10 Must Visit Campgrounds in Northern California……for Small Campers

10 Must Visit Campgrounds in Northern California……for Small Campers.

 

There are so many awesome campgrounds in California that we have visited over the years.  Here is our list of 10 must visit campgrounds if you have a small camper.

#10 – Petaluma KOA – Petaluma, CA

If you live in the Bay Area, this KOA is a quick and easy getaway that offers a fun camping experience.

Pros:

1. Close to wine tasting and of course Lagunitas brewing company!
2. Close to a super charming downtown area with unique restaurants and bars.
3. General store with just about anything you need if you forget anything.

Cons:

1. No hikes within walking distance.
2. Can be noisy at times with lots of kids.
3. Bathrooms are in need of an upgrade.

#9 – Pismo Coast Village RV Park – Pismo Beach, CA

This RV park is literally a 10 minute walk to downtown.  Even though it’s filled with 30 and 40 footers it’s an awesome spot for small campers.  Besides, everyone will come up to you and tell you how cute your little camper is.

Pros:

1. It’s right next to the beach – depending on your site location, your feet can hit the sand in a just few steps.
2. Lots to do at camp and easy to explore the downtown area for shopping or dining.
3. Plenty of activities to do at camp.

Cons:

1. Very crowded and can be difficult to get a reservation.
2. Noisy.
3. Very little privacy.

#8 – Gerstle Cove – Jenner, CA

Great spot for an inexpensive stay along the California coast.

Pros:

1. Lots of trees with deep sites allowing for extra privacy.
2. Beautiful drive along the California coast.
3. Amazing views from the bluffs above the rocky California coastline.

Cons:

1. Can’t pick your site ahead of time. When you get there, you have to drive around the loop the tell the camp host which site you want.
2. Bathrooms are not very clean.
3. Can be a bit cold and foggy, but that’s Nor Cal for ya.

#7 – Bodega Dunes – Bodega Bay, CA

Great spot for an inexpensive stay along the California coast.

Pros:

1. There are a few pretty private spots and if you are lucky enough to get site #4 you are in for a treat.
2. Close to the beach.
3. Good restaurant choices in town.

Cons:

1. Can’t pick your site ahead of time.  When you get there, you have to drive around the loop the tell the camp host which site you want.
2. Showers cost money (but typical of state parks).
3. Most of the sites are pretty close together.

#6 – Saddle Mountain Ranch – Carmel, CA

Since they only allow for small RV’s this is a perfect little gem of a campsite for the small trailer camping enthusiast. They also have cabins, yurts and tent sites available.

Pros:

1. Only small camper trailers are allowed at the RV sites.
2. Some of the small tent sites can accommodate a small 10 to 13 foot trailer.
3. Cool spot for a wedding.

Cons:

1. RV sites are basically in a small parking lot, but sites do have some privacy.
2. No wood burning….  feels a little less like camping when you are burning a Duraflame  😉
3. No general store.

#5 – Pfeiffer State Park – Big Sur, CA

Big Sur is a California treat and Pfeiffer State Park offers an inexpensive tranquil retreat among the trees.

Pros:

1. Several sites right next to the Big Sur River.
2. Beautiful surroundings with amazing hikes and views.
3. Close to two of the best restaurants in Big Sur – Nepenthe and Ventana.

Cons:

1. Poison oak everywhere…. bring your calamine lotion!
2. Books 6 months in advance.
3. Dogs are only allowed on paved roads not on dirt trails.

#4 – Jenkinson Lake – Sly Park, CA

Awesome lake for the “roughing it” camping experience.  Legend has it that there are fish in this lake, but we have yet to catch any 😉

Pros:

1. Warm lake water with lots of activities, boating, kayaking, skiing, paddle boarding etc.
2. Spacious campsites.
3. Great trails for hiking and biking.

Cons:

1. Prime spots book 13 months in advance.
2. Pit toilets with tons of flies.
3. No showers.

#3 – Cava Robles – Paso Robles, CA

Cava Robles is run by Sun RV Resorts…. and when they say resort – they mean resort.  The sites are all perfectly level, super clean and the campground it pristine. Beautiful campground with lots of amenities.

Pros:

1. Close to town and wine tasting
2. Amazing bathrooms – Best bathrooms we have ever experienced camping.
3. Upscale family friendly community rec area and swimming pool

Cons:

1. Not much shade as the sites are new and the trees are small.
2. Pay extra to save your site number or risk getting bumped to another site.  Seems like an unfair way to generate extra revenue.
3. Noise from the highway makes it feel a bit less like you are camping.

#2 – Schoolhouse Canyon Campground – Guerneville, CA

Certainly one of the prettiest campgrounds in Northern California. It is nestled among crazy cool looking arching trees with mostly tent camping and spots for tiny trailers – no large RV’s.

Pros:

1. There is an adults only area for extra peace and quiet.
2. Family owned – they keep the campground impeccably clean.
3. Close to the river and you can rent floating tubes from the office.

Cons:

1. No online reservations.
2. LOTS of rules.
3. Dishes can only be washed at the dish washing station at the bathrooms.

And our top pick for best camping spot in California for small campers:

#1 – Costanoa KOA – Pescadero, CA

Well, it’s not necessarily THE best place for small campers, but it is where we got our start and holds a special place in our camping hearts  🙂

Pros:

1. Ocean views.
2. Spacious campsites with mountain and beach hikes nearby.
3. Great restaurant onsite with amazing food!

Cons:

1. Only downside is it is a bit on the expensive side for a KOA.