Camping options near Cottonwood, California range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with elevations ranging from 300-500 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F between June and September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. The area sits at the junction of the Sacramento Valley and the foothills of the Cascade Range, creating diverse camping terrain within short driving distances.
What to do
Fishing at Lewiston Lake: Mary Smith Campground provides direct access to Lewiston Lake, known for its calm waters and trout fishing. "We took tubes out and laid in the water and soaked up the sun, it was so nice. It's especially so calming because there isn't a million boats on the lake partying and such it's just quiet and calm water," noted one camper at Mary Smith Campground.
Explore Lassen volcanic features: Battle Creek Campground serves as an affordable base camp for Lassen National Park exploration. "Lassen Park is just a short drive away. We brought plenty of water with us since you have to boil the water at the campground," shared a visitor to Battle Creek Campground.
Sacramento River activities: Mendocino National Forest Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area offers riverfront camping with boating access. A camper mentioned, "This is a gem in Red Bluff. Right on the Sacramento River and the skies are remarkably dark. It is only about an hour to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at Lassen NP."
What campers like
Quieter alternatives to busy destinations: Lakehead Campground offers a more relaxed glamping experience near Shasta Lake. "The owner was nice and the grounds were simple and naturally pretty. Unexpectedly, there was a little place to play a game of pool. It was very quiet, and nice and dark for sleeping," reported one visitor at Lakehead Campground & RV Park.
Clean facilities: Mountain Gate RV Park maintains exceptionally high cleanliness standards. A recent reviewer stated, "Well maintained and clean park. Actually has grass, not all gravel. Sites level. Nice pool and laundry room."
Family-friendly amenities: The Parkway RV Resort offers features that families particularly appreciate. "There is great shade in our site (A6) and a nice table. Kudos for the large dog park," noted one camper at The Parkway RV Resort & Campground.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Crystal Creek primitive campground offers true wilderness camping. "I put my food in the locker, and I'm very glad I did. About 3am something woke me up sniffing around my hammock. I was not able to see it without moving, but it bumped me and was large enough to make the hammock sway," warned one camper at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground.
Seasonal water levels: Water activities can be affected by seasonal fluctuations. A reviewer mentioned, "We had the campground to ourselves as they hadn't put up the glamping tents yet. The lake was too cold for swimming and the fish were hanging out in deep water so no swimming or successful fishing."
Highway proximity: While convenient, some campgrounds have highway noise. A camper noted, "Beautiful setting, nice sites, friendly staff, and clean bathrooms. Only downside was the highway noise."
Tips for camping with families
Platform tents for kids: Mary Smith Campground offers elevated camping platforms that kids enjoy. A camper shared, "We set our tents up on the platforms and had a great view of the lake and trinity alps in the distance. Birds and frogs were in abundance."
Playground access: Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot combines camping with family entertainment. "We enjoyed a pull thru full hookup spot. We had our dogs and 5 year old with us. After we let mama gamble as my daughter and I enjoyed the arcade, then we switched," mentioned a visitor at Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot.
Water features for hot days: When temperatures climb, seek campgrounds with water access. "We stayed at site 14, across from us was a small path that lead you down to the water. The views are incredible as the sun is rising, peaking through the mountains glistening over the lake."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Mountain Gate RV Park offers properly leveled sites, reducing setup time. A reviewer noted, "Sites level. Nice pool and laundry room. One night stay and arrived late so did self check in."
Overnight convenience: The Parkway RV Resort provides strategic stopping points for RVers traveling I-5. "This place was a very nice spot for any overnight stay on the way up to Oregon. There is great shade in our site and a nice table."
Full-hookup availability: Boulder Creek RV Redding provides complete RV services. "Sites level and little road noise from highway. Bathrooms have separate shower/toilet rooms and are very clean," commented one RVer.
