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Jack D.
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GuideOroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA
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They let us check in early it is all paved but not level!
Camping near Cool, CA
315 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The foothills surrounding Cool, California feature a diverse range of camping options within the American River watershed and adjacent state recreation areas. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, located approximately 15 miles southwest of Cool, offers year-round camping at Beals Point and Peninsula campgrounds with both tent and RV accommodations. Closer to Cool, the Auburn State Recreation Area provides several campgrounds including Ruck-A-Chucky and Mineral Bar, which offer more rustic experiences along the American River. The historic gold mining area of Coloma, just 7 miles east of Cool, hosts several established campgrounds including Coloma Resort and Camp Lotus, which provide amenities ranging from basic tent sites to cabins and glamping options.
Reservations are essential during peak summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly, particularly at Folsom Lake and along the American River. Many campgrounds in the region implement seasonal fire restrictions during California's dry months, typically May through October. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, with limited shade at some locations. As one camper noted, "The weather was HOT during early May. Our site was surrounded by some shade but could definitely feel the heat." Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Auburn and Folsom. Bear activity has been reported in the region, with many campgrounds providing bear-proof storage lockers for food and scented items.
Water access represents a major draw for campers in the Cool area, with the American River and Folsom Lake offering swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Gold panning remains popular at several sites, particularly near Coloma where one visitor reported, "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning and California history, go here!" Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near major roads. A reviewer at one riverside campground mentioned, "The never-ending sound of the nearby river was peaceful," highlighting the natural soundscape that attracts many visitors. Family-friendly amenities are common at the more developed sites, with clean facilities and well-maintained grounds frequently mentioned in visitor reviews. Weekday camping typically offers a quieter experience with greater site availability than weekends.
Best Campgrounds near Cool (315)
1. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
"As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely."
"We were in site #66 and it was a great walking distance to the restrooms and showers. The restrooms were extremely clean and always well stocked with toilet paper."
from $33 - $58 / night
Check Availability2. Coloma Resort
"If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"
"Steve at check in was very helpful, the little store is cool, and the campground is walking distance from the historic town of Coloma and the Argonaut for breakfast and lunch (and Gelato!)"
3. Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
"The grounds are very well kept and the staff is available but keep their distance."
"Very quite camping spot very clean.coin operated showers😭 lake is very close by."
from $33 / night
Check Availability4. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
"I’ve been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it’s a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing."
"Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."
from $38 / night
Check Availability5. American River Resort
"Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers."
"It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."
6. Thousand Trails Ponderosa
"It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift."
"Great spot if you can get in half of the camp got washed away from the rain this year though ."
7. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area
"Small cars made it down ther without difficulty)
Once at the camp ground, right on the waters edge, grab up the 3rd site on the right. It is literally on the edge of the river."
"Our site was next to the raft launch/pickup, so there were a couple of groups picked up during the day. Bathrooms were average and the site was maintained well."
8. Auburn Gold Country RV Park
9. Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest
"You’re also about 3 or 4 miles away from the Georgetown OHV which made it an easy ride to get to the dirt."
"A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare."
from $3 - $8 / night
Check Availability10. Camp Lotus
Drive Time
- 41 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr 1 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 22 min from Stockton, CA
- 2 hrs 12 min from Carson City, NV
Recent Camping Photos near Cool, CA
386 Photos of 315 Cool Campgrounds
Cooper L.
Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
Chris D.
InTent Montauk
Kate A.
Thousand Trails Ponderosa
Fawad A.
Ascension Ranch
Rosina A.
Coloma Resort
April N.
American River Resort
T L.
Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
The Dyrt
Reverie Retreat
Charity M.
Apple Grass Farm
Carly D.
Bear River Park & Campground
Rosina A.
Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Lily S.
Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest
Recent Reviews near Cool, CA
892 Reviews of 315 Cool Campgrounds
- CCheryl G.
ScoutLodgepole Campground
Filthy restrooms and showers!
5 stars for the campground itself. I've been camping at Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park since 1984, when I was just 20 years old. I have loved every camping trip since(at least 30 plus times)! The campsites are great, the grounds, and trails are well-maintained, and safe. I love that the general store is easy to get to and has ice and extras that we may have forgotten to bring. However, we have noticed over past few years that the restrooms in the campground have become increasingly filthy. I get that people walk in with dirt all over their shoes, so of course the floors will be dirty, but it's unacceptable to allow the toilets to be so gross! I will leave out the unpleasant details! I asked a young park ranger how often the restrooms are cleaned and he said every day. Apparently they source out the cleaning. It's obvious that all they do is sweep the floors, empty the trash and provide more TP. The sinks, and floors look like they haven't been scrubbed in a long time, and I noticed the toilets looked as bad the day we got there to the day they left. I remember in the 80's and 90's seeing rangers doing a very thorough cleaning each morning. We would walk in and could smell the cleaning chemicals, and the floor would be wet from mopping. Also, the showers are dirty too. They removed the benches in the individual shower stalls so there's no place to put your clean clothes. Do better Lodgepole!
- mmegan L.
TravelerGreenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake
Expensive but decent
We got a pretty secluded site at Cabana 12 but the rest of the sites are kinda stacked on top of each other or out in the open right next to each other. If you want some more privacy then do C12. Being near the lake was great and having a camp store and bathrooms. Showers cost 50¢ for 5 min which isn’t bad but since the campsite is so expensive it would have been nice for them to be free.
- MMike K.Scout
Jackson Rancheria RV Park
Wonderful Location
This place is awesome. Super clean, spaces are big and neighbors are not too close. The facilities are super clean and modern. We enjoyed the pool, spa and shower facilities. There’s a shuttle that shows up about every 40 minutes to the casino. The office staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different spaces and location of the afternoon sun.
Brook L.ScoutRancho Seco Recreation Area
Rancho Stinko
This park is completely understaffed, and the staff they do have are short and rude when talked to. Leaches in the water, goose poop all on beach area along with trash and dirty diapers. Management is never to be seen and the store they have is never open. Restrooms had poop on walls, birds in the bathroom, toilet paper everywhere. They constantly have water problems. They have an abundance of wasps also.
- Harry L.Guide
Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds
Very nice, Shade very where
All grass with plenty of shade tress. A lot of spaces to choose from, they have a camp host who patrols the area. Gates are locked at night so some what secure. There is a dump station that you can use if you rent a space. Very nice !
- DDaniel W.Traveler
Iron MT. Dispersed
Incredible Mountain View’s and Sunsets
Only a couple people here dispersed camping on a weekend. Arrived on Friday around 2 PM and the best spot was taken, but there were several others that were very good. It’s an unusual place as it is in abandoned ski resort. Lots of wide open spaces, but to the west there are two spots that are fairly secluded, but still open space and allow for good son for solar and great mountain and Sunset views. Very spotty cell service make sure you bring Starlink. It is a little close to the road so there’s slight road noise and on the weekend you can hear gunfire far away in the distance as people are in the forest taking target practice. No big deal though, very safe place. The sites are about 7500 feet above sea level. So even on the hottest days, it’s relatively cool and very comfortable at night (50s to 60s).
- MMagicallyChris -.Traveler
Grouse Ridge Campground
Great Spot and Hikes, Challenging Road, AWD Recommended
Place was quite busy over the weekend but we were able to secure the last campsite Saturday afternoon. The drop toilets had a little remaining toilet paper but ran out during our stay (bring your own). I wouldn’t recommend the road without 4x4 or AWD, especially if the road conditions are wet/muddy. Our RWD car made it to the site, however it's the type of road that you could easily get stuck without off roading experience and careful navigation. There are sizable rocks, ruts, and potholes to navigate through. Under carriage scrapping will be unavoidable for lower clearance vehicles. Cell service available at campground. Bear box boxes available at campground, each site had one.
Amazing hikes and trailhead near campsite.
- DDiane V.Traveler
Pipi Campground
Wooded, set along a small river with a boardwalk along the entire length
The campsite is set along one side of the middle fork of the Cosumnes River and is quite lovely. It is a popular campground on weekends so reservations are recommended. There are outhouses and fresh water available. Cell service is very spotty (we have Verizon) but drive up the road a half mile and you'll get a signal. There are places to fish and swim in the river, with several day use areas in the campground.
Guide to Cool
Dispersed camping opportunities around Cool, California provide access to both rushing rivers and expansive lakes within the Sierra foothills. Located at approximately 1,500 feet elevation where the North and Middle Forks of the American River converge, the area offers camping from early spring through late fall with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F in July and August. Winter camping options remain available at lower elevations while higher spots typically close after the first significant snowfall.
What to do
Gold panning experiences: Several campgrounds offer access to historic gold mining areas. At Coloma Resort, visitors can try their hand at finding gold flakes. "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," notes one camper.
Rafting and kayaking: The American River provides opportunities for various water activities. At American River Resort, "It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it," a reviewer commented.
Hiking trails: Many campgrounds offer direct trail access. Dru Barner Campground features nearby Otter Creek Trail which one camper described as "a nice day hike though a bit of switch backing elevation to get down to the creek." Wildlife spotting is common with reports of "wild turkeys, deer, and birds" throughout the area.
What campers like
River access: The ability to cool off during hot summer days ranks high with campers. At Mineral Bar Campground, "The river was extremely clean and clear with good temperature. The rangers are there everyday. Very friendly folks," reports one visitor who enjoyed swimming.
Historical exploration: The area's gold rush history provides educational opportunities. "If you want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You can also learn some history about the discovery of gold and check out Sutter Mill," writes a visitor about Coloma Resort.
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Peninsula Campground, a camper notes, "To be real, if you're unhoused but well-behaved with an income, this might be a much better option than Beals Point. Peninsula is about 45 minutes to an hour from Folsom depending on traffic."
What you should know
Limited shade: Many campgrounds have minimal tree cover during the hottest months. At Beals Point Campground, "The Sacramento area gets very hot in the summer, and this campground provides some but not a ton of shade."
Shower requirements: Several campgrounds require quarters for showers. One camper at Beals Point noted, "The showers take quarters and have hot water most of the time," while another advised, "Dyrt says that it has wifi but couldn't find one and the showers needs QUARTERS and we were out of coins. So remember to take quarters with you if you want to shower."
Water levels: Lake and river conditions vary significantly by season. A camper at Peninsula Campground observed, "We visited this camp ground last year for a pre-spring getaway and really liked it. Tried it again this week, and it was great again. About 3 weeks later in March than last year so there were a few more people."
Wildlife encounters: Animals are frequently spotted throughout the region. A camper at Peninsula described, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Waterfront activities: Many of the best places to camp near Cool, California offer swimming opportunities. At Camp Lotus, "Had a wonderful time at Camp Lotus! Staff is very nice. Appreciate the grassy camping spots, showers, and restrooms! For your convenience, there is an on-site deli that serves breakfast, lunch, and pastries."
Campground amenities: Some sites offer additional facilities for children. American River Resort has "a little general store that sells ice, firewood, souvenirs, Tshirts, etc." Another reviewer noted it's "ideal for families and small kids. It's nice to to wake up to the sound of the river and birds singing."
Off-peak timing: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons provides a quieter experience. A visitor to Dru Barner Campground shared, "A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare. Midweek and off season we had the place to ourselves 3 days."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At most campgrounds, not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. A camper at American River Resort advised, "I would be very cautious about coming here with a larger RV. Ours is 30' bumper to bumper. I think 32 would be ok."
Power considerations: Electrical service varies significantly. An RVer at American River Resort reported, "Our site had 30 amp only and I doubt any of them have 50 amp. The power is not good. I had to bypass the surge suppressor because it kept cutting out due to low voltage. Voltage was generally 104-105."
Cell coverage: Working remotely is possible at some locations. At Beals Point Campground, a visitor mentioned, "GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars. Dry camping spot 28.00/per night."
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cool, CA camping unique compared to other California campgrounds?
What makes Cool, CA camping unique compared to other California campgrounds?
Cool, CA camping stands out for its gold rush history and diverse water recreation opportunities. Coloma Resort offers a unique experience where you can actually try gold panning and take home gold flakes while learning about California's rich history. Hampshire Rocks provides waterfront camping with easy highway access, making it convenient for weekend getaways. The Cool area features a distinctive blend of Sierra foothills terrain with oak woodlands and river canyons, offering a different experience than coastal or high mountain camping. The proximity to the American River also provides excellent whitewater rafting opportunities not available in many other California camping regions.
Where can I find camping in Cool, CA?
Where can I find camping in Cool, CA?
Cool, CA offers several excellent camping options in the surrounding area. Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area is a beautiful riverside campground with scenic views, though it can get busy during peak seasons. American River Resort provides a convenient option with clean facilities, fire pits at each site, and is just a half-mile walk to town for supplies. Other nearby options include Auburn State Recreation Area campgrounds, Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake, and Camp Lotus. Most campgrounds in this region provide good access to hiking trails, water recreation, and the historic gold country attractions.
When is the best time of year to camp in Cool, CA?
When is the best time of year to camp in Cool, CA?
Spring and fall are the ideal seasons for camping in Cool, CA. Spring (April-May) brings comfortable temperatures, wildflower displays, and higher water levels in the rivers and lakes. Fall (September-October) offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds after the summer rush. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is particularly nice in spring when the lake levels are higher, though it can get quite hot in summer. Lake Camanche is best enjoyed in late spring or early fall when the weather is milder. Summer camping is possible but be prepared for potentially very hot temperatures that can exceed 100°F in July and August.
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