C
Chris M.
Traveler
TravelerRancho Seco Recreation Area
Great get away!
Rancho Seco is great, it’s nostalgic I used to go there as a kid. Now I have a trailer. Quiet at night super clean sites and well maintained.
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 (300)
1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
23 ReviewsArnold, CA7 milesWebsite+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
5 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. Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground
7 ReviewsCamp Connell, CA12 milesWebsite"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. 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."
9. Oak Hollow Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
2 ReviewsCamp Connell, CA7 milesWebsite$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 ReviewsLong Barn, CA12 milesWebsite"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"
Recent Camping Photos near Avery, CA
354 Photos of 300 Avery Campgrounds
Ben G.
Mighty Farms
goose10091203
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Tina B.
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.
Wakalu Hep Yo (wild River) Campground
Carter B.
Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground
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
Recent Reviews near Avery, CA
1032 Reviews of 300 Avery Campgrounds
denise J.
ScoutMother Lode Fairgrounds
Nice, quiet, clean place to spend a few days.
We extended our two day stay into a four night hang. Our site was level with 30 amp, water, and dump station. Our camp host was wonderful! We asked if he would bring a picnic table to our site and it was there within ten minutes ( Thanks ). He was super accommodating and pleasant to speak with. We would stay here again next time we are in Sonora.
- LLindsey G.
GuideYosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
Comfortable camping
Comfortable camping with a lot of amenities and so many trails and places to explore. Beautiful area and campgrounds.
kevin M.
RangerThousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Nothing Like yosemite in April
Went April of 2025, Used my free Thousand trails membership and it was okay the site are a little close together but the facility was GRADE A!! River was great, and plenty of hiking to keep me busy and the Yosemite park was very close, summer time looks like it would be an absoulute Sh!t show, and never want to see that. Cut old towen nearby and a over priced resort as well.
Richard R.TravelerHardin Flat Road
Some nice spots
Most of Hardin Road goes through a burn area so there is little tree cover and the scenery is not so good. The east end is still forested and there are nice sites along Rush Creek. Forest Sevices vehicles drove by nearly every half hour and you can hear some road traffic from Hwy 120 so don’t expect real seclusion.
Kevin C.RangerHardin Flat Road
Absolutely the best!
Being so close to the entrance to Yosemite and yet deep in the peace of the forest is a golden treat. This road has both the Hardin Flat and the hardin Dispersed sites. In reality, it's all along this road - there's really no distinction and there are loads of isolated sites. A few at the East end are very near the creek so there's water as well if you filter. No other services. Verizon is 1 to 3 bars. And, it's not really that far from Groveland and the services in town. I came into Yosemite via Oakhurst (Fish Camp - Goat Meadow dispersed) and an exiting at this dispersed site. You really can see and experience it all on a truly minimal budget.
David W.TravelerSpicer Meadow Sno-Park
California Sno-Park for boondocking near Bear Valley CA
The Spicer Meadow Sno-Park is primarily a place for families to play in the snow. By purchasing a Sno-Pass ($40 for all Sno-Parks for the season), visitors may spend a couple nights camping during the snow season.
In addition to snow play (family play, XC skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling), the park is a few miles south of Bear Valley Cross Country skiing and about ten miles south of Bear Valley Resort (downhill skiing).
I parked and camped here in my van (with my pass) on January 6 2026. There were families playing in the snow when I arrived just before dark. This was a week day so the parking lot was only half full. I parked well away from where most of the families were playing. Within an hour, my vehicle was the only one in the lot.
The lot had been plowed recently. It was pretty level. The only service was a pit toilet. My T-Mobile service was two bars.
I don't know if camping is permitted in the summer. I'm pretty sure camping OUTSIDE your vehicle is not allowed.
- JJean L.Traveler
Indian Flat RV Park
More than just an RV park
This park is located along the 140 right before El Portal. It is part of a larger complex that includes a lodge with access to all amenities (fitness center, pool, rec room with table tennis and billiard tables) as well as a shop (both gift and groceries). Visitors can stay until 10pm, campground office (with very helpful and pleasant staff) closes at 9pm and the lodge lobby/shop at 11pm. Pools are open from 8am to 10pm. In winter only the indoor pool is accessible (a pool and a jacuzzi) but in hot season, there are also multiple outdoors options.
- Kevin C.Ranger
Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite
Isolated but difficult
This site is isolated, but disappointing. There is a single pull-in site only sufficient for a van with decent clearance. There are no flat spots- none. I was able to sort-of get level by driving up on a mound of dirt - even then the van is a bit tilted. The road is paved until the last 1/2 mile and the last few hundred feet is very steep, but a passable forest road. There are many houses along the road up until the very steep part. This is not an ideal spot, but it is viable for a quiet respite. Verizon is 1 to 2 bars. No services of any kind- it really is in the forest- and is quite a drive to Groveland which has everything one needs.
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 300 campgrounds and RV parks near Avery, CA and 23 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 23 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.
Keep Exploring