Top 5 Northern Ca Camping Spots

Peter Armani | 07-02-2026

Northern California offers a diverse range of camping experiences, from redwood forests to scenic coastlines and mountainous wilderness. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, having a reliable guidebook can make all the difference. The following resources help campers of all experience levels discover new destinations, plan routes, and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

Editor's Choice
Moon Northern California Camping: The Complete Guide to Tent and RV Camping
Moon Northern California Camping: The Complete Guide to Tent and RV Camping
Premium Pick
150 Nature Hot Spots in California: The Best Parks, Conservation Areas and Wild Places
150 Nature Hot Spots in California: The Best Parks, Conservation Areas and Wild Places
Budget Pick
Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping: Alaska and Yukon Camping With RV or Tent
Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping: Alaska and Yukon Camping With RV or Tent

Top 5 Northern Ca Camping Spots

We researched and compared the top products in the Northern Ca Camping Spots category to provide you with these recommendations.

1. Moon Northern California Camping: The Complete Guide to Tent and RV Camping

Extensive Site Listings
Moon Northern California Camping: The Complete Guide to Tent and RV Camping
9.8

Moon Travel

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This guidebook features a soft cover and easy-to-read pages, making it practical for both at-home planning and on-the-road reference. It covers a wide range of tent and RV camping spots across Northern California, offering detailed descriptions and useful tips for campers. The book is lightweight enough to bring along in your backpack or glove compartment for quick access during your trip.

What We Like:

  • Covers a broad range of campgrounds
  • Clear organization by region
  • Useful for both tent and RV campers
  • Includes practical travel tips
  • Portable and easy to carry

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some listings may be outdated
  • Limited color photography

2. 150 Nature Hot Spots in California: The Best Parks, Conservation Areas and Wild Places

Scenic Nature Focus
150 Nature Hot Spots in California: The Best Parks, Conservation Areas and Wild Places
9.5

Firefly Books Ltd

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This book highlights some of California's most beautiful parks and wild areas, with a focus on nature lovers and outdoor explorers. The pages feature descriptions of each location, along with insights into what makes each spot unique. It's a handy resource for those seeking inspiration for new adventures or scenic camping destinations.

What We Like:

  • Emphasizes natural beauty and unique spots
  • Covers a variety of landscapes
  • Inspiring for trip planning
  • Useful for campers and day-trippers

What Could Be Improved:

  • Less detail on specific campgrounds
  • More general than camping-focused

3. Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping: Alaska and Yukon Camping With RV or Tent

Alaska Yukon Coverage
Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping: Alaska and Yukon Camping With RV or Tent
9.1

Church, Mike/ Church, Terri

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This guide is designed for those considering camping adventures beyond California, especially in Alaska and the Yukon. It provides practical advice for both RV and tent campers, with a focus on remote and scenic destinations. The book is well-suited for long-distance travelers looking for comprehensive information on northern routes.

What We Like:

  • Thorough coverage of Alaska and Yukon
  • Tips for remote camping
  • Suitable for RV and tent users
  • Useful route planning advice

What Could Be Improved:

  • Not focused on California
  • May be too specialized for some readers

4. Pacific Northwest Camping Destinations: RV and Car Camping Destinations in Oregon, Washington

Regional Trip Ideas
Pacific Northwest Camping Destinations: RV and Car Camping Destinations in Oregon, Washington
8.9

Rolling Homes Press

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This book offers a regional overview of camping options in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon and Washington. It's geared toward RV and car campers looking for new destinations, with practical suggestions for planning multi-state trips. The format is user-friendly, making it easy to browse for inspiration.

What We Like:

  • Covers multiple states for broader trips
  • Good for RV and car campers
  • Organized by destination
  • Helpful for trip planning

What Could Be Improved:

  • Limited California-specific content
  • Focused more on the Pacific Northwest

5. Pacific Northwest Camping: The Complete Guide to More Than 45,000 Campsites for RVers, Car Campers

Comprehensive Campsite Guide
Pacific Northwest Camping: The Complete Guide to More Than 45,000 Campsites for RVers, Car Campers
8.7

Brand: Foghorn Pr

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This comprehensive guidebook details thousands of campsites across the Pacific Northwest, making it a valuable resource for serious campers and road trippers. The book is organized for quick reference, with practical information for both RV and car camping. Its durable design is suitable for frequent use during extended travels.

What We Like:

  • Extensive campsite listings
  • Practical info for various camping styles
  • Durable for travel use
  • Quick reference format

What Could Be Improved:

  • Focuses mainly on states north of California
  • Some information may be overwhelming for casual campers

How to Choose Camping Guidebooks and Nature Spot Resources

Coverage Area and Focus

Choose a guide that matches your primary camping region and style. If you plan to explore beyond Northern California, a regional book may offer more value.

Detail Level and Practicality

Decide if you want a practical planning tool or a book that sparks ideas for future trips.

Portability and Durability

If you camp often or travel long distances, a portable and sturdy guide is a smart choice.

Intended Use and Experience Level

Choose a resource that matches your comfort level and camping experience for the best results.

Visuals and Inspiration

If you’re a visual planner, opt for guides with plenty of images and maps to help narrow down your options.

FAQ For Northern Ca Camping Spots

1. What should I look for in a Northern California camping guidebook?

Look for guides that cover the regions you want to explore, offer up-to-date campground information, and include practical details such as directions, amenities, and tips for both tent and RV camping.

2. Are nature spot books useful for finding camping locations?

Nature spot books can be helpful for discovering scenic areas and parks, though they may not always provide specific camping details. They are ideal for inspiration and trip planning.

3. How important is portability in a camping guidebook?

Portability is important if you plan to bring the guidebook on your trips. Lightweight and durable books are easier to carry and withstand frequent use outdoors.

4. Do all camping guidebooks include maps?

Not all guidebooks include detailed maps. If navigation is important to you, check the book’s features to ensure it provides the level of mapping you need.

5. Should I choose a regional guide or a California-specific guide?

Choose based on your travel plans. California-specific guides are best for focused trips, while regional guides are useful if you plan to explore neighboring states as well.
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Peter Armani

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