Best Campgrounds near Washington, CA

Washington in California sits close to Tahoe National Forest and has good camping options. Bighorn Campground works well for families with kid-friendly activities and hiking trails nearby. Logger Campground has bigger sites that accommodate larger groups well. The area has strict fire rules during dry months, and you'll need permits for any campfire. Always check conditions before you go. Deer and birds are common around camp, so store food properly to avoid wildlife encounters. Most campgrounds have drinking water and toilets, but don't count on showers everywhere. The Yuba River is close by for fishing and swimming if you want more to do. Nevada City isn't far and has stores and restaurants when you need them. Weather is best in spring and fall when it's cooler. Summer gets pretty hot, so bring sun protection and plenty of water. Winter camping works too, but come prepared for snow and cold. Book ahead during busy times since these campgrounds fill up quickly. Washington's camping areas give you a nice, quiet place to enjoy nature whether you're with family or by yourself.

Best Camping Sites Near Washington, California (399)

    1. Inn Town Campground

    12 Reviews
    Nevada City, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-9900

    "Just know that here on The Dyrt, the location on the map for some reason shows it as being many miles away from Kidder Ct: it’s marked as if it is at Higgins Corner, halfway to Auburn?"

    "Super clean and friendly

    Not congested and close to many hiking trails Easy drive and close to Nevada City.

    Especially nice during Christmas Season. Feels like walking back in time."

    2. White Cloud

    5 Reviews
    Washington, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 - $48 / night

    "This gem of a campground gives you wuick access to a variety of activities. A quick 15 minute drive takes you to Nevada City/Grass Valley and wine tasting."

    "The individual sites are distanced enough so it still feels private, bathrooms and water was available. Hiked the pioneer trail and then went swimming in the lake nearby."

    3. River Rest Resort

    4 Reviews
    Washington, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4306

    "We stayed at campsite 24, which is right on the river and next to the main river pool access."

    "We had the park behind us, and we were right in between the 2 beach access. Kids would get on the top access and tube down to the 2nd one."

    4. Giant Gap

    11 Reviews
    Gold Run, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 367-2224

    $24 - $48 / night

    "The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."

    "The campsites are all very nice but 23 and 24 can’t be beat with the best access to the water ( you will have a lot of people walking by to get there also though)."

    5. Bowman Campground

    7 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4531

    "This lake and surrounding are beautiful. The drive in takes a long time over really rocky terrain. I traveled around 10 mph on the way in and out. At least three camps close to the water."

    "Awesome spot to camp, fish, off road, launch a kayak or paddle board"

    6. Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground

    5 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 288-3231

    "Some friends of ours love North Fork Campground just off I-80 at Emigrant Gap, so we were going to try it on the way back from the California coast to Reno. "

    "Vault toilet near the entrance was in surprisingly good condition. The dump spot by the front was obviously not bear/raccoon proof enough and I assumed rangers hadn’t been through in a while."

    7. Lake Spaulding Campground

    4 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 386-5164

    "Quiet beautiful location"

    "We stayed here for a night before backpacking to Eagle Lakes, and it was a nice little wooded campground.  Very quiet, spacious sites.  Hiking along the lake is gorgeous. "

    8. Lodgepole Campground

    5 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    "Great place to stay. 1 hours drive from Reno. Lake with in 5 minutes of the campground. Spots for RVs, travel trailers and/or just tent camping."

    "The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?)"

    9. Rucker Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "Got here on a Friday late afternoon and found a walk in spot close to the lake. Nice, quiet campground."

    "Definitely a gorgeous view all the way around! Lake was very warm and had a epic rope swing if you can find it."

    10. Thousand Trails Snowflower

    6 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "I am a member of Thousand Trails and that being said this is one of my favorite TT spots in California. Family friendly, great little Lake for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding."

    "Great lake for swimming and water play. Too warm for trout and too small for kayaks/SUPs. But it does make a beautiful backdrop. 
    The park is rather spread out, so a bicycle/ebike is a plus."

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Showing results 1-10 of 399 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Washington, CA

1070 Reviews of 399 Washington Campgrounds



Guide to Washington

Camping near Washington, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the lake or explore hiking trails, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy casting a line at places like Collins Lake Recreation Area. One visitor mentioned, “The lake is stocked with fish,” making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, with one camper noting, “We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous” at Giant Gap.
  • Swimming: On hot days, cooling off in the water is a must. A review from Sardine Lake highlights, “We swam in the lake, it was so clear and the temperature was great.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Donner Memorial State Park Campground said, “Clean bathrooms. The showers were nice.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space. One reviewer at William Kent Campground noted, “The sites were large considering the prime Tahoe location.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. A guest at Inn Town Campground shared, “The hosts and rangers were really friendly and helpful.”

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways. A camper at California Granite Flat Campground warned, “The highway is really loud at night.”
  • Crowded in Summer: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One visitor at Logger Campground mentioned, “If you get there on a weekend get there early because sites fill up fast.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or showers. A review from Gold Lake 4x4 Campground stated, “No bathrooms. The 4x4 trail that leads to the camp site is more difficult than imagined.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A reviewer at Loon Lake said, “The views are breathtaking,” making it a great spot for family fun.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or fishing gear to keep everyone entertained. One family at Collins Lake Recreation Area suggested, “Bring your bikes if you have them because the ride to the dam is nice.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. A visitor at Granite Flat mentioned, “We went towards the end of July and it was 107 degrees,” highlighting the need for refreshments.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at California Donner Memorial State Park noted, “Rocks, trees and tree trunks make it a challenge.”
  • Reserve Early: Popular RV spots can fill up fast. A visitor at William Kent Campground advised, “It’s a popular campground can be tough to get reservations last minute.”
  • Be Prepared for Wildlife: Keep food secure to avoid attracting bears. A camper at Logger Campground warned, “It is bear country so lock up your food.”

Exploring the great outdoors through camping near Washington, CA, can be a memorable experience. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Washington, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Washington, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 399 campgrounds and RV parks near Washington, CA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Washington, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washington, CA is Inn Town Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washington, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Washington, CA.

What parks are near Washington, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Washington, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.