Top Tent Camping near Arnold, CA

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Arnold? We've got you covered. The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Arnold. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Arnold, CA (71)

    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    1.

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    20 Reviews
    94 Photos
    53 Saves
    Camp Connell, California

    North Grove (sites 27-59)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table

    $25 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche

    2.

    Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    53 Photos
    198 Saves
    Wallace, California

    Lake Camanche Resort features 550+ tent camping sites spread out over hundreds of acres which are available year-round at both North and South Shores.

    Many sites offer immediate lake access while others are just a short walk away. Campsite amenities include bbqs, tables, water, hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. Primitive sites are just a short drive away to restrooms & showers. Ask you reservation agent for which sites provide shade.

    All of our sites feature some of California’s best natural and native species of trees, plants and flowers. Looking for alcohol-free camping? Both shores also feature alcohol-free campgrounds, perfect for those in search of a more family-friendly camping experience.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    4.

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    144 Saves
    Arnold, California

    Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.

    Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:

    The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds

    5.

    Utica Campgrounds

    4 Reviews
    13 Photos
    137 Saves
    Bear Valley, California

    Utica Reservoir is set in a granite basin surrounded by red fir and lodgepole pine forest. The reservoir has lots of islands and is kept mostly full. Granite slabs along the shore extend into the water. There are two campgrounds adjacent to each other, Sandy Flat and Rocky Point. Elevation is 6,800 feet.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    6.

    Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    127 Saves
    Herald, California

    Get back to nature at Rancho Seco Recreational Area. A short 25-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, you’ll find the 400-acre park that makes up the Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Take a short vacation and enjoy bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and even a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals and wildlife. Camp in comfort with recreation and concession buildings, shade structures, laundry facility, boathouse, and newly renovated restrooms and showers. This Rancho Seco camping destination offers RV sites, tent camping sites, and group sites, some with gorgeous lake views.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    8.

    Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    60 Saves
    Stanislaus National Forest, California

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services like trash removal, and few or no facilities such as tables and fire pits, are provided.

    Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.

    Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:

    The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground

    9.

    Bear River Group Campground

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    6 Saves
    Bear Valley, California

    Overview

    The Bear River Group Campground offers four separate group campsites on a site above the south side of the Lower Bear River Reservoir. The proximity to water and the mixed pine setting in the fresh Sierra Nevada air, makes this campground an excellent group retreat destination. Upriver from the campground is the Upper Bear River Reservoir. This lake is smaller and spans 166 surface acres with 2.5 miles of shoreline.

    Recreation

    Lake activities include fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing and picnicking on the shores. Rainbow trout are found in abundance throughout the season, in addition to smaller populations of brown and mackinaw trout as well. A short distance past the Upper Bear River Reservoir is the Pardoe Trail, which borders the Mokelumne Wilderness. The trail runs up the top of Squaw Ridge to an elevation of over 9,000 feet, providing excellent views of the surrounding area.

    Facilities

    Lake activities include fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing and picnicking on the shores. Rainbow trout are found in abundance throughout the season, in addition to smaller populations of brown and mackinaw trout as well. A short distance past the Upper Bear River Reservoir is the Pardoe Trail, which borders the Mokelumne Wilderness. The trail runs up the top of Squaw Ridge to an elevation of over 9,000 feet, providing excellent views of the surrounding area.

    Natural Features

    Bear Group Campground is situated an elevation of 6,000 feet, just a short distance (approximately one mile drive) from the reservoir. It is part of the Eldorado National Forest located in the central Sierra Nevada. A Mediterranean climate extends over most of the forest with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

    Nearby Attractions

    Restaurants, boat rentals and a general store are within a few miles of the campground.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity. Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person. Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 14 days before your arrival date.____ Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $115 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Valley Campground

    10.

    Pacific Valley Campground

    3 Reviews
    12 Photos
    53 Saves
    Bear Valley, California

    Campground is closed. Alpine meadow and forest, adjacent to Mokelumne River and near Mosquito Lakes. Good fishing in Pacific Creek and the Mokelumne River, good early season deer hunting. Vault toilets. 19 designated sites. Campground will remain open as long as weather allows.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table

    $10 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 71 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Arnold

964 Reviews of 71 Arnold Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Silver Fork Campground
    September 4, 2024

    Silver Fork Campground

    Peaceful getaway

    Beautiful river area, friendly people, hills to hike around! There’s a fire pit and bbq set up at each site and bathrooms and drinking water around the campgrounds. Seems like an amazing spot for a family camping trip! I believe it was $28 a night for a single spot or $14 with a discount. Cons for a nomad is there’s 0 service out there even hiking to the top of the mountain. It’s also about an hour of winding roads from the nearest town to get there. IMO not worth it when there’s plentyyyy of free camping pull offs you pass on the way there.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    August 30, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, popular, treacherous

    I’m motorcycle camping and the ground level was about half full, mostly RVs, so I attempted to head up Scott Lake Road.

    The dirt was manageable but there are sections of large rocks difficult to pass on two wheels. I crossed several but I dropped my bike before the second circle. Defeated and exhausted from a long day’s ride, I headed back down to set up my camp among the RV set.

    No shade to the lifestyle but this is an awfully long drive to watch TV at top volume.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Campground
    August 27, 2024

    Acorn Campground

    Extended stays

    A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night. They do accept golden age passes which reduces your nightly expense to $10 per night maximum 15 days for the month. Geared mostly for small trailers and tents, however, they do have some sites for larger RVs drive-through 40 foot max and roadside, slide outs might cause a problem. Park managers are very professional, courteous and pleasant. Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness dump station is available for RVs. If you have a portable black tank, it would work out better for you on extended stays when dumping your black tank. If you are self-contained, you won’t have any difficulties at all.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crane Flat Campground
    August 27, 2024

    Crane Flat Campground

    Night under the stars

    Got one of the furthest sites tent camping. Could see all the stars. They also provide bear boxes for each site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ice House Campground
    August 26, 2024

    Ice House Campground

    Quiet campground with frequent bears

    I made reservations here a week prior to our trip because I was looking for a warmer place to camp. I previously had reservations at Pinecrest, but it was going to be in the 50s during the day and 30s at night. Which isn’t ideal since I have a 7 month old and a 3 year old. But it ended up getting pretty chilly here as well - high 50s, low 40s. I do not recommended campsite 3, where we camped. It is a double site and is spacious enough for two families. But the campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night. One huge black bear, and a mama black bear with her cub. It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3). Luckily, our kids were asleep when the black bear came around 9pm. The camp host never came by to check us in, even though we were right next to their site. They did not inform us of the three bears that would be coming by. Obviously we are in bear country, so precautions were taken. But it would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us (where one of the bears was coming down). When my husband informed the camp host of the bear that came by she wasn’t surprised at all and said “oh there’s three that come every night. One big black bear who is about 4.5ft tall on all fours - he’s a big guy! And a mama bear with her cub.” This was very strange to me that she didn’t come by and tell us this, nor did she tell the other campers around us. We went and informed the two sites by us so that they were aware of this. Aside from that, the campground is beautiful. You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around. The walk to the reservoir is short and sweet. The water isn’t freezing either, our dog enjoyed her daily swim. I recommend this campground for its beauty but be prepared for a bear visit.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    August 20, 2024

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Crowded

    Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
    August 15, 2024

    Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina

    Great time in this campground!

    We spent one night right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset. It’s true that bathroom / toilets / showers aren’t clean, they are quite old.

    But we didn’t care, the view worth it. We went swimming in the lake : what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn’t bothered us.

    It was super calm. The crew was nice with us and let us spend only one night here for 50$ (the minimum should be 2 nights)

    I recommend this place!

    (Also, it’s right halfway between Yosemite and San Francisco: which was perfect for us)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    August 11, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Pine and Cedar forest

    All wheel drive, okay. Large grounds, many motorbike and trails, permit required (bikes). Camped upper level. Please pack in, pack out, don't make others clean up after you.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    August 8, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great

    Lots of people ! come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars. very quiet at night, maybe i just got lucky lol.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    August 8, 2024

    Lake Camanche

    Fun Spot low cell service

    We have been going to camanche Lake for years . Low cell service but very nice place to tent camp. Last year, they gave us our spot we set up, then was told they made a mistake and made us move spots, but the new spot was closer to the water and that made the kids happy. Kinda a hassle, but it worked out. We love it at this lake.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Eureka Valley Campground
    August 7, 2024

    Eureka Valley Campground

    Great location for fishing

    Six of us went and got 2 campsites, 27 & 28. Very roomy and lots of shade. Other sites have varying degrees of shade from good to none. Fishing was fantastic with both flies and lures. Bathrooms nearest camp host are much nicer than the others. Hosts were extremely nice. Price was just $12/night with national parks pass. Tons of free firewood from downed trees in area

  • Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Campground
    July 26, 2024

    Acorn Campground

    Decent but concretized camping area

    Not expensive and has bathrooms, garbage, fire pits and picnic tables but no privacy and unfriendly camping ground covered with gravel and few level places to comfortably pitch a tent. Many families here but some partiers till midnight and an idiot who ran his generator all night during quiet hours

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Springs Campground
    July 24, 2024

    Crystal Springs Campground

    Camping under giant sequoias! What more could you want?

    Beautiful, wild forest camping under huge sequoia trees in a well maintained campground with fairly well separated sites. Flush toilets and garbage disposal but no dump station or electrical or water hookups. Definitely not for big rigs and I have a teardrop trailer and my Outback which are almost 30 ft and it was quite a challenge

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    July 18, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Really Nice Stay close to Yosemite

    This was a really nice stay close to Yosemite with really spread out spots. Couldn’t even see your neighbor and the vicinity to the park made it perfect. It’s 4 stars because you could hear the traffic from the main road from my spot

  • Camper-submitted photo from Highland Lakes Campground
    July 17, 2024

    Highland Lakes Campground

    Heat Wave Escape

    This area is beautiful.  At almost 9000 feet elevation, it is a great place to escape a heat wave on either side of the Sierra.  Reno was having 104 degree highs, so we were looking for elevation that was not too far away.  20 degrees cooler here.  Highway 4 over Ebbetts Pass is an interesting drive.  About 1-1/2 lanes wide, winding, no guard rails.  The 7 mile dirt road from Highway 4 to Highland Lakes takes awhile.  We go slow.  We put our van with a great unobstructed view over the lake out the slider and from under our awning looking towards Hiram Peak.  The hiking in the area was spectacular.  Lots of trails, snow fields, wild flowers, and wonderful views.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    July 16, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Great spot

    Awesome spot close to Yosemite, road isn’t too bad and it’s absolutely beautiful. I wasn’t bothered . I recommend arriving a little early, we didn’t have a little trouble finding the right road.

  • Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
    July 15, 2024

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Overnight stay

    We recently spent a night at this campsite and found it to be perfect for a quick overnight getaway. The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated.

    There are plenty of sites to choose from, catering to different preferences. However, we recommend taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped.

    A huge plus is the gas station just about 5 minutes down the road. It’s well-stocked with all the convenient store items you might have forgotten at home, making it easy to grab any last-minute necessities.

    Overall, it was a delightful stay. Just remember, always practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ice House Campground
    July 4, 2024

    Ice House Campground

    Beautiful mountain reservoir

    Boulder loop is very hot. Meadow loop has more trees and shade. Several sites in each loop have lake views and direction access to the lake. Can pull up your boat and leave water toys. Pit toilets and central shower at boat launch area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
    July 4, 2024

    Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    Fallen Leaf

    Large campground. Some sites very spacious. Fallen Leaf Lake is accessible within campground. Bike trail from campground to Lake Tahoe bike trail. Ten min drive to Emerald Bay and 20 min to Stateline of South Lake Tahoe. Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Springs Campground
    June 30, 2024

    Crystal Springs Campground

    Pretty chill little spot...NOT FOR LARGE RVs or CAMPERS

    Great little spot for tent camping or vehicle camping. You'll be fine if you have a smaller RV or Camper trailer but would not recommend for large units. Camp host Scott was really cool and down to earth. The campsite is clean and well maintained. Pit toilets were the best I have ever seen/smelled. The site can be pretty windy so bring tent stakes and cordage to tie out your walls.



Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Arnold, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Arnold, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Arnold, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 71 tent camping locations near Arnold, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.