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 (312)

    1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    21 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

    6 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

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

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

    "There are a few people on dirt bikes ripping around trails so not fully secluded but still a good spot."

    4. Pinecrest Campground

    17 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. 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"

    7. 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. "

    8. 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."

    9. Mighty Farms

    1 Review
    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!"

    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

1088 Reviews of 312 Arnold Campgrounds



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 camping is available near Arnold, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Arnold, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 312 campgrounds and RV parks near Arnold, CA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Arnold, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arnold, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arnold, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Arnold, CA.

What parks are near Arnold, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Arnold, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.