RV Destinations in Northern California
Northern California is a haven for RV travelers, offering diverse landscapes, outdoor adventures, charming towns, and world-renowned wine regions. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or food and wine enthusiast, there is something for everyone in this region. From coastal trails and tall redwood forests to scenic lakes and sunny vineyards, here are some top RV destinations in Northern California.
1. Redwood National and State Parks
The Redwood National and State Parks are a must-visit destination for RV travelers. These parks, spanning over 133,000 acres, are known for their magnificent tall trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old. The parks offer a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, and scenic drives. Visitors can also attend ranger-led programs and learn about the history and ecology of the redwood forest.
There are several RV camping options in and around the parks, including Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. These campgrounds offer both primitive and full hook-up sites for RVs, as well as amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
2. Lake Tahoe
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. The crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests, make it a perfect destination for RV travelers seeking a mix of outdoor adventures and relaxation. The lake offers activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking, while the surrounding towns offer restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
RV camping is available at various campgrounds around the lake, such as D.L Bliss State Park, Emerald Bay State Park, and Sugar Pine Point State Park. These campgrounds offer RV sites with electric and water hook-ups, as well as modern amenities and lake access. For a more rustic camping experience, visitors can also opt for dispersed camping in the nearby national forests.
3. Napa Valley
No trip to Northern California is complete without a visit to Napa Valley, one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Known for its excellent wines, picturesque landscapes, and charming small towns, Napa Valley is a popular destination for RV travelers. Visitors can spend their days wine tasting at the many vineyards, dining at award-winning restaurants, and exploring the quaint towns and art galleries.
There are several RV camping options in Napa Valley, including Napa County Fairgrounds RV Park, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, and Skyline Wilderness Park. Additionally, many wineries offer RV parking and overnight stays for a unique experience in the heart of the wine region.
4. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is another must-visit destination for RV travelers in Northern California. This iconic park offers breathtaking views of towering granite cliffs, magnificent waterfalls, and peaceful valleys. Visitors can hike on the park’s numerous trails, go rock climbing, or simply take in the natural beauty from their RV.
The park has 10 campgrounds that can accommodate RVs, including Upper Pines, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows. These campgrounds offer RV sites with hook-ups and amenities such as showers, restrooms, and dump stations.
5. Mendocino Coast
For a scenic coastal RV trip, head to the Mendocino Coast. This stretch of the Pacific coastline is known for its rugged cliffs, stunning ocean views, and quaint seaside towns. Visitors can hike on the many trails, explore the town of Mendocino with its charming shops and art galleries, or relax on the beach and watch the sunset.
RV camping options in this area include MacKerricher State Park, Van Damme State Park, and Westport-Union Landing State Beach. These campgrounds offer RV sites with hook-ups, as well as amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
6. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a unique destination for RV travelers in Northern California. This park boasts a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, including bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and the famous Lassen Peak. Visitors can explore the park on hiking trails, scenic drives, or ranger-led programs, and learn about the park’s geology and ecology.
The park has eight campgrounds that can accommodate RVs, including Manzanita Lake Campground, Butte Lake Campground, and Summit Lake North Campground. These campgrounds offer RV sites with hook-ups or primitive sites for a more rustic experience.
7. Santa Cruz
The coastal town of Santa Cruz is a popular destination for RV travel, with its beautiful beaches, lively boardwalk, and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy activities such as surfing, whale watching, and hiking, as well as explore the town’s shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
RV camping options in Santa Cruz include Santa Vida RV Park, Smithwoods RV Park, and Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park. These campgrounds offer RV sites with full hook-ups, as well as amenities such as showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities.
Conclusion
No matter what your interests and preferences are, Northern California has something to offer for every RV traveler. From majestic redwood forests to stunning coastlines and incredible wine regions, these destinations are sure to provide a memorable and exciting RV adventure. So pack up your RV and hit the road to explore all that Northern California has to offer.