Yurt camping near Angels, California offers access to the Sierra Nevada foothills at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Most campgrounds sit within oak woodlands and chaparral landscapes, with seasonal water levels in reservoirs fluctuating dramatically throughout the year.
What to do
Water sports at Lake Tulloch: Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on the reservoir where water temperatures remain comfortable in summer months. "I stayed here for one night. There are sites on the lake with shade provided over the tables. It was mid week and was not crowded at all. The lake is gorgeous and at night there were several deer walking thru the site," reports a camper at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina.
Fishing for multiple species: Lakes throughout the region are stocked with various game fish accessible from shorelines or boats. At Lake Camanche, one visitor noted, "Fishing is awesome! Hiking trails can be better. There is a general store at the boat marina and ramp."
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution makes this area excellent for astronomy. A camper at Diamond Gulch shared their experience: "The stars were so so beautiful, you can see the milky-way and in the morning you're greeted by cows outside the fence!"
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round for off-season visits. "We camped twice at this campground on the South Shore. The lake has a North Shore Campground as well. We were the only ones camping on Christmas Weekend and we had a few neighbors when we went again in mid January," mentioned a winter visitor at Lake Camanche.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the day. "We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn't bothered us. It was super calm," notes a camper at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina.
Off-peak tranquility: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons provides a more peaceful experience. A visitor at Tuttletown Recreation Area explained, "We camped out for 2 nights in spot 96 in the height of summer and just before all the fires started... It was so dark that I was able to do some great astrophotography."
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Many sites offer designated swimming zones with beach areas. "Lake Amador is a laid back camping spot that never disappoints. Great for families. Not a party destination but you can still have a great time! They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at," shares an enthusiast at Lake Amador Resort.
Yurt accommodations: Several campgrounds offer yurt camping near Angels, providing comfortable alternatives to tent camping. A visitor at Yosemite Pines RV Resort commented, "We stayed in a Yurt and it was absolutely amazing. We ended up coming in really late but they left our key for us. They were super accommodating. The Llamas were an absolute plus as well."
What you should know
Water level variations: Lake levels can change drastically throughout the year, affecting shoreline access. "The lake level fluctuates wildly throughout the year, sites that are right on the lake can end up being hundreds of feet from the lake if the water level is low. Early summer is the best time to go for high lake levels," advises a visitor at Acorn Campground.
Summer heat preparation: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in summer months. "We were here in July of 2019, and it was hot! But the lake is fantastic and the campsites are big which provides plenty of room for shade structures, my site had enough trees for a hammock and shade," notes an Acorn Campground visitor.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cellular coverage. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, a camper reported, "No cell service. Have to drive about 4 miles to west to get signal. Sporadic signal in the park. WiFi is subscription at sites. It was $14.95 for a week. Very intermittent."
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility maintenance differs between campgrounds and seasons. "Bathrooms could use some upgrades and store hours could be extended as well," mentioned a Lake Tulloch visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Beach preparation: Bring portable shade and water shoes for rocky shorelines. At Lake Camanche, a visitor advised, "The shores in certain areas are filled with big rocks and don't make it very fun for trying to swim in the water, and shade can be limited depending on where you're staying."
Weekday visits for quieter experience: Campgrounds are significantly less crowded midweek. "Weekends are filled up and busy, but during the week days it's nice and quiet," explains a Lake Camanche regular.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds and organized events. "The campground offers a range of pull-through and back-in campsites along the slopes of the rolling hills, but most of the individual sites were flat and could accommodate a wide variety of rig sizes. Some are close enough together to make a great group camping set-up, while others were off on their own with a view of the reservoir," shares an Acorn Campground visitor.
Yurt camping for families: For those interested in yurt camping around Angels, California, several facilities offer these accommodations. "First time up and it's so nice and peaceful. Stayed in the cabin that sleeps 6. Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink," reports a guest at Angels Camp Campground and RV.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many RV sites have specific limitations or advantages. A visitor at Tuttletown Recreation Area advised, "Sites are packed in tight. Def geared for tent camping although I was lucky enough to be here when it was dead empty and picked a good site for my 27' toy hauler. Fire pits and picnic tables at every site."
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump facilities, though some charge fees. "They have a nice dump station up front by the fish cleaning station. Note that there's a gate that closes so that you can't enter - we just barely made it by the 9pm Friday closing time," explains a Lake Amador Resort visitor.
Hookup variations: Power and water connections differ significantly between sites. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, a camper noted, "There are only a handful of 50amp spots and people move to them quickly after someone leaves, lots of 30amp though so you might want to bring an adapter."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require substantial leveling for RVs. "Directions are easy to follow, leveling is required but there were pretty good lots," advises a Diamond Gulch camper.
