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 (299)

    1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    22 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2334

    $25 - $70 / 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

    4 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "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"

    "Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon."

    3. Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground

    7 Reviews
    Camp Connell, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "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 Reviews
    Valley Springs, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Avery, CA
    4 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 Reviews
    Jamestown, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Long Barn, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +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. Angels Camp Campground and RV

    5 Reviews
    Angels, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Oak Hollow Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    2 Reviews
    Camp Connell, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Perfect location. Sites are decent size and some are more private than others. Site 97 is large and relatively private. Great for a pop-up camper and two tents."

    10. Sand Bar Flat Campground

    5 Reviews
    Long Barn, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "I made the drive in a 2wd cargo van and I saw an 80s Ford Mustang down there at the same time but i don't think I'd recommend doing that. A basic truck or SUV would have an easy time driving down."

    "I loved it super secluded way off the beaten path. Great camp host and the fishing was incredible"

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Recent Reviews near Avery, CA

1012 Reviews of 299 Avery Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    Great little spot to boondock

    Firstly, the spots aren’t actually on Evergreen; they’re on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd. There are two spots at the end of the very short road - each with a fire pit and ample space. There’s tons of dead/dry wood around for fires. It’s close to the road but there isn’t much traffic and it’s very close to the Yosemite entrance.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful boondocking

    Passing through the area, I was pleased to find this site. Large spaces and plenty of room for more than one vehicle per site.

  • Raymond M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    This place is real camping

    This campground was the best campground that I’ve been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man not recommended for women in small kids, but absolutely amazing and beautiful place. 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

  • Laura The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Glory Hole Recreation Area

    Pretty and quiet

    Easy to find, there was no one but my spot was labelled with the tags. Facilities are clean but the shower was cold, at best lukewarm. The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad

  • Shir S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    El Dorado

    Great place before lake tahoe

    We drove from redwood to Lake Tahoe and wanted a place to stay since it got late Good place Online booking and entrance if after hours and affordable price opposed to other sites in the area

  • Jolean D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stanislaus National Forest Pine Marten Campground

    Close to the lake but not huge spots

    The location is beautiful. Smaller Alpine lake with spot for tents, and smaller RVs. Good space for outdoor setup and clean bathrooms. If you are looking for boondocking Sierra Nevada mts with a few comforts. This is great.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Perfect

    Arrived pretty late so didn’t want to disturb others to check out all the sites, luckily there is a huge parking lot type area right in the front. Stayed for a night there with some other cars , no problems. Nice area. Easy drive in.

  • J
    Sep. 17, 2025

    American River Resort

    Perfect match

    During our stay (mid of September) the place was empty and we had the most relaxed time we could have. RV site close to the river and some deers also crossing our ways on the campground

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    Nice spot

    We ended up on the “outside” of the spots in the trees. But, we did not have anyone in either side of us. Huge spot. It’s pretty here. No nearby grocery so have what you need. The Yosemite village store has quite a selection but it is an hour away. Easy access to the park. No cell service. Have to drive about 4 miles to west to get signal. Sporadic signal in the park. WiFi is subscription at sites. It was $14.95 fir a weak. Very intermittent.


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?

According to TheDyrt.com, Avery, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 299 campgrounds and RV parks near Avery, CA and 23 free dispersed camping spots.

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 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avery, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots 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.