Best Campgrounds near Arnold, CA

The Sierra Nevada mountains around Arnold, California, have camping options for every type of outdoor trip. Families often head to Tahoe Valley Campground where kids can stay busy with activities. Campers looking for something more basic might prefer Tuolumne Meadows Campground, which puts you close to trails in Yosemite National Park. Eagle Point Campground works well for campers who want to see Emerald Bay. Bears live throughout this area, so you'll need to store food in bear boxes. Most sites fill up quickly, especially in summer, making reservations important. Some campgrounds sit at the end of rough roads that small cars might struggle with. Check if fire bans are active before planning to have a campfire. The Arnold area has good hiking, fishing, and places to kayak nearby. Many of the camping areas don't have showers, but most people don't mind given the surroundings. Wawona Campground tends to have more wildlife, including bears that walk through camp. Your phone probably won't work in many spots, which helps you unplug. Spring and fall bring the best weather for camping here. Summer gets hot, so bring plenty of water. Winter camping exists but requires warm gear. Arnold's camping works for both tents and RVs.

Best Camping Sites Near Arnold, California (318)

    1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    22 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2334

    $25 - $70 / night

    "I think this is my favorite California State Park. It is situated in the Calaveras Big Trees Giant Sequoia Grove."

    "Pros - you are in the middle of the Sequoias, near hiking, kayaking, etc. Beautiful river nearby; pretty easy in and out for small-ish RVs. Hard to beat the location."

    2. Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground

    7 Reviews
    Camp Connell, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "A short walk down to the edge of the Stanislaus River and you won't want to leave. Very family friendly."

    "This hidden gem has a great lay out with tent only sites up front and spots for RVs and tents around the loop in the back - all sites have tables and fire rings are fairly close to several pit toilets"

    3. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"

    "Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon."

    4. Pinecrest Campground

    18 Reviews
    Long Barn, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 965-3116

    $40 / night

    "The campsites are a very short walk from the lake. the sites are spacious, well spaced and shady. Amenities are quite good with flush toilets, showers, a general store and more."

    "This is a nice campground on Pinecrest Lake near Sonora Pass in Stanislaus National Forest."

    5. Oak Hollow Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    2 Reviews
    Camp Connell, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Perfect location. Sites are decent size and some are more private than others. Site 97 is large and relatively private. Great for a pop-up camper and two tents."

    6. Mighty Farms

    2 Reviews
    Avery, CA
    7 miles
    +1 (734) 216-2182

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Situated close to a creek and perfect for stargazing, this property offers a way to get away from it all. We've heard the gardens are AMAZING!"

    7. Sand Bar Flat Campground

    5 Reviews
    Long Barn, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "I made the drive in a 2wd cargo van and I saw an 80s Ford Mustang down there at the same time but i don't think I'd recommend doing that. A basic truck or SUV would have an easy time driving down."

    "I loved it super secluded way off the beaten path. Great camp host and the fishing was incredible"

    8. Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Volcano, CA
    20 miles

    $30 / night

    "Next to a beautiful state operated historical park with lots of open space, tall ancient oak trees and two easy trails. Open space great for games, frisbee, soccer, or setup a volleyball net."

    "So glad we did as it is tucked away on the grounds of an amazing state park!

    Most of the sites are small with a lot of tree coverage. It was quiet, quaint, and clean. "

    9. Acorn Campground

    28 Reviews
    Valley Springs, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 772-1343

    $20 / night

    "A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night."

    "The lake has receded quite a but that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now (California drought). The campsite was well maintained."

    10. Golden Pines RV Resort and Campground

    1 Review
    Camp Connell, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2820

    $58 - $80 / night

    "Very peaceful location with amenities for all needs. Far enough from the road to be quiet."

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Recent Reviews near Arnold, CA

1130 Reviews of 318 Arnold Campgrounds


  • Raymond M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    This place is real camping

    This campground was the best campground that I’ve been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man not recommended for women in small kids, but absolutely amazing and beautiful place. Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing

  • Laura The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Glory Hole Recreation Area

    Pretty and quiet

    Easy to find, there was no one but my spot was labelled with the tags. Facilities are clean but the shower was cold, at best lukewarm. The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad

  • Shir S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    El Dorado

    Great place before lake tahoe

    We drove from redwood to Lake Tahoe and wanted a place to stay since it got late Good place Online booking and entrance if after hours and affordable price opposed to other sites in the area

  • Jolean D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stanislaus National Forest Pine Marten Campground

    Close to the lake but not huge spots

    The location is beautiful. Smaller Alpine lake with spot for tents, and smaller RVs. Good space for outdoor setup and clean bathrooms. If you are looking for boondocking Sierra Nevada mts with a few comforts. This is great.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Perfect

    Arrived pretty late so didn’t want to disturb others to check out all the sites, luckily there is a huge parking lot type area right in the front. Stayed for a night there with some other cars , no problems. Nice area. Easy drive in.

  • J
    Sep. 17, 2025

    American River Resort

    Perfect match

    During our stay (mid of September) the place was empty and we had the most relaxed time we could have. RV site close to the river and some deers also crossing our ways on the campground

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    Nice spot

    We ended up on the “outside” of the spots in the trees. But, we did not have anyone in either side of us. Huge spot. It’s pretty here. No nearby grocery so have what you need. The Yosemite village store has quite a selection but it is an hour away. Easy access to the park. 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 fir a weak. Very intermittent.

  • Bob N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Crane Flat Campground

    Yosemite

    Nice campsite, nowhere near level. Open sky, big trees, close to your neighbors, but quiet.

  • Victoria S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Serene Camping

    There were definitely a few long term campers here. But the place was very clean. No cell service fyi. Easy to get to, road is dirt but has very few bumps.


Guide to Arnold

Camping near Arnold, CA, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around Yosemite National Park. Many campers rave about the access to trails right from their campsites. One reviewer mentioned, "Great camp experience with trail heads outside your door," highlighting the convenience of hiking from places like Tuolumne Meadows Campground.

  • Kayaking: If you're into water sports, kayaking in Emerald Bay is a must. However, one visitor noted, "I found it challenging to launch my kayak due to the lack of nearby access points," which is something to keep in mind when planning your trip to Eagle Point Campground.

  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. A camper at Wawona Campground shared, "We saw a bear visit our campsite," reminding everyone to store food properly in bear boxes.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking scenery. One reviewer at Upper Pines Campground said, "Amazing position with astonishing views," making it a popular spot for those who want to soak in the beauty of nature.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites that provide a sense of privacy. A visitor at Fallen Leaf Campground mentioned, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Tahoe Valley Campground are great for families. One parent noted, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."

What you should know:

  • Booking Challenges: Reservations can be tough to secure. A camper at Upper Pines Campground said, "Almost impossible to book," so plan ahead if you want to stay here.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wawona Campground, lack showers and hookups. A visitor pointed out, "It does not offer showers or hookups for RVs," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Bear Safety: Always be cautious about food storage. A camper at Camp 4 emphasized, "All scented items must be placed inside the bear lockers," which is crucial for safety.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Tahoe Valley Campground, where kids can enjoy various activities. One reviewer said, "The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area."
  • Plan Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A family camper at Wawona Campground mentioned, "I may come here and play games with my family," which can keep everyone entertained.
  • Pack Essentials: Make sure to bring everything you need, as some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Acorn Campground noted, "They do accept golden age passes which reduces your nightly expense," so check for discounts.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort mentioned, "Sites are cramped," so be mindful of space.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds with full hookups. One camper at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes said, "It was the first full hookup campground outside the park, so pretty convenient."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds have dirt sites, which can get messy. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground warned, "The sites are small but have full hookups," so be ready for some dirt.

Camping near Arnold, CA, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for your next outdoor getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Arnold camping sites?

Camping amenities around Arnold vary by location. Acorn Campground provides clean facilities with restrooms within short walking distance of sites, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. The campground is reasonably priced at about $20 per night and accepts Golden Age passes. Lake Camanche offers well-maintained grounds with clean bathrooms that have hot water, though some areas lack showers on-site. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide vault or flush toilets, potable water, and designated fire rings. RV accommodations vary, with some sites suitable for larger rigs while others are better for small trailers and tents. Cell service can be spotty throughout the area, so plan accordingly.

Where are the best campgrounds near Arnold, CA?

The Arnold area offers several excellent camping options. Clark Fork Campground is a standout choice with 88 spacious sites that provide privacy from neighbors and double sites perfect for group camping. For those seeking water recreation, Utica/Union Reservoirs is about 20 miles north of Arnold off Highway 4, offering beautiful lakeside camping. Other notable options include Calaveras Big Trees State Park campgrounds for those wanting to explore giant sequoias, and several USFS sites along Highway 4 corridor. For dispersed camping, consider Top of Arnold areas. Most campgrounds in the region fill quickly during summer weekends, so reservations are recommended where available.

When is the best season for camping in Arnold, California?

Late spring through early fall offers the best camping conditions in Arnold. Summer (June-August) provides warm days ideal for hiking and water activities at American River Resort, though this is also peak season with higher visitation. Kit Carson Campground, located along Highway 88 in a scenic valley with the West Fork of the Kit Carson River, is particularly pleasant in late spring when wildflowers bloom and the river runs high. Early fall (September-October) brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds while still offering comfortable camping conditions. Winter camping is limited as many campgrounds close due to snow, though some lower elevation sites remain accessible. For the best combination of good weather and smaller crowds, consider May-June or September.