Nevada City serves as a gateway to several glamping experiences in northern California. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills at an elevation of 2,500 feet, this historic Gold Rush town offers access to luxury camping accommodations while maintaining proximity to natural attractions. Many campsites in this area operate year-round with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during peak season.
What to do
River activities: Visitors to Inn Town Campground can explore nearby swimming holes. "We spent the days at Fuller Dam, and the Yuba River and Scotts Flat Reservoir are nearby too," notes Nicole G., who gave the campground five stars. The campground serves as a convenient base for water recreation during summer months.
Gold Rush history exploration: Just 0.5 miles from American River Resort, campers can walk to historic sites. "Close to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table," writes Michael in his review. The resort's location makes it convenient for exploring California's Gold Rush heritage without needing to drive.
Wildlife observation: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local fauna. At Sycamore Ranch RV Park, one camper reported, "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."
What campers like
Luxury amenities: Coloma Resort provides upscale facilities for glamping near Pinecrest. "This place was amazing. It was our first trip in our new RV and it couldn't of been more beautiful. There were super cute cabins available as well as tent sites," writes one reviewer who appreciated the range of accommodation options.
Common spaces: Many glamping sites offer shared facilities. "The common house has a fully stocked kitchen so you can camp without having to bring supplies!" notes Amanda M. about Inn Town Campground. These spaces enhance the glamping experience by providing conveniences typically unavailable in traditional camping.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Francis Resort attracts anglers with its stocked waters. "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 resort offers both glamping accommodations and traditional campsites with access to fishing.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular glamping sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "We spent two nights doing a family and friends reunion. We loved our rv spot, the rest of the group had great tent site and glamping tents," explains Hani S. about their experience at American River Resort, highlighting the importance of booking early for group stays.
Site selection considerations: When booking at Collins Lake Recreation Area, campsite location matters. One visitor advises, "We stayed at site 60A Lake Front View, which had stunning water views and a spacious setup. The site gets a lot of sun in the morning and afternoon, so bring a popup canopy for shade—it made a big difference for us!"
Fire restrictions: Some glamping locations limit open flames. At American River Resort, a reviewer noted, "They sell small bundles for $10 each," indicating that campfires are permitted but firewood comes at a premium. Always check current fire regulations before your visit as rules can change seasonally.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Sycamore Ranch RV Park offers water access for younger visitors. "Shaded grassy sites along the banks of Dry Creek (which was full of water when we visited) just above its confluence with the Yuba River," reports Chris, who enjoyed kayaking directly to their campsite. The park provides natural water features suitable for families.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several glamping sites include facilities designed for children. "My daughter who is 5 loved writing her hoverboard around the entire park there are lots of kids to play with," shares one parent about their stay at Sycamore Ranch RV Park. The paved surfaces throughout the campground create safe recreation areas.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer learning experiences. Collins Lake Recreation Area provides wildlife viewing opportunities, with one visitor reporting, "Amazed to watch a bald eagle grab a fish and fly away." These natural encounters create memorable educational moments for children during glamping trips near Pinecrest.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: RV campers should research accessibility before booking. At Coloma Resort, one reviewer cautions, "The terrain is steep with mostly smaller sites. Water pressure is excellent. Our site had 30 amp only and I doubt any of them have 50 amp." They recommend a maximum RV length of 32 feet for comfortable navigation.
Electrical reliability: Power supply varies between campgrounds. At Lake of the Springs RV Resort, a camper noted, "There wasn't a single day when some campsite didn't have electrical issues, in fact they turned a lot of their RV sites into Tent Sites because of electrical issues." Bringing backup power options is advisable for RV glamping in this region.
Level sites: Finding flat parking presents challenges at some locations. As one RVer observed at Auburn Gold Country RV Park, "Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level." Request information about site grading when making reservations for RVs in the Nevada City area.
