If you’ve been restlessly trudging for days, looking for the best lake RV camping in California, your quest ends right here. You’ve just landed on a treasure trove of RV camping lakes in California.
Lucky for you, these bits and pieces are fresher than sourdough bread straight from the oven. We’re about to take you on a joyride through the wind-rustled Sequoias, the mirror-like lakes, and state parks in California that are as plentiful as stars in the sky.
Key Takeaways
The jewel amid the crown of California lake campgrounds is Big Bear Lake, known for the unique service of delivering an RV to your campsite.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and Donner Lake are gems providing lake-scented tranquility with an undercurrent of adventure, making them ideal vacation spots.
Lake Almanor and Lake Siskiyou are renowned for their RV-friendly facilities, from ample shade trees to Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area’s special RV hookups.
A Dive Into Northern California Lakes With RV Camping
Imagine breathing in the woody aroma of towering evergreens that line the shores of California’s serene lakes. It’s plenty of fun, a little bit wild, and hands down, the best lake RV camping in California.
Exploring Trinity Lake: A Campers Paradise
Trinity Lake is a water fairy with her magic charm tucked away west of Redding, in the bosom of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It has inviting trails, a boat ramp located nearby, and the Alpine View Campground to park your wagon. Hence, it is undoubtedly a golden ticket in the sweepstakes of lake camping.
Experiences at Alpine View Campground
Setting foot at the Alpine View Campground at Trinity Lake presents every camper’s ardent desires. These range from the front row seats to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest show to a handy boat ramp located nearby.
With an all-star cast of catfish, trout, salmon, and bass in the Trinity Lake, the campground adds a dash of thrill to the tranquil scene.
Unveiling the Beauty of Lake Almanor
Lake Almanor is a place that hides in plain sight and yet leaves everyone mesmerized. With the North Shore Campground offering both views and RV hookups, Lake Almanor is a steal. It amps up the mood with boating and fishing thrills and cools you down with kayak rentals for those lazy lake-lazing afternoons.
An Insight on North Shore Campground
The North Shore Campground is Lake Almanor’s winning hand. It’s a private sanctuary armed with RV hookups, and an arena for boating and fishing. With kayak rentals, you can break free from the land, bobbing along on the gentle waves.
Camping Adventure at Lake Tahoe With D. L. Bliss State Park
No talk of the best lake RV camping in California can be done and dusted without a stopover at Lake Tahoe and its crown jewel, D. L. Bliss State Park. Just as its name implies, it’s an Eden of joy, surrounded by the crisp scent of pine from the South Lake Tahoe woods. This wonderland comes with paved roads, picnic areas, and a visitors center.
Lake Siskiyou: A Gem in Northern California
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort is a piece of heavenly specter found nowhere but in Northern California. Nestled like a pearl in a shell, it’s a treasure spot that’s on par with the likes of Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Castaic Lake State Recreation.
Unpack at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
Nestled at the foothills of Mount Shasta, Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort is the place to be if camping is your bread and butter. This lakefront venue boasts of pristine waters framed by verdant landscapes.
A Deep Dive into Donner Lake
The awe-striking beauty of Donner Memorial State Park pans out like Mother Nature’s own poetry. Its azure blessing, none other than Donner Lake, calls out to campers and outdoor aficionados.
Camping at Donner Memorial State Park
At Donner Memorial State Park, camping feels like an upgraded version of a lifelong affair with nature. Not to mention, the park’s fishing domain lets you play tug-o-war with the aquatic clan. It’s not a mere RV camping spot, it’s a playground for the heart’s content!
Southern California's Lakeside Camping Experience
Let’s flip the coin and venture down south where the sun shines a bit brighter. Southern California’s lake camping gives you a new perspective of this state’s natural beauty.
Mesmerizing Camping Experience at Silverwood Lake
Spot an angler’s grin stretching ear-to-ear and you know he’s hooked a largemouth bass! And where do you think he’s probably casting his line? Yep, it’s Silverwood Lake!
Discovering Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area isn’t your average camping spot. The place is a haven for RV enthusiasts, specifically designed to accommodate RVs. Enough room for your buddy on wheels plus the panoramic lake view equals absolute bliss!
The Charms of Big Bear Lake
Deep in San Bernardino National Forest and a few gas pedals away from Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake’s captivating allure is a worthy detour. Surrounded by thick pine forests and speckled with hiking trails, the area puts you right in Mother Nature’s lap.
When you’re yearning for some pine-scented solace without straying too far from civilization, Serrano Campground hits the spot. Serrano is so much more than a campground, it’s your dreamy home in the woods!
Tranquility Meets Adventure – Offbeat Lake Campsites
People who love the thrill of veering slightly off the beaten path often find themselves gravitating towards offbeat lake campsites in the Golden State.
The Wilderness of Lake Shasta
Nestled in Shasta forest, Lake Shasta offers boat rentals so you can set sail towards an exhilarating adventure. Bountiful pine trees bordering the lake shores make for a serene backdrop.
Gold Lake: A Hushed Retreat
A quiet escape where you can reconnect with your core. Amidst the whispering breeze and murmuring waves, Gold Lake offers you just that. Here, it’s the rule of tranquility immersed in a golden sunset haze.
Confluence of Beauty and Beasts – Bass Lake
Nestled comfortably in the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains is the Bass Lake RV Resort. It presents itself as the gateway to a surely memorable camping experience. Here, you are surrounded by impressive panoramic views. It also borders the much-acclaimed Yosemite National Park.
Natural Spectacle at Clear Lake
Moving on, let’s talk about something completely different but equally enthralling, Clear Lake. Here, you can poke around in any corner, and adventure materializes right before your eyes.
Be it water sports, invigorating hikes, or laid-back bass fishing, this place thrives with recreational activities to tickle every camper’s fancy. Just remember, bigger motorhomes might struggle, though, 35 feet length is the max at the campgrounds.
Imagine having an unforgettable camping escapade, right smack in the middle of nature’s playground herself – the sprawling Sierra Nevada mountains, national monuments, and majestic forests like Angeles National Forest and Sierra National Forest.
You’re surrounded by all things nature; framed by beautiful horseback riding trails, a skip away from a fun-filled basketball court. You can also just kick back, relax and watch the sunset over a beautiful lake. It’s surreal.
Free camping is like hitting a gold mine, except the gold here is the wholesome experience of dispersed camping in serene places. Like the untouched beauty of Lake Nacimiento, or the pristine wilderness of Sequoia National Forest.
Just a step off the beaten path and you’ve got camping areas all to yourself. Somewhere in the unadulterated corners of the San Francisco surrounds, or maybe nestled among the peaceful serenity of Deer Lakes in the Eastern Sierra Nevada.
The big kahuna for RV camping here is mostly around Big Bear Lake. It’s a whole other kind of treat, with places like Gull Lake and Tent Camping Grounds. But another hot spot is the beauty of Mono Lake. You get the services of having your RV delivered right at your site, and whisked away once you’re done.
A fishing license isn’t just a piece of paper, it’s your golden ticket to getting tight lines and reels screaming. A lot of these lakes are a hotbed for bass, trout, and so much more. No license, means no fishing.
Safety measures are the bread and butter of any camping trip. Firstly, you can’t just wander about without a care. Hence, you should watch out for your fellow campers’ boundaries or make sure the campfires are doused when you turn in. Additionally, when it comes to RVs, let the professionals handle your RV rental.
Wrapping Up your Lakeside RV Camping Adventure
The state parks in California, be it a state beach or lake-side, paint a picture of natural dynamism with their unique offerings. Lake RV camping in California is far more than ‘just’ camping. It is an exploration of California in its rawest form – an uncensored truth backed by the sound of the crackling campfire and thin wisps of smoke that disappeared into the open sky.
To most, an RV is simply a vehicle. But in the bounds of California’s wilderness, you will find it to be your temporary home. A sanctuary where adventurous days have a cozy end. Hence, start planning your next lake RV camping in California to embrace the California wilderness.
My name is Eddie, and I am an RV enthusiast! I have enjoyed traveling all my life, and want to give my family the same opportunities to see as much of the world as possible.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered how great RVs can be for vacations with a young family. Here at RV Lifestyle Experts, I want to share my experiences, the tips I’ve picked up along the way. I hope that our guides can encourage you to try the RV lifestyle. I promise you that you won’t regret it!
My name is Eddie, and I am an RV enthusiast! I have enjoyed traveling all my life, and want to give my family the same opportunities to see as much of the world as possible.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered how great RVs can be for vacations with a young family. Here at RV Lifestyle Experts, I want to share my experiences, the tips I’ve picked up along the way. I hope that our guides can encourage you to try the RV lifestyle. I promise you that you won’t regret it!
