RV camping near Pinecrest, California offers a diverse range of options from basic forest sites to developed resorts with amenities. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 5,500 feet, the area experiences warm summer days with temperatures in the 80s and cool nights dropping to the 40s. Winter access to many campgrounds becomes limited due to snowfall, with most remote locations operating seasonally from May through October.
What to Do
River recreation: South Yuba Campground offers excellent water activities. "This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California. The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers. Perfect snow melt means August is the prime time," notes Anna R. The campground provides hiking access to excellent swimming holes upstream and downstream.
Wildlife viewing: Sycamore Ranch RV Park features abundant bird watching opportunities. "My favorite thing about this campground is the birds! I use the Merlin app to identify the birds here and so far this place holds my record of around 18 birds not including the more silent ones we saw. There are turtles and otters in the creek to check out as well," reports B. Douglas J.
Lake activities: French Meadows accommodates various watercraft with accessible boat ramps. "The reservoir was almost full so that made it especially nice. All sites have easy access to the water," shares graham K. Sites are generally within walking distance to the water, though some access points can be steep and require flashlights even during daytime.
What Campers Like
Peaceful river settings: South Yuba Campground offers secluded riverside camping. "This is one of the best sites there is. There's hiking access to the river, and almost never anybody at this campground. It's scenic privacy at it's best," says J.d. E. The campground typically remains uncrowded even during peak season.
Wildlife encounters: Lake of the Springs RV Resort provides opportunities to see deer up close. "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!" writes Nicole G. The resort's natural setting creates frequent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the grounds.
Clean facilities: Placerville RV Resort maintains well-kept grounds for comfort. "The staff was very welcoming and the grounds are organized and clean," notes Cameron P. The resort offers additional amenities including pool and hot tub facilities, plus cabins described as "clean and comfortable."
What You Should Know
Cell service limitations: Network coverage varies dramatically across campgrounds. "No cell signal here - speed test is from starlink. Note google & garmin routing from Nevada City takes a bridge with a 4 Ton weight restriction," warns John T. about South Yuba Campground. At Lake of the Springs, "cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area," according to Pamela H.
Dump station fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for waste disposal. At Sycamore Ranch, campers should budget for dump station costs in addition to nightly fees.
Site leveling challenges: Thousand Trails Snowflower requires preparation for uneven terrain. "RV sites are mostly electric and water only, and many aren't anywhere near level," notes Paul R. Campers should bring adequate leveling equipment, especially for RVs.
Seasonal insect issues: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain campgrounds. "We were so thrilled to find this clean, family-friendly resort with its own (warm!) little lake in the high sierras. But our group's collective joy was short lived after we were beseeched with mosquitos," reports Tai W. about Snowflower.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly water activities: Lakes provide safe swimming areas. At Lake of the Springs, "we spent our time at the pool which is near the flushable toilets and the ice cream parlor, restaurant, and camp store. The pool goes from 3.5' ft to 5' back to 3.5' ft," explains Gina C.
Wildlife education opportunities: Lake Francis Resort offers natural learning experiences. "Our family has been coming here for years. We love it. Nice quiet lake. Good campsites. Good general store and even a little restaurant and ice cream shack," shares Michael M. The calm water creates a safe environment for younger children.
Entertainment amenities: Some resorts provide additional family facilities. "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained," Dan remarks about Placerville RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Electrical limitations: Be prepared for service restrictions at some campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Snowflower, campers report that RV sites typically offer only partial hookups with electric and water, requiring use of the dump station.
Site selection strategies: Research specific sites before booking when possible. At French Meadows, "two thirds of the campsites were on a slope with no where to setup a tent on level ground," warns graham K. This applies to RV parking as well, making advance research or early arrival important.
Long-term stays: Dutch Flat RV Resort accommodates extended visits. "I stayed at Dutch Flat RV for a year. It is a nice campground with some beautiful hikes starting at the campground. Good mix of vacation and working residents. Everyone pretty much stays to themselves but are quite friendly," explains Random E.
