M
Melinda S.
Scout
ScoutLeavitt Lake
Easy Trail, Fun Spot
High clearance vehicle and 4wd highly recommended. The place has gotten pretty popular, so many groups and in and out traffic I lost count. It’s a beautiful place, we enjoyed the lake.
Camping near Sonora, CA
239 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Sonora, California serves as a gateway to numerous developed campgrounds and camping areas in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Camping near Sonora ranges from lakeside campgrounds with full RV hookups to forested tent sites, with options like Tuttletown Recreation Area directly in Sonora and Lake Tulloch RV Campground in nearby Jamestown offering tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Campground options range from lakeside locations with water recreation opportunities to forested settings with shade and wildlife viewing. Several campgrounds in the area feature full hookups for RVs, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings. The Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora also provides camping facilities with electrical hookups, making it convenient for visitors attending local events.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with some sites operating year-round while others close during winter months. A visitor commented, "We spent two great nights at Deadman Campground. It's a nice, quiet campground pretty far up into Sonora pass. We came on a Friday in September, and the campground was full by 12:30pm." Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The terrain varies significantly with elevation, from the lower foothills near Sonora to higher mountain settings along Sonora Pass. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between seasons, with hot summers in the lower elevations and cooler conditions at higher altitudes. Road conditions to some campgrounds may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after winter or during early spring.
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites at locations like Lake Camanche and New Melones Lake. These areas provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming during warmer months. According to one visitor, "Acorn campground is a great campground for boaters, or anyone looking to camp near a lake. Located on New Hogan Reservoir, there are multiple boat ramps, and large sites, many of them right on the lake." Wildlife viewing represents another popular activity, with deer commonly spotted at many campgrounds. Proximity to gold country towns offers additional recreational opportunities, with several historic sites and attractions within short driving distance. Campgrounds closer to Yosemite National Park tend to be more crowded, while those in the foothills often provide more spacious sites and quieter surroundings. Bathroom facilities vary widely between camping areas, from well-maintained shower buildings to basic vault toilets.
Best Campgrounds near Sonora (239)
1. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
"Only 5 minutes away from a small town for groceries. It is quite a drive to get to the actual locations in the Yosemite park from the campground."
"If you plan to go into Yosemite NP, it's a long drive so plan accordingly. Our family really enjoys Rainbow Pools and Yosemite Pine's proximity to Rainbow Pools is part of why we stay here."
from $24 - $439 / night
Check Availability2. Tuttletown Recreation Area
"Cute small campsites, kind of close to your neighbor. Not a lot of bugs which is always a plus when your near water, we went mid October and the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold."
"New Melones was not a top destination but it was close to a very special place for us, Natural Bridges."
from $150 / night
Check Availability3. Glory Hole Recreation Area
"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
from $18 - $22 / night
Check Availability4. USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
"The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot."
"Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked."
5. Diamond Gulch
"You feel like you're in the middle of nowhere but you're so close to things. Directions are easy to follow, leveling is required but there were pretty good lots."
"It was a bit hard to find in the dark, but the camping area is fenced in under an oak grove so eventually we found the stump with our name on it next to the tent."
from $30 - $89 / night
Check Availability6. River Ranch Campground
"There is no visual of the river there, but it is a very short walk to get to the picnic area where you have full view."
"Watering holes on campgrounds and around the area like Cherry Lake, Rainbow Pools and Gods Bath! California is full of beautiful wonders and this little gem in Stanislaus Forest is one of them!"
7. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
"I think this is my favorite California State Park. It is situated in the Calaveras Big Trees Giant Sequoia Grove."
"Pros - you are in the middle of the Sequoias, near hiking, kayaking, etc. Beautiful river nearby; pretty easy in and out for small-ish RVs. Hard to beat the location."
from $25 - $70 / night
Check Availability8. Mother Lode Fairgrounds
"Grassy full hook up sites in Sonora Ca. At the junction of Hwy49 the “Chain of Gold” and 108 outside Yosemite National Park. Daily/weekly rates. Short walk to downtown in this 1850’s mining town."
"We would stay here again next time we are in Sonora."
9. Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
"We were lucky to have a spot at the dead center of the top of the mountain looking out at the lake (site 13) with a big shade tree."
"There are sites on the lake with shade provided over the tables. It was mid week and was not crowded at all. The lake is gorgeous and at night there were several deer walking thru the site."
10. Angels Camp Campground and RV
"Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink. Small hiking trail that had some horse nearby that cam and said hi to us. Will definitely be coming back."
"Close to lots of cute towns and wineries."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 3 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 8 min from Stockton, CA
- 1 hr 41 min from Sacramento, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Sonora, CA
401 Photos of 239 Sonora Campgrounds
Mon M.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
Julie D.
Tuttletown RA - Chamise - BOR
Jim M.
Angels Camp Campground and RV
Lori T.
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Ryan D.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Tammy H.
Moccasin Point Campground
John B.
Diamond Gulch
Katie K.
Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
Ben G.
Mighty Farms
Kara S.
Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
Sage R.
Boneyard Road
Grunt Proof _.
Eagle Point
Recent Reviews near Sonora, CA
1090 Reviews of 239 Sonora Campgrounds
Margaret R.
GuideMerced River Resort
Beware rat infested
Stayed at this camp for a few months,then storages my basically new fifth wheel through the winter. When the hauler went to pick it up,there was significant damage done in which he took date and location stamped photos of while still parked next to the same RV we parked it by. When it arrived,it was even worse we had an active rat infestation that cost me over$3k repairs to all of my water lines and gas lines they had chewed through. Not including the mattresses,bedding ect we had to replace. I contacted the park,they ask for the photos and then said get an estimate and they would pay for repairs. It took me over a month to get an estimate,in which I had to pay for. For them then to decide they were not responsible now. Please do not store your nice items at this place! They do not care about you or your stuff. My insurance will be suing for all damages now.
- DDiane V.
TravelerPipi Campground
Wooded, set along a small river with a boardwalk along the entire length
The campsite is set along one side of the middle fork of the Cosumnes River and is quite lovely. It is a popular campground on weekends so reservations are recommended. There are outhouses and fresh water available. Cell service is very spotty (we have Verizon) but drive up the road a half mile and you'll get a signal. There are places to fish and swim in the river, with several day use areas in the campground.
V L.TravelerEl Dorado National Forest, off Cal Hwy 88
Decent site for first timers but better for dirt motor bike enthusiasts
We did two nights and left in the morning on the third day. The ranger drove by briefly both days but didn't stop to give us any feedback. We followed the coordinates using GPS out to this site just fine without losing signal. But once there, definitely no cell signal. We didn't see any posts labeled"8N54" or"8N55". We did see posts for Motorized Trailhead 13E33.
Overall this was a good little spot for first time dispersed campers like us. We did some light hiking and there was plenty opportunity for star gazing. Oddly enough there was rave music playing all night into the early morning hours. Unexpected, but distant enough that one of us was able to sleep through it ok, but not the best or most peaceful sleep. We're not really sure if it was coming from a nearby campsite or private property but, oh well. At times throughout the day time the rave music would come on briefly.
Also, this site is really well suited for folks who love dirt motor biking, driving ATVs and that sort of thing. We don't have anything like that but we chose this site because it was easy to get to and not too far from home and civilization. There were several folks riding around both days from about 9 am to 4 pm. We recommend using a copy of the MVUM Map for El Dorado NF Placerville area to see all of the trails and road types. During the peaceful quiet moments, we heard several woodpeckers, crickets, loud deer mooing. And there was even a small heard of cows that came into the campsite a little bit. For about 45 minutes we heard them clinking around with their cowbells on. But it was at night so it was pitch black and the bells were a bit distracting along with the music. One of them even decided to smudge our truck(see photo).
Also, be prepared to shake out your shoes and clothes often as this site featured dirt floor that was particularly dusty. Any time the riders would go by, a big cloud of dust would flow our way. Plenty of tree cover for shade. We didn't use the fire pit because of fire restrictions right now, but we got a fire permit anyway before heading out there. Instead we used a mini stove with butane canister. Definitely plan to pack everything out and clean up your trash. There were a few straggler pieces of debris clearly left behind by less mindful folks, but overall the site was clean in that sense. We were here in late July and it wasn't too hot or cold. We got a mix of warm and cool breezes that were really nice!
Alivia M.GuideLower Blue Lake Campground
Hidden gem
This campground is a true hidden gem. It’s a small Primitive campground with vault toilets and dumpsters. Most of the sites sit of multiple Levels as the grounds are sloped along the lake’s edge.
The lake front sites have direct beach access.
We were blown away when we arrived. A truly amazing destination. We stayed at site 10 which has a sloped driveway with a level platform at the lowest point. Our 25ft RV sat perfectly on the flat area. This site is on the waters edge and has a tiered area with table, bear locker and fire pit.
The water is clear and the crowds are minimal.- TThomas C.Guide
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Amazing campground
Very scenic campground along a river 15 minutes from Yosemite national park
- TTom H.Scout
Moccasin Point Campground
One of my favorites
Been here many times. I particularly like winters when few are around. The sites are spacious and clean. You will have to level. We have seen deer, turkeys, a good size flock of buzzards, osprey, bald eagles, a few big cats. Signs are posted about rattlesnakes.
- MMathew G.Guide
Clark Fork Campground
Clark’s fork for the weekend
Loved our stay all the campsites were very spacious can fit so much stuff in on campsite they’re huge. Loop a is vaulted bathrooms and loop b is flushing. Great spot to relax and hit up the river/creek!
Kevin G.ScoutFrench Camp Recreational Vehicle Park
Pleased With French Camp
Everything was great, but just make sure you don’t park on the grass because of the sprinklers.
Guide to Sonora
Sonora sits at 1,800 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada foothills, serving as a gateway to the higher mountains while offering milder temperatures than the Central Valley. Camping options range from 1,000 to 4,000 feet in elevation, creating significant temperature variations between sites. During summer months, lower elevation campgrounds can reach 100°F while higher sites remain 15-20 degrees cooler.
What to do
Swimming at New Melones Lake: The lake offers multiple swimming areas with sandy beaches and designated swimming zones. At Glory Hole Recreation Area, you'll find "beautiful spot with gorgeous views and lots of hiking trails to choose from. The view was gorgeous, and there were a lot of hiking trails to choose from."
Wildlife viewing at Tuttletown: Deer and other wildlife are common sightings at Tuttletown Recreation Area. One camper noted, "Lots of deer and raccoons. Gas station with firewood not too far away, and they have diesel. Boat launch and day use area only a short drive away."
Visit the giant sequoias: Take a short 30-minute drive to North Grove Campground in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. "Beautiful State Park, well maintained. The experience of seeing the redwoods will live in my heart forever. I drove across the country to see them, and I'd do it again in a second."
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Dark skies at Diamond Gulch provide exceptional stargazing. "The stars were so so beautiful, you can see the milky-way and in the morning you're greeted by cows outside the fence! We will absolutely stay here again on our next trip to or from Yosemite."
Free hot showers: Unlike many campgrounds in the region that charge for showers, some sites offer them included. "The showers are free and usually clean although on Saturday evening the campground was full and the bathrooms were dirty and out of TP."
Fishing access: Many campgrounds provide direct access to fishing. At Lake Tulloch, sites are often "right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset. We went swimming in the lake: what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn't bothered us."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Toilet facilities range from well-maintained flush toilets to basic porta-potties. At River Ranch Campground, "The bathrooms were clean, showers had nice warm water. We will definitely return. There were quite a few mosquitoes but with all the rain we've had it was to be expected, just bring your bug spray."
Summer heat considerations: Temperatures often exceed 100°F in summer at lower elevations. "We camped out for 2 nights in the height of summer. It was something like 107 when we were setting up the tent and most of the day time but on the lake itself, the temperature was perfect."
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We came on a Friday and the campground was full by 12:30pm. It's a great location for Yosemite, a bit far away, but a good base camp especially when Yosemite is full."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with pools: During hot summer months, pools provide welcome relief. At Angels Camp Campground, "The tent sites have a large covered area for shade and the park has a pool for a refreshing little swim. Lots of activities for kids (pool, horseshoes, playground)."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs. "Beautiful State Park, great walking trails, beautiful trees. Many of the buildings are older, but well kept. Great visitor center and junior ranger program, and swimming in the Stanislaus river."
Consider site location carefully: Not all sites offer equal access to amenities. "If you want to go into the lake with your dog, you have to walk very far away if you didn't rent one of the tent sites at the lake front area."
Tips from RVers
Fairground camping accessibility: The Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora offers convenient RV camping within walking distance to town. "Grassy full hook up sites in Sonora at the junction of Hwy49 the 'Chain of Gold' and 108 outside Yosemite National Park. Short walk to downtown in this 1850's mining town."
Check RV site sizes carefully: Some campgrounds have limitations. "Def geared for tent camping although I was lucky enough to be here when it was dead empty and picked a good site for my 27' toy hauler. Just would not want to be here if it was busy."
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations for a fee. "There is a nice dump station ($8 fee recommended.. pay station is at park entrance). No hookups. No idea where the water is at but didn't really look."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Sonora, CA?
Where are the best campgrounds near Sonora, CA?
Sonora offers excellent camping options throughout the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. Pinecrest Campground is a top choice, situated at 5,000 feet elevation with spacious, shady sites just a short walk from Pinecrest Lake. The campground offers flush toilets, showers, and a general store nearby. Another great option is Clark Fork Campground, which features 88 well-spaced sites with plenty of privacy. Its double sites make it perfect for larger groups of families and friends. Both campgrounds are popular during the summer months, so reservations are recommended. Other notable options include Baker Campground and Deadman Campground along the Sonora Pass corridor, all offering easy access to hiking, fishing, and scenic mountain views.
What RV camping options are available in Sonora, California?
What RV camping options are available in Sonora, California?
Sonora offers several RV-friendly camping options. 49er RV Ranch is a quiet, well-maintained RV park with full hookups including sewer, cable, water, and 30/50A electrical service. Their sites feature gravel pads and the friendly staff assists with parking and setup. For a unique experience, Mother Lode Fairgrounds provides grassy full hookup sites right in Sonora. Located at the junction of Highways 49 and 108, it's a short walk to downtown's 1850's mining town attractions and offers daily/weekly rates. Yosemite Pines RV Resort is another option, offering big-rig-friendly sites with various amenities. Most RV parks in the area provide convenient access to Sonora's historic downtown and serve as excellent base camps for exploring Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada region.
What are some popular outdoor activities near Sonora campgrounds?
What are some popular outdoor activities near Sonora campgrounds?
The Sonora area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. At Stanislaus National Forest Brightman Flat Campground, visitors enjoy easy access to Sonora Pass hiking trails with spectacular mountain views. Fishing is another popular activity, with Baker Campground providing access to prime fishing spots along the Sonora Pass corridor. Pinecrest Lake features a scenic trail that loops around the water, plus swimming areas and a marina for boating and kayaking. Rock climbing opportunities abound in the region, particularly at nearby Table Mountain. In winter, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding just a short drive away. The area also boasts excellent mountain biking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and gold panning in historic mining areas, providing year-round outdoor adventures for campers of all experience levels.
Is Lake Tulloch a good camping destination near Sonora?
Is Lake Tulloch a good camping destination near Sonora?
Lake Tulloch is an excellent camping destination approximately 20 minutes southwest of Sonora. Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina offers a comprehensive camping experience with full RV hookups, boat-in access, and marina facilities. The 1,260-acre reservoir is popular for boating, fishing, and water sports, with bass, trout, and catfish being common catches. The lake maintains good water levels year-round due to being part of the Stanislaus River hydroelectric system. Summer temperatures can reach the 90s, making it perfect for swimming and water recreation. The area provides a warmer, lower-elevation alternative to the mountain campgrounds near Sonora Pass. Weekends can get busy during summer months, so reservations are recommended. Fall and spring offer more peaceful experiences with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
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