Best Campgrounds near Big Bar, CA

Camping near Big Bar, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

• Hiking and Biking: The area is great for outdoor enthusiasts. Campers have enjoyed the paved American River Bikeway for walking and biking. One reviewer mentioned, “The paved American River Bikeway was good for walking, running, and horseback riding” at Beals Point Campground.
• Water Activities: Folsom Lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. A visitor at Lake Camanche said, “We love it at this lake,” highlighting the fun water activities available.
• Wildlife Watching: Many campers appreciate the chance to see local wildlife. One camper at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park noted, “Plenty of wildlife to see in the day use area as well. We saw some deer and turkeys.”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for North Grove Campground stated, “Great view, great facility and coin-based shower, great trails, great water access, very clean sites.”
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds are great for families. A visitor at Coloma Resort shared, “The campground is walking distance from the historic town of Coloma and the Argonaut for breakfast and lunch.”
• Abundant Recreational Activities: Campers enjoy the variety of activities available. One review for Sly Park Recreation Area highlighted, “There are tons of activities to partake in: relax and do nothing, hike, kayak, fish, sunbathe, swim.”

What you should know

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Acorn Campground mentioned, “Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness,” indicating that some facilities may need attention.
• Crowded on Weekends: Popular campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Camanche noted, “Got very crowded on the weekend.”
• Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A review for Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park mentioned, “You can hear cars and trucks going by at night,” which might affect your experience.

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Midweek Visits: To avoid crowds, consider camping during the week. A camper at Peninsula Campground said, “If you visit mid-week you will have the place almost to yourself.”
• Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A family at Sly Park Recreation Area enjoyed the “great trail down to the water,” which is perfect for family fun.
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food and drinks on hand can make family outings smoother. One camper at Rancho Seco Recreation Area appreciated the “store was recently redone and they offer a wide variety of items.”

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Acorn Campground mentioned, “Geared mostly for small trailers and tents,” which is important for larger RVs.
• Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Woodward Reservoir noted, “They offer senior and military discounts,” which can help with costs if you need to stay longer.
• Stay Connected: If you need to stay connected, check cell service availability. A camper at Lake Camanche mentioned, “Low cell service but very nice place to tent camp,” which is something to keep in mind.

Camping near Big Bar, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!