Best Campgrounds near Cottonwood, CA

Camping near Cottonwood, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Water sports: Enjoy activities like canoeing and paddleboarding at Beehive Point Shoreline Campground. One camper mentioned, "Great for water sports powered or canoes and paddle boards."
• Hiking: Explore the trails around Volcanic Country Camping & RV. A visitor noted, "This is a quiet campground. Full hookups. Only 9 miles to Lassen Southwest entrance."
• Fishing: Try your luck at catching fish in nearby lakes and rivers. A camper at Battle Creek Campground shared, "The Creek is a refreshing sight and good fishing if you like to fish."

What campers like:

• Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One review for Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground said, "The creek is super beautiful. It was really hot during the day... but site #9 is shady."
• Quiet atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Sycamore Grove (Red Bluff) Campground mentioned, "It is a nice campground for a one night stop... surprisingly quiet being so close."
• Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA said, "Amazing, friendly staff. Great amenities. Very well maintained."

What you should know:

• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Beehive Point Shoreline Campground, lack basic facilities such as drinking water and showers. A camper warned, "The bees made this incredible location no longer worth it."
• First-come, first-served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Battle Creek Campground noted, "The sites are first come, first serve and it was $18/night."
• Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially bees and wasps. One camper at Beehive Point Shoreline Campground mentioned, "Woke up to the BIGGEST swarm of wasps circling our fireplace."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for spots like Red Bluff KOA Journey that offer amenities for kids. A camper said, "The staff is very friendly and helpful... with a nice green grass area with a picnic table."
• Plan for activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep the kids entertained. One family at Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA enjoyed, "Lots of dogs and kids running around."
• Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A camper at Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot mentioned, "Great facilities and friendly staff... right beside a casino."

Tips from RVers:

• Check for hookups: Make sure the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A visitor at Premier RV Resorts noted, "Very clean. The only negative was it appeared to be many long-term residents."
• Look for easy access: Choose campgrounds with straightforward access to highways, like Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot. One camper said, "Quick check-in. Great for overnight."
• Be aware of noise: Some campgrounds may have noise from nearby roads or facilities. A camper at Sycamore Grove (Red Bluff) Campground mentioned, "The noise after 10 can be annoying but you have to go wake up the host to do something about it."

Camping near Cottonwood, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!