J
Jessica W.
Scout
ScoutFraser Flat Campground
Quiet
It's been some years since I've been here but just downloaded this app. I wouldn't take my children now because of the river, but if it's just adults I think it's a great spot! Small and quiet!
Best Campgrounds near Valley Springs, CA
Valley Springs, California serves as a gateway to numerous reservoir-based camping opportunities in California's Gold Country. Acorn Campground on New Hogan Reservoir and COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground provide lakeside camping with varying amenities. Within a 30-minute drive, Lake Camanche and Lake Amador Resort offer additional water-based recreation with more extensive facilities. The region supports diverse camping styles from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV parks, glamping options, and cabin rentals. Jackson Rancheria RV Park, about 20 miles northeast, provides a highly-rated experience with modern amenities and canyon views.
Water levels at area reservoirs fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting shoreline access and campsite proximity to water. According to camper Darin D., "The lake level varies wildly throughout the year; sites that are right on the lake can end up being hundreds of feet from the lake if the water level is low. Early summer is the best time to go for high lake levels." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winters remain mild but can bring occasional rain. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months and holidays. Cell service varies considerably between locations, with some areas like Lake Camanche's South Shore having limited connectivity. The town of Valley Springs provides convenient access to supplies, approximately 5 minutes from New Hogan Lake campgrounds.
Wildlife encounters feature prominently in visitor experiences, with deer frequently observed near campsites. Lloyd G. noted at Acorn Campground: "The wildlife was people-friendly to say the least. I had a family of deer pretty much monitoring my whole trip." Water recreation dominates activities, with fishing, boating, swimming, and kayaking available at most locations. Site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds and specific sites. Campers frequently mention the well-maintained facilities at Lake Camanche, where Donnalyn C. reported: "Bathrooms are always clean and with hot water." Proximity to historic Gold Country towns provides additional exploration opportunities. Most campgrounds offer standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms, though hookup availability differs significantly between locations.
Best Camping Sites Near Valley Springs, California (263)
1. Acorn Campground
28 ReviewsValley Springs, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (209) 772-1343$20 / night
"Lots of site variation, so do your homework or be flexible, you might get an amazing lake side spot with a view, but not enough room for a tent."
"A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night."
2. Lake Camanche
18 ReviewsWallace, CA7 milesWebsite+1 (209) 763-5121$50 / night
"Easy access to the lake. Campground is well maintained. Bathrooms are always clean and with hot water. No shower at this site. But there’s one close by at the Riverview, walking distance."
"I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that.
The water level really varies on the year."3. Lake Amador Resort
12 ReviewsIone, CA9 milesWebsite+1 (209) 274-4739$25 - $45 / night
"Fabulous lakeside camping.... We’ve been in March, May, July and September..... July, just too hot but we love being able to just get up and fish... The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish."
"Lake water level was super low at end of summer & lake is hard to access. Unless you got a boat. Saw deer & wild turkeys. This park is huge."
4. Rancho Seco Recreation Area
16 ReviewsHerald, CA18 milesWebsite+1 (209) 748-2318"The campsites are spacious and you don't feel over crowded if there is a family next to you. It's pet friendly."
"I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."
5. Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area
4 ReviewsIone, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (661) 702-1420"This campground is located in Lake Pardee. Some sites have a beautiful view of the lake. Lake View also has several RV sites but reservations go quickly. The lake is for fishing and boating only."
6. Jackson Rancheria RV Park
7 ReviewsJackson, CA14 milesWebsite+1 (209) 223-1677$50 - $70 / night
"We wanted a close to home location with all the hookups to make sure we knew how to use everything. We were shocked at how clean and beautiful this park was!"
"Spacious , clean, very friendly staff, beautiful walking trail around the park. The views are so beautiful we will definitely come back!"
7. COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground
2 ReviewsValley Springs, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (209) 772-1343"We did a lot of kayak fishing and relaxing by the lake. We were able to walk the kayaks down with no problem."
8. Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche
2 ReviewsWallace, CA6 milesWebsite+1 (866) 763-5121"There is a fishing pond directly next to the campground and access to the lake just a few minutes away."
"Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!"
10. Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground
12 ReviewsVolcano, CA19 miles$30 / night
"Next to a beautiful state operated historical park with lots of open space, tall ancient oak trees and two easy trails. Open space great for games, frisbee, soccer, or setup a volleyball net."
"So glad we did as it is tucked away on the grounds of an amazing state park! Most of the sites are small with a lot of tree coverage. It was quiet, quaint, and clean. "
Recent Camping Photos near Valley Springs, CA
249 Photos of 263 Valley Springs Campgrounds
Darin D.
New Hogan Lake - COE/Acorn West
Pamela P.
COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground
Popeye F.
Acorn Campground
Roxanne D.
Lake Camanche
Kimmee P.
Lake Amador Resort
Theo A.
Jackson Rancheria RV Park
Maria O.
Gold Country Campground Resort
Bob S.
Rancho Seco Recreation Area
Jim M.
Angels Camp Campground and RV
Kartik K.
Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground
Ryan D.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Lori T.
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Recent Reviews near Valley Springs, CA
827 Reviews of 263 Valley Springs Campgrounds
Delaney N.
TravelerRiver Ranch Campground
Great getaway!
I went up for Memorial Day weekend and it was a wonderful experience! I stayed in site M1. 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.
The site was very close to the bathrooms and showers which was very convenient. The only downside is that you are right next to the entrance so you see a lot of cars go by, however it never caused an issue during our stay. We also didn’t see much wildlife, but again I think that was because of the proximity to the entrance.
Because you are close to the entrance though, we did have full access to wifi throughout the entire trip! If course we didn’t use it much because the goal was to disconnect, however if having connection is important to you, this is a great site!
- MMark T.Scout
Modesto Reservoir
Worst Camping Ever!
We stayed here in B loop site 25 over Memorial Day weekend. The site was FHU with a level concrete pad for the RV. Each site has a concrete picnic table and very large concrete fire pit. That’s where all the good things about this campground end.
There are burrs, goose poop and spiders everywhere. Tent campers are allowed to reserve FHU RV sites, and many do. Because the 6 people per site rule is NOT enforced, the tent campers easily infringe on others’ campsites and are constantly walking through others’ campsites. When asked about the tents in RV sites, the staff at the campground entrance shack stated “We do not discriminate”, which clearly contributes to the chaos of the campground. The staff at the entrance shack are rude and incompetent.
There is absolutely NO enforcement of quiet hours. Other campers keep their music loud and the party going all night, every night. They literally never turned it down and were blasting it like they were at the club… 12am, 2am, 4am, 6am… ALL NIGHT. My kids and I couldn’t get a good night sleep because of it. This is not a true family campground. It invites all the wrong elements, because they don’t enforce the rules. Drunken, loud, yelling campers are everywhere at all times.
This is not relaxing camping. It’s just non-stop loud music and partying. I would NEVER recommend this campground to people I actually like, and will never be returning.
Leslie M.ScoutVan Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite
Amazing view for sunrise
Amazing spot love it, it’s a bit of a drive for a car but amazing view and very peaceful
- RRyan J.Traveler
Capps Crossing
Campground closed
Fire swept through. It’s no more :( but it’s still a great spot to stop and fish!
5/26
- VVictoria M.Scout
Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Peninsula Campground
I wanted to find a spot somewhat close by and came across this one. I think it was because I went on a weekday but upon entering there’s no one at the front so there is no check in so you just go straight to your camp site. I wasn’t expecting there to be a distance from the campsite to your parking space but if you’re looking for a spot for van/SUV camping it’s a little difficult to find a spot. Some spots are better than others of course! Camp host was really friendly as well! Spotted some turkey, deer, and quail!
- DDebra P.
GuideGlory Hole Recreation Area
Peaceful and beautiful
We made a last minute reservation and it turned out perfectly. We are on a hill overlooking the reservoir. The friendly ranger told us the weekends have been packed but mid week has been quiet. Be careful- there have been multiple mountain lion sightings recently. We however, have not seen one. Lots of deer crazing and a few large turkeys.
- TTimothy B.Traveler
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Very nice with boat rentals
Very nice camp spots in the oak trees. There is a marina with boat rentals and boat launch. There’s a store and burger stand on the dock. It’s says dump station but we didn’t find it, found the one at Tuttletown Campground next door.
Vidalia S.
LegendBeals Point Campground Glamping — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Glamping
Convenient
5 minutes to stores and restaurants, with swimming, fishing, boating, biking trails, ADA sites available. Large well separated campsites among scattered pines and oaks providing nice shade. Showers water and flush toilets. Several sites with electric hookup. I did not see a pump out station. The only problem is the reservation site through the state of California. $28 for a site without a hookup. The "glamping" refers to a canvas tent (yurt) with 2 full bed frames and foam mattresses in it. The "glamping' sites also have a fabric shelter over the picnic table, and a raised grill as well as a campfire ring, all for the affordable price of $279 a night, and you still have to walk to the bathroom. Use a communal shower and carry your own water. There seem to always be sites available, and I think they added the glamping to attract more people, but what they really need to do is fix the website where you make reservations. The glamping also seems to be run by a separate vendor, although you still reserve through the state of California. The reservation site said there was one site available but when we got here there were many many sites.
Guide to Valley Springs
Valley Springs, California provides access to multiple established campgrounds along New Hogan Lake and surrounding reservoirs. Acorn Campground, located at New Hogan Lake, features sites for tents and RVs with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and flush toilets. Lake Camanche, Lake Amador Resort, and Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area offer more developed options with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some properties like Lake Amador Resort also offering cabin rentals and glamping opportunities.
The camping season generally runs year-round, though summer brings intense heat with limited shade at some locations. Several campgrounds require reservations through Recreation.gov, particularly during peak periods from late spring through early fall when water activities are most popular. Bathroom and shower facilities vary considerably between locations, with some campers reporting maintenance issues. "The campground offers a range of pull-through and back-in campsites along the slopes of the rolling hills, but most of the individual sites were flat and could accommodate a wide variety of rig sizes," noted one visitor to Acorn Campground.
Many camping areas provide direct lake access, making them popular for fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming activities. Lake levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting shoreline access and boat launch usability. According to visitor reports, sites near the water tend to fill quickly, especially on weekends. Campers mention that early summer typically offers the highest water levels for recreation. Facilities at most campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water, though hookup availability varies between locations. Several visitors highlighted the spacious nature of many campsites, particularly at Acorn Campground, where sites are well-spaced and some offer lake views. Noise levels can increase on weekends when boating activity is heaviest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Valley Springs, CA?
What camping is available near Valley Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Valley Springs, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 263 campgrounds and RV parks near Valley Springs, CA and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Valley Springs, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Valley Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Valley Springs, CA is Acorn Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Valley Springs, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Valley Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Valley Springs, CA.
What parks are near Valley Springs, CA?
What parks are near Valley Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Valley Springs, CA that allow camping, notably New Hogan Lake and New Melones Lake.
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