The Best River Camping Destinations in California

While beach camping destinations offer a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience, California’s rivers provide equally memorable adventures in the heart of nature—they’re the perfect spots for camping. Spend your weekend fishing, swimming, white-water rafting, and hiking as the flowing rivers create the ideal setting for taking a break from the bustling city.

If you’re having difficulty finding awesome river camping spots in California, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Pack your camping essentials, get in your RV, and head over to the best river camping destinations in California to embark on exciting adventures.

Incredible Spots For River Camping In Southern California

1. La Jolla Indian Campground

Location: 801 Campground Rd, Pauma Valley, CA 92061
Amenities: Drinking water, electric hookups, firewood, picnic tables, dump station, restroom, and shower facilities
Activities: Tubing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking
Fee: Depends on the pass
Number of sites: 200
Dogs allowed: No, except for service animals with valid permits
Reservations required: Yes

If you thought river camping in Southern California is impossible, you’re in for a surprise. The La Jolla Indian Campground is the only campground in San Diego County that’s campfire-friendly and has river access. This river camping spot has multiple sites—group, tent-only, and even RV campgrounds. Enjoy tubing in the San Luis Rey River in the midst of the undisturbed wilderness. 

2. Kern River Campground 

Location: 13375 Lake Ming Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306
Amenities: Picnic tables, firewood, firepits, drinking water, dump station, restroom, and shower facilities
Activities: Hiking, biking, nearby attractions
Fee: Depends on the season
Number of sites: 50 
Dogs allowed: On leash. Extra fee per dog is applied, service dogs are exepmt from the fee.
Reservations required: Yes

The Kern River Campground is a dry river camping spot in California that takes you back to primitive times. Located on 28 acres of landscaped grounds, this Kern River camping destination is within close proximity to tourist attractions such as Lake Ming, California Living Museum, and Hart Memorial Park. Don’t think too much about camping near the Kern River; prep your camping playlist and just do it. 

3. Rivernook Campground

Location: 14001 Sierra Way, Kernville, CA 93238
Amenities: Full and partial hookup sites, general store, picnic tables, firewood, firepits, ADA accessible, drinking water, dump station, restroom, and shower facilities
Activities: Hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, kayaking, horseshoes
Fee: Depends on the campsite
Dogs allowed: Yes
Reservations required: Yes

One of the largest campgrounds on the Kern River is the Rivernook Campground. It doesn’t get much better than this Kernville camping destination. The 60-acre Kern camping spot provides peace and tranquility to campers seeking a digital detox. Engage in different types of watersports and enjoy your evenings by the crackling campfire as the Kern River flows through scenic canyons just a stone’s throw away. 

4. Camp Kernville

Location: 24 Sirretta Street, Kernville, CA 93238
Amenities: Electric hookups, general store, picnic tables, firewood, pet area, dump station, drinking water, dump station, restroom, laundry room, shower facilitie
Activities: Hiking, boating, kayaking, biking, white-water rafting, horseshoes
Fee: Depends on campsite and season
Number of sites: 47
Dogs allowed: Yes
Reservations required: Yes

Head over to Camp Kernville to experience camping with modern amenities. Not only does the campground provide you with up-to-date restroom facilities and RV rentals, but it also has a 1,000-foot private beach area along the Kern River. Discover a newfound love for watersports at this SoCal river camping destination. 

5. Bonita Ranch Campground 

Location: 900 South Fork Road, Lytle Creek, CA 92358
Amenities: Electric hookups, picnic tables, firewood, dump station, drinking water, restroom, and shower facilities
Activities: Hiking, swimming
Fee: Depends on the campsite
Number of sites: 83
Dogs allowed: On leash
Reservations required: Yes

Since river camping in Southern California is relatively limited, creeks are a great substitute. The Bonita Ranch Campground, situated next to Lytle Creek, is a family-owned and -operated camping spot that’s perfect for making memories with your friends and family. Providing both tent and RV campsites, this river camping spot is conveniently located close to Orange and Riverside Counties. Whether you want to relax by the creek or hike to Bonita Falls, this campground is your top choice. 

Where To Enjoy River Camping In Northern California

1. Fowlers Campground

Location: Fowler Public Camp Road, McCloud
Amenities: Picnic table, fire ring with grill, bear-resistant food lockers, restroom facilities
Activities: Hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, bird watching
Fee: $15-$30 per night
Number of sites: 39
Dogs allowed: On leash
Reservations required: Yes

Experience river camping in Northern California at Fowlers Campground, which offers a number of campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Not only is it one of the best places for McCloud Falls camping, but it’s also a wonderful place for outdoor activities—fishing, swimming, biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing are only a few of the many recreational activities available. Enjoy a peaceful weekend here and head back to the city after getting your weekly dose of Mother Nature. 

2. Russian River RV Campground

Location: 33655 Geysers Road, Cloverdale
Amenities: Clubhouse, swimming pool, hot tub, playground, picnic tables, game room, dog park, restroom, laundry, and shower facilities
Activities: Hiking, swimming, fishing, mini-golf, volleyball, shuffleboard, tennis, billiards, basketball, horseshoes
Fee: Depends on the campsite
Number of sites: 125
Dogs allowed: Yes
Reservations required: Yes

Everyone needs to have a Russian River camping experience—what better place than the Russian River RV Campground to do exactly that? Forget about Guerneville camping; hop in your RV and head over to this campground for endless fun. Whether you want to go kayaking, canoeing, swimming, or fishing, this scenic campground won’t let you down.    

3. South Yuba Campground

Location: Lower Campground Loop, Nevada City, CA 95959
Amenities: Picnic tables, bear-resistant food lockers, fire rings, restroom facilities
Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Fee: $15 per night, depending on the campsite 
Number of sites: 16
Dogs allowed: Yes
Reservations required: No

Don’t hesitate to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness at the South Yuba Campground. This Yuba River campground is accessed via the South Yuba Trail. While it doesn’t have modern amenities, the river camping destination allows you to break free from your everyday routine and become one with nature. 

4. American River Resort

Location: 6019 New River Road, Coloma, CA 95613
Amenities: Swimming pool, recreational hall, general store, electric hookups, firewood, dump station, restroom, shower facilities
Activities: Hiking, kayaking, biking, swimming, white-water rafting
Fee: Depends on the campsite
Number of sites: 30
Dogs allowed: Yes
Reservations required: Yes

If you’ve always wanted to experience American River camping, now’s your chance. American River Resort boasts the perfect river campground where you can relax and rejuvenate your mind and body. Located on 40 acres of riverfront property, the campground is set amidst an oak forest with campsites for groups of all sizes. Enjoy scenic hikes and starlit night skies as you spend unforgettable nights at the American River Resort. 

5. Three Rivers Hideaway 

Location: 43365 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA 93271
Amenities: Clubhouse, full hookups, trails, restroom, laundry, and shower facilities
Activities: Hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, horseback riding, white-water rafting, mountain biking
Fee: Depends on the campsite
Number of sites: 43
Dogs allowed: Yes
Reservations required: Yes

Situated a short distance from Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers Hideaway is a picturesque place to get in touch with nature. The campground has all of the basic amenities to make your stay comfortable: Hiking trails, clean facilities, and a clubhouse will keep you entertained. This Three Rivers, CA camping destination is also close to Lake Kaweah—if you’ve always wanted to try white-water rafting, this is a prime place to do it.  

6. Riverside Campground And Cabins

Location: 47020 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Amenities: Electric hookups, picnic tables, firewood, dump station, ADA accessible, restroom, laundry, and shower facilities
Activities: Boating, hiking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, biking, tubing
Fee: Depends on the campsite
Number of sites: 34
Dogs allowed: Yes
Reservations required: Yes

Leave it to Riverside Campground and Cabins to give you the best camping experience ever. This Big Sur River campground is located on 16 acres of an old-growth redwood forest and offers plenty of outdoor activities. If camping in an RV or tent is too rustic for your taste, upgrade to a cabin for a comfortable stay. Spend your day biking, tubing, hiking, and making the most of your retreat.