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Best Tent Camping near Beale Air Force Base, CA

493 Reviews

Several tent camping options exist within easy driving distance of Beale Air Force Base, California, primarily in the natural areas along the American River and surrounding lakes. Camp Far West North Shore offers tent campsites with fire rings and picnic tables along a shoreline setting, while Lake Clementine in Auburn State Recreation Area provides boat-in tent sites that are especially popular during summer months.

Tent campsites in the region typically feature basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though availability varies by location. Camp Far West provides designated tent sites with amenities including picnic tables, but campers should note the presence of broken glass reported at some sites. Lake Clementine's boat-in tent campground is open seasonally from May through September, with some sites remaining accessible during off-season months. Most tent campgrounds in the area have vault toilets but lack running water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with restrictions often in place during dry summer and fall months.

Auburn State Recreation Area offers tent camping with close proximity to the North Fork of the American River, providing opportunities for swimming and rafting during warmer months. The tent sites at Lake Clementine offer a peaceful setting when visited during weekdays or off-season. "We camped during the off season so we had our pick of the campsites, which was great considering the spots are right next to each other," noted one visitor. Tent campers at Camp Far West enjoy access to the lake for water activities, with campers reporting that spring visits offer particularly lush, green surroundings. Tent sites in the higher elevation areas like Tahoe National Forest's Onion Valley Campground provide more secluded tent camping experiences with greater distance between sites and access to hiking trails through meadows of wildflowers.

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Best Tent Sites Near Beale Air Force Base, California (49)

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32 Photos of 49 Beale Air Force Base Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Beale Air Force Base, CA

493 Reviews of 49 Beale Air Force Base Campgrounds

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2023

    Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    Off-season peaceful stay

    General: Normally, there are 18 designated sites that are reservable only from May 1– October 15. What we didn’t know until we arrived was that only Sites 1-7 were open after this date; fortunately, only two other sites were occupied when we arrived at 5:30 pm on a Monday in late October. The access road is about six miles of curvy, hilly, and narrow (sometimes only one lane) pavement. There is a sign prohibiting trailers; our 18-foot camper van did fine but anything much larger would definitely be challenged. 

    Site Quality: Many of the sites are more suitable for tent campers. The parking area is at the top of the hill, and you set up your tent below. Most of the sites that have a “driveway” were not level, except for Sites 5 and 6. We lucked out with Site 6 – it was large and level and directly across from the vault toilets. A fire pit/grill, large concrete picnic table, and bear box complete the site (although there was a fire ban in effect).

    Bath: Only one vault toilet was open, and it was very clean. It was cleaned again the next morning. 

    Activities: This campground is located on the North Fork of the American River. In season, this campground would be very popular with rafters; there is a raft launch and takeout area close to the campsites. The river was crystal clear and beautiful.

    This was a small but beautiful campground. We were surprised that we had a semi-decent cell signal ranging from 1 to 2 bars (Verizon).

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 25, 2018

    Big Meadows Campground

    Sequoia National Forest Lovely Spacious Camp Sites

    It sounds like there are multiple Big Meadow camp grounds in California. This review is for Big Meadow Campground, Sequoia NF - FS, CA. The photos are of site 009B. My visit was wonderful. The camp sites are large. We set up two 8 person tents and one 2 person tent and there was plenty of room for more. The firepits are very well made. They block the wind while allowing good airflow. There is a very large picnick table at each site, a bear box, and plenty of shade. There is a vault toilet that is cleaned daily. The sites boarder a stream. The water level is about 3 inches in July with temperatures in the 80's. This is a dog friendly site. There is no potable water at this site.

  • Rosina A.
    Jun. 1, 2022

    Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    Folsom Lake Penninsula

    Beautiful sunsets. No showers. Bathrooms are clean. Some sites are rather small and have little flat ground. Pics on website are tough to see when booking. Lake to most sites is a drive, but there are a few campsites on the lake. Many sites are on hill, you walk up the hill or down a hill with stairs. Lake has day use area, but also a dock area for camping folks. Lots of mosquitoes. They have a fire are to cook, no fire ring, have a bear box and picnic table. Some sites have plenty of shade while others are just plain sun so be prepared.

    Water is nice temperature and super clean! Nice to kayak, paddle, boat (they have boat ramps), fish, swim. Beach areas are rocks with weeds, but pretty.

  • Kate A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Thousand Trails Ponderosa

    Great location, but plan ahead

    This is a well maintained RV and tent camping resort. It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift. The RV and tent sites are in two separate areas, with more updated amenities available for RVs like hot showers. Shared pool site. Lots of great trails to weave through the campground on a mountain bike.

    One downside- it can be hot. Not a lot of tree cover for the RV sites- make sure you bring shade with you. Luckily, there’s a nice cool river to swim in!

    Fires are restricted sometimes in the summer. Some sites require a membership.

    Local grocery and pizza, frozen yogurt available within walking distance.

    Lots of great fishing, floating, and kayak accessibly. Bring tubes and life vests. Poles and bait.

  • Patricia O.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2018

    Lindsey Lake Campground

    Rustic and remote

    There are only a few campsites here, 12, I think, and a rough road getting (SUV or truck recommended) into the campground. Once you reach camp, you’ll be rewarded with serene and beautiful surroundings. Lots of lakes and hiking in the area. Mosquitos can be a problem so come prepared. Vault toilet. No trash service, no piped water. There are picnic tables and fire rings.

  • A
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground

    Great spot

    We rolled in here after midnight and most of the spots were still empty, and they're far enough apart that we were able to set up camp without being too disruptive. There's a vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, and some gorgeous scenery. What more could you need?

  • Zac R.
    Jan. 26, 2020

    Rucker Lake Campground

    Large sites

    This lake is a quiet getaway, with waterfront access and a warm lake. Short hike in but has picnic tables and bear boxes.

  • Anastasia P.
    Sep. 8, 2020

    French Meadows

    Great swimming, facilities could be improved

    We were here in August. Slightly long to get to on the windy roads at night time, but during the day the drive back wasn't bad. Loved the water access, and water was perfect temperature for swimming for our toddlers even. Great amenities(fire ring, table, bear box). Water pumps were good in the locations where water was present, but due to lower water levels, the pumps on the higher grounds had no water; had to walk to the lowest pumps(which had water, all but the last day when a big RV connected to it, and filled up the entire tank, leaving zero water for tents). Thought that was inconsiderate, and should not be allowed during drought season. Not sure if rangers can prevent that or ask RVs(who are more mobile than tents) to fill up tanks at neighboring campgrounds. Also we arrived late on Friday, so went to buy wood on Saturday morning(around 8 am). No firewood available for purchase left. If we knew that, we would have brought and purchased own wood at a grocery store(nearest town an hour away). However, we know most campgrounds don't allow outside wood, not to contaminate with non-native bugs, etc. Thankfully, there were enough dry logs in the forest nearby that we could scavenge to burn. Overall, great location, with great swimming, but some things could be improved with better facilities management.

  • Gina C.
    Jul. 26, 2019

    Lake Francis Resort

    Fun cabin rental

    Some of my family has camped here in the past at one of the tent sites. We decided this time around to reserve one of their cabins. We stayed at the Diamond P cabin which has the best view of the lake within this group of cabins. You can walk to the lake (it’s about 100 yards) from this location. Though it does fill up fast (by 11am it was pretty full). They have a large portable toilet there for use. We spent our time at the pool which is near the flushable toilets and the ice cream parlor, restaurant, and camp store. The pool goes from 3.5’ ft to 5’ back to 3.5’ ft.

    The cabin was great. Two bedrooms, each with twin bunk beds and a full bottom bunk and twin above. Small bathroom with shower, mini fridge, hot plates, microwave, and dishes. Dining table and futon in the living area. Nice wide front porch to sit on and enjoy the view, communal tables and bbq for all the cabins. This unit also had a swamp cooler to help manage the heat.

    Check in is 4pm and check out is 11am. There is also a small game room with a pool table, a baseball field, paddle boats, and kayaks to rent.

    The down side is how quickly the easiest access to the lake fills up. Everyone has to drive over from the tent RV site to access the water. There are other places you can drive and park to get to the water, but there it a drop off into the water from there vs a gradual walk in.

Guide to Beale Air Force Base

Tent camping near Beale Air Force Base, California, offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into nature.

Tips for tent camping near Beale Air Force Base

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Local attractions for outdoor adventures

  • The North Fork of the American River near Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area is ideal for rafting and enjoying the crystal-clear waters during the summer months.
  • Explore the lush landscapes and majestic oak trees at Camp Far West North Shore, perfect for hiking and biking along the lake.
  • The historical significance of Oracle Oak Grove adds an educational twist to your camping trip, with markers detailing its past as a camp on the immigrant trail to the California gold fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Beale Air Force Base, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Beale Air Force Base, CA is Camp Far West North Shore with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Beale Air Force Base, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 49 tent camping locations near Beale Air Force Base, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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