5 Best Family-Friendly Campgrounds in Northern California

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10/21/2025|The Sawyer Campaign|, ,

Our family doesn’t just love to explore new cities and countries, we also love to explore the incredible state parks right here in California. Before we had kids, my husband and I spent countless weekends hiking, camping, and backpacking together. It was one of the ways we first bonded and unplugged, surrounded by trees, and soothed by the rhythm of nature. So when our children came along, it felt only natural to share our love of the outdoors with them.

Now, camping with babies and toddlers isn’t always easy (any parent who’s tried to get a fussy toddler to nap in a tent knows what I mean!), but over the years we’ve learned that the benefits far outweigh the challenges-and I’ve included my best tips and gear recommendations at the end of this post to help you tackle those tricky moments. There’s something grounding about watching your child roast their first marshmallow or spot a deer just beyond the campsite. These are the kinds of memories that carry you through those Monday morning tailboard meetings or hour-long school drop off runs.

After exploring many corners of the Golden State, we’ve found a few family-friendly campgrounds in Northern California that consistently deliver beautiful scenery, accessible amenities, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

Here are our top five:

1. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort – Mount Shasta, CA

Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort feels like something out of a postcard. Nestled beneath the shadow of the mighty Mount Shasta, it’s one of those places where you wake up to crisp mountain air and a view that instantly resets your soul.

Families love it here for a reason, the campground offers cabin, RV, and tent options, making it accessible for every kind of camper. You’ll often find multi-generational families camping out here and I love that there’s plenty of room for kids to bike around. The lake itself is calm and perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or renting a small boat. There’s even a floating water park in the summer months that’s a huge hit with kids.

Pro Tip: Grab dinner at the resort’s Lakeside Grill and catch the sunset, it’s one of the best in Northern California!

2. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground – Crescent City, CA

If your family loves trees (and I mean really loves trees), this is a must. Jedediah Smith sits in the heart of the old-growth redwoods near Crescent City. The towering trees create a sense of awe and quiet calm that you can’t quite describe until you experience it in person.

The campground is set right along the Smith River, so you can wade, skip rocks, or even take a dip in the shallows. Some of our favorite campsites are right along the river! We love falling asleep to the rushing water and taking our dogs for morning walks along the river bed. The trails nearby, like the Stout Grove Trail, are short enough for little legs but still absolutely breathtaking.

Pro Tip: Bring layers! Even in summer, mornings can be chilly and damp beneath the canopy (a welcome reprieve if you’re looking to escape California’s notorious Valley summer heat). We loved this park so much it earned its own full trip guide: When the Destination Earns the Drive. 

3. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Felton, CA

Located just outside Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell is one of our favorite “starter” campgrounds for families new to camping. It’s close enough to civilization that you can run into town for supplies (or coffee!) but still feels deeply immersed in nature.

We love walking the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, it’s super, stroller-friendly and offers an incredible introduction to some of California’s most majestic redwoods. The nearby Roaring Camp Railroad is also a must-see with kids, offering steam train rides through the forest that feel straight out of a storybook.Pro Tip: Book early! Sites here fill up fast during the warmer months. I recommend planning your trip 3-4 months in advance.

4. Montana de Oro State Park – Los Osos, CA

Montana de Oro translates to “Mountain of Gold,” and once you see the golden wildflowers blanketing the bluffs in spring, you’ll understand why. While technically at the southern edge of what we consider Northern California, this park is too good not to include.

The campground itself is small and rustic, but the payoff is huge because of the unbeatable coastal views, tidepools for exploring, and trails that wind along dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific. This is one of those spots where you’ll want to pack a picnic, slow down, and let the kids run wild.

Pro Tip: The coastal winds can get strong. Be sure to bring sturdy tent stakes and a windbreaker!

5. Sue-Meg State Park (formerly Patrick’s Point) – Trinidad, CA

Sue-Meg State Park is a gem along the rugged Northern California coastline. Perched high on bluffs overlooking the ocean, it’s a mix of forest and sea that captures the very best of the region.

Families will love the easy access to sandy beaches, tidepooling adventures, and short hikes like the Rim Trail, which offers sweeping ocean views. The park also has cultural significance, it’s home to a reconstructed Yurok village that offers a glimpse into the area’s rich Indigenous history.

Pro Tip: Reserve a campsite near the meadow for incredible morning light and a bit of extra space for kids to play. Also, check the local Facebook marketplace for firewood deals. 

Final Thoughts

Camping as a family has taught us patience, adaptability, and the art of slowing down. It’s where we’ve seen our kids’ curiosity bloom, whether it’s collecting pinecones, spotting constellations, or cooking over a campfire for the first time.

Northern California’s campgrounds offer such a beautiful range of experiences from redwoods to lakes to the Pacific coast, and each trip reminds us that adventure doesn’t always require a passport. Sometimes, the best memories are made right here at home, beneath the trees and stars.

What to Pack

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that we personally use and love on our family adventures.

Our Favorite Family Camping Gear:

With the right gear, even the most unpredictable camping moments like surprise rainstorms or sandy s’mores can turn into family memories worth treasuring.

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