Waterfall camping in California
Hipcampers are spoiled for choice in California, where landscapes come supersized.
96% (10817 reviews)
- California
96% (10817 reviews)
Popular camping styles for California
Available this weekend
Under $50
12 top waterfall campgrounds in California
96%
(4852)
Jug Handle Creek Farm
20 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Caspar, CA
Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit with a five minute walk to Jug Handle State Reserve, Jug Handle beach and the Ecological Staircase trail.
We offer 11 unique campsites with plenty of space and privacy. Each site has two picnic tables, a fire ring, parking for two cars and plenty of space for your tents.
We also offer three lovely cabins, which have power and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom with a hot shower.
Our 33 acres include a native plant nursery, community gardens, forests, meadows, and nature trails. Our site has lots of nature trails, is peaceful and beautiful and just a 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach and the Jug Handle Preserve.
Our Mission: We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds to explore nature and connect with the natural word. Nature stewardship is central to our non-profit mission and as an organization we are engaged in many nature restoration projects throughout Mendocino County. We also provide a supportive learning environment for nature education for disadvantaged youth during the school year. If you teach k-12 and would like to bring your classroom to Jug Handle contact us about special rates and our immersive nature education programs.
Pets
Potable water
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from
$40
/ night
91%
(493)
Kings Canyon Campground
21 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Wilsonia, CA
This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property.
Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California
Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access
The
Sequoia & Kings Canyon
area has a long history of being visited.
Even in the pioneer days, before
the road, people had heard tales
of the
majestic canyon, wild rivers
and of the
groves of
gigantic
trees, that many thought to be a hoax. Folks
would make the difficult trip up into
the mountain to see for themselves.
This site,
in the early 1900’s was
a farmstead
providing fresh
fruits and vegetables to the areas loggers, ranchers, hotels and
backcountry explorers.
During the construction of the new
highway
In the 1920’s the site was
used as
a
labor camp.
During the highway construction days
a lodge and gas station was built and was known as “Barton Flat”.
In
the 1950’s the property
was sold and became
the “Kings Canyon Lodge”.
In 2015 the historic lodge and some of the other cabins
were
destroyed in the
“Rough” fire, by a miracle the original 1928
visible
gas pumps survived the fire
and are still being used to this day. We are hopeful to eventually
rebuild a lodge to serve the many visitors.
Pets
Potable water
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Trash
from
$25
/ night
100%
(35)
Waterfall Camp
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Mendocino, CA
Welcome to Waterfall Camp.
Come enjoy your stay with us on our beautiful 5-acre property centrally located, its only 10 min to the village of Mendocino, 5 minute drive to Caspar beach and 10 min to the town of Fort Bragg.
Nestled on the edge of the Redwoods and Pygmy Forest, adjacent to Russian Gulch State Park. The property has private access into park which consists of many miles of beautiful Redwood trails,the trail to the waterfall, biking trails along with a trail that leads straight to the ocean.
Come and relax around your private campfire and cook over the open flames or treat yourself to fine dining in Mendocino or Fort Bragg, the experience is at your fingertips.
From camping under the stars to hiking and biking through the redwoods or kayaking up Big River, come let the Mendocino coast show you what it’s all about.
Our goal is to make you feel right at home.
Each of our three sites has a redwood deck with a sink and food prep space, potable water, remote solar lighting, picnic table, smokeless fire pit and grill, firewood, level parking area and tent pad.
One of the three sites can accommodate a 25’ trailer.
There is a beautiful redwood bathhouse with two outdoor showers and two flushing toilets.
All water onsite is potable so make sure to top off before your day of adventuring.
There is a horseshoe pit, cornhole, and badminton set for fun under the sun.
All sites are a two min walk to the State Park trails and 5 min ride to Jackson state forest bike trails. It's about a half hour walk to the beautiful waterfall from our property.
Large Groups are welcome to book all three sites with two additional RV locations. Also we have a fully stocked westfalia camper van to glamp in if your wanting to pack light for the weekend.
We hope to make your stay with us a memorable and fun experience.
Shay & Liz
Pets
Potable water
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Campfires
Showers
from
$75
/ night
93%
(37)
Kosk Creek Campgrounds
25 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Big Bend, CA
We are a 400 acre ranch nestled in the mountains of Shasta County. There is a mile long creek that runs through the property. We have multiple hot spring pools ranging in various temperatures. Dry and overland campsites available. Activities: Boating, hiking, kayaking, 4x4, mountain bike, and fishing.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
96%
(179)
San Diego Canyon Creek
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · El Cajon, CA
As you enter into our little oasis, you'll see why we want to share the space.
It is a great environment to get away from the city or pass through on your road trip.
The driveway enters down to our creek-side camping where a hammock under a tree awaits a quiet reader or a bird watcher. We have multiple species of song birds.
It's just a 30 minute drive to the beach, or mountains, a short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with a playground, or a five minute drive to a local ecological reserve containing multiple trails.
If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature.
In addition, we have a propane-powered fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with full amenities, including, hot water, a two burner stove, a toaster oven and a BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower.
Fun Fact:
Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the worlds largest honey producer.
Today there are just a few bees in the area.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$45
/ night
97%
(100)
Musick Creek Falls
4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Sacramento, CA
Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres and lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 4800 feet (1.46 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including, but not limited to, hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, stargazing, and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, is still a dirt and gravel road. There are a few potholes and water bars. If you've rented a new Lamborghini, you should probably park on the asphalt, or use the Helicopter pad. The spigot provides excellent spring water. The water is flown in daily, condensed against Musick Mountain and filtered through acres of underground granite aquifers, where the minerals are added, raising the PH to around 9. The high PH helps rid the body of pollutants. I feel it is essential to the whole Musick Creek experience. We want you to leave here healthier and happier than when you arrived. There is trash and a composting outhouse on site. My wife and I stay here on site as long as the dog allows us to serve out heaping amounts of privacy or hospitality. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all three waterfalls and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and the sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here, and it is undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweatshirt is perfect most nights and not too hot during the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option compared to campgrounds and cabins in the area, which are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents, camping gear, blankets, etc. if you forget something. Musick Creek borders on a Nature Conservancy. Since nearly all proceeds from your support go to the preservation of the area and its ecosystem, It is crucial that we respect our downstream neighbors. Unfortunately, there was an incident where a large family had trash blowing downstream. I know that this is not the norm for Hipcampers. As we are the most respectful and best looking of all the camping crowd. Though some are better at the leave no trace policy than others. It is critical that we deposit all trash into the receptacle. There are garbage bins for your use next to the shipping container, and one can be put at your site upon request. Sasquatch has been known to rip the limbs clean out of the sockets of campers he/she/it has suspected of littering and not using the composting toilet. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we are thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be careful during your stay. Rocks can be slick in the water, and when the moon is small, it is very dark. Some nights can be cold, and there are timber rattlers that share the space with us. Timber rattlers are the most timid and shy of all rattlesnakes. If you are too close, they will give you a polite couple of shakes, indicating that they are merely passing through and would appreciate some space. Please be advised that in the winter months of December through April, there will be no host on site, and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, visit https://musickcreekfalls.com. I just have to add, for anybody still reading, that Hipcampers are truly an amazing group of people. Maybe it's just that I get to meet you when you're on Vacation and down for anything, but I have not met a single Hipcamper I didn't like, which is incredible as I live out in the wilderness because I don't like people. You all have given me a renewed sense of community, and I am grateful for you all. If you are friends of the falls, then you are my family. What's mine is yours, and the Falls is ours. The responsibility of preserving this place and this planet belongs to all of us as well. Thank you for your support, and thank you for being you, exactly as you are.
Pets
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from
$72
/ night
98%
(967)
Camp Nauvoo
24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Placerville, CA
Camp Nauvoo was originally bought by the LDS church in the 1960's for a girl's camp. The camp was owned by the Boy Scouts from 2011-2015. The Rose family bought the property in 2016 with the intent to continue the tradition of tent camping as well as creating opportunities for exclusive events i.e., group/family reunions, weddings and corporate events.
We are a small privately owned small campground (20 sites only) located on the outskirts of Placerville. The property features 86.5 secluded Tahoe like acres with beautiful year-round Weber Creek. The camp sites are placed along the creek or the bluff overlooking the creek. We have traditional dirt camping, canvas tents on platforms, teepees and glamping tents for those that want the comforts of home. We are tent camping only with only one site that allows a small travel trailer or van. (#14) . We are dog friendly and allow dogs in all but 5 glamping sites. We do enforce camp rules especially our quiet time between 10 PM and 7 AM (please review).
We’ve been told that we have a “family camp” vibe. We are a great place for families wanting a safe environment for their kids but also several group sites for those that want to hang out together with multiple families. We are also a great base site for those wilderness enthusiasts with access to all the El Dorado National Forest including Desolation but want a hot shower at the end of the day.
We have a lodge that is stocked with games and a ping pong table. The lodge has a microwave, Keurig machine and a hot water kettle for those hot drinks (BYO Cups).We have several tables set up for those that want to eat inside as well as multiple picnic tables along the side of the lodge with overhead protection. We have electricity at the at the lodge for small appliances and charging phones. We have a compressor on site to blow up your air mattresses or float toys. We’ve been told that our bathrooms are the “cleanest” ever and have changing tables and diaper pails. We offer nice flushing toilets and hot showers! We have many extra amenities including a compressor to use for your air mattresses,
For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing sets, seesaw and tractor play. We have hiking trails throughout the property. Our highlight is a camp fire bowl with bench seating with a stage to display camper talent which is perfect for the evening fire and roasting s’mores (bring the fixings).
The creek starts out in spring looking like a rushing river featuring many fishing and swimming holes. As the summer progresses the water level falls but is still great for water play and fishing.
We have propane BBQs (we provide the propane for BBQs) located throughout the property. We also have a propane grill and charcoal BBQ located in the common area for all to use. There is a dutch oven pit also in the fire bowl area.
We do not allow wood fires at the individual sites but each site has a propane firepit for ambiance (not cooking) that requires you to purchase a 20 lb. propane cannister on site (add in extras) or pay cash on site.
No internet service. There is limited internet only available for purchases at the setore.
We require a 3 night minimum for the major holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. We do not do checkins on Sunday but do allow camping over Sunday night. We do exclusive events so you may need to explore multiple weekends to find the right reservation.
We are located in the foothills so we are a short hop to many local attractions that include river rafting, gold mines, wineries and historical towns with great eating establishments. Tahoe is less than an hour away and there a many hiking trails within 20-30 minutes.
We have a limited number of items to rent i.e, tents, cots, camp stoves, etc. We rent a battery pack for those that use a cpap. We also have a small store on site for those items you forgot and a good selection of ice cream and ice. We take venmo or cash.
CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE BAY ALLOW 4 HOURS - YOU MUST LEAVE BY 3:00 IN ORDER TO ARRIVE DURING CHECKIN. IF YOU GET DELAYED, FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE OTHER CAMPERS YOU MAY CONSIDER WAITING AND ARRIVING THE NEXT MORNING. THERE ARE NO CHECKINS AFTER 9:00.
Pets
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from
$85
/ night
97%
(171)
200-acre developing eco-preserv
37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Nevada City, CA
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.
Pets
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from
$80
/ night
94%
(388)
Arber-Moore's Ranch
6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Oak View, CA
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands.
Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land.
That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite.
We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink.
Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites.
The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area.
Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more.
We offer both tent and RV camping.
The Majority of our Guests love it here:
"Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts!
Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area.
The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly.
Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
Pets
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from
$69
/ night
99%
(210)
Camp Stoney Meadows
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Big Bend, CA
Our 120 acres is adjacent to Shasta Trinity National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Range between Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta.
It's a working ranch with tree farms, animals, hydroelectric power, sawmill, gardens, orchards, creeks, springs, trails, and our camp alongside Kosk Creek.
We're 54 miles from Redding off of 299E, (about 1-1/2 hour drive). DO NOT TAKE ROAD 11 FROM THE NORTH, IT IS CLOSED! The last mile or so of the road here can be pretty rough, but on arrival, you'll know it's worth the trip!
No Cell phone service available here, so it's the perfect opportunity to unplug. We do have a land line up at the house in case of an emergency. Also, if you really need it, WiFi is available at the house.
Pets
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from
$40
/ night
90%
(423)
Sequoia Mountain Farms
80 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Miramonte, CA
Welcome campers! PLEASE read all of the below before booking and screenshot/print the BELOW DIRECTIONS, as google and other mapping apps have taken guests on very difficult routes. Trust us, mapping apps don't account for the issues of small mountain roads!
We have over 10 acres of stunning campground nestled only 15-20 minutes from the North entrance to the Sequoias! We have multiple sites to accommodate every type of camping from tent camping to tents-attached-to-cars and trucks, to pop-up campers to RVs with or without power and water hookups. Please see our RV hook-up spaces on our sister post! (RV sites at Sequoia Mountain Farms). There are wonderful views down into the valley, at night with sunsets off-the-hook, and city lights twinkling in the valley distance. Multiple sites for large groups which can be reserved.
Hot showers now available for all campers at no extra charge!
We offer three sizes of campsites with different prices and capacities explained below.
SMALL: Price includes 1 vehicle, and up to 3 people.
Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby).
Extra person: No extra persons allowed in small sites (3 max).
Small site #s (9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35, and 36)
MEDIUM: Price includes 1 vehicle, and up to 3 people.
Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby).
Extra person: $10/night (maximum of 10 persons allowed in medium sites.
Medium site #s (3, 5, 8, 16, 18, 29, 30, 33, 34, 37)
LARGE: Price includes 2 vehicles, and up to three people.
Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby).
Extra person: $10/night/per person.
Large site #s (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 17, 24)
Sites 1, 6, and 17 and 24 can accommodate RVs/trailers without any hookups. If you need hookups, then see our RV sites. We have two of them.
DIRECTIONS: Navigator apps push anyone coming from the south up the 245 highway north. It is a very winding and slow climb up the hill. It's doable (except large rigs), but we HIGHLY recommend continuing north on highway 99 to Fresno and then heading east on highway 180 up the mountain. It's faster, much more scenic and a smoother drive. This route also goes right by the nearest gas station on your way up!
Coming east on highway 180, out of Fresno, that gas station is a Valero at 35468 E Kings Canyon Rd. aka Clingan's Junction. From Clingan's, head east on the 180 for exactly 13.8 miles to the 245 highway (it comes up quick with only 1 or 2 small signs), make a right, heading south. If you hit the park entrance, you went too far, turn around drive back about 5 min and look for the 245 on your left. Once on the 245 heading south, go 5.1 miles. On your right you will pass the 'Pinehurst Lodge', which is on google, an easy reference point and is 1 minute or less away (great food!). Then a few seconds later the U.S Forest Service "Work Center" is on the right and we are just past that on the same side of the road. First you will see a Giant Sequoia Tree in the front yard (campground road is just to it's right with orange cones on either side) then the apple ranch with the ole loggers cabin chimney from the late 1800s still standing in the front yard directly off the highway! If you hit the 'leaving sequoia national forest' sign and the community center, you went too far, turn around and drive 1 minute back and look for the apple ranch on your left, pass it and then turn left after the Sequoia tree into the gravel road with the orange cones coming from this direction.
ARRIVAL: Entering the property, the road will go slightly downhill and curve to the left. Stay to your left and you will run into the restrooms on your left. Use the property map, that was sent to you before your trip, to locate your site. A host is usually around working somewhere and makes multiple rounds on the camp daily.
Please take note of the posted pics from directly across the street facing what you will see when you get here. The address sign is posted on a tree and you can see the apple orchard and ole loggers chimney from the road off to the left and the Giant Sequoia Tree on the right of the address sign with the main entrance just to the right (north) of the tree (with the orange cones).
There are 3 gates.: The FAR RIGHT GATE (north gate), just to the right of the Sequoia Tree, goes to the campsites! Look for the graveled road with orange cones / solar lights easily visible from the road.
The MIDDLE GATE (just to the right of the address sign and mailbox) is for the two RV hook up sites in the big pad / yard directly off the road. These are back in sites, no pull-through access.
The FAR LEFT and southern most gate (to the left of the address sign and mailbox) is closest to the apple ranch and chimney; leads to the house which is also a rental. Please do not approach the house or back yard unless instructed otherwise. Thank you for understanding.
We look forward to seeing you soon at Sequoia Mountain Farms!!! :)
Please message us for any questions! We are happy to help! We want you to have the best experience possible, so if we can help, we definitely will!
Also, please check the weather online before you come up to the mountain! Just know we are operating under the assumption that you are aware of the conditions and are prepared for them. If nature happens message us and we will do our best to assist! :)
Pets
Potable water
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from
$30
/ night
100%
(44)
Willow Creek Camp North
4 sites · Tents160 acres · North Fork, CA
Campsites are located on the creek. With 160 acres to explore you can hike along the trails we have made, which are along the creek and on the hills above. We have built composting out houses and wood picnic tables at both sites. The cleared area is approx 25 feet wide by 75 feet long. Manzanita lake is 10 min away and Bass Lake is a 20 min drive. There are a few restaurants there as well. In North Fork proper there is Pizza Factory and North Fork BBQ.
FIRE SEASON IS JUNE TO NOVEMBER. We allow you to bring a camp stove and a portable propane fire pit.
50.00 charge for Check in after Sundown
Trash must be taken with you when you vacate the premises. Please bring heavy duty trash bags We do not have trash cans. Let us know if you can not take it we will charge 25.00 which is the fee at the dump. Also dogs are allowed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$60
/ night
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Waterfall camping in California guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're in California and craving the beauty of waterfalls, we've got you covered with over 2,150 options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, we've got the perfect spot for you. Looking for a specific recommendation? Check out our top campsites like Jug Handle Creek Farm (1479 reviews), Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), and The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews). With popular amenities like showers, potable water, and trash facilities, you can enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. And with popular activities including historic sites, swimming, and biking, there's something for everyone. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the stunning waterfalls of California. Average prices per night start at $65, with options as low as $5. Happy camping!
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