RV campgrounds around Avery, California sit at elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet in the western Sierra Nevada foothills. The region experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures averaging 85-95°F and cool winters with occasional snow at higher elevations. Most campgrounds stay open year-round but require advance planning during peak summer months when temperatures remain comfortable compared to the Central Valley.
What to do
Petting zoo access: Children enjoy the animal exhibits at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, which features a popular attraction. "With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids," according to one camper who visited with family.
Gold panning lessons: Learn about the region's mining heritage with free gold-panning instruction at 49er RV Ranch. The campground maintains a well-preserved historic mining theme throughout the property. A visitor noted, "Great first trip for us! 49er was quiet and well-maintained... Free gold-panning lessons on the site."
Swimming options: When temperatures rise, Rainbow Pools offers a natural swimming hole alternative to crowded park beaches. "Our family really enjoys Rainbow Pools and Yosemite Pine's proximity to Rainbow Pools is part of why we stay here. The kids can jump and swim there and that's all they really want to do anyway," shared a frequent visitor to the area.
What campers like
River access: Waterfront camping at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes provides direct access to a stream running through the property. "Beautiful river running through the campground," confirmed one visitor, while another mentioned, "We lucked out with a pretty big and shaded riverfront spot (site 73) and could not have been happier."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained amenities at Jackson Rancheria RV Park. "Very well maintained. The grounds are clean, nice level concrete spaces with lots of grass around them. Easy to social distance," wrote one reviewer. Another added, "We love how clean it is, and the staff is friendly. The surrounding areas are woodsy and our dogs love the dog park!"
Family-friendly activities: 49er Village RV Resort provides organized recreation options for children. "The kids loved the stocked fishing ponds, and even better was the immaculate 2 swimming pools and playground! Everyone was busy having fun the whole time and the grounds were perfectly kept," noted a family who spent four days at the resort.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly at campgrounds closer to Yosemite. "There is no cell service and the 'pay WIFI' did not work for us...but there is complimentary WiFi at the laundry to check in on things that works just fine," explained a camper at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes.
Winter access considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds require preparation during winter months. "This resort is part of Colorado River Adventures and is private. Very nice park with everything you could need," wrote one visitor to Ghost Mountain RV Campground, where winter access may require chains depending on conditions.
Reservation requirements: Many Avery area RV campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with full hookups. At Jackson Rancheria, a guest mentioned, "Not a bad spot anywhere! Spacious, clean, very friendly staff, beautiful walking trail around the park. The views are so beautiful we will definitely come back!"
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule morning activities when visiting Yosemite National Park from local campgrounds. "If you plan to go into Yosemite NP, it's a long drive so plan accordingly," advised a camper who stayed at Yosemite Pines. The drive from most Avery area RV parks to Yosemite Valley takes 60-90 minutes each way.
Kid-friendly amenities: Placerville RV Resort & Campground offers multiple entertainment options for children. "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained," shared a parent who visited with children.
Swimming alternatives: During peak season when campground pools become crowded, consider visiting nearby lakes. One camper at Monument RV Park noted, "There is a fishing pond directly next to the campground and access to the lake just a few minutes away," providing additional recreation options for families.
Tips from RVers
Sewer connection setup: Pack sewer hose supports for some local campgrounds where drain connections sit higher than standard. A camper at Monument RV Park explained, "The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose."
Site selection strategies: At Yosemite Pines RV Resort, request sites away from main roads for less dust during dry months. "Most of the campground is clay dirt, so it's quite dusty and the RV spots are not paved," reported a visitor who recommended checking site locations carefully when making reservations.
Long-term options: Several rv campgrounds near Avery, California accommodate extended stays. A visitor to 49er Village noted, "We stayed here for a little over 2 months while waiting for our home to be built. It felt like we were on vacation every night. Pool is open in the winter with heating and a tent over top."
