Map showing campground location near Sonora, California

Camper submitted image from Mother Lode Fairgrounds

Mother Lode Fairgrounds

The Mother Lode Fairgrounds operates as a municipal campground in Sonora, positioned at the junction of Highway 49 and Highway 108. This established facility accommodates RVs up to 65 feet with full hookups including 30 and 50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections at each site. The fairgrounds setting provides grassy sites with picnic tables, and campers can access hot showers, restrooms, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property.

Sites feature level parking areas with mature trees providing shade coverage during warmer months. George M. notes "lots of trees and shade" along with "fresh water at each site." The on-site camp host maintains the grounds and responds quickly to camper requests, including moving picnic tables when needed. Some road noise carries from the nearby highway intersection, though the campground remains relatively quiet otherwise.

The location puts campers within walking distance of downtown Sonora's 1850s mining town attractions. Highway access makes this a practical overnight stop for travelers heading to Yosemite National Park or exploring the Sierra Nevada foothills. For those planning extended stays in the region, camping near Sonora offers additional options. Daily and weekly rates accommodate both short-term and longer visits, with reservations available for planning ahead.

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Map & DirectionsMother Lode Fairgrounds is located in California near Sonora

Public Campground

Directions

From Jct of Hwy 108 (in town) & Hwy 49 (Downtown Sonora Exit), N 1.1 mi on Hwy 49 to Southgate Dr, SE 0.3 mi (R)

Address

220 Southgate Drive
Sonora, CA 95370

Coordinates

37.9776631 N
120.38992997 W

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Connectivity

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Excellent Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 5/24/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 28 users
Last on 5/24/26
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/24/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 5/24/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 28 users
Last on 5/24/26
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/24/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

59 min from Modesto, CA
1 hr 2 min from Merced, CA
1 hr 6 min from Stockton, CA
1 hr 43 min from Sacramento, CA

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Mother Lode Fairgrounds

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

denise J.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 16, 2026

Nice, quiet, clean place to spend a few days.

We extended our two day stay into a four night hang. Our site was level with 30 amp, water, and dump station. Our camp host was wonderful! We asked if he would bring a picnic table to our site and it was there within ten minutes ( Thanks ). He was super accommodating and pleasant to speak with. We would stay here again next time we are in Sonora.

SiteDirectly across the road from our camp host.

Month of VisitFebruary

Heather K.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2023

Nice spot for a night

I stayed here on my way to 395. It’s good for one night. There’s some road noise but otherwise quiet. I was disappointed to see a lot of micro trash at my site. There are hot showers, wifi and bathrooms as well as electric at the site.

SiteB30

Month of VisitSeptember

George M.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

Very nice management and quiet

Full hook-up. 50 amp 30 amp. Fresh water at each site. Free WiFi. Large grassy area with picnic table. Lots of trees and shade. Sewage at each site. Management is very helpful and works hard maintaining grounds. They are in their own RV at the back of the campground.

Paul N.

Guide

Reviewed May. 22, 2019

Fairgrounds camping

Grassy full hook up sites in Sonora Ca. At the junction of Hwy49 the “Chain of Gold” and 108 outside Yosemite National Park. Daily/weekly rates. Short walk to downtown in this 1850’s mining town.

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV camping facilities are available at Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora?

Mother Lode Fairgrounds offers full hook-up RV sites with both 50 amp and 30 amp electrical connections. Each site includes fresh water hookups and sewage connections. The campground provides free WiFi for guests. Sites are situated on grassy areas with picnic tables, and many spots benefit from shade trees. The grounds are regularly maintained, and on-site management is available to assist campers with any needs. This makes the fairgrounds a convenient option for RVers looking for full-service accommodations in the Sonora area.

Where is Mother Lode Fairgrounds located in Sonora, CA?

Mother Lode Fairgrounds is strategically located at the junction of Highway 49 (known as the "Chain of Gold") and Highway 108 in Sonora, California. This location places it outside Yosemite National Park, making it a convenient stopover for park visitors. The fairgrounds are within walking distance of downtown Sonora, a charming 1850's mining town with various amenities and historical attractions.

Are there photos of the Mother Lode Fairgrounds camping area?

While specific photo availability isn't detailed, visitors can expect to see a large grassy camping area with numerous shade trees, full hookup RV sites, and picnic tables. The grounds feature a typical fairground layout with designated camping sections. For current photos of the camping area, it's recommended to check the official Mother Lode Fairgrounds website, contact the fairground office directly, or browse camping platforms where recent visitors might have shared their experiences and images of the facilities.

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