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If you’re ready to explore the beauty of Northern California, read on.
The list below was curated based on the online reviews and ratings of each RV park in Northern California.
From that list, we picked the highest rated and most loved locations, from sunny beach-side oases to deep forest hideouts.
There are so many incredible RV parks, campgrounds, and similar locales in NorCal, so this list is by no means exhaustive. But you will find the best that Northern California has to offer– and a great variety of locations.
Read on to find the best RV parks in Northern California.
Best RV Parks In Northern California: 2025 Guide
Here are the top rated RV parks in Northern California:
1. Redwoods River Resort
- Location: Leggett, California
Redwoods River is a luxury RV resort in Leggett that is, as the name suggests, nestled within the heart of the redwoods and offering a one-of-a-kind deep forest immersive experience.
As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to visit already, Redwoods River Resort is super family-friendly, offering fun amenities such as a playground, pool, and even outdoor movie nights.
The resort also offers close proximity to multiple hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
2. Crystal Basin Recreation Area
- Location: Eldorado National Forest
Crystal Basic Recreation Center is located in Eldorado National Forest, offering yet another incredible natural experience.
Where Crystal Basic shines is in its close proximity to multiple lakes and various water activities from boating to fishing.
They also offer larger-than-average parking spots with incredible forested views, great if you want something away from it all.
3. Mendocino Grove
- Location: Mendocino, California
Mendocino Grove is a luxury RV park with beautiful ocean views and modern amenities. If you’re looking for a true glamping experience, this is a great pick.
It’s also located nearby Mendocino Village, which has multiple shops and restaurants.
4. Mount Shasta City KOA
- Location: Mount Shasta, California
Mount Shasta City is a KOA campground that offers a picturesque view of Mount Shasta.
It’s a great campground if you’re looking for an all-around outdoorsy experience with hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
In addition, it also offers various amenities such as a playground and pool.
5. Casini Ranch Family Campground
- Location: Duncans Mills, California
Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills offers a unique riverside location, making it ideal for those looking for something near water-based activities. Boating, fishing, kayaking, you name it, Casini Ranch has it all.
It also offers tons of family-friendly recreational activities such as craft sessions, hayrides, and movie nights.
6. Manchester Beach KOA
- Location: Manchester, California
Manchester Beach is a KOA campground with easy beach access and incredible views of the water.
The park offers full amenities as well as some more unique features such as a clubhouse, hot tub, and on-site dog park.
What Visitors Loved Most About Northern California RV Parks
If you’re thinking of staying at one or more RV parks in Northern California, it can help to know what RV goers loved most about the parks they stayed at.
Here are the most commonly mentioned features that visitors loved about parks and campgrounds in NorCal:
- Proximity to nature: Many parks are praised for their proximity to iconic landmarks (e.g., forest, beaches).
- Family-friendly water fun: Many parks offer access to activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Parks like Casini Ranch and Redwoods River Resort cater to families with playgrounds, movie nights, and organized activities.
- Luxury amenities: Some parks, like Mendocino Grove, focus on offering a luxurious camping experience with modern amenities.
- Scenic views: Parks in Northern California often feature breathtaking landscapes, from towering redwoods to coastal vistas.
How We Chose the Best RV Parks: Sources
We collected ratings and review information from a variety of sources, including online forums, reservation, and campgrounds sites.
Those sites included:
- GoRVing subreddit
- RV community forums
- Tripadvisor.com
- Hipcamp.com
- Yelp.com
That information was cross-referenced with personal experience, online walkthroughs, the park’s official media, and other information to form as “complete” a perspective as possible before deciding whether to include it on the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in an RV park in Northern California?
Park fees vary from $20-80 on average in California, with the median being around $30-40 per night. With that in mind, living from RV parks in California costs between $1,000 – 2,000 strictly with regards to campground fees.
Can you park an RV on the street in Northern California?
Yes, many locations in California are RV friendly and offer temporary parking, but many don’t allow overnight parking.
Every city and municipality has its own unique laws and regulations, so make sure to check the official city website to verify if they allow RV parking.
Can you live in an RV permanently in California?
Yes, you can live in an RV permanently in California. However, it depends on the exact location.
Where you park and live from your RV matters, however. Many campgrounds allow long-term stays and many cities allow overnight parking on streets and other public locations.
Also, some national parks allow long-term stays, 2-4 weeks before having to move campgrounds (though you often only have to move a few miles).
How much does it cost to live at a campground year-round?
The cost to live in an RV from campgrounds varies greatly depending on the campgrounds you stay at, anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 per month for an average-priced campground or more if you’re staying at higher-end luxury parks.
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