Best Campgrounds near Big Bar, CA

A half-mile off of I-5, far enough to dampen the interstate roar, and separated by a dike from the San Joaquin River.  Not a lot to do in the surrounding area, no obvious hiking trails, for example, although some fishing seems to have been possible. A small loop of 20+ sites, all (it appeared) with full-hookups.  We had a back-in site with no trouble for a 17' trailer. Small oddities (a site or two with what looked like permanent residents, showers with limited hours in the morning and evening, unclear signage on how and where to register), but a classic municipal/county park campground, that was a quiet and welcome alternative to commercial camps.

To be real, if you're unhoused but well-behaved with an income, this might be a much better option than Beals Point. Peninsula is about 45 minutes to an hour from Folsom depending on traffic. You have to drive down a long windy narrow road to get here, which is the worst part, so it's best to come prepared to stay put for as long as possible once you're here. There is plenty to do since you can go swimming in the lake most months (except early Spring), and there is an 8 mile hiking trail (Darrington) that ends at the campground. Darrington is mountain bike accessible but nowhere near road bike accessible. A shorter accessible trail (Oaks Nature Trail) is entirely contained within the campground and takes you through some great examples and educational signs regarding the riparian ecosystem. Wildlife is off the chain here. As others have said, if you don't love being surrounded by wild animals, this will probably be a bit much for you. Bears have been seen on occasion, cougars, Bobcats, and coyotes all stop by from time to time, and there are so many skunks it can get annoying. One night I was woken up by a deer walking right into my tent which scared the crap out of us both. On the flip side I've seen some of the most beautiful emerald and sapphire colored lizards. They breed here in late spring. It's kind of hilarious to watch the males do push-ups then chase the females down like 80 times in a row. Some of the females fight back and make it a lizard wrestling match. Owls, eagles, salmon, beavers... if it lives in this area, there's a good chance you'll see it here. The boat noise can be annoying on busy days but is not so bad from the higher up sites, which tend to have more amenities due to being further from the lake. The camp hosts here are some of the best I've encountered. Since this campground is so huge there are usually sites available first come first serve, if you come in late at night you can self register at the kiosk. Others are correct that there isn't much shade and the sites aren't very flat. I got around the latter problem by folding a sleeping bag under one side of my sleeping pad to keep that side elevated. Overall one of the best places to Camp near Folsom lake.

thsi place is a wonderful little hide away in the woods along the south fork of the stanaslusec river it has so many different opportunity's to have fun and adventure from gold panning to hiking to small fishing it has it all you can pretty much come here and enjoy your self all the time please make sure to pack out what you pack in.  Form getting in the river and checking under them rocks for that there gold even after that form hiking all around on the 160 acure area your tired and sore why not take a nice hot shower at the rest rooms yes that is right there is hot showers in the middle of the woods waht to wind down there is a wonderful little fire fit for yall to enjoy and have such a wonderful time roasting marshmellows and eatign s'mores

We just returned from RV camping at Cole Ranch and highly recommend it.  The grassy hook-up RV sites were big and welcoming.  The shoreline overlooking the river was relaxing, quiet and inviting. Barry the camp host was amazing.  He was attentive, informative and available.  The amenities were above and beyond anything we have seen at other locations.  Complimentary watercraft for the river, stocked outdoor kitchen, and hot showers with shampoo/lotion etc.  The extra touches made you feel at home.  One afternoon we took out one of the facilities canoes on the river and relaxed on the water all afternoon.  Fishing was a success, what a bonus. We will definitely be returning next year with family and friends.  Barry thank you for the delightful experience.