Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area sits in the Sierra foothills at approximately 500 feet elevation, offering camping options within oak woodlands that transition through different seasonal conditions. During spring, the area features green grass and blooming wildflowers, while summer brings warmer temperatures and lower lake levels. Several campgrounds near Auburn provide yurt accommodations and glamping experiences for visitors seeking alternatives to traditional tent camping.
What to do
Hike the Darrington Trail: This 8-mile trail ends at Peninsula Campground, providing hikers and mountain bikers with accessible recreation options. "There is an 8 mile hiking trail (Darrington) that ends at the campground. Darrington is mountain bike accessible but nowhere near road bike accessible," notes one Peninsula Campground visitor who appreciates the trail system.
Wildlife viewing: The Peninsula Campground area offers exceptional wildlife spotting opportunities beyond typical camping experiences. "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, and there are so many skunks it can get annoying," explains a camper who encountered diverse wildlife.
Gold panning history: Visit Coloma Resort to experience the region's gold rush heritage firsthand. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! 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," shares a visitor who enjoyed this historical activity.
What campers like
Spring camping conditions: The Sierra foothills transform during early spring months, creating ideal camping conditions. "Another mid-week quick adventure two weeks before spring. Weather in the Sierra foothills in early March is perfect for a couple day getaway from the colder temperatures and snow in the higher elevations where we live," reports a camper at Peninsula Campground.
Private lakeside yurt camping: Ascension Ranch provides secluded yurt and glamping options near Auburn with lake access and nature immersion. "This was my first time going and I got to say, I enjoyed it! Super relaxing and has a lake that is at the end of the trail. Super convenient. It was cool to experience the animals that were in the pastures as well," shares a first-time visitor.
Waterfront access: Multiple camping areas provide direct water access for recreational activities. At Peninsula Campground, one camper notes, "Excellent camping area, depending on time of year camp site may be within a few yards from the water. We bring our kayaks and paddle all day there are plenty of miles of lakeside to explore."
What you should know
Limited shade coverage: Many camping areas near Auburn feature oak trees but may not provide complete shade coverage. A visitor to Peninsula Campground notes, "Others are correct that there isn't much shade and the sites aren't very flat. I got around the latter problem by folding a sleeping bag under one side of my sleeping pad to keep that side elevated."
Seasonal crowds: American River Resort and other campgrounds experience significant seasonal variations in visitor numbers. "Nearly all of the tent sites are tiny and crowded very closely together with no privacy breaks at all between them... We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and most of the sites were full so the effect was like looking up into a packed stadium from the bottom row of bleacher seats," reports a camper who visited during peak season.
Maintenance considerations: Facilities at some campgrounds may have maintenance issues that affect visitor experiences. At American River Resort, a camper observed: "The facilities have a lot of maintenance issues that just aren't being taken care of... Why install nice things and then let them fall apart? I don't understand."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities: Inn Town Campground provides family-friendly amenities that enhance camping experiences. "My friends and I did a group trip to Inntown in September. We loved it so much we booked another weekend to go back before we left. The owners are incredibly friendly and helpful... They have dish washing stations and the absolute nicest, cleanest bathrooms/showers I've ever seen in a campground."
Consider proximity to town services: Some camping areas offer convenience to nearby towns while maintaining natural settings. "This campground has it all. It's clean, has great amenities (pool, showers, kitchen, bathrooms), and it's a nice walk away from town. It has a spot for everyone - RVs, glamping tents, and the standard tent sites," shares an Inn Town Campground visitor.
Arrive midweek when possible: Campgrounds near Auburn generally experience lower occupancy during weekdays, creating better experiences for families. At Peninsula Campground, a visitor advises: "The weekends get crowded during peak season but if you visit mid-week you will have the place almost to yourself."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions before booking: RV sites at some campgrounds may present challenges for larger vehicles. At American River Resort, a camper cautions: "The terrain is steep with mostly smaller sites. Water pressure is excellent. 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."
Verify electrical connections: Electrical hookups vary across campgrounds, with potential compatibility issues for some RVs. One visitor warns: "I asked if I would have 120 V access and told I would but there was only 30 amp 240 v. Totally useless for me."
Arrive early for site selection: When camping in an RV near Auburn, arriving early allows for better site options at many locations. "Reserve a site online but when you get there tell the attendant that you would like to see what sites are available. Take a tour as the online pics do no justice, and with almost 100 sites, you will find the perfect site that will suit your specifics," recommends a visitor to Ghost Mountain RV Campground.
