Looking for the best campgrounds near Alta, CA? Alta is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Alta, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Located on an historic 15 acre site, just under two miles from downtown Nevada City. We offer tent camping, RV spots with hookups, and glamping in canvas tents. Our sites, plus a range of convenient and welcoming amenities make Inn Town Campground a great place to get outside.
Info@InnTownCampground.com 530-265-9900
Giant Gap Campground is located on the north shore of Sugar Pine Reservoir, in the Tahoe National Forest. It is just 15 miles from Foresthill. Visitors enjoy the surrounding area for its fishing, canoeing, __OHV and hiking opportunities.
Fishing, canoeing, swimming and boating are popular activities on the reservoir. A paved, non-motorized trail circles the campground and connects to the day use area and Shirttail Creek Campground. The North Fork of the American River is nearby, with additional fishing and swimming. Many miles of hiking and off-road vehicle trails are in the surrounding area.
The campground and the adjacent 160-acre Sugar Pine Reservoir are situated at an elevation of 3,600 feet. The campground is situated in stands of cedar and ponderosa pine trees. Summertime temperatures are hot during the day and cool at night.
$24 / night
Collins Lake is a favorite Northern California destination for families. This 1,600 acre recreation area offers LAKEFRONT RV& TENT camping with excellent fishing and wakeboarding. Collins Lake has California’s largest private trophy trout planting program of any lake north of Sacramento and equally famous for bass, crappie& catfish. Facilities include RV hookups, cabins, hot showers, laundry, marina, rental boats, sandy beach, playground, store with huge ice creams& espresso drinks. Family friendly with movies under the stars and live music every summer summer. Located only 70 miles northeast of Sacramento at 1200’ elevation. Family owned and operated since 1972.
Donner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for Donner Lake camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. Visitors are welcome year-round at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.
$35 / night
Coloma Resort takes pride in connecting guests with nature, adventure and history! Located on the South Fork of the American River, surrounded by the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma Resort is a destination vacation experience for everyone!
Coloma Resort will accommodate your needs and exceed your expectations, whether you are looking for a family camping experience, educational facility, river-front wedding location or a place to host your next conference or group retreat. Our facilities include campsites, cabin rentals, swimming pool, event sites and more...
Your adventure awaits in Coloma! Coloma Resort connects you with the activities that will make your stay one to remember. Experience Coloma through adventure based river trips, historic gold rush programs or on the climbing wall and zip line of our exciting ropes course!
Loon Lake Campground is situated on the south shores of Loon Lake, and attracts many visitors with its variety of campsites and beautiful waterfront setting. Popular activities include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and exploring off-road vehicle trails.
Anglers delight in fishing for rainbow and brown trout, while boaters head out for water skiing. Five picnic areas in the campground and a day-use area provide visitors with nice lake views.
The campground sits just west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
For facility specific information, please call (831) 245-6891.
The 18-mile Rubicon Jeep Trail begins nearby. An exciting stretch of scenic, un-maintained, rocky road awaits off-road thrill seekers.
.Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Customers who cancel a GROUP overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
$28 / night
Privately owned campground with true Lakefront campsites.
$42 - $53 / night
Beal's Point Campground is one of two locations on the lake that allows overnight camping in the campground. Barbecue pits, shade areas and large grassy areas can accommodate many family picnics and other activities. The Beal's Point Snack Bar also rents beach equipment. The beach equipment includes kayaks, standup paddleboards, shade canopies, and rafts of all sizes. Additionally, catering for family and company picnics, as well as group discount rental rates, are available.
$28 - $48 / night
White Cloud Campground is located in the Tahoe National Forest along Highway 20 near Nevada City. The area provides a great escape from urban life.
The Pioneer Trail stretches 25 miles through the Tahoe National Forest and can be accessed from the campground. The popular path was designated a National Recreation Trail in 2003. Horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing are favorite activities on this popular trail.
The campground is situated in a forest of cedar, pine, and Douglas fir trees, at an elevation of 4,200 feet.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 265-4531.
White Cloud Campground is located on the Highway 20 portion of the Yuba Donner Scenic Byway near many gold rush era historical sites and old mining towns such as Washington and Nevada City. Nevada City, about 14 miles west, is a scenic historical mining town with many historical attractions, top notch restaraunts, various lodging options, shopping, and stores for everything you may need. Other attractions include the Pioneer Trail, South Yuba River, Washintong Scenic Overlook, Alpha and Omega Scenic Overlook and Interpretive Trail, Rock Creek Nature Trail, Chalk Bluff OHV trails, and Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area.
No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). * No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.
$24 / night
$32 / night
Giant Gap Campground is located on the north shore of Sugar Pine Reservoir, in the Tahoe National Forest. It is just 15 miles from Foresthill. Visitors enjoy the surrounding area for its fishing, canoeing, __OHV and hiking opportunities.
Fishing, canoeing, swimming and boating are popular activities on the reservoir. A paved, non-motorized trail circles the campground and connects to the day use area and Shirttail Creek Campground. The North Fork of the American River is nearby, with additional fishing and swimming. Many miles of hiking and off-road vehicle trails are in the surrounding area.
The campground and the adjacent 160-acre Sugar Pine Reservoir are situated at an elevation of 3,600 feet. The campground is situated in stands of cedar and ponderosa pine trees. Summertime temperatures are hot during the day and cool at night.
$24 / night
Collins Lake is a favorite Northern California destination for families. This 1,600 acre recreation area offers LAKEFRONT RV& TENT camping with excellent fishing and wakeboarding. Collins Lake has California’s largest private trophy trout planting program of any lake north of Sacramento and equally famous for bass, crappie& catfish. Facilities include RV hookups, cabins, hot showers, laundry, marina, rental boats, sandy beach, playground, store with huge ice creams& espresso drinks. Family friendly with movies under the stars and live music every summer summer. Located only 70 miles northeast of Sacramento at 1200’ elevation. Family owned and operated since 1972.
Coloma Resort takes pride in connecting guests with nature, adventure and history! Located on the South Fork of the American River, surrounded by the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma Resort is a destination vacation experience for everyone!
Coloma Resort will accommodate your needs and exceed your expectations, whether you are looking for a family camping experience, educational facility, river-front wedding location or a place to host your next conference or group retreat. Our facilities include campsites, cabin rentals, swimming pool, event sites and more...
Your adventure awaits in Coloma! Coloma Resort connects you with the activities that will make your stay one to remember. Experience Coloma through adventure based river trips, historic gold rush programs or on the climbing wall and zip line of our exciting ropes course!
Loon Lake Campground is situated on the south shores of Loon Lake, and attracts many visitors with its variety of campsites and beautiful waterfront setting. Popular activities include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and exploring off-road vehicle trails.
Anglers delight in fishing for rainbow and brown trout, while boaters head out for water skiing. Five picnic areas in the campground and a day-use area provide visitors with nice lake views.
The campground sits just west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
For facility specific information, please call (831) 245-6891.
The 18-mile Rubicon Jeep Trail begins nearby. An exciting stretch of scenic, un-maintained, rocky road awaits off-road thrill seekers.
.Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Customers who cancel a GROUP overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
$28 / night
Privately owned campground with true Lakefront campsites.
$42 - $53 / night
Beal's Point Campground is one of two locations on the lake that allows overnight camping in the campground. Barbecue pits, shade areas and large grassy areas can accommodate many family picnics and other activities. The Beal's Point Snack Bar also rents beach equipment. The beach equipment includes kayaks, standup paddleboards, shade canopies, and rafts of all sizes. Additionally, catering for family and company picnics, as well as group discount rental rates, are available.
$28 - $48 / night
Scout
I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun. Me and my friends were up there and there was conveniently a campground available in there same campsite. We went in the summer and the water was perfect! We went fishing and caught crawfish in a trap underneath the bridge near the front. Overall the staff were really nice and it was a great trip. I recommend it!
Traveler
If I could give zero stars, I would. Thousand Trails Lake Minden is very rundown. Immediately upon arrival at this so-called "resort," you can see the neglect from the outset. Their main sign is faded and sunburned, looking like it’s from 1970. The roads are riddled with potholes, none of which are paved. It’s clear the maintenance of this property has been ignored for years.
The "resort" advertises full hookups, but the reality is they have about 20 full hookup sites that can’t accommodate RVs over 35 feet. My 40-foot RV doesn’t fit, so I’m forced to drive around the lake to the non-hookup section, which only has water and power. To dump your tanks, you have to make trips to the dump station—hardly convenient for a place claiming to be a resort.
I paid $10,000 for a lifetime membership that allows me to stay at Thousand Trails properties for 21 days at a time. My mistake was not visiting any of their locations before making this purchase. I strongly urge anyone considering a Thousand Trails membership to visit several of their properties first—it will likely change your mind. Lake Minden is no better than other Thousand Trails locations, and in fact, I’d rank it among the worst.
As a full-time RVer, I’m stuck here for the 21-day maximum, and once that’s up, I’m forced to relocate two hours away to their next nearest property, Ponderosa. I’ll review that location when I arrive, but I don’t have high expectations.
What’s most frustrating is the blatant contradiction between their claims and reality. They require age-appropriate RVs for members, yet I’m parked next to a 20-year-old RV with a blue tarp on the roof. The facility is so poorly maintained it’s a stretch to even call it a campground, let alone a resort.
My regret for buying a Thousand Trails lifetime membership is astronomical. If I knew then what I know now, I would never have spent a dime. Thousand Trails should be ashamed to call themselves a resort. Lake Minden, like many of their properties, is nothing more than a run-down trailer park.
TravelerThis is a nice place to camp. It has a big pond you can go fishing in and it’s quiet. The only thing that I could say needed to be updated is keeping the trees groomed unfortunately we scratched our motorhome coming into the park.
Guide
This place and his staff were absolutely amazing. I had a couple of different times where I needed to change the spot and without fail they were there to help. Quite CLEAN everything! I wanted to stop awhile 30 days later I was told goodbye👋 cause I know the rules at a State Park!🤦😔😔💩
GuideI am not the easiest but the staff has a heart of gold and at every turn we’re really there to help.
Guide
This spot is national forest, and overnight camping is not allowed. We had a knock from someone with the forest service the next morning who was very kind and let us know that overnight is not allowed.
Look up lakes and forest in this area on google — not many places allow dispersed camping
Guide
We could not find this place. Needs better description. Afterwards in another rv park I worked it out. Need to go to their website first better directions than just el dorado. Dyrt dropped the ball on this one.
Ranger
Camped here for what we thought would be a couple of nights for an event. However, event was canceled due to massive wild fire (air quality index was horrible, so stayed 1 night and left ASAP next morning). Campground is right on the main drag through town and just across the street and a short walk to the lake, although the lake does not permit dogs in this area. Nice walking/biking paths, but heavily commercial district means lots of traffic going by. Site (#E06) is huge with enough space for several RVs, but we parked sideways adjacent to the picnic table and had spot near to bathrooms/showers which are clean but a bit ragged around the edges.
Food aside: Dinner of Curly's pork with cheese and Hatch green chile tortillas. Good to come back here at some point when not high season and can stay more in camping zone, this is a pretty commercial district.
Guide
We were only after a night, so didn’t need much. Travelling this time of year when campgrounds are closed makes for desperate last minute decisions. BUT if you’re staying here, go across the road to Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. the best pizza!
Traveler
We stayed one night on our way through the area. Spot was nice level and clean. We loved the bike paths all though out the area. Rode In to south Tahoe and had a great experience.
Scout
Very simple and clean park but it is right next to the highway with very limited amenities. Their “amenities” they list online are not accurate but again it’s nice and clean. Also make sure you have a secondary form of transportation since this place is secluded due to private neighborhoods so there is no access to town via bike or on foot.
Scout
Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level. If you don't have the premium hookup spots, you got to pay 20$ "Service Fee" for dumping. Idk why because you end up doing it all by yourself as usual anyway. Feels like a bit of a rip off to be honest. The rest is nice, quiet (except for the geese) and clean.
Guide
Standard dispersed camping on national forest land. Paved main road with dirt roads and areas for camping branching off. Plenty of room. Some areas have beautiful views of strawberry valley!
Traveler
Nice peaceful spot. Few cars go by, but it’s tucked away enough.
Traveler
Des douches chaudes du wifi Super rapport qualité-prix Que du bonheur
Scout
Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone
Ranger
This campground is a very quiet spot after Labor Day, it is small, only 10 sites total and it is only open until September 30, which I don't understand since there is no snow here until November.
When we were there only one other camper was staying here and he was a deer hunter.
The water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared. This campground has two sites that will take a 30' trailer and the remaining sites will take smaller trailers, tents or campers.
One site has a new picnic table but all sites have tables, fire pits and plenty of room between sites. Pit toilets are near the entrance and only one was clean when we stayed here.
Not to far from Bucks Lake if you want to camp and then drive to the lake.
Fees have changed, they are $25 a night and $12.50 if you have the pass.
Ranger
This was a beautiful campground, primitive in the Plumas National Forest but it is burnt to the earth after the North Complex Fire and it will never reopen.
We drove up on 9.25.24 to see if any of the down trees have been cleared and only some have been. You can pull into the camp but large dead and down trees prevent access to the campground.
The pit toilet is also damaged and it is unlikely the USFS will make any repairs.
GuideTight spaces but close to the lake if you want to enjoy the water and beach. Toilets and showers where filty but okay. Lots of chipmunks to enjoy..
Ranger
Sly Creek Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake with several campsites along a small portion of the lake.
There is a boat ramp and ATV riding on the forest roads in the area.
The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025.
Passes are honored.
Scout
Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline.
Scout
Large sites very peaceful. Most sites close to the lake. We visited the last week of August. Expect to see bears. Hosts were clear about the need to keep campsites clear of food. Since you could not dump dish water on ground because of the bears it was more effort to wash up after meals. It would be nice if there was a dish washing station . We have seen this at other campsites we have been to. The have AT&A cell service had good service
Guide
Love our stay at Logger Campground, very clean vault toilets, and facility. Most of the spots are very tight, narrow spaces. Make some when you book, you get the right size spot. Pay dump just offsite.
Guide
All camp sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Please ensure fires are permitted before starting a fire. The campground was clean and quiet. Pit toilets were clean and well stocked. Please note that I was there during the week. I imagine that during summer weekends it can get quite noisy with boat and jet ski traffic being so close to Reno. I would definitely stay again.
Traveler
FCFS OHV campground that can be approached from a couple of rough dirt roads, high clearance helpful, 4wd not needed. Not all sites are flat. People from the area (i guess) seemed to be "reserving" sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs... they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility. Took a hike. Very pretty. No OHV noise, but a copter was circling the area in the middle of the night.
Guide
I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!
Guide
Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!
Camping near Alta, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
Camping near Alta, California, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Alta, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Alta, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 389 campgrounds and RV parks near Alta, CA and 19 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Alta, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alta, CA is Inn Town Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alta, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Alta, CA.
What parks are near Alta, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Alta, CA that allow camping, notably Plumas National Forest and Martis Creek Lake.
