314 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 Availability"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!)"
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
"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 ."
"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."
"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 Availability
ScoutNeeded a place to camp after driving 12 hours from Washington . Wanted to stay as close to Yosemite . This place did the trick . No one was there . Quiet and serene . Lots of scorched trees . But all in all was great . There is also cell service ! 7-23-26
ScoutI've been camping at this location for 10 years. This year the bathrooms were so disgusting it was difficult to use them. The smell was awful and we never saw the hosts clean them once in the 3 days we were there.
Also, the camp hosts were MAGA and thought they owned the place. They had 3 large dogs that at times were running around the campground off leash. We were enjoying our time in the river when her 3 big dogs and her, came to our quiet peaceful spot and just took over and her dogs were off leash and out of control. They tried to attack my small dog multiple times and she wouldn't even try to control them. She kept telling us that she's the camp host and she could do what she wanted. We had to leave because it was so chaotic. She totally ruined our good time. Then, when I tried to make a complaint to the Lake Tahoe Hospitality group who manages that campground, they did not take the event serious and even tried to kick us out because we said a curse word. I told them we were not leaving since we had done nothing wrong and to call the Sheriff. Which they did and guess who took our side. Animal control was dispatched too. And, no, we didn't have to leave. I've never seen such blatant entitlement and disregard for others using the area and enjoying nature in all my life. Pure Trash.
GuideLook up this site’s history, it’s quite fascinating.
While there’s a no trespassing sign, this is indeed a Forest Service-managed site and confirmed as a dispersed location.
I pulled in just as this older gentleman was walking the area, and he started telling me all about the owner back in the 60s-70s (“a mean guy”) and what a cool ski resort it once was.
ScoutI have stayed at Bear River Group Campground twice and plann to make it an annual trip. It is near a reservoir, but necessary to drive to get to the water. There is no road noise at all. It is fairly remote and very well set up for groups. Highly recommend it.
LegendGeneral: Beals Point is one of two locations on Folsom Lake for camping. Large campground with a mix of electric and non-electric campsites plus some group sites.
Site Quality: Drives are paved and mostly level. We camped in a little “cul-de-sac” with just four sites. While these sites back up to the American River Bike Trail (aka Jedediah Smith Recreation Trail), it was overgrown, and I did not see direct access to the trail as we did the last time we were here.
Bath/Shower: Typical CA state park layout– all-gender units with toilet and sink (but no soap, towels, or dryers) and showers. Unlike other CA state parks, these take quarters instead of tokens. The units could use a little TLC, but what was most disheartening was how other campers had trashed them– toilet paper (and worse) scattered all over the insides. Obviously not the fault of the campground.
Activities/Amenities: Folsom Lake is the draw, and people were fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The 32-mile paved multi-use American River Bike Trail is easily accessible. There is a snack bar/concession stand for beach rentals, but it was not open when we were there.
Our stay here this time was over a weekend; it was completely full, and it reminded us once again that we prefer to camp during the week and shoulder seasons when campgrounds are less crowded!
LegendI invite you to take a look at the pictures. This is a simple gravel parking lot with hookups. There's nothing special about this location.
GuideThere’s only a couple of spots to pull off the road, the boat ramp clearly states no camping. I found a spot but every few hours all night long a truck with flashing lights on the roof drove by. Kinda weird
GuideThis appears to be another roadside pullout in the Demonstration Forest area rather than a legal overnight campsite. Based on on-site clarification from CAL FIRE at a nearby listing, overnight camping is not permitted in this Demonstration Forest area. Only the campground run by PG&E is legal.
Guide--- Not a legal campsite: confirmed by CAL FIRE ---
I originally stopped here with an in-progress cargo trailer conversion because this looked like an excellent roadside pullout: large, easy to access, relatively level, and long enough to maneuver a truck and trailer without drama. As a short stop, turnaround, or day-use staging spot, it is genuinely useful. However, this should not be listed or treated as an overnight campsite. While I was on-site, I was contacted by Officer Steve Garcia with CAL FIRE, who advised me that overnight camping is not permitted at this location. I had interpreted the posted seasonal“no parking” signage as suggesting that public use might be allowed outside the snow-removal season, but he clarified that the signage relates to snow removal and does not authorize overnight camping in the Demonstration Forest area. For practical details: the pullout itself is easy to enter and exit, with enough room for a modest trailer rig to get fully out of traffic and turn around. Road noise drops off substantially overnight, though traffic begins again in the morning. The area may be useful for a brief rest stop, equipment check, turnaround, or day-use pause. But as a camping location, the important information is simple: Do not plan to camp here overnight. I’m updating this review so others don’t make the same assumption I did. This is a good pullout, but it is not a legal overnight campsite.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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?
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?
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?
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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