Camping by Chulmin Park-Pixabay

15 Best Campgrounds in Sacramento California


 

There’s something inherently nostalgic and wholesome about spending a night beneath the stars in a tent, with the cackling campfire sounds dying off as you tell ghost stories with family and friends. Camping! Yes, one of those experiences that easily make the list for outdoor lovers like me.  It is easily a  go-to activity when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of life, and Sacramento offers some of the best sites for exactly that.

Sacramento California is one of the coolest summer destinations in the Central Valley especially for camping lovers.  It offers the best of two worlds, with access to the bustling city of San Francisco on one end, and the scenic natural picks of the Lake Tahoe region on the other. The serenity of nature’s best, including the blue waters of Lake Tahoe, snowmelt from Alpine lakes in the Sierra Nevadas, add to the almost perfect camping sites spots in the region.

There are numerous campgrounds to choose from.  Some are only an hour or two away from the city, for those who would rather stay close to town. Others are tucked away into the wild, offering  just the right experience for those willing to drive along the winding mountain paths for a long weekend off the grid.

Whether you’re looking for a great family campsite, a romantic adventure getaway or just a cool day off in the sun, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The activities on site range from swimming, hiking, bonfires and fishing depending on the site.

All you need to do is pack up,  hop into an RV and explore some of the best campgrounds in Sacramento. We have compiled 15 picks from these, just in case you’re planning to go camping soon! Note that the prices are subject to change, and may not include additional charges.

1. Slypark Recreation Area

Eldorado National Forest. Photo by U.S Forest Service. Wikimedia Commons.

Situated around the scenic Jenkinson Lake, this site not only offers beautiful views of the Lake’s blue waters, but also a wide range of activities such as fishing, boating and paddle sports. Sly Park Recreation Area is an ideal kid-friendly site, with a variety of family oriented camping sites. If you’re looking for a perfect getaway for your spouse and the kids, then this one easily makes a good pick.

Sly Park Recreation Area is located on the edge of the Eldorado National Forest; an hour’s drive northeast of Sacramento. It is owned and operated by the El Dorado Irrigation District and has approximately 200 sites available.

Other activities include hiking, barbecuing, and lightning bonfires in the designated fire pits. 

The 190 campsites at Sly Park are spread out between 10 different campground areas.  Unique sites in the recreation area include waterfront sites and a “Pine Cone Strip”.

Sly Park is a very popular family campground on the weekends. Reservations are always available unless sold out but all overnight users are guaranteed access to running water and restroom facilities.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 4771 SLY PARK RD, POLLOCK PINES, CA 95726, UNITED STATES
PRICE: $ 50-80 PER FAMILY CAMPSITE
OPEN: 7.30 AM TO 8 PM DAILY
CALL: + 1 530 295 6810
BOOK: https://www.eid.org/recreation/sly-park-recreation-area-spra-at-jenkinson-lake

2. Mineral Bar Campground, Auburn State Recreation Area

Hiking trail by Kiter Dent-Unsplash.

Auburn State Recreation Area encompasses unparalleled beauty surrounding the North and Middle Forks of the American River, accessible from Sacramento with an hour-long drive. If offers you over 100 miles of hiking trails span in this long, linear recreation area, as well as three campgrounds.

The most popular of Auburn’s campgrounds, Mineral Bar Campground, features 15 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites have picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets available. 

Set up your tent on site, make a fire and get cooking, then spend the rest of the late afternoon relaxing by the river. You don’t have to leave your dog behind either since they’re allowed here! Visitors are advised to bring their drinking water or filtration method.

It also features a campground only accessible by boat on Lake Clementine, where visitors find a boat launch, marina, and day-use swimming area.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: IOWA HILL RD, COLFAX, CA 95713
PRICE: $ 28 PER NIGHT
CALL: + 1 530 885 4527
BOOK: https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/

3. Beals Point Campground, Folsom Lake Recreation Area

Beal’s Point is one of three campgrounds within the massive Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Located on the lake’s western shore, it has 49 family sites with picnic tables and fire pits.  Overnight camping is allowed, so picture those nights under the stars, with the rushing sounds of the Lake’s water lulling you to sleep. Sensational!

It’s the only campground open year-round at Folsom Lake. That means you can check in any month of the year as long as the weather is good. It allows overnight camping. It is popular for its convenient proximity to the lake and is a favorite for boaters. Enjoy activities such as fishing, wading, swimming, water-skiing and boating in Lake Folsom’s waters.

Alongside easy access to a day-use area that juts into the lake from the campground, the Beal’s Point Campground also connects with the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail along the American River Parkway.

All overnight guests at the campground have access to potable water and coin-operated showers and reservations can be made ahead of time online or over the phone.  Reservations aren’t needed in the winter.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 786 FOLSOM AUBURN RD, FOLSOM, CA 95630-1717
PRICE: $ 28 
OPEN: 6.00 AM TO 10.00 PM
CALL: 1 800 444 7275

4. Ice House Campground, Eldorado National Forest

Rafting by Sebastian del Val-Pixabay.

The Ice House Campground is a popular campground 80 miles northeast of Sacramento within Eldorado National Forest. It’s on the banks of the scenic Ice House Reservoir and is great for activities like fishing, paddle sports, and swimming.

The ponderosa pine forest surrounding the campground is nothing but postcard perfect.  You’ll be soaking it’s natural sweet scent all weekend long, and that’s just a taste of the ambience treats this spot has to offer. Take in the scenic views of the reservoir as you climb up the Ice House Mountain Bike trail.

Potable water and pit toilets are available at the campground, and the neighboring Ice House Resort features a general store and café. The campground generally operates between Memorial Day and mid-October. A scenic hiking trail connects all three campgrounds in the area.

Other great hiking trails are a short drive from the campground, including the tumbling Bassi Falls trail less than 10 miles away.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR-WRIGHTS LAKE RD, POLLOCK PINES, CA
PRICE: $ 28 PER SINGLE SITE/OVERNIGHT
OPEN: MAY TO MID OCTOBER

5. Rancho Seco Recreational Area

Rancho Seco Lake by Gabe Guss. Wikimedia Commons.

Rancho Seco Recreational Area is centered around the 160-acre Rancho Seco Lake which is less than an hour southeast of Sacramento. It’s popular for water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. The Lake is home to bass, bluegill, red ear sunfish and catfish. Fishing licenses are however required  and you can buy these on site.

You’ll find the place even more appealing if you’re a fan of wild life. A variety of birds, including bald eagle, blue heron, geese, ducks and other migratory birds, retreat here for winter, making it a great spot for bird watching as well. The recreation area offers boat rentals throughout the summer and several hiking trails near the shore.

The campground at Rancho Seco Lake has 32 tent campsites and is a popular family destination throughout the year. As a custom, reservations are available online.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 14960 TWIN CITIES RD, HERALD, CA 95638
PRICE: $ 30
OPEN: 7.00 AM TO 3.30 PM 
CALL: + 1 209 748 2318

6. Coloma Resort

Coloma Resort provides luxury camping and upscale outdoor amenities next to the South Fork of the American River; under an hour from Sacramento. The resort offers spacious cabins and a reservable country cottage. As such, it is ideal for camping for those looking for convenient comfort while unwinding.

Luxurious amenities at Coloma Resort include exclusive riverfront access, a swimming pool, children’s playgrounds as well as a general store with all the necessary sundries. Also, the nearby Argonaut Cafe in Coloma offers farm-fresh entrees and a variety of espresso drinks.

Across the American River via a historic bridge, the Marshall Gold Discovery Site is the location of the first-ever gold found in California. This site spawned an entire movement of people and culture and has been historically preserved. It now features numerous interpretive exhibits and information about this monumental find. You not only get to enjoy your weekend away on an easy, comfy site, but also learn so much about the place’s history while at it. Great deal if you ask me.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 6921 MT. MURPHY RD, COLOMA, CA 95613
PRICE: $ 57
OPEN: 9.00 AM TO 5.00 PM
BOOK: https://www2.colomaresort.com/

7. Eagle Point Campground, Emerald Bay State Park South Lake Tahoe Campground

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe. Photo by Eric Philbin. Wikimedia Commons.

This site offers you a cozy campground near the beautiful Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is a glorious body of water and a shimmering destination in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It entices millions of visitors each year with sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, and crisp air at an elevation of over 6,200 feet. This enchanting vacation destination is less than a two-hour drive from Sacramento.

Numerous campgrounds surround the southeast side of the lake. One such campground, the Eagle Point Campground, is within one of the best state parks in California; Emerald Bay State Park. This stunning state park showcases the splendor of this Sierra Nevada hot spot.

Eagle Point Campground features access to a unique underwater preserve and shipwreck, fabulous hiking trails, as well as the historic Vikingsholm vacation home.

Vikingsholm is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the Western hemisphere. You can take a tour through this 38 room mansion as part of the camping experience at Eagle Point. Vehicles cannot drive down to the lake, and no dogs are allowed on the trails. Fires are also prohibited.

All overnight users have access to flushing toilets and coin-operated showers.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA 96150, UNITED STATES
PRICE: $  35
CALL: + 1 530 541 3030, + 1 800 444 7275
BOOK: https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/
TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR THE 2022 SEASON

8. Peninsula Campground, Folsom Lake Recreation Area

it would almost appear as if campgrounds in Sacramento come with a slice of a water body’s splendor,  and most of them indeed do. The Peninsula Campground is one of three campgrounds surrounding the Folsom Lake reservoir. It comprises 100 family-friendly campsites in a withdrawn setting. The campground is just over an hour’s drive from Sacramento, including a curvy nine-mile road from the small community of Pilot Hill.

A popular approach to the Peninsula Campground is boating across the lake and mooring on the shore. The campground accommodates trailers and motorhomes. Showers and restroom facilities are accessible and so is portable water available. It is ideal for overnight camping, and firewood is provided.

Two boat launches and an expansive day-use area are located near the campground and campers can easily access the shore from their campsite. Depending on the water levels, campers also have a chance to explore the driftwood-laden beach and uncovered lake flats.

Even with plenty of sites available, it’s not uncommon for the campground to fill up entirely on warm-weather weekends. Guests can make their reservations online.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 7806 FOLSOM-AUBURN RD, FOLSOM, CA 95630
PRICE: $ 33 PER NIGHT
OPEN: 2.00 PM TO 12 PM
CALL: + 1 800 444 7275, + 1 916 988 0205

9. Pleasure Cove Resort & Marina, Lake Berry Essa

Lake Berry Essa is the largest lake in Napa County and a very scenic place to spend the night. It’s just over an hour’s drive west of Sacramento and several campgrounds and resorts line the shores of this massive reservoir including the Pleasure Cove Resort & Marina.

Pleasure Cove features lakeside cabins and houseboats for rent. Reservations are available at this private campground and are recommended during the summer season. Pleasure Cove also features picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 6100 STATE HIGHWAY 128, NAPA, CA 94558
PRICE: $ 42 (FEE FOR 2)
CALL: (707) 966 9600
BOOK: https://goberryessa.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=yext

10. Northwind Campground, Eldorado National Forest

Bicycling trail by Carl Winterbourne-Unsplash.

This iconic campground is on the Ice House Reservoir within the Eldorado National Forest and offers more affordable campsites than the neighboring Ice House Campground. Campers from Sacramento can reach Northwind Campground in 90 minutes by car, rendering this scenic spot great for casual or extended weekend camping.

The nine spacious sites at Northwind Campground lend to a feeling of solitude. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are sometimes full during weekends throughout the summer. Vault toilets are also available. You however need to bring your drinking water since it’s not available on site.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 23 MILES EAST OF PLACERVILLE ON HIGHWAY 50 AND 11 MILES NORTH ON ICE HOUSE ROAD (FOREST RD 3)
PRICE: $ 10
OPEN: MAY -OCTOBER
CHECK IN: 2 PM
CHECK OUT: 1PM

11. Bicentennial Campground

If you want to camp near the city, this is one of the popular spots to consider. It is located in the Marin Headlands and nestled between groves of cypress trees, making the perfect getaway from the summer’s heat. The area has 3 campsites, each serviced with grills, food lockers, and picnic tables.

You will enjoy the scenic Golden Gate Bridge views, and  the fantastic panorama of the city of San Francisco. It stands at a higher elevation so it is reasonably shielded from the coastal winds. Look out for wildlife as you hike along the nearby trails.

Other activities include biking, camping, and mountain hiking. Nearby areas include the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the historic Nike Missile site. Campers are advised to carry water for drinking and cleaning.

Woodfires and pets are prohibited. Reservations can be made up to 3 months before arrival. This site is open throughout the year depending on the weather.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: CONZELMAN RD, SAUSALITO, CA 94965
PRICE: $ 25 PER NIGHT/DAY
CALL: + 1 877 444 6777

12. Wakaluu Hep Yoo Campground

Kayaking by Filip Mroz-Unsplash.

Situated along the banks of the Nork Fork of the Stanislaus River, this site offers you a rich experience of both the quiet wild and the vibrant cultural heritage preserved on-site.

The area was once occupied by the Miwok community for over 2000 years. It is therefore an important cultural site. Campers can learn about the cultural history of the site during the summer interpretive programs.

It has 49 campsites, shielded from the scorching sun by the shaded canopy of conifers and oaks. They are reasonably close to the river. Activities include trout fishing, rafting, kayaking and swimming when the current is safe.

The nearby hiking trails are great for hiking as well. Campsites are serviced with picnic tables, food lockers, tap water, and restrooms.

Visits to the site are on a first-come-first-serve basis. No reservations are made.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 5519 HIGHWAY 4 HATHAWAY PINES, CA 95233
PRICE: $ 20 PER NIGHT/DAY
CALL: + 1 209 813 6008

13. Bayview Trailhead Campground

It is easy to miss this one because it is surrounded by better-known State Park camping sites. Yet, it is strategically located alongside the Bayview Trailhead, offering incredible views of Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay, passing through Granite Lake, and into the mountains of Desolation. It easily offers a great hiking experience for campers.

It has 13 campsites and allows overnight camping. There are vault toilets and potable water. Campers are advised to carry drinking water. Activities include hiking, fishing on the waters of Lake Tahoe, horseback riding, picnics, and bicycling. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited. Visits are on a first-come-first-serve basis. It is open from mid-May through October.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: EMERALD BAY RD, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA 96150
PRICE: $ 17 PER NIGHT/DAY
CALL: + 1 530 543 2600

14. Granite Flat Campground

An RV camper at night by Jill Wellington-Pixabay.

Located 2 miles south of Truckee, Granite Flat Campground is popular for RV travelers, with 58 RV sites. In total, it has 74 campsites. Located along the Truckee River, it is ideal for activities such as fishing, kayaking, swimming, and rafting.

There are hiking trails as well and you can always look out for wildlife. The setting is relatively secluded and private, making it ideal for a laid-back weekend off the hustle of the city.

Fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and firewood are available at the camping site. There are vault toilets and drinking water. Some of the camping sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1.5 MILES SOUTH ON HIGHWAY 89 FROM TRUCKEE
PRICE: $ 22 PER NIGHT/DAY, $ 5 FOR A SECOND VEHICLE

15. Meeks Bay Campground

Beach at Lake Tahoe by Don Graham. Wikimedia Commons.

Meeks Bay is located alongside Lake Tahoe on the western shore, overlooking its clear waters. It is nestled between two state parks, that is Sugar Pine Point and D.L Bliss State Parks.

You get to savor the sandy beaches, scenic lake views and explore a variety of outdoor activities on site. These include swimming and paddle boarding. It has 36 sites, and me16 of them are tents-only.

Picnic tables, food lockers, and fire rings are provided. There are restrooms with flush toilets and water. The site is open from mid-May through October depending on the weather. Reservations are recommended especially during summer, weekends, and holidays.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 96158 MEEKS BAY AVE, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA 96150
PRICE: $ 33 PER NIGHT/DAY
CALL: + 1 530 525 4733