Best Tent Camping near Williams, CA

Recent Tent Reviews near Williams, California

265 Reviews of 30 Williams Campgrounds

• 

  Dominic J.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 28, 2023

  Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

  Solid family campground

  Wasn't very private, but is good for tent camping in a safe family environment.

• 

  Les S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 24, 2019

  Live Oak Riverfront Park

  Beautiful river side park

  I tent camped and loved it. Very quiet and beautiful scenery. A water faucet and picnic table at every campsite .

• 

  Ashley F.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 20, 2023

  Old Train Caboose

  2 Lodging Options

  Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. This property is offering 2 lodging options, a Caboose & Tent camping under the Walnut trees. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love.

• J

  Jason S.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 31, 2019

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Glamping

  Nice state park north of Napa, the few car tent sites are nicely situated near a creek. Good space between sites. Easy and fun camping.

  Yurts and cabins available. Close to road so a little noisy. Great for a less expensive stay. Saves money for wine tastings...

• A

  Adam E.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 2, 2020

  Parkway RV Resort & Campground

  Quiet spot off I5, clean restrooms

  Tent camped here a few nights ago. A little spendy at $37 for a single night but it is super close to I5 and a few gas stations. Nice property with some grass to throw the tent on, none of the other residents were super loud. Restrooms and showers onsite and they were both clean. Didn't get to talk to any of the  property managers in person due to COVID-19, but the woman on the phone who did the booking was super helpful. Seems like a better for RV camping as there are many more spots for that.

• D

  Daniel D.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2020

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Great camping in wine country

  Tent camped here several times before I got my trailer. Fantastically close to many great wineries, and minutes from Calistoga. The park has a great swimming pool that my kids enjoyed, and I heard there was a fun hike to the mill located elsewhere in the park. Heads up for RV campers- the park is hilly, and some of the parking spots aren’t flat, so make sure you check sites like campsitephotos first to make sure you get a spot that works for you.

• 

  Marc A.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 25, 2018

  Fuller Grove Group Campground

  Fuller Grove Campground for Tents

  Fuller grove was a nice little campground on Lake Pillsbury (our rented minivan just weathered the dirt road in from the 101). It’s a small loop with great options for multi-tent camping. Some of the sites far from the entrance and along the water are very nice with multiple pads and tables. The campground beach is beautiful, definitely recommend some late-night stargazing. There’s only outhouses in decent condition. We were there with only a few other campers, so it was a peaceful stay.

• C

  Carina B.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 29, 2020

  Collins Lake Recreation Area

  Great camping near lake with safe swim area

  We have been to this camping spot a few times. It is big with a nice store. Music on the weekends on the deck. Some sites on waterside are nice. Nice beach. Can get crowded but we liked it. No issues. RV or Tent sites. Roads are steep in spots but no problems getting into site. You can boat and fish here but we didn't do either. Might be nice in the winter when nobody is around?

• R

  Renee T.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 19, 2020

  Putah Canyon Campground

  Nice lakeside sides

  We went during a month that only Self contained RVs were allowed. So we had two sites that were normally tent sites for our one camper. It was a lot of space and pretty quiet since the campers were spaced out. Bathrooms were all tied together so they couldn’t be used. Most of the sites are just a couple min walk to the beach front. Lake was warm and clear. Not a lot of upkeep, so there were some real janky stairs and stuff that I wouldn’t walk on. But the proximity to the lake makes up for it

• E

  Eric P.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 23, 2020

  Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs

  Glad to get out in 2020

  We were just happy to get out and camping. It’s definitely a place I’ll put on my list to camp at again, especially when they figure out their electrical issues. From what I could tell when driving around the majority of the sites were level; we had 4 spots and all were easy to back in.

  Some Pros - the market was well stocked; majority of the staff were very helpful; campsites on the outer rings had shrubbery for site separation and inner rings are great for groups; showers were close and they had hot water; kids loved fishing from the shore; quiet at night; deer had no problem hanging out with us as we had our meals.

  Some Cons - I’m not really a fan of “first come first serve”, it makes it hard when group camping; there wasn’t a single day when some campsite didn’t have electrical issues, in fact they turned a lot of their RV sites into Tent Sites because of electrical issues; no wood fires, propane is okay; at no fault to the site/staff, and all due to Covid precautions, there was no playground, boat rentals, etcetera.

• 

  Jeremy F.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 2, 2018

  The Aurora RV Park & Marina

  Ranger Review: Nature’s Coffee Kettle at The Aurora RV Park & Marina

  The Aurora RV Park & Marina is a work in progress. I can see what they want to make this campground into, but the reality of what it’s currently status is makes it difficult to stay there. I did get to try a couple of the different blends of Nature’s Coffee Kettle while I was there. Unfortunately I did have to cut my trip short as there was a mandatory evacuation order put into place due to wild fires.

  Campground Review

  First off this park is designed for RV use, but the owners have converted a few spaces for tent camping. During my visit I stayed in a tent. I booked the site through booking.com and paid $22.00 a night.

  The Good

  Each site has its own water sipget and two electrical outlets that work well. There was plenty of space at the site to setup two 4-person tents. The site is at the North end of Clearlake and you have some pretty spectacular views all day long. There is a beautiful public BBQ sitting area right next to the private beach. You can use the canoes, kayaks, or paddle boat all free of charge and they provide life jackets. There park does provide WiFi at no additional cost and it worked reasonably well. The mangers there are very friendly and approachable. They checked on me multiple times to make sure everything was okay.

  The Bad

  At the time of my visit the campground was undergoing renovations. The office area where the bathrooms/showers, laundry room, and community lounge were all at some stage of construction. THe bathrooms were clean, but only one shower and toilet worked. There was no mirror in the bathroom during my stay. I could not for the life of me get the shower to spray warm water at all so I had a week of cold showers, which wasn’t too bad given how hot it was. I did report this to the mangers, but the issue never got resolved. For tent camping the site were too close together and no picnic table was provided at the space I was at. If I had booked through AirB&B I would have been in a different area that had a picnic table.

  Product Review

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products in the field. At The Aurora RV Park & Marina, I tested two different blends of Nature’s Coffee Kettle. I tried the Colombian and Sumatra blend. Overall I would give this product a 4 out a 5 stars.

  What I liked about camping with the Nature’s Coffee Kettle:

  • Portable and easy to pack. It takes almost no space at all as it is completely flat when empty.
  • Easy to make. Boil water and pour into the kettle and wait. That’s it!
  • Easy to clean. Once you’ve had your coffee take out the coffee pod and dispose of it. Rinse out the kettle and your done.
  • The kettle is reusable! You can re-order new pods and keep using the kettle
  • Many different things you can brew. Currently they have variety of coffee blends and tea blends. They also have Hot Chocolate, but that comes in its own kettle.
  • Some of the best coffee I have had while camping. The coffee was really good! Way batter than my normal percolated stuff.

  THings to be aware of

  • You have to be really careful when pouting the boiling water into the kettle. It is easy to still some of that water on yourself (I did this).
  • The pouch is not insulated so if you want to drink hot/warm coffee you got to drink quickly.
• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 1, 2018

  Sunset Point Campground

  The name says it all

  Super cool place to camp in Sequoia National Park. I drove in from the south and passed quite a few full campgrounds before I finally made it to Sunset and scored a spot that I thought was great- up high and dry, no neighbors, a nearby source of downed wood. It looks like the Park Service stays busy downing dead/dying trees, however there were lots of trees providing cover. The closest neighbors were even able to hammock (though I was not due to lack of trees). When noisy neighbors moved in at the adjoining site, I was able to move to a primo site the next day. The new site (52, I think) was right on the edge of the granite slope with an amazing view of the sunset (hence the name of the campground). All sites had the usual amenities of picnic table and fire ring (and the mandatory must use bear boxes), but you need to take a look around for a site that is level and has adequate space between the fire pit and the tent site (mine did not, so no fire for me).  There is a visitor center across the road at Grant Grove Village with ranger station, grocery, post office, restaurant, gas station, and cabins. This is a good place to set up camp if you want to see big trees; the big sequoia tree General Grant is in a sequoia grove just up the road (you could easily hike there from the campground).

• 

  Nathaniel S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 24, 2021

  Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

  Fun Camping in the Middle of Napa Valley Wine Country

  I've camped here more times than I can count.  I remember camping here during several wine-soaked weekends with large groups of friends, back in my younger days.  We rode our bikes through the Napa valley, stopping at multiple wineries along the way.  Then, after a day of riding and wine tasting, we retired back to our campsites for an evening of grilling and drinking of local wines (of which there are many, many excellent choices). I've only tent camped here; I've not brought my Airstream because I don't think there are spots that are large enough for it.  However, I do recall seeing trailers and RV's here in the past, so it can accomodate rigs of smaller sizes.

  There's nothing dramatically beautiful about this park, but if you like California country living - oaks, madrone, rolling hills, and lots of sunshine - than you'll enjoy it here.  It's a short drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, and is quite literally in the Napa valley, on its northern end, near Calistoga.  You'll easily be able to get to all the restaurants and wineries in the valley. You won't be disappointed with a couple of nights camping at Bothe-Napa.

  One important note: I have not been here since the fires that have ravaged Napa and Sonoma every year since 2017.  There has been at least one fire that burned very near this park, causing it to close temporarily.  I don't know how bad the impact to the park has been, as I've not seen it first hand.  As I write this in summer 2021, the campground is open, so hopefully the fire and smoke damage was minimal.   As I've mentioned in many of my other posts, the sad reality of the ongoing drought in California is that summer camping is not the experience it used to be.  It's still fun, but I would argue winter or early spring is now the best time to visit places like Bothe-Napa.  The creeks will be flowing, you'll be allowed to have a campfire, and the vegetation will be greener and lusher.

  Per my rating system, I give this 4 stars as it's not a place you'd plan a trip to from out of state, but it is a place you should consider visiting as part of a larger trip to Napa/Sonoma.  For locals, this is a top tier spot.

• 

  Julie D.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 25, 2020

  Harbin Hot Springs

  Unique camping experience

  The camping area is first come first serve.  Very peaceful.  There are platforms that are right on the creek where you can pitch your tent.  We have an 8×8 tent and it was a little tight, so if your tent is bigger than that, you might want to call to get exact dimensions.  Otherwise, there is a large open field for camping too.  

  Lots of shade and decent space between platforms. Close to the parking area, though the creek is between the parking and the camping platforms, so you can't drive directly up to your site.  Very clean showers and restrooms nearby.  No picnic tables at the individual sites.

  One downfall (though very understandable) is not being able to have campfires or camp stoves, even in the winter.  You cant really cook any food, BUT the cafe onsite had very tasty food if you want a hot meal or coffee.  

  The camping fee includes use of the hot springs too, which are amazing.  Clothing optional, and I would say not that many people had clothes.  The trail to the hot springs is right by the camping area, and a nice little hike.

• 

  Aulden F.

  Scout

  

  May. 31, 2023

  Pine Grove Cobb Resort

  Lovely and charming

  Four of us stayed in the Glamping Tent for two nights and it was perfect- very comfortable and relaxing. We also had access to our own private bathroom and shower a short walk away which was great. Would stay here again, highly recommend!

• 

  Coleen C.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 12, 2018

  Collins Lake Recreation Area

  Lovely lake

  Had a great site big enough for a couple of tents. Nice clean site near lake. Hubby enjoyed fishing. Kids loved canoeing out onto the lake. Amazed to watch a bald eagle grab a fish and fly away.

• L

  Lisa C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 10, 2023

  Manzanita Canyon - Lake Berryessa - USBR

  Manzanita merged with Steele Canyon

  Gorgeous views, room for multiple tents, but no shade and difficult access to rocky waterfront. Site was $45 a night, plus a $35 resort fee. Fire ban in effect, porta potties were clean and didn't stink. Staff was super nice. Full bars on Verizon service!

• T

  Tamara P.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 6, 2019

  Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs

  Rustic. Huge. Nice

  Clean and Rustic. WiFi is very very limited- drive to top of hill or lodge( very sporadic) Great Lake for swimming, fishing and small boats. Store on site. Clean swimming pool. Ideal for Tent or RV.

• L

  Lindsey F.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 23, 2021

  Parkway RV Resort & Campground

  Great Stop of I-5

  Stayed here for a second time driving from Southern California to Oregon. The sites are spacious and there is a pool to cool down during the hot summers. There is wine tasting as well. Management kept in communication with us through text (my preferred method). Easy access to I-5, very close to a Pilot for larger rigs. Definitely somewhere I plan to stay on my journeys through California.

• 

  Sean J.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 28, 2017

  Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

  Clean and quiet

  Just got back yesterday from a weekend trip with the family. The campground is huge 137 sites in 3 groups, we were one of maybe 15 sites occupied while there. The sites/bathrooms were all very clean, didn't smell at all. Unfortunately the beach access/swimming area has turned into a meadow which was nice to see deer but there wasn't a place for the little ones to swim (but that's the drought out here for you). A lot of the sites are very uneven, ours was almost terraced, and the tent area was barely big enough for our 8 person tent. When I took a drive around it looked like many were similarly sloped/ terraced not a flat site. Unfortunately this weekend was 108 or so as highs, so it was a very hot weekend. The campground would likely be better in late September/October.

• 

  Debbie R.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 1, 2018

  Collins Lake Recreation Area

  Collins Lake in June Beautiful campground and Lake. Fishing there was wonderful lakeside and great hikes. Registration area and cafe has ice cream available and souvenir store.

  This campground is above Marysville California.

• O

  Olivia W.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 23, 2022

  Cache Creek Regional Park Campground

  Free, beautiful, not too busy

  BLM land, can camp anywhere >500 feet from the parking lot. The site in in a valley between a small creek (that runs right next to the roadway) and a small mountain “range” on the opposing side. We were the only tent campers there on Friday and one additional camper came Sat. Bring lots of bug spray and watch for ticks but super worth it especially if you’re local

• J

  John B.

  Scout

  

  May. 31, 2021

  Bothe-Napa Valley Ritchey Creek Campground

  Beautiful, Quiet, Convenient

  Idyllic campsites along a creek under the trees. Sites are close together but don’t feel crowded. Good spots for tents. Restrooms are individual, clean and better than usual for state parks. There is a swimming pool, although I didn’t use it. Close to a town, if you should need something. An easy and beautiful drive from most of the Bay Area, and close to wineries.

• 

  Susan R.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 9, 2021

  Buckhorn Recreation Area

  Great Spot, very windy

  Wonderful spot. Sites were kinda small, but we we able to fit 2. -6 person tents and a 4 person in a row. Wasn’t windy when we got there in the morning, but that night the wind started and almost blew everything away. STAKE down, no matter the weather. Water was super warm, but gets icky in the summer, so definitely need to go early in the season.

• 

  Claudia J.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 3, 2021

  Bothe-Napa Valley Ritchey Creek Campground

  Ritchey Creek Campground

  Beautiful Campground in the heart of Napa Valley. Sites are generous in size and uncrowded. The bathrooms were kept pristine and always had TP. We had campsite 47 which backs up to the creek. The rumbling sound from the creek lulled us to sleep. We set up our tent towards the back of the site closest to the creek because it was more private. The only concern was that there was a slight downward slope. A little sacrifice for privacy and sounds of the nearby creek. There is another tent spot closer to the front of the site that is pretty leveled if you don't mind being closer to the road.

  That being said, overall the Campground is very quiet and the road isn't very busy with occasional car coming and going from the Campground. There is a water spigot across the road in front of campsite 49 and the bathrooms were not to far away.

  We were prepared for mosquitos and wasps but it seemed the park had plenty of traps set up. We had no problems eating at the picnic tables.

  The camp hosts were friendly and very attentive. They maintained the Campground with pride and it showed.

• 

  Christine T.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 3, 2018

  Sunset Point Campground

  Relaxing campsite near the Grove village in Sequoia

  Nice sites, trees for hammocks, bathrooms (no showers) w running water and toilets. Close to neighboring campsites but not too bad. Grove village is really close where they have firewood, grocery store, restaurant, shops, post office. Bugs in summer so don’t forget your bug spray! It’s bear country, so bear bins provided! Campsite is in the middle between King’s canyon and Sequoia National Park. Our site had a spot for 1 car, 2 tents and a hammock. Space looked shared with adjacent site.

• A

  Allison

  Guide

  

  Jun. 3, 2024

  Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park

  So disappointed

  Pros: If you are a person who likes to either stay all day at your campsite or are a water sport/water toy type person this campground is for you. Cons: Bathroom near our campsite wasn’t working. Campsites were overgrown with foxtails, not good for my dogs. Trash in our fire pit. A few campsites away from ours had a huge poison oak plant at the back where you park your rig. A walkway near the campground popular for fishing had a tree fall on it, instead of clearing the tree, the park rangers closed it off. Not much hiking in the park, and if you decide to walk the couple short hikes, don’t bring your dogs, NO DOGS ALLOWED. For the number of workers this park employs you would think these things would be dealt with, but no. I guess this is typical of State Parks in California, so much potential but sadly California parks slowly deteriorate.