Property is within 10 minutes of Main City. 
Pets
from 
$33
 / night
99%
(84)

Velasquez Tambo Ranch

3 sites · Lodging14 acres · Paradise, CA
Welcome to our rustic retreat in rural Butte County, a haven we've called home since 1997. Nestled on 14 acres, our family farm offers a unique camping experience where you and your children can embrace the freedom to run and explore. Explore the property and connect with nature by visiting our alpaca, sheep, cow, kittens, dog, and chickens. Take a leisurely stroll down a country road or stargaze under the clear night sky from the open circle of Adirondack chairs. Bask in the tranquility of this quiet country space, where fresh air abounds. Our location is a gateway to numerous outdoor adventures such as Lassen Volcanic Park and Table Mountain, and just 22 minutes from downtown Chico and Chico State. Discover local gems like the Bidwell Mansion, Bidwell Park, Lime Saddle Marina, Butte Creek Canyon, and the Honey Run Covered Bridge, all within a short drive. For history enthusiasts, Paradise – known for its antiquing, biking, and historic trail along the old railroad line. Visit the Paradise Depot, Museum, or the Gold Nugget Museum for a trip back in time. While you're surrounded by nature, enjoy the convenience of good cell service and Wi-Fi – perfect for streaming on our smart TVs with our fiber optics. Should you need anything during your stay – be it a Band-Aid, needle and thread, or kitchen essentials – simply let us know. Our property is home to playful kittens and our friendly border collie, Caspian, who roams freely. If preferred, Caspian can be kenneled upon request. Escape to our farm stay and experience the best of rural living with modern comforts. Your adventure awaits!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$108
 / night
100%
(16)

Trinity River FlyCamp

4 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Lewiston, CA
FlyCamp is Trinty River front property surrounded by BLM land and Salmon spawning pond, adjacent to a federally maintained drift boat launch and bathroom. This stretch of river is classified as Wild and Scenic and is legendary for its salmon, steelhead and Brown Trout fishing by drift boat starting from the Old Bridge in Lewiston or from the property ending at the Steel Bridge take out, or wading the more than 2 mile of river front. The natural beauty of the Trinity River has been one of the most popular sights for visitors to the north coast. Scenic Highway 299 makes easy access to many points of interest. Rafts, canoes and kayaks frequent the rapids in the springtime, and tubers enjoy summertime flows.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Booked 1 time

Jackrabbit Ridge Airstream Retreat

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Shasta, CA
Tucked away down a private gated road sits our 2021 International Airstream - Eleanor waiting for you to come visit. This pristine 23' airstream has a queen size bed that accommodates 1-2 adults. There is a kitchen, dining room table and full bathroom. The airstream sits on the front side of our driveway. You will park next to the camper and have a private deck to relax on. Our property is adjacent to hiking and mountain biking trails which you can access by walking to the end of our private dirt road.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$130
 / night
100%
(4)

Private Property - Ishi Wilderness

4 sites · Tents200 acres · Cohasset, CA
Experience the “wild” native culture of the Sierra Nevada foothills at this private remote property. Camp under the stars and enjoy the stunning canyon views. Discover hidden gems, swimming holes, fishing, and wild animals see the only wild horse heard on the wester slope of the Sierra Nevada's. as well as bears, ring tailed cats, ouzels, and more. View the Sacramento Valley from Mt. Diablo to Oregon, including Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen. Pitch a tent on a deck with scenic view of Mt Lassen to your right and the Majestic Mt Shasta to your left. Hike to a nearby Native American Cave where the inside polished to marble from natives inhabiting the space for thousands of years and camp on the creek nearby. This is on 280 acres of private property, with base camp nearby Transportation into the canyon and hiking guides are included. any designated campsites available at the ranch, some on a raised wood deck overlooking the canyon, or you can camp in a hidden cave or by the water. You will also enjoy nature hikes and learn the rich history of the Yahi Indian tribe. The last of the Yahi people were discovered living in this remote area in 1908. Over the years, we have guided book author Richard Burrill on journeys to collect information for his book on Ishi. Our guides will tour you through this remote canyon and show you caves and areas that were used by the tribe for shelter and ceremonies. You will also learn a variety of skills such as preparing camp, building a fire from scratch (seasonally), and preparing safe drinking water. Remember this is very rugged and remote territory . Sleep under the stars and spend time outdoors learning lifelong lessons. This is a one-of-a-kind experience you will never forget. Tours are offered for all levels of adventures depending on your physical strength, condition, and type of challenge you want to experience. For more information, please visit www.butteadventures.com There is a good reason that the last documented “wild” Native American (in the lower 48) was found living here. In 1908, Ishi, the last of the Yahi people were discovered living in the Sierra Foothills northeast of Chico, CA. If you have a 4x4 you can follow us in, if not we will 4x4 you in our Adventure Vehicle. Experience the “wild” native culture of the Sierra Nevada foothills at this private remote property. Camp under the stars, enjoy stunning canyon views, and discover hidden gems, swimming holes, fishing, and wild animals. Maybe you will get lucky and see the only herd of wild horses on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains. View the Sacramento Valley from Mt. Diablo to Oregon, including Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen. Transportation into the canyon and hiking guides are included. There are many designated campsites available on this 280 acre private property. Camp on a raised wood deck overlooking the canyon, or in a hidden cave, near water. Enjoy nature hikes and learn the rich history of the Yahi Indians and where the last of the Yahi tribe were discovered in 1908. Over the years, we have guided archeologist and many more. Including book author Richard Burrill on journeys to collect information for his books. . Our guides will tour you through this remote canyon, and show you caves and areas that were used by the tribe for shelter and ceremonies. You will also learn a variety of skills such as preparing camp, building a fire from scratch (seasonally), and preparing safe drinking water. Remember, this is very rugged and remote territory. Hike to a nearby Native American Cave where the inside had been polished to marble from natives inhabiting the space for thousands of years. Sleep under the Galaxy of stars and spend time outdoors learning lifelong lessons. This is a one-of-a-kind experience you will never forget. Tours are offered for all levels of adventures depending on your physical strength, condition, and type of challenge you want to experience. There is a good reason the last documented “wild” Native American (in the lower 48) was found living here. In 1908, Ishi, the last of the Yahi people were discovered living in the Sierra Nevada foothills northeast of Chico, CA. If you have a 4x4 you can follow us in. Otherwise, transportation will be provided.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$75
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

Value Prop
Value Prop

Camping in Northern California with swimming guide

Overview

Looking to dive into a refreshing swimming experience while camping in Northern California? Look no further than Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), and Mill Creek Resort (638 reviews) to see what other campers have loved about their swimming adventures. And don't worry about amenities, popular options like campfires, potable water, and showers are available at many campsites. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to make a splash at Hipcamp in Northern California!

Top cities in and near Northern California

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.