The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Camptonville, California offer a diverse range of glamping options at elevations between 2,500-4,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-90°F, with cooler evenings creating ideal conditions for outdoor recreation. The area's mixed conifer forests provide natural shade at many camping areas while offering access to numerous lakes and streams.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Collins Lake Recreation Area stocks its waters regularly for reliable catches. "Great Lake and RV Park. We stayed in spot 110 with a lakefront view," notes Daniel S. about his experience at Collins Lake Recreation Area.
Hiking trails: Sardine Lake Campground offers access to multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels. "There's a trail to the upper lake is a nice steady incline. About an hour there and back. Little shade so wear a hat," explains Therese L. about Sardine Lake.
Swimming spots: Several lakes in the area provide swimming opportunities during summer months. "We spent practically the whole wknd in the lake. It was the perfect temperature to sit in for hours. No motorized water craft kept it quiet," reports Nicole G. about her experience at Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs.
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas offer excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!" shares a visitor at Lake of the Springs.
What campers like
Resort-style amenities: Lake Francis Resort offers additional comforts beyond standard camping. "They have a large portable toilet there for use. We spent our time at the pool which is near the flushable toilets and the ice cream parlor, restaurant, and camp store," mentions Gina C. about her stay at Lake Francis Resort.
Peaceful water activities: Many lakes in the area restrict motorized watercraft. "I really wish I'd brought my canoe. We went during COVID so the pool and some other amenities were closed," notes Nicole G. at Lake of the Springs.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain good standards for restrooms and common areas. "The campground can get trashed easily, so do your part to pack out your trash and leave it better than you found it," advises Dani P. from Sardine Lake.
Scenic views: The Sierra Buttes provide dramatic backdrops at many campgrounds. "Very pretty views of the valley from the campground, and having hiking trails start from the campground was really nice," shares Anne W. about Black Rock Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular glamping sites in Camptonville fill quickly during peak season. "Busy on the weekends. Booking advised," warns Therese L. about Sardine Lake.
Limited connectivity: Cell service can be extremely limited. "No cell service in any of the loops and WiFi isn't great," cautions Nicole R. about Lake of the Springs RV Resort.
Weather preparation: Summer temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night. "Our site was great, but didn't have very much shade," notes Erika B. about her Sardine Lake camping experience.
Fire restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific policies regarding campfires. "No wood fires, propane is okay," explains Eric P. about Lake of the Springs.
Supply planning: Many campgrounds have limited stores or services. "There's no cell service and no services at the campsite so pick up firewood from the one motel/cafe/gas/market on the way in," advises Danielle B. from her Sardine Lake stay.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible activities: Look for campgrounds with gentle lake access for younger children. "The typical Sierra granite spires around the lake make for the scenery. There's a bar/shack on the water at the resort which is so cute and fun too," shares Nikki R. from Sardine Lake.
Playground alternatives: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities beyond natural features. "My daughter who is 5 loved writing her hoverboard around the entire park there are lots of kids to play with and the caretaker and his family were super welcoming and professional," explains Bearit W. about Sycamore Ranch RV Park.
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings that children enjoy. "We saw a river otter playing in the creek, so there is life in it," notes Suzanne S. about Sycamore Ranch RV Park.
Educational opportunities: The area's rich mining history offers learning experiences. "There are a lot of historic gold-rush elements," mentions one visitor to Inn Town Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose RV sites carefully based on shade and proximity to amenities. "Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage. They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our 'front door' from our 27' travel trailer," recommends Ed E. about Collins Lake Recreation Area.
Electrical considerations: Some campgrounds experience power issues during peak season. "There wasn't a single day when some campsite didn't have electrical issues, in fact they turned a lot of their RV sites into Tent Sites because of electrical issues," warns Eric P. about Lake of the Springs.
Seasonal timing: For RVers seeking more solitude, consider off-peak visits. "We are here in the off season, so there weren't many other campers here. I think in high season it would feel cramped," suggests Suzanne S. about Sycamore Ranch RV Park.
