Tent camping options around Beale Air Force Base, California include several lakeside and riverside locations with varying levels of amenities. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall popular camping seasons. Most campgrounds in this foothills region sit at elevations between 300-1,500 feet, offering camping opportunities from basic primitive sites to more developed facilities.
What to do
Water sports on Englebright Lake: Englebright Lake Boat-In Campground offers shoreline camping accessible only by boat, with designated camping areas along the 9-mile lake. Boaters can rent equipment at the marina near the dam.
River swimming at Mineral Bar: The North Fork American River at Auburn State Recreation Area provides excellent swimming spots during summer months. "The river was crystal clear and beautiful," notes one camper who visited during the off-season. The cool water offers relief during hot summer days.
Hiking through oak woodlands: Camp Far West's surroundings offer hiking opportunities through California oak woodlands. "We did a bike ride along the lake through the undeveloped overflow area and beyond to the north east end of the property," writes one visitor to Camp Far West North Shore, highlighting the exploration possibilities.
What campers like
Off-season solitude: Winter and spring camping offers significantly more privacy at many sites. "We visited Camp Far West for one night on a quick trip looking for somewhere remote, nearby, and slightly warmer during the winter months. It was green and beautiful. We were the only people anywhere except for folks in the full hook-up area," reports one winter visitor.
Historical connections: The camping areas contain interesting historical elements. At Camp Far West, a reviewer notes: "The name had us a bit confused. Turns out the area was originally a camp on the immigrant trail to the California gold fields. You can learn more from the historical markers on site."
Self-contained camping areas: Many campgrounds provide all necessary amenities in one location. "Jake from the Dyrt here! I got to know the owners at Oracle Oak Grove and they have taken great steps to make this a unique place to stay, they also have kayaks and other water sport equipment available for campers to make your stay even more memorable," notes a reviewer.
What you should know
Site variability within campgrounds: Quality and features of sites often vary considerably within the same campground. "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," explains a Lake Clementine camper.
Cell service considerations: Despite remote locations, some areas maintain limited connectivity. "We were surprised that we had a semi-decent cell signal ranging from 1 to 2 bars (Verizon)," notes a camper at Lake Clementine.
Environmental hazards: Be aware of potential natural hazards at certain campgrounds. A camper at Peninsula Family Camping warns: "When we arrived to the campground, we found that the sites we reserved were on a hill, and poison oak between them. We were able to get a combined site to fit most of our group, though."
Tips for camping with families
Pack adequate water supplies: Most tent sites near Beale Air Force Base lack potable water. "No potable water or flushable toilets, so be prepared!" advises a Lake Clementine visitor who camped during November.
Consider weekday visits: For the best tent camping near Beale Air Force Base, California, plan mid-week trips when possible. "I've been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it's a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing. I've only been talked to once by a ranger who didn't see my ticket but otherwise not many people usually there and they mostly leave by dark," shares a regular camper at Auburn State Recreation Area.
Check for dishwashing facilities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected amenities that make family camping easier. A visitor to Peninsula notes: "One nice amenity was they have a dishwashing station at the bathrooms with hot water at no coin charge like the showers are."
Tips from RVers
Careful navigation required: Access roads to many camping areas present challenges for larger vehicles. "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," cautions a visitor to Lake Clementine Boat In.
Seasonal considerations for RVs: The best tent camping near Beale AFB varies by season, especially for those with RVs. "We camped during the off season (November) so we had our pick of the campsites, which was a great considering the spots are right next to each other. Using hand warmers and a tent warmer we did fine with the cold nights," advises a Lake Clementine camper.
Site selection priority: Look for level sites when bringing an RV or camper. "My family and I went camping here for 2 nights in March 2022. Pricing for camping is a bit steep if you plan to bring more than 1 vehicle. We didn't have a reservation but it wasn't a problem getting a spot," mentions a Camp Far West visitor.
