R
Ryan J.
Traveler
TravelerCapps Crossing
Campground closed
Fire swept through. It’s no more :( but it’s still a great spot to stop and fish!
5/26
Best Campgrounds near Avery, CA
The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Avery, California feature a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities. Calaveras Big Trees State Park's North Grove Campground provides established sites amid towering sequoias, while Top of Arnold offers primitive dispersed camping along Forest Road 5N56. Several locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with select properties like Angels Camp Campground and Pinecrest Campground also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in this mountainous region, with most campgrounds operating from late spring through early fall. Dispersed sites at higher elevations typically become accessible after snow melts, usually by May, and remain open until the first significant snowfall in October or November. Road conditions vary significantly—Forest Service roads leading to dispersed sites often feature ruts and potholes that challenge low-clearance vehicles. Most established campgrounds provide drinking water and toilet facilities, while dispersed areas require campers to pack in water and pack out waste. According to one visitor at Top of Arnold, "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long."
Stanislaus National Forest lands surrounding Avery provide the backdrop for many camping experiences, with elevation changes creating distinct microclimates and vegetation zones. Campgrounds near water features like the Stanislaus River attract families seeking swimming opportunities during summer months. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting encounters with deer and occasionally bears. Several visitors mentioned the impressive sequoia groves as highlights of their camping experience. A camper noted of Calaveras Big Trees State Park: "Beautiful site, hiking trails close by, well maintained grounds. Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off." Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage at lower elevations near towns and limited or no service in more remote forest locations.
Best Camping Sites Near Avery, California (308)
1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
23 ReviewsArnold, CA7 milesWebsite+1 (209) 795-2334$30 - $80 / 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. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
6 ReviewsArnold, CA5 milesWebsite+1 (209) 532-3671"A very secluded primitive site that is only a couple miles or less to town over paved and dirt roads. The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers."
"Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"
3. Waka Lu Hep Yo — Stanislaus National Forest
7 ReviewsCamp Connell, CA12 milesWebsite+1 (209) 795-1381$35 / night
"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"
4. Acorn Campground
28 ReviewsValley Springs, CA23 milesWebsite+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."
5. Mighty Farms
2 ReviewsAvery, CA4 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!"
6. Tuttletown Recreation Area
11 ReviewsJamestown, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (209) 536-9094$150 / night
"New Melones was not a top destination but it was close to a very special place for us, Natural Bridges."
"Cute small campsites, kind of close to your neighbor. Not a lot of bugs which is always a plus when your near water, we went mid October and the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold."
7. Pinecrest Campground
18 ReviewsLong Barn, CA21 milesWebsite+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."
8. Glory Hole Recreation Area
9 ReviewsAngels, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (209) 536-9094$18 - $22 / night
"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
9. Angels Camp Campground and RV
5 ReviewsAngels, CA13 milesWebsite+1 (209) 736-0404"This is a very nice RV park with mature trees. Close to lots of cute towns and wineries."
"Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink. Small hiking trail that had some horse nearby that cam and said hi to us. Will definitely be coming back."
10. USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
7 ReviewsFall River Lake, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (209) 536-9094"The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot."
"Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked."
Recent Camping Photos near Avery, CA
356 Photos of 308 Avery Campgrounds
Ben G.
Mighty Farms
Damien M.
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Rosie R.
North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Benjamin K.
Golden Pines RV Resort and Campground
Holly M.
Boards Crossing
Anthony Q.
Sand Bar Flat Campground
Carter B.
Waka Lu Hep Yo — Stanislaus National Forest
Jim M.
Angels Camp Campground and RV
Ryan D.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Lori T.
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Jordan L.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
Julie D.
Tuttletown RA - Chamise - BOR
Recent Reviews near Avery, CA
1046 Reviews of 308 Avery Campgrounds
- DDebra P.
GuideGlory Hole Recreation Area
Peaceful and beautiful
We made a last minute reservation and it turned out perfectly. We are on a hill overlooking the reservoir. The friendly ranger told us the weekends have been packed but mid week has been quiet. Be careful- there have been multiple mountain lion sightings recently. We however, have not seen one. Lots of deer crazing and a few large turkeys.
- NNicholas H.
ScoutHardin Flat Road
Buggy, but good
Skeeters were pretty vicious until the sun went down, preem spot after that. Access road isn’t bad and it’s close to the park.
- TTimothy B.Traveler
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Very nice with boat rentals
Very nice camp spots in the oak trees. There is a marina with boat rentals and boat launch. There’s a store and burger stand on the dock. It’s says dump station but we didn’t find it, found the one at Tuttletown Campground next door.
- NNorman J.Traveler
El Dorado National Forest, off Cal Hwy 88
Dispersed in mature pine and fir forest
This is a fairly easy to reach dispersed site in the El Dorado NF, north of HWY 88 and about 1-2 miles from a developed NF campground called PiPi (pr PiePie). Its off of Forest Service road 8N55 (although the map on the Dyrt site has it mislabelded as 8N54 as of 05/26). Reach it from 88 to Omo Ranch Road, then about 4 miles out on North-South Road [aka 10N83] to 8N55. Only a 1/2 mile on 8N55 although the ranger said there were other sites further out. You'll need to bring everything (and pack it out too). Camp site is a big flat spot on a hill crest under mature pine and fir trees. I was able to easily maneuver my SUV and teardrop within the trees and I think even a modest sized RV could do so.
- PPierce V.Scout
Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
Quite areas
Great area, quiet. Only 5 minutes away from a small town for groceries. It is quite a drive to get to the actual locations in the Yosemite park from the campground. It’s about 30-40 min to the gate, and of course it takes another half an hour or more to get anywhere in the park- but next to being in the park itself, it is a great spot. Our specific spot at B38 was a little confusing as to how we were supposed to pull up to the hookups with another pull through spot angled right near to it- we were able to jackknife it in a decent spot after scoping it out…
- HHeidi J.Guide
Indian Flat RV Park
Nothing special
Stayed in this Campground for 2 days. They don't have a dog park and there's really nowhere for dogs to go the bathroom. Every time I went to go to the office there was a sign they'd be back in 15 minutes... The dump site I believe was an old camping spot with hose access. It's about 30 minutes from town if you need groceries and 30 minutes from the park depending on traffic. I personally would not stay in this park again.
Smiley C.ScoutGlory Hole Recreation Area
Glory Hole ,on New Melones lake
Tent camped, basic site , senior discount, about 20 per night.
K R.TravelerThousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
First time RV Park
Easy access parking site, great family lodge to spend cold days playing or watching videos. Great hiking trails to explore the area.
Guide to Avery
Camping sites near Avery, California range in elevation from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, creating distinct temperature zones throughout the season. The Stanislaus River provides a focal point for many camping locations, with water temperatures averaging 50-60°F even during summer months. Most areas receive minimal rainfall between May and September, though afternoon thunderstorms occur occasionally at higher elevations.
What to do
Trail hiking: Near North Grove Campground, numerous paths accommodate different experience levels. "There is plenty to do and trails to hike in this area, easy enough for families with children and rugged trail options for the more experienced hikers," notes Jennifer R.
River swimming: Visit Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground for water activities along the Stanislaus. "This campsite is near the Stanisaus river! You can hear it at night and this place is a great spot to disconnect from society! Cell service is spotty to nothing, which is perfect!" reports Pat T.
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies provide excellent viewing conditions. "It was so dark that I was able to do some great astrophotography," shares Scott R. about Tuttletown Recreation Area. Most campsites outside town centers have minimal light pollution, particularly during new moon phases.
Boating: Reservoir access points allow for various water activities. At Acorn Campground, "we got in our kayaks for an awesome day paddle around the many coves of this reservoir. Since the lake level fluctuates there aren't many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch," explains Shari G.
What campers like
Sequoia experiences: The giant trees create memorable environments. At Calaveras Big Trees State Park, "The experience of seeing the redwoods will live in my heart forever. I drove across the country to see them, & I'd do it again in a second," shares Nicole D.
River sounds: Natural white noise enhances sleep quality. "You can hear it at night and this place is a great spot to disconnect for society," notes a visitor about Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground, where the Stanislaus provides constant ambient sound.
Fishing opportunities: Trout populations thrive in local waters. "We used a size ten Tribble hook with about a foot leader and pinch weights with rainbow powerbait for those that want to catch fish for lunch," advises Ian G. at Pinecrest Campground.
Ranger programs: Educational offerings enhance visits. North Grove Campground features "an extensive ranger station with a Visitor Center, snack bar, and organized talks and activities," according to reviewer L, making it popular with first-time visitors.
What you should know
Access roads vary dramatically: Forest Service roads require appropriate vehicles in many cases. At Top of Arnold, "Super fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine," reports Damien M.
Insect populations fluctuate seasonally: Yellow jackets become problematic in late summer. "Beware the yellow jackets!" warns HL about North Grove Campground, particularly around picnic areas and water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Avery, CA?
What camping is available near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Avery, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 308 campgrounds and RV parks near Avery, CA and 27 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Avery, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Avery, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avery, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Avery, CA.
What parks are near Avery, CA?
What parks are near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Avery, CA that allow camping, notably New Melones Lake and Fall River Lake.
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