Dru Barner Campground, near Georgetown, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Tucked away in the [Eldorado National Forest](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/near/eldorado-national-forest), it offers a serene environment surrounded by towering trees, making it perfect for a peaceful escape.

This campground is a hit with horse lovers, featuring horse corrals and easy access to nearby trails. Many visitors rave about the well-maintained sites, complete with picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for cozy campfire evenings. As one camper put it, “It was an adventurous drive on a curvy mountain road to get here, but well worth it.”

For those who enjoy hiking, the nearby Otter Creek Trail provides a lovely day hike with some elevation changes. Campers have noted the tranquility of the area, especially during the week when it’s less crowded. Just remember to bring your own water, as the campground doesn’t provide any due to quality issues.

With its beautiful surroundings and friendly atmosphere, Dru Barner Campground is a great choice for anyone looking to unwind in the great outdoors. Whether you're camping in a tent or an RV, this spot has the charm and amenities to make your stay enjoyable.

## Overview

 Dru Barner Campground offers 48 campsites that are nestled in the forest just 6 miles from Georgetown, CA. The campground offers access to trails, creeks and is a short drive from some nearby reservoirs. This campground was designed for equestrians, but it can also be used by tent, camper, trailer and recreational vehicles. Common wildlife to the area includes turkeys, deer, bears, coyote and racoons. Portions of the campground have a canopy of trees, but many of the camp units have very little shade. 
## Recreation

 Dru Barner Campground provides some good camping opportunities without having to drive long distances into the forest. Dru Barner Campground provides access to many non-motorized trails. It also is close to the Rock Creek Trail System that has both non-motorized, motorized, and multiple use trails. Several horse clubs have used Dru Barner Campground as the staging area for equestrian recreation events under special use permits. Several horse clubs have hosted barbecues and taco bars at the group kitchen area after their trail rides. Some couples have used the group kitchen area for weddings. Stumpy Meadows Reservoir is located only about 15 miles to the east for those seeking water-based recreation. There is a campground concessionaire that operates the Stumpy Meadows Boat Ramp and Picnic Area. A day use fee is charged for those facilities. Stumpy Meadows Reservoir has a 5-mile speed limit for motor boats. Rafts, canoes and kayakers frequently travel on the reservoir. There are some shorelines that provide access for swimming and wading. 
## Facilities

 Dru Barner Campground has camp units equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The campground roads have gravel surfaces. Most of the parking spurs have gravel surfaces with others having dirt surfaces. The parking spurs vary in length to handle longer trailers and RVs to spurs for a car or truck with a short horse trailer. There is a group kitchen area equipped with two large barbecue grills, two serving tables, a large fire ring and 11 picnic tables that can be rented. Six of the camp units have large bear proof food containers that can hold two coolers. Some of the camp units have horse corrals nearby. There are also hitching posts near some of the restrooms and high line posts between camp sites. The campground has potable water from water faucets distributed throughout the campground. There is a two-unit flush restroom equipped with sinks. There are also two vault restrooms located in the northern portion of the campground. 
## Natural Features

 Dru Barner Campground sits on a ridgeline of the Hornblende Mountains. To the north, Otter Creek has cut a forested canyon. To the south, there are the rolling ridges that surround Rock Creek. There are forests of Ponderosa pine, sugar pine, Douglas-fir, white fir and incense cedar with groups of black oak and madrone. This campground is about 15 miles west of Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. 
## Contact Info

 This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (530) 334-6477. 
## Nearby Attractions

 A nearby attraction is the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, CA. This attraction is located about 16 miles southeast of Dru Barner Campground. It is where James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848. This started the California Gold Rush. Historic building such as the blacksmith shop, mill workers cabin and the Coloma schoolhouse are available to see. There are gold panning demonstrations. There is a Gold Discovery Trail to learn the history and see the sites.

Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Georgetown, CA has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Georgetown and user-submitted reviews.

Georgetown

The Best Camping Near Georgetown, California

This has been my favorite spot after traveling all across US. I wanted to hide in the forest. Nothing but trees and the wind blowing through them. It was an adventurous drive on a curvy mountain road to get here, but we'll worth it. There are 48 sites (no hookups) and it's just me and one other person pretty far away. Very clean. With a pass, I only paid $4 per day. Nice clean vault toliets. Water available. Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Corrals for horses. Wood to burn laying around everywhere. Rangers were very friendly and helpful when I came in. I'm staying 4 days this time. I'll be back. I used my WeBoost and was able to teach online and even stream some TV. The dog has loved the nice forest floor to run on and lay on. I drove into Georgetown (6 miles) one day and had the best time exploring the shops and talking to the locals. Gas station has propane. Back in or pull through sites. You can call and reserve or just show up and find an open spot. I was there in May 2021.

Wonderful woods

It was great besides the bugs and all the wasps

Bugs

Never been during peak (summer) but both times we have stayed here in winter and it was FANTASTIC! Close to Georgetown and to the El Dorado National Forest. Super clean and easy to get to. Signs off 193 are well marked! The have horse corrals too if you’re into that. Highly recommend!

Found by accident…TWICE!

A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare. The campground itself is well maintained, though ants can be an issue if you are careless. Midweek and off season we had the place to ourselves 3 days. The near by Otter Creek Trail is a a nice day hike though a bit of switch backing elevation to get down to the creek.

Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds

Quiet and well maintained 

Pretty nice place

You get the feeling you are in the middle of nowhere, but yet, still only 15 minute drive to Georgetown. Hopefully they get water or lack there of figured out soon, other than that, perfect spot for 🐎 and campers alike.

Solitude 

The good part is this is a beautiful place in the trees to camp with nearby hiking,. And it's equestrian friendly if you want to bring your horse. The Verizon connection was strong. Even when the campgrounds full on weekend. It's very quiet, more soldier in the week. Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality. 

Beautiful quiet place 

Came here for a moto trip and really enjoyed the spaciousness, layout, and natural beauty the area had to offer. You’re also about 3 or 4 miles away from the Georgetown OHV which made it an easy ride to get to the dirt. 

As others have mentioned, getting to town is a short 15 minutes despite feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Some decent restaurants and a pretty awesome grocery store there so you don’t have to fret if you forget anything. 

I can’t speak for other months, but coming around Thanksgiving was just about perfect. 

Photos of Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest

Real photos from real campers