Camping options around Applegate, California span elevations from 500 to 2,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between locations. The region's campgrounds typically close by 10 PM, with quiet hours strictly enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM. Most campsites in this area remain green with oaks and pines through spring, but become drier with limited shade during summer months.
What to do
Swimming in crystal clear water: The North Fork American River near Mineral Bar Campground offers numerous swimming spots. "Beautiful mountain valley of north fork. Clean campsites right along road with bearboxes, picnic tables, and fire pits. Easy river access down the hill to rocky swimming pools," notes one visitor who enjoyed the secluded setting.
Gold panning: Try your luck searching for gold flakes along the American River. As one camper at Coloma Resort shared, "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you."
Explore historic sites: Visit nearby Sutter's Mill and historic mining towns. "Campground is walking distance from the historic town of Coloma and the Argonaut for breakfast and lunch (and Gelato!)," explains a camper who appreciated the blend of outdoor recreation with local history exploration.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean bathrooms and showers despite their remote locations. A visitor to Inn Town Campground noted, "They have dish washing stations and the absolute nicest, cleanest bathrooms/showers I've ever seen in a campground."
Waterfront access: Lake and river proximity allows for immediate water recreation. "We camped during the off season (November) so we had our pick of the campsites, which was a great considering the spots are right next to each other. Really nice site right by the water," reported a camper at Lake Clementine Boat In.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife encounters throughout the year. At Peninsula Campground, one camper observed, "Wildlife is off the chain here. As others have said, if you don't love being surrounded by wild animals, this will probably be a bit much for you. Bears have been seen on occasion, cougars, Bobcats, and coyotes all stop by from time to time."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating narrow, winding roads. For Giant Gap Campground, a visitor advised, "Be warned though, Google maps will suggest driving up Iowa Hill. DO NOT. Follow the directions of the campground, that road is not for the faint of heart. And NOT for RVs or trailers."
Seasonal water levels: American River and lake water levels fluctuate dramatically by season. "The river was crystal clear and beautiful," noted a camper at Lake Clementine Boat In during October, while summer visitors often find water levels significantly lower.
Reservation requirements: First-come sites fill quickly during summer weekends. "First come first serve campsites, I went for a solo camp trip and loved it. I came in on a Thursday afternoon and snagged campsite #5. (Useful tip, BRING A PEN AND EXACT CASH)," advised one camper detailing the self-registration process.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Some campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to river swimming. An Inn Town Campground visitor mentioned, "Pool was small but the pool area was really nice. Great location for swimming in the Yuba river!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and recreational facilities. According to a Dru Barner Campground visitor, "This has been my favorite spot after traveling all across US. I wanted to hide in the forest. Nothing but trees and the wind blowing through them."
Safety considerations: Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region. "Bears are common in this area and I've personally seen a few crossing the road on my way to and from the campground. There are bear lockers provided for food and scented items," reported a Mineral Bar camper highlighting the importance of using provided bear boxes.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require significant leveling. A visitor to Beals Point Campground shared, "Stayed two nights while working on the road. Really nice camp hosts and attendants. Nice services; clean bathrooms and coin op showers. Very green early in the season, lake extremely low, warm evenings already."
Length restrictions: Several access roads have vehicle length limitations. "The access road is about six miles of curvy, hilly, and narrow (sometimes only one lane) pavement. There is a sign prohibiting trailers; our 18-foot camper van did fine but anything much larger would definitely be challenged," warned a Lake Clementine Boat In visitor.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer limited or no hookups. An Auburn Gold Country RV Park visitor noted, "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."
