California River Maps

There are many gorgeous rivers in California that are perfect for camping and fishing, but none are located in Southern California. None! Yep, you read that right. If you think about it, Cali is half desert! The majority of our natural water in our state is coming from the north – so take this as a warning: you might need to drive a few hours to find your ideal river camp.

The easy-to-access waterways are found mostly along highways in the Sierra Nevada – or way up in NorCal. Deep granite gorges carved out by glaciers, surrounded by forested peaks is only half the appeal. High elevation lakes, waterfalls, big trees, abundant wildlife, and the alpine villages are all part of the Sierra Nevada experience.  Raft, kayak, fly fish, hike, bike or just camp out next to a big, rushing, flowing river. Our selection of California maps will get you narrowed down to a specific region, so you can find that perfect river campground, or explore and discover the back roads – for the most seclusion.

NorCal Rivers:

EEL RIVER
KLAMATH RIVER – Klamath NF Map
MATTOLE RIVER
NAVARRO RIVER
6 RIVERS NATIONAL FOREST
RUSSIAN RIVER
SALMON RIVER
SMITH RIVER Recreation Map
TRINITY RIVER – Trinity NF Map

Sierra Rivers:

AMERICAN RIVER – El Dorado NF Map
FEATHER RIVER Recreation Map
FEATHER RIVER – Plumas NF Map
CONSUMNES RIVER – Stanislaus NF Map
KERN RIVER – Sequoia NF Map
KINGS RIVER – Sierra NF Map
KINGS RIVER – Kings Cyn NP
MERCED RIVER – Sierra NF Map
MERCED RIVER – Yosemite NP
MOKELUMNE RIVER – El Dorado NF Map
OWENS RIVER – Inyo NF Map
STANISLAUS RIVER – Stanislaus NF Map
S YUBA RIVER Recreation Map
YUBA RIVER – Tahoe NF Map

LOCAL TIPS

KERN: The Kern River is the most popular of all the rivers due to it’s proximity to SoCal. Hurried, stressed-out, Angelinos can be at this destination in under 3 hours which makes it a very busy place in summer months. So, let it be told, that summer is not the best time to enjoy the Kern. If you do plan a summer outting, make sure you head for the Upper Kern (10+ mi N of Kernville) or the North Fork of the Kern (out in Monache Meadows) where 4×4 is often needed. The Lower Kern River has only 2 developed campgrounds: Hobo (closed for winter) and Sandy Flat (open all year). Numerous primitive camp spots are available along Old Kern Canyon Rd, which paralells the Hwy 178 on the south side. Fire danger is great in this area, so pay extra close attention to signs and fire restrictions.

YOSEMITE: Take note, this is the most popular park in the whole state. The majority of campers want to stay right on the river when they visit Yosemite National Park, but that is just plain old impossible, since reservations go fast and there is only so much room for everyone in this enclosed, narrow, precious valley. This particular park has some major floods (recently 1997 & 2005) that wipe out bridges, the road ways, all the old wooden cabins (at Yosemite Lodge) are gone and only half of the campgrounds are still available. Yosemite has had 11 winter floods since 1916 that have caused substantial damage to property.

3 Yosemite Campgrounds are located next to the Merced River (inside Yosemite Valley)

• Lower Pines Campground
• North Pines Campground
• Upper Pines Campground

Way up in the Yosemite high country (which is only open a few months outta the year) the Tuolumne Meadows Campground is located next to Tuolumne River.  All these campsites must be reserved well in advance!

Here at Total Escape, we are here to change all that. The fear of outdoors, the unknown, the capability, the driving skill. Your SUV is a good reason to be outdoors in the golden state, at bare minimum. No excuses. Enjoy the California you never knew – and sometimes that means getting off the pavement. Yes, more than 2 miles.

SUV trail - any path, dirt road or route that can be driven on; high clearance vehicle are often necessary, 4×4 needed on occasion. National Forests, canyons, deserts, mountains, country lane style drives, some classic routes skirt the wilderness boundaries. We have it all for ya here. Rock crawling Rubicon adventures, all the way down to the leisurely ‘Sunday drive’ thru a forest to a meadow for a picnic. 

Jeep trails, forest roads, graded roads, gravel roads, back roads, dirt roads, 4×4 routes, OHV (off highway vehicle) trails.

MAPS will get you out there!

Dust, dirt, mud, snow. Beyond the county line, way back there, where you can discover ghost towns, old mines in the desert, hot springs, historic lodges, petroglyphs, river gorges, fire lookouts, waterfalls, and so much more.

Get motivated and travel in your SUV:

• California Back Roads
• National Forest CA
• SUV in California
• 4×4 Clubs CA
• 4×4 Routes
• California Trailheads
• Road to Nowhere
• SUV Rollover News

Yuba county, city and river are located in the upper Sierra Nevada, north Gold Country. Only a few small towns around here, but lotsa National Forest land and gorgeous granite rock. Yuba City is well known for its orchards, agriculture and diverse population. Yuba River is a recreation hot spot most of the year. Camping, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, swimming holes & waterfalls.

California Yuba County

Yuba City in California

Weather Yuba

South Yuba River Park

Yuba River Camping

Creek Recreation
Most of the population wants to dunk themselves in a cool mountain stream when the temperatures get past 100 degrees, which is often in the summer in the Sacramento area. This northern gold region of the Sierras, is only about an hours drive up the hill; obviously, the further you drive the better it gets. Tons of one lane and dirt roads to explore. Fishing and camping almost everywhere.

Creeks in Yuba County

South Yuba River Map

Car campers in Southern California dream of the perfect setting: an uncrowded campsite, in a lush forest, with tall trees & flowing stream of crystal clear water. A swimming hole nearby, plus a place for the hammock. They also want it less than a 2 hours drive from their home. Unlikely.

The real California rivers & mountains are in the northern half of the state, while the lower is more like a desert. You will need to drive to reach these kinda spots. The Sierra Nevada mountains are the closest bet for finding a creek side camp – if that is indeed what you are looking for.

Read more on specific California camping techniques:

Steamside Camping

Biodegradable Camp Soaps

Environmental Camping

Creek Maps
Developed campgrounds located next to rivers, creeks, or streams can be found on the back roads of California. Below is just a sample of small towns that have creek campgrounds nearby:

• ASPENDELL
• BASS LAKE
• BURNEY
• CHESTER
• DOWNIEVILLE
• FAIRVIEW
• INDEPENDENCE
• IDYLLWILD
• KERNVILLE
• LAKESHORE
• MINERAL KING
• MONTE RIO
• OJAI
• PINE FLAT
• PONDEROSA
• SHAVER LAKE
• SPRINGVILLE
• THREE RIVERS
• TOMS PLACE

Many of the best creek camp spots are located outside of developed Campgrounds. Most we suggest on this site are located on dirt roads. Some routes may require a 4×4 vehicle, or high clearance 2WD.

NOTE: you will need a good map. National Forest maps

thin blue lines - You’ll know a decent road when you see it. But when you are starting out at home, you need to concentrate of what dirt roads are along what water sources. And will these streams be flowing at this time of year? Many are seasonal creeks & can dry up in late summer. The most likely place to find great water flow is to look for the streams flowing directly into a major river or Lake/ Reservoir.

And if you are really not into to roughing it, but wanna find a CABIN on RIVER or CREEK, check out our extensive list of all vacation cabins here, California Cabin Rentals

Mammoth Mountain Lakes / Eastern Sierra Fishing

Sure splendor for fishing, most of the time. Lake fishing, stream fishing, river fishing. Fishing the Eastern Sierra area, near Mammoth Lakes, California can be very rewarding. You may have read about places like these in the sports magazines, seen them on a television program, or imagined them in a fishing vacation day dream. Summers can be crowded, so pick you lake and camp carefully. Weather can change quickly, so come prepared. Autumn fishing w/ the golden aspens is totally superb!

Most of these Eastern Sierra lakes are accessible by car, others by foot. Look at the photos, pick a destination and get a good map of the area, so you can explore everything around too.

Mammoth Lakes Area

Lakes – Mammoth City

• Lake Barrett
• Convict Lake
• Crystal Lake
• Lake George
• Horseshoe Lake
• Laurel Lakes
• Lake Mary
• Sotcher Lake
• Stark Weather Lake
• TJ Lake
• Twin Lakes

Creeks -

• Boundary Creek
• Cold Water Creek
• Convict Creek
• Crater Creek
• Deadman Creek
• Glass Creek
• Laurel Creek
• Reds Creek

Rivers -

• Owens River
• San Joaquin River

June Lake Loop

Lakes -

• Agnew Lake
• Fern Lake
• Gull Lake
• Grant Lake
• June Lake
• Parker Lake
• Silver Lake
• Walker Lake

Creeks -

• Alger Creek
• Fern Creek
• Rush Creek
• Reverse Creek
• Yost Creek

Mammoth Maps

Inyo National Forest Map
Inyo Topo Atlas
Ansel Adams Wilderness
John Muir Wilderness Map Set
Mammoth High Country Map
Mammoth Lakes Map / Mono Divide