Camping options near Applegate, California span from the foothills to the Sierra Nevada mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet creating varied camping experiences throughout the seasons. Summer temperatures often reach the 90s while spring and fall provide milder conditions in the 70s. Winter camping is available at select locations, though mountain access becomes limited when snow accumulates at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: South Yuba Campground provides access to clear waters with diverse fishing. "Great place for fishing all day. Crowded on holiday weekends and a lot of people playing loud music. If you are okay with that they have a lot of sites right next to the water," notes a visitor at Thousand Trails Lake Minden.
River swimming: The American River offers numerous swimming spots near camping areas. "The River is nice with man made trails to easily walk down to a beach area," according to a camper at Thousand Trails Ponderosa. Another visitor added, "It really moved along and was fun to float down in a tube."
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds feature on-site hiking opportunities. "There are about 2 miles of walking trails," reports a visitor at Sycamore Ranch RV Park. The trails connect various camping sections and provide access to wildlife viewing areas where visitors regularly spot river otters and turtles.
What campers like
Lake access: Many campers appreciate waterfront locations. "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," describes one visitor at Sycamore Ranch RV Park. The location allows campers to "kayak down the Yuba and up dry creek all the way to our campsite."
Wildlife viewing: The area's diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife. "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands," writes a camper at Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs. Bird watchers report identifying up to 18 different species at certain locations.
Campsite privacy: Some locations offer more secluded camping experiences. "Not a lot of people there, which made it seem like a very private campground. The site I stayed was pretty big with lots of options for setting up the tent," mentions a visitor at French Meadows campground.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Reservoir levels vary significantly throughout the year. "Water pumps were good in the locations where water was present, but due to lower water levels, the pumps on the higher grounds had no water," explains a camper at French Meadows.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across campgrounds. "Cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area," notes a visitor at Lake of the Springs. At other rv sites near Applegate, California, service depends on provider and specific location within the campground.
Campsite selection challenges: Not all sites are created equal in terms of space and levelness. "WARNING- two thirds of the campsites were on a slope with no where to setup a tent on level ground," cautions a French Meadows visitor. At many locations, corner sites tend to offer more space than interior spots.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated recreation areas. "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained," shares a visitor at Placerville RV Resort & Campground.
Swimming options: Multiple locations offer swimming areas appropriate for various ages. "It's great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it's swift," advises a Thousand Trails Ponderosa camper. Lakes generally provide calmer swimming conditions than rivers.
Insect preparation: Bugs can be prevalent during warmer months. "Meat bees... need a screen room to eat outside... they come out of nowhere," warns a Lake of the Springs visitor. Morning and evening hours typically have fewer insects than midday.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many rv sites near Applegate offer partial rather than full hookups. "Read the fine print! If you are expecting a full-hookup site, make sure it has septic at your site! Many of the sites are water and electric only," advises a visitor at Dutch Flat RV Resort.
Navigation challenges: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful driving. "The road to get to the site is extremely windy and narrow with no rails so be careful," cautions a French Meadows camper. RVs over 30 feet may find certain routes challenging, particularly those approaching from Nevada City.
Site spacing concerns: RV spaces vary considerably in size across facilities. "There was absolutely no space between the trailers, to the point I hit my head on my neighbors slide out while setting up," reports a Lake Minden visitor. Calling ahead to request end sites can result in more comfortable parking arrangements.
