Camp Connell is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camp Connell is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Camp Connell and user-submitted reviews.
North Grove (sites 27-59)
$35 - $70 / night
Pinecrest features a large campground by Pinecrest Lake, just 30 miles east of Sonora, at an elevation of 5600 feet. The area includes a day-use beach and a marina, a small shopping center and recreation cabins. The campground caters to all ages and is within walking distance of the lake, an amphitheater, visitor center, swimming beach and spectacular hiking trails. Pets are welcome, but must be compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws.
The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail takes hikers on an easy 4-mile stroll around Pinecrest Lake. Rainbow trout is a common catch in the lake and swimming is enjoyed at the sandy beach. Educational programs are also a highlight of the recreation area. Bike rentals are on hand so campers can bike around the area. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is open for summer operations offering mountain bike trails, hiking, disc golf, indoor and outdoor games and more!__
The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail takes hikers on an easy 4-mile stroll around Pinecrest Lake. Rainbow trout is a common catch in the lake and swimming is enjoyed at the sandy beach. Educational programs are also a highlight of the recreation area. Bike rentals are on hand so campers can bike around the area. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is open for summer operations offering mountain bike trails, hiking, disc golf, indoor and outdoor games and more!__
Many campsites are shaded by trees and sit near the southwest side of the 300-acre Pinecrest Lake in Stanislaus National Forest. In this beautiful mountain landscape, wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes and deer. Stanislaus National Forest is situated in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. The area boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and California's Great Central Valley.
Located in the nearby area are several activities. There are ample hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, mountain bike riding, and water activities. Pinecrest lake is a boating and swimming recreation area with restaurants, stores, boat rentals, and an outdoor movie theater. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is a ski area in the winter and in the summer is a basecamp for mountain biking, hiking, and a great indoor/outdoor BBQ. Aspen Meadow Pack Station is three miles from Pinecrest Lake and offers horseback rides and trail head for hiking. Kennedy Meadows is 30 miles east of Pinecrest and offers great river access for fishing, horse bike rides, hiking, and restaurants. Sonora Pass, a scenic winding highway that has guided people across the Sierra Nevada since 1852, is located nearby.
$30 - $32 / night
Acorn Campground is a sunny campground in the brush-covered hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees.With sites just a short walk from the shores of the popular New Hogan Lake, visitors will have no problem finding relief in the comfortable clear waters.
Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake. The large surface area allows for plenty of water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing and more. Year-round fishing for stripers, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish is perfect for experts and beginners alike. Some of the largest fish are found in less than 25 feet of water. The "River of Skulls" hiking trail is located below the dam at the Monte Vista Recreation Area. There is also a staging area for an eight mile equestrian trail on a scenic loop that winds along the lake and through the foothill chaparral. Trail guides are available at the park office. Bicycle trails suitable for the beginner as well as the advanced rider are found on the west side of the lake and next to the group camping area. An easy 3-mile trail connects the park office with Acorn Campground. Hunting with bow or shotgun during the open season is permitted in certain areas of the lake. Upland game such as turkey, quail and dove is available and waterfowl includes a variety of duck and geese.
Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake. The large surface area allows for plenty of water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing and more. Year-round fishing for stripers, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish is perfect for experts and beginners alike. Some of the largest fish are found in less than 25 feet of water. The "River of Skulls" hiking trail is located below the dam at the Monte Vista Recreation Area. There is also a staging area for an eight mile equestrian trail on a scenic loop that winds along the lake and through the foothill chaparral. Trail guides are available at the park office. Bicycle trails suitable for the beginner as well as the advanced rider are found on the west side of the lake and next to the group camping area. An easy 3-mile trail connects the park office with Acorn Campground. Hunting with bow or shotgun during the open season is permitted in certain areas of the lake. Upland game such as turkey, quail and dove is available and waterfowl includes a variety of duck and geese.
The 4,400 surface-acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam. When full, the lake has 50 miles of shoreline and extends nearly eight miles upstream to the confluence of the north and south forks of the Calaveras River. The dam was built to provide flood protection to the city of Stockton and water for irrigation, drinking and hydroelectric power, and it now offers recreation opportunities for thousands of visitors each year. The New Hogan area supports a wide variety of wildlife. The foothills location is home to grey fox, mule deer, coyote, turkey, mountain lion, bobcat and rattlesnakes. New Hogan is also a wintering home for bald eagles. The south shore of the lake has been designated as a wildlife viewing area.
A number of historic sites are located nearby, including Carson Hill, the discovery site of the largest gold nugget ever found, and The Black Bart Inn, located in San Andreas, where the famous outlaw Black Bart was captured. Groceries, gas, camping supplies and more can be found in the nearby town of Valley Springs, California.
$20 / night
Yosemite Lakes RV Resort is located 80 miles east of Modesto, and just 5 miles west of Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance station. This large, year-round resort offers nearly 400 sites for RV and tent campers along the banks of the South Fork Tuolumne River. RV campers can choose from open, grassy spaces, or shady, wooded spaces with full hookups; tent campers can set up under mostly shady pine woods. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, and restrooms and shower facilities are conveniently located throughout the resort. The resort also offers a variety of cottages, cabins, yurts and bunkhouses. Onsite amenities include a country store, laundry room, Wifi and satellite TV service, trash receptacles, gas station, and propane depot. Dogs are permitted. Reservations are recommended, however many tent sites are first-come, first-served. Seasonal campsite rates are $41–$75/night; other accommodations range from $86–$305/night. For campers looking for a little rest and relaxation time outside of the busy national park, the resort offers a variety of amenities and activities. There’s a playground for the kids, and mini golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and basketball for kids of all ages. Swimming, floating, fishing, and gold panning can be enjoyed on the South Fork Tuolumne River, which flows right through the resort area. The resort also hosts group activities, movies and weekend events. Nearby activities include swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing on Don Pedro Reservoir and New Melones Lake, as well as touring the old mining towns of Sonora, Angels Camp and Murphys. When it’s time to visit Yosemite National Park: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is 45 minutes away; Yosemite Valley is 1 hour away; Tuolumne Meadows is 80 minutes away; and Mariposa Grove is 90 minutes away. In the busy summer season, it’s good to allow extra time to get to these destinations, and have patience looking for parking. Yosemite National Park, located in the heart of California’s spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains, is, justifiably, one of America’s most popular national parks. Visitors flock to Yosemite every summer to marvel at its towering granite walls, domes and pinnacles, as well as its spectacular meadows, waterfalls and wildlife. No trip to Yosemite is complete without taking at least a short walk or hike to soak in the majesty of this glacier-carved landscape, away from the park’s busy roads and villages. Yet, with its limited camping and lodging options, it can be challenging to visit the park during its busy summer season. Fortunately, there are several campgrounds and resorts located just short distances outside of the park that make suitable alternatives to the often congested and overcrowded park facilities, while still allowing easy access to the park’s sights, attractions, and trails.
Welcome to Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, a fantastic spot near Pine Grove, CA. This place is perfect if you're looking to immerse yourself in nature and history. The campground is adjacent to the park, so you get free access to explore the grounds and the museum, which is packed with fascinating local Native American history.
The campground itself is small, with around 23 sites, making it a cozy and intimate setting. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire pit, and there are clean flush toilets and showers available. Just remember, the showers require tokens, so plan ahead. The sites are well-shaded, which is great for those hot summer days, but it might make solar charging a bit tricky.
Wildlife is abundant here. You might wake up to the sound of birds in the morning and spot deer or turkeys during the day. At night, the stars are spectacular, especially if you venture into the park's open field.
For those who love a bit of adventure, the nearby Black Chasm Caverns are a must-visit. It's a short drive from the campground and offers guided tours that are both educational and awe-inspiring. If you're into birdwatching, bring your binoculars and look out for woodpeckers nesting in the giant black oak trees.
The campground is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Just keep in mind that dogs aren't allowed on the trails but can roam the open fields and campground areas.
Whether you're here for a peaceful retreat or to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area, Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park has something for everyone. Enjoy your stay!
Welcome to Silver Lake West, a charming campground nestled near Pioneer, CA. This spot is a gem for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature. Open from May to October, it offers a serene retreat with plenty of activities to keep you busy.
One of the standout features here is the proximity to Silver Lake. Just a short walk away, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the beautiful views. The campground itself is well-maintained, with clean pit toilets and trash facilities. While there are no showers or electric hookups, the natural beauty more than makes up for it.
Visitors often rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the friendly camp hosts. The sites are cozy, some nestled close to a creek, providing a soothing backdrop of running water. If you're into hiking, you're in luck. The Thunder Mountain Trailhead and other trails are just a quick drive away, offering stunning vistas and a good workout.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Just remember to keep them on a leash and clean up after them. Firewood is available, and campfires are allowed, making it easy to enjoy a classic camping experience with s'mores and stories around the fire.
One thing to note is that the sites are first-come, first-served, so plan accordingly. The campground can get windy, especially in early July, but that’s just part of the adventure. Whether you're here for the fishing, hiking, or simply to relax, Silver Lake West offers a fantastic getaway with plenty of natural beauty to explore.
$30 / night
Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging offers some of the best lodging near Yosemite National Park, with many types of cabins, plus yurts and RV and tent sites. While here, enjoy our large swimming pool, volleyball court, deli and Petting Farm! Spend your days at Yosemite and the surrounding Gold Country towns and return to stay with us, where peace and quiet is plentiful! Relax and recharge in a family-friendly setting, ready for your next day’s adventure!
TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE Full Park Closure Due to Tamarack Fire Damage - California State Parks announced that due to damages caused by the Tamarack Fire, Grover Hot Springs State Park (SP) will be fully closed to public access until further notice.
On and around July 16, 2021, the Tamarack Fire burned through Grover Hot Springs SP and destroyed multiple state park housing structures, the maintenance shop, maintenance vehicles, and several trail structures. Wildfire impacts to park facilities, hazardous materials needing abatement, and risks associated with wildfire-affected “hazard” trees necessitate this closure. The Park will remain closed to the public – to pedestrians as well as vehicles – as staff works on public safety and infrastructure restoration tasks. California State Parks appreciates your patience and your cooperation in staying out of the park while we work toward reopening.
$35 / night
These scenic small, twin reservoirs are located off the Spicer Reservoir Road.
There are several campgrounds here. Utica Reservoir has Sandy Flat campground and Rocky Point campground with 11 and 12 sites each.
Union Reservoir has West and East campgrounds with 18 and 11 sites
There are also dispersed campsites in this area and boat in campsites that aren’t part of the four campgrounds previously mentioned
The area is popular for day use, as well as paddle sports such as canoeing and kayaking. A primitive dirt boat launch is available at Union East Reservoir. The maximum boat speed is 5 mph. Utica Reservoir is managed for non-motorized boating; it has two dirt ramps designed for hand-launching of non-motorized boats.
$16 / night
North Grove (sites 27-59)
$35 - $70 / night
Pinecrest features a large campground by Pinecrest Lake, just 30 miles east of Sonora, at an elevation of 5600 feet. The area includes a day-use beach and a marina, a small shopping center and recreation cabins. The campground caters to all ages and is within walking distance of the lake, an amphitheater, visitor center, swimming beach and spectacular hiking trails. Pets are welcome, but must be compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws.
The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail takes hikers on an easy 4-mile stroll around Pinecrest Lake. Rainbow trout is a common catch in the lake and swimming is enjoyed at the sandy beach. Educational programs are also a highlight of the recreation area. Bike rentals are on hand so campers can bike around the area. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is open for summer operations offering mountain bike trails, hiking, disc golf, indoor and outdoor games and more!__
The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail takes hikers on an easy 4-mile stroll around Pinecrest Lake. Rainbow trout is a common catch in the lake and swimming is enjoyed at the sandy beach. Educational programs are also a highlight of the recreation area. Bike rentals are on hand so campers can bike around the area. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is open for summer operations offering mountain bike trails, hiking, disc golf, indoor and outdoor games and more!__
Many campsites are shaded by trees and sit near the southwest side of the 300-acre Pinecrest Lake in Stanislaus National Forest. In this beautiful mountain landscape, wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes and deer. Stanislaus National Forest is situated in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. The area boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and California's Great Central Valley.
Located in the nearby area are several activities. There are ample hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, mountain bike riding, and water activities. Pinecrest lake is a boating and swimming recreation area with restaurants, stores, boat rentals, and an outdoor movie theater. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is a ski area in the winter and in the summer is a basecamp for mountain biking, hiking, and a great indoor/outdoor BBQ. Aspen Meadow Pack Station is three miles from Pinecrest Lake and offers horseback rides and trail head for hiking. Kennedy Meadows is 30 miles east of Pinecrest and offers great river access for fishing, horse bike rides, hiking, and restaurants. Sonora Pass, a scenic winding highway that has guided people across the Sierra Nevada since 1852, is located nearby.
$30 - $32 / night
Acorn Campground is a sunny campground in the brush-covered hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees.With sites just a short walk from the shores of the popular New Hogan Lake, visitors will have no problem finding relief in the comfortable clear waters.
Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake. The large surface area allows for plenty of water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing and more. Year-round fishing for stripers, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish is perfect for experts and beginners alike. Some of the largest fish are found in less than 25 feet of water. The "River of Skulls" hiking trail is located below the dam at the Monte Vista Recreation Area. There is also a staging area for an eight mile equestrian trail on a scenic loop that winds along the lake and through the foothill chaparral. Trail guides are available at the park office. Bicycle trails suitable for the beginner as well as the advanced rider are found on the west side of the lake and next to the group camping area. An easy 3-mile trail connects the park office with Acorn Campground. Hunting with bow or shotgun during the open season is permitted in certain areas of the lake. Upland game such as turkey, quail and dove is available and waterfowl includes a variety of duck and geese.
Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake. The large surface area allows for plenty of water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing and more. Year-round fishing for stripers, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish is perfect for experts and beginners alike. Some of the largest fish are found in less than 25 feet of water. The "River of Skulls" hiking trail is located below the dam at the Monte Vista Recreation Area. There is also a staging area for an eight mile equestrian trail on a scenic loop that winds along the lake and through the foothill chaparral. Trail guides are available at the park office. Bicycle trails suitable for the beginner as well as the advanced rider are found on the west side of the lake and next to the group camping area. An easy 3-mile trail connects the park office with Acorn Campground. Hunting with bow or shotgun during the open season is permitted in certain areas of the lake. Upland game such as turkey, quail and dove is available and waterfowl includes a variety of duck and geese.
The 4,400 surface-acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam. When full, the lake has 50 miles of shoreline and extends nearly eight miles upstream to the confluence of the north and south forks of the Calaveras River. The dam was built to provide flood protection to the city of Stockton and water for irrigation, drinking and hydroelectric power, and it now offers recreation opportunities for thousands of visitors each year. The New Hogan area supports a wide variety of wildlife. The foothills location is home to grey fox, mule deer, coyote, turkey, mountain lion, bobcat and rattlesnakes. New Hogan is also a wintering home for bald eagles. The south shore of the lake has been designated as a wildlife viewing area.
A number of historic sites are located nearby, including Carson Hill, the discovery site of the largest gold nugget ever found, and The Black Bart Inn, located in San Andreas, where the famous outlaw Black Bart was captured. Groceries, gas, camping supplies and more can be found in the nearby town of Valley Springs, California.
$20 / night
Yosemite Lakes RV Resort is located 80 miles east of Modesto, and just 5 miles west of Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance station. This large, year-round resort offers nearly 400 sites for RV and tent campers along the banks of the South Fork Tuolumne River. RV campers can choose from open, grassy spaces, or shady, wooded spaces with full hookups; tent campers can set up under mostly shady pine woods. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, and restrooms and shower facilities are conveniently located throughout the resort. The resort also offers a variety of cottages, cabins, yurts and bunkhouses. Onsite amenities include a country store, laundry room, Wifi and satellite TV service, trash receptacles, gas station, and propane depot. Dogs are permitted. Reservations are recommended, however many tent sites are first-come, first-served. Seasonal campsite rates are $41–$75/night; other accommodations range from $86–$305/night. For campers looking for a little rest and relaxation time outside of the busy national park, the resort offers a variety of amenities and activities. There’s a playground for the kids, and mini golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and basketball for kids of all ages. Swimming, floating, fishing, and gold panning can be enjoyed on the South Fork Tuolumne River, which flows right through the resort area. The resort also hosts group activities, movies and weekend events. Nearby activities include swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing on Don Pedro Reservoir and New Melones Lake, as well as touring the old mining towns of Sonora, Angels Camp and Murphys. When it’s time to visit Yosemite National Park: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is 45 minutes away; Yosemite Valley is 1 hour away; Tuolumne Meadows is 80 minutes away; and Mariposa Grove is 90 minutes away. In the busy summer season, it’s good to allow extra time to get to these destinations, and have patience looking for parking. Yosemite National Park, located in the heart of California’s spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains, is, justifiably, one of America’s most popular national parks. Visitors flock to Yosemite every summer to marvel at its towering granite walls, domes and pinnacles, as well as its spectacular meadows, waterfalls and wildlife. No trip to Yosemite is complete without taking at least a short walk or hike to soak in the majesty of this glacier-carved landscape, away from the park’s busy roads and villages. Yet, with its limited camping and lodging options, it can be challenging to visit the park during its busy summer season. Fortunately, there are several campgrounds and resorts located just short distances outside of the park that make suitable alternatives to the often congested and overcrowded park facilities, while still allowing easy access to the park’s sights, attractions, and trails.
Welcome to Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, a fantastic spot near Pine Grove, CA. This place is perfect if you're looking to immerse yourself in nature and history. The campground is adjacent to the park, so you get free access to explore the grounds and the museum, which is packed with fascinating local Native American history.
The campground itself is small, with around 23 sites, making it a cozy and intimate setting. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire pit, and there are clean flush toilets and showers available. Just remember, the showers require tokens, so plan ahead. The sites are well-shaded, which is great for those hot summer days, but it might make solar charging a bit tricky.
Wildlife is abundant here. You might wake up to the sound of birds in the morning and spot deer or turkeys during the day. At night, the stars are spectacular, especially if you venture into the park's open field.
For those who love a bit of adventure, the nearby Black Chasm Caverns are a must-visit. It's a short drive from the campground and offers guided tours that are both educational and awe-inspiring. If you're into birdwatching, bring your binoculars and look out for woodpeckers nesting in the giant black oak trees.
The campground is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Just keep in mind that dogs aren't allowed on the trails but can roam the open fields and campground areas.
Whether you're here for a peaceful retreat or to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area, Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park has something for everyone. Enjoy your stay!
Welcome to Silver Lake West, a charming campground nestled near Pioneer, CA. This spot is a gem for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature. Open from May to October, it offers a serene retreat with plenty of activities to keep you busy.
One of the standout features here is the proximity to Silver Lake. Just a short walk away, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the beautiful views. The campground itself is well-maintained, with clean pit toilets and trash facilities. While there are no showers or electric hookups, the natural beauty more than makes up for it.
Visitors often rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the friendly camp hosts. The sites are cozy, some nestled close to a creek, providing a soothing backdrop of running water. If you're into hiking, you're in luck. The Thunder Mountain Trailhead and other trails are just a quick drive away, offering stunning vistas and a good workout.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Just remember to keep them on a leash and clean up after them. Firewood is available, and campfires are allowed, making it easy to enjoy a classic camping experience with s'mores and stories around the fire.
One thing to note is that the sites are first-come, first-served, so plan accordingly. The campground can get windy, especially in early July, but that’s just part of the adventure. Whether you're here for the fishing, hiking, or simply to relax, Silver Lake West offers a fantastic getaway with plenty of natural beauty to explore.
$30 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Camp Connell, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Camp Connell, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 263 campgrounds and RV parks near Camp Connell, CA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Camp Connell, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Camp Connell, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Camp Connell, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Camp Connell, CA.
What parks are near Camp Connell, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Camp Connell, CA that allow camping, notably Stanislaus National Forest and Fall River Lake.
