Best Tent Camping near Davis, CA
Lakes and reservoirs surrounding Davis, California provide numerous tent camping opportunities within a 1-2 hour drive. Lake Berryessa offers several tent campgrounds including Putah Canyon and Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores), where tent campers can enjoy waterfront sites. Rancho Seco Recreation Area, located about 45 minutes east of Davis, features approximately 50 tent-only sites, some positioned just feet from the water. For more primitive tent camping experiences, Lake Clementine in Auburn State Recreation Area provides 18 designated sites that are particularly well-suited for tent campers, with parking areas at the top of hills and tent pads below.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require advance reservations during peak season (May through September), though off-season camping often allows for first-come, first-served availability. Sites typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets or porta-potties. Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds - Rancho Seco provides water spigots at each site, while Lake Clementine and many Lake Berryessa campgrounds require campers to bring their own water. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months, with complete bans frequently implemented during high fire danger periods. Walk-in tent sites at Juniper Campground in Mount Diablo State Park offer food storage boxes and nearby bathroom facilities, but require preparation for the winding access road.
During weekdays and off-season months, tent campers often enjoy considerable solitude. One visitor to Lake Clementine noted, "We camped during the off season (November) so we had our pick of the campsites," highlighting the peaceful atmosphere available outside summer months. At Rancho Seco, a camper reported pitching a tent "in site 43 right next to the lake," describing it as "an excellent place" with well-maintained grounds. Lake Berryessa campgrounds can experience significant temperature variations, with one camper reporting overnight temperatures dropping to 32 degrees. Shade availability differs dramatically between sites, with some Lake Camanche campers warning that summer heat can be intense at unshaded locations. For backcountry tent camping enthusiasts seeking more seclusion, the oak-studded hills of Camp Far West North Shore provide a more rustic experience with basic amenities.
