Camping near Pinecrest, California ranges from 3,500 to 6,000 feet in elevation, creating significant temperature variations even within short distances. The higher elevation campgrounds typically remain snow-covered until late May, while lower elevation sites often open by early April. Water levels at area reservoirs fluctuate dramatically between spring and late summer, affecting shoreline camping and water access points.
What to do
Hiking on Pioneer Trail: White Cloud Campground provides access to the Pioneer Trail, a multi-use path popular with mountain bikers and hikers. "So fun and quiet for the most part. Traffic noise from 20 was the only drawback so next time will choose a campsite on the back side. Pioneer trail is amazing for mountain biking and hiking," notes one visitor at White Cloud.
Paddleboarding on local lakes: Many campers bring non-motorized watercraft to explore the quieter lakes. "Scotts Flat is just five miles outside of Nevada City. It is run by the Nevada Irrigation District. One of the many man made lakes in the region. A beautiful lake to boat, fish and swim," according to a camper at Scotts Flat Lake.
Gold panning opportunities: Several campgrounds offer access to rivers where recreational gold panning is permitted. "Close to the n. fork of the American river. Lots of great swimming holes close by up river. Great hiking path opposite the camp ground going up river. Activities include fishing, hiking, and gold prospecting," reports a visitor to Mineral Bar Campground.
What campers like
Lake views from campsites: Water proximity remains a top priority for most campers. "We loved our brief stay at Giant Gap, we were surprised to get availability! We were treated to a site close to the reservoir. No hookups, but spectacular beauty," writes a camper at Giant Gap.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive consistently higher ratings. "The campground is exceptionally clean and meticulously maintained. We even had a heated mattress pad in our glamping tent to keep warm. The owners, Dan and Erin Thiem, really have thought of everything," shares a visitor to Inn Town Campground.
Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention appreciation for sites with adequate room. "Just can't recommend based on the very cramped conditions. Sites are not very level either. I needed to raise my front end 6 inches to get level," warns a reviewer about Nevada County Fairgrounds, highlighting the importance of site spacing.
What you should know
Water levels change seasonally: Reservoir levels drop substantially by late summer. "Nice campground close to the water. Water levels are very low and the banks were muddy but we still had enjoyable time paddling. Vault toilets were well maintained. Only negative were the excessive amount of bees during the day," explains a Giant Gap visitor.
Wildlife considerations: Beyond bears, bees and other insects can be problematic at certain times. "Paid $68 for a tent site with no hookups. Showers take quarters too. Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off," reports a camper at Scotts Flat Lake.
Site reservation competition: Prime waterfront sites book extremely quickly, often months in advance. "We were hoping to reserve water front this Father's Day and had to stay up until midnight on Jan 2nd to book on line. We did get a couple of sites across from the beach," notes a visitor describing reservation challenges at Scotts Flat Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Lake swimming options: Several campgrounds offer beach areas specifically designed for families. "We usually go with friends and their trailers, note this is dry camping so you should bring generators if you have a trailer," advises a camper at Greenhorn Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds include playgrounds and open areas. "This campground is above Marysville California. Beautiful campground and Lake. Fishing there was wonderful lakeside and great hikes. Registration area and cafe has ice cream available and souvenir store," shares a visitor to Collins Lake Recreation Area.
Quieter weekday visits: School breaks create significant crowding at family-friendly sites. "The campground is no-frills and right on the highway, but a nice place overall. I was watching my friends' kids for the weekend, so we loaded up bikes and the dog and got out of the house for a couple of days," reports a White Cloud camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven pads requiring significant leveling equipment. "It's $30 a night for dry camping and goes up from there depending on what hookups you need. Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around," explains a visitor to Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Road access limitations: Several campgrounds have access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. "It was a little challenging getting our 16' trailer to the pad but it was worth it. So quiet and serene there. I don't think the bigger rigs would be able to make the turn into the site and the road to the entrance is a bit rough," warns a camper at Manzanita Rock Meadow.
Hookup availability varies widely: Full hookups are limited in the region. "Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage. They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our 'front door' from our 27' travel trailer," details a visitor to Collins Lake Recreation Area.
