When it comes to trips in the RV, nothing is quite as relaxing as camping near a lake. This is especially true when it comes to lakefront RV camping in California. The beautiful lakes of the Golden State offer opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boating, and swimming, meaning there is plenty of fun to be had.

Our favorite California lake camping spots include:

• Alpine View Campground at Trinity Lake

• North Shore Campground at Lake Almanor

• DL Bliss State Park at Lake Tahoe

• Clear Lake State Park at Clear Lake

• Donner Memorial State Park at Donner Lake

• Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort at Lake Siskiyou

• Brandy Creek RV Campground at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

• Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

• Lake Perris State Recreation Area

• Serrano Campground at Big Bear Lake

• Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

• Lake Peru Recreation Area

• Lake Cuyamaca Recreation Area and Park

Lake Camping in Northern California

Let’s begin by discussing California lake camping in the northern half of the state. This is where you’ll find dense forests, some of the largest trees imaginable, and all the animals that come along with such habitats. The lakes in this half of the state are absolutely breathtaking any time of year, but if you wish to swim, you will want to be sure to visit during the summer. 

Alpine View Campground at Trinity Lake

Tucked away in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Alpine View Campground is a wonderful place to get away and enjoy all that Trinity Lake has to offer. Trails are available for hiking, and many sites have a view of the lake.

A boat ramp is located nearby, and catfish, trout, salmon, and bass can all be caught in the lake. 

North Shore Campground at Lake Almanor

A lovely private campground, North Shore Campground offers sites with absolutely incredible views, RV hookups, and paved pads. Lake Almanor is the perfect place for boating and fishing, and a boat ramp and fish-cleaning station are found inside the campground. Many people also enjoy the canoe, paddle board, and kayak rentals. 

DL Bliss State Park at Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a world-famous lake for a reason. This gorgeous body of water has been nicknamed “The Jewel of the Sierra”, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. 

Some of the best camping near Lake Tahoe is at DL Bliss State Park. Here you’ll have access to a campsite that can accommodate a 15-foot trailer or 18-foot motorhome, and you can even choose a lakefront site!

Clear Lake State Park at Clear Lake

The largest freshwater lake in the state, Clear Lake is a beautiful place to camp, swim, fish, boat, or just relax. The campgrounds at Clear Lake State Park allow you to do all of these things within walking distance of your comfy little home-on-wheels.

Just keep in mind that the maximum camper length in these campgrounds is 35 feet.

Donner Memorial State Park at Donner Lake

The 154 campsites at Donner Memorial State Park offers an awesome home base for all of your lake adventures. The park has a swim beach as well as a fishing area, and the hiking trail beside the lake is a wonderful way to soak in the beauty of nature. 

Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort at Lake Siskiyou

Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort offers campers some seriously awesome views of the lake, Shasta National Forest, and the majestic Mount Shasta. The fishing dock in this full-hookup campground is the perfect place to relax, and the in-lake splash zone is tons of fun for the kids. 

Brandy Creek RV Campground at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

One of the most popular water recreation areas in the state, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a great place to boat, fish, and swim. Brandy Creek RV Campground is located onsite and offers fresh water and a dump station, and welcomes RVs up to 35 feet in length. 

Lake Camping in Southern California

Clearly, the northern part of the state is a great place to find lakefront RV camping in California. However, it isn’t the only place. Yes, the lake camping in southern California is different, but it’s equally as lovely. Additionally, since southern California tends to stay warm year-round, swimming and playing in the area lakes is almost always an option. 

Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

Mesa Campground at Silverwood Lake is a very comfortable place to stay during your lakeside adventure. The sites here include hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 31 feet in length. Best of all, the campground is very near the lake, meaning less work and more fun for everyone. 

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

With water and electric hookup sites available, Lake Perris State Recreation Area is a lovely place to park your RV. Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and shade trees all make the sites quite nice, and the water access is definitely a major bonus. This lake is perfect for water sports, so keep that in mind when making your plans. 

Serrano Campground at Big Bear Lake

Located in the San Bernardino Mountains and within walking distance of Big Bear Lake, Serrano Campground is yet another fabulous lake camping location. A boat ramp is available about a mile outside of the campground, and trout, bass, catfish, carp, bluegill, and crappie can all be caught in the lake. 

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

The bright blue waters of Castaic Lake are absolutely amazing and make this lake an awesome place to spend a weekend. Castaic Lake State Recreation Area offers campsites that make it possible to stay overnight, and the lake itself offers activities such as water skiing, lifeguard training, fishing, and more. 

Lake Piru Recreation Area

Less than an hour from LA, Lake Piru Recreation Area is in an absolutely amazing location. Despite its close proximity to the big city, the lake is incredibly peaceful. It also features campsites at the recreation area that are level and shaded by trees.

The camp store has everything you might need to enjoy your trip, and clean restrooms here certainly make things more comfortable. 

Lake Cuyamaca Recreation Area and Park

Lake Cuyamaca Recreation Area is another option near a big city. This one is located about an hour outside of San Diego, but based on the serenity found there, you’d never know it. It is surrounded on three sides by the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and offers amazing views.

Campsites include electric and water hookups, providing the perfect place to return to after a day at the lake. 

Lake Camping California FAQs

As you can see, there is plenty of lakefront RV camping in California. That said, there are still things you’ll want to know. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to lake campgrounds in this amazing state.

Do I need a reservation to go lake camping in California?

This depends on the campground in question. While there are still some first-come, first-served sites out there, many are switching to a reservation system. Therefore, you will want to check on this beforehand and snag a reservation if necessary. 

Is boating allowed in all California camping lakes?

Most California lakes do allow boating. That said, there are exceptions to this rule, and some regulations apply when boating in the state. 

Is swimming always allowed in California lakes?

No, swimming is not always allowed. For instance, Santa Clara County doesn’t allow swimming in lakes at all. Therefore, if swimming is important to you, you will want to do some research before booking any campsite. 

Do I need a license to fish in California?

Generally speaking, yes, you will need a license to fish in California. This is true of most states. However, some states do offer exceptions for young children and the elderly. In California, children under 16 do not need a license at all, while seniors can acquire a license at a discounted price. 

What safety measures should I take when camping near a lake?

When spending time near a lake, children should always wear life jackets. Additionally, adults who will be spending time on the water should wear life jackets. Sunscreen is also a must, especially if you will be out on the water where the sun’s rays can be reflected onto your skin.

What are you waiting for? Now that you know where to go, it’s time to find the perfect RV rental in California and hit the road to try lakefront RV camping in California for yourself.