Camping's a great way to while away the weekend. Score one of these three waterfront sites and you'll wish you could stay for a week.  

Oceanfront property in Marin comes with a hefty price tag, but not if you're staying at one of Steep Ravine's seven environmental campsites. These prime bluffside spots just south of Stinson Beach are accessible via a windy 0.5-mile road—and by reservation only. With fewer people and plenty of space to roam, the only sounds you'll hear are the Pacific waves crashing against the rocks below. Each of the sites, identified by sea-themed names like "Cormorant" and "Abalone," features a picnic table and ocean view people pay millions for. Want a new perspective on Stinson Beach and Bolinas? Get Abalone campsite (#1). Rather pitch your tent under a shady tree? Then Cormorant (#2) and Starfish (#3) are best bets. And if you prefer the high perch with sights stretching north and south, the roguely named Hot N Tot (#6) is the place to be. Walk down to secluded Steep Ravine Beach, or enjoy a private oceanside bonfire back at your site (the campground host sells firewood for $5). And you get all of this for $15 per site. Now that's Steep!

TIP: Campsites at Steep Ravine are reserved up to seven months in advance, and they go quick! But there are cancellations. Call 415-388-2070 to see if there are any (up to 48 hours in advance). Then, show up at Pantoll Ranger Station at 2:00 p.m. on the day of availability for a lottery to see who gets the campsite.

Campsites are $15 per night. Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica.com; 800-444-7275. No dogs.

Want to get away from it all without hiking for miles? Paddle to camping solitude in the coastal foothills of northern Sonoma County. Lake Sonoma's got 50 miles of leisure-friendly shoreline, and while much of it is a water recreation haven, there's a hidden stash of boat-in campsites on the quietest part of the lake known as the "Thumb." Located on the secluded, narrow Dry Creek Arm of the lake, these campsites are a one- to two-hour paddle from the Yorty Creek put-in. The Thumb is in a no wake zone, making it free of recreational fuss, so all you have to do is a little arm-work to reach it. And the rewards are worth the effort. All of the sites are tucked away from the crowds, fully shaded, and complete with fire pits and picnic tables. Throw out your fishing line and catch supper, or keep exploring the farther reaches of the lake. Ahhhh, silence. Enjoy.

At the Lake Sonoma Visitor Center (707-431-4533, open Wed. to Sun. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), pick up a detailed map of the lake and a Yorty Creek parking permit. Bring your own kayak or canoe, or rent one at the Lake Sonoma Marina (707-433-2200); canoes are $50 a day and kayaks are $65 a day. It's not recommended to paddle to the Thumb camp from the marina. Rather, pick up your boat there and transport it to Yorty Creek by car. Bring your own car rack and straps. Campsites are $14 per night with a 2-night minimum on weekends. Make reservations by calling 877-444-6777. Dog-friendly!

Shaver Lake is the definition of "summer on the lake." Set at 5,370 feet in the Sierra National Forest, it's a clear-blue summer-fun oasis surrounded by thick pine forest rising to snow-capped peaks. The best campground here—Camp Edison—is on a peninsula that extends into the western part of the lake. With 252 campsites, the place may seem overwhelming at first, but the lay of the land has sites fanning out like windswept leaves, so there's plenty of space in between. Campsites in the Elderberry and Cedar Tree loops have great lake access, especially sites 118 through 124. Warm summer days are a nice match for the just-cold-enough water, and recreation is in full supply at the marina, which rents everything from kayaks to waverunners. Live music at the Chickaree Amphiteater is a family-friendly favorite; pick up a "Chipmunk Chatter" newsletter to see who's coming to the lake for the weekend. Rustle up some s'mores and savor an old-fashioned Sierra sing-along.

Shaver Lake is off of Hwy. 168 in Sierra National Forest about 50 miles east of Fresno. Campsites at Camp Edison range from $25 to $60 per night. Reservations are recommended and only accepted by fax or mail. For more information, visit their website or call 559-841-3134. Dog-friendly!

Location, location, location. The new Cavallo Point Lodge at the Golden Gate Bridge has really nailed it. This luxury resort embraces the outdoors with understated elegance and attention to detail that recently earned it distinction as one of 10 "New American Landmarks" by Travel+Leisure. Even better, with Cavallo Point's "Linger Longer Special—Stay 2 Nights and Get the 3rd for Free," an accessible weekend escape just fell into your lap. On the agenda: hiking in the nearby Marin Headlands, kayaking on Richardson Bay, and decompressing at the on-site world-class Healing Arts Center & Spa. Later, sip worldly wines and feast on organic, farm-fresh local food like fried chicken and grass-fed beef burgers at Michelin-star Murray Circle restaurant or relaxing Farley Bar. Top off the evening with a nightcap at the outdoor firepit lounge, watching the stars come out over the Golden Gate Bridge. Sweet dreams!

TIP: With a 3rd night free, a Sunday night stay makes your Monday morning commute back to San Francisco really easy. Weekends at Cavallo Point sell out quickly. So book your "Stay 2 Nights and Get the 3rd for Free" package while rooms are still available!

Cavallo Point Lodge, 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito; 415-339-4700.