251 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Collins Lake Recreation Area accepts pets at all of its accommodation options including tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping sites. Schoolhouse Campground nearby also allows dogs, though some campers note that generator noise can disturb pets sensitive to sound. Both campgrounds provide bear-resistant food storage boxes essential for pet owners bringing animal food and treats. Indian Valley Campground features spacious sites with creek access that many dog owners appreciate for keeping pets cool during summer months. The campgrounds maintain clean toilet facilities, though most lack shower amenities for humans or pets. Sites at these campgrounds typically include picnic tables and fire rings, allowing pet owners to keep their animals close while enjoying meals outdoors. Bear activity is common in the area, requiring proper food storage for both human and pet provisions.
Dog-friendly trails surround many Camptonville area campgrounds, particularly near South Yuba Campground where hiking access to the river provides excellent swimming holes for both people and pets. Mosquitoes can be abundant near water sources, so pet-safe insect repellent is advisable during summer months. Traffic noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near Highway 49 like Fiddle Creek, where campers report trucks zooming by at 50-60 mph throughout the night. Carlton Flat offers more seclusion with private beach access to the river from some campsites. Water conditions vary seasonally – late summer generally provides warmer, calmer water ideal for dogs, while spring runoff creates cold, fast currents requiring extra caution with pets. White Cloud Campground remains a popular primitive option for camping with dogs from June through September.
"Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!"
"Not a bad campsite, but was surrounded by RVs and people walking around. Can’t bring dogs onto the beach area which was a bummer, but was too crowded anyways"
"There are trails for hiking or mountain biking. You are minutes from Bullards Bar which is one of the most beautiful lakes around. I definitely suggest a day trip to the lake."
"It’s mixed RV and tent with no RV power so the generators are loud and you’ll be surrounded by them."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"Use cat holes instead (200 ft from water please). Poison oak is everywhere. River views are spectacular."
"This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California. The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"They said it would be okay as long as I had the gear to sleep outside in a tent as well. The place was quiet and we had no issues."
"Very nice campground, but cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area."
"Dark Day is a drive up camp, but there's boat in camping available at the lake as well."
"One of our favorite Lakes"
from $24 - $72 / night
Check Availability"It was quiet and private, but close to the hosts so they visited when I had questions about the best spots for swimming and hiking nearby."
"Had a fire in the fire pit and enjoyed the quiet(except for the coyotes in the distance!). Galen, our host, was always available to answer questions and to bring extra firewood."
from $55 / night
"We were looking for a spot next to the Yuba River and found this gem. Only 17 campsites so it’s not crowded. It’s also away from any road noise."
"Easy access to water (creek) and firewood. Definitely a lot of mosquitoes, but once the fire kicks in they scatter. Not much hammocking options. Go with a tent."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"I was watching my friends’ kids for the weekend, so we loaded up bikes and the dog and got out of the house for a couple of days. It was only a 20-minute drive from home in Nevada City."
"The individual sites are distanced enough so it still feels private, bathrooms and water was available. Hiked the pioneer trail and then went swimming in the lake nearby."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"Our site even had a little bit of a private beach access to the river once you walk down from the bushes. Our site was pretty much in the sun so bring a canopy!"
from $24 / night
Check Availability"You park and walk to you camping which is with other camps right by. It's not too bad and if you get a group you can get your own little slice of the campground to yourself. "
from $24 / night
Check Availability
GuideRight behind a casino, but a really nice park. Excellent bathrooms and showers. A pool area and dog park. Good Wi-Fi and amenities. A little pricier than what I am used to but it was a really nice place to stay the night. Also awesome treat bad for the dog provided at check in, a really nice touch.
TravelerGorgeous spot. Park undergoing renovations and roads a little tight but all in all a beautiful park. Great dog park
TravelerThis was where we went for our first outing with the travel trailer. The staff was very helpful. The dog park is AMAZING HUGE AND FENCED.
TravelerSurprised how well maintained and friendly staff assisting with set up. Nice dog large area without enclosed fencing. All short term campers are located in the center very cozy. Lots of families and kids and noisy. We were able to ride bike in the park and on the road that was safe with little to no traffic. Several grass areas for guest minus pets. The perimeter areas are for permanent residence with several for sale. So no chance of getting some nice sites. A number of tiny cottages to rent. The railroad tracks along side of park and loud in early hours you got use to it. Will return but off season when kids are back in school. Also no access to creek from park. Recommend very clean park
ScoutThousand Trails Lake Minden
Tiny Park, Giant Heart
We spent three weeks at Lake Minden and, to be honest, judged it too quickly. It’s one of the smaller Thousand Trails parks, and when we first rolled in, we weren’t sure it was going to be our kind of place. That changed fast.
Right off the bat, we were greeted warmly at the gate- no awkward waiting or guessing, just a “Hey there, welcome!” kind of vibe. Our assigned spot had a bad electric hookup, but moving one space over solved that and actually gave us a better view. So, win-win.
The park, like many Thousand Trails locations, is clearly from a different era. The facilities, the grounds, even the layout- it all shows its age in the same way most of these long-standing parks do. But here’s the difference: it’s obvious they take care of what they have. You can feel the pride in the upkeep, and honestly, I’d take a clean, cared-for 50-year-old park over a neglected new one any day.
The community here is what made the trip. The staff pour real effort into the activities- they’re on time, thoughtful, and welcoming. Friday potlucks were the soul of the park. We forgot our plates and silverware more than once (parent brain), and Barbara, the activities director, always had us covered without missing a beat. That kind of care doesn’t go unnoticed.
Easter weekend took it to another level. My toddler had the time of his life painting eggs and coloring puzzles, and my wife - who’d never painted an egg before - might’ve had more fun than he did. The Easter egg hunt was packed with families and even staff with their kids. Prizes for the winners, candy in the eggs for the rest of us- my toddler’s too young for the sweets, so I had no choice but to help. That’s what dads are for, right?
There’s an ice cream social every Saturday, and it’s as delightful as it sounds. Tons of toppings, lots of conversation, and just a genuinely happy way to spend a weekend afternoon. We missed candy bar bingo this time, but it's already on the list for our return trip.
Special thanks to Gwen, the park manager, who couldn’t have been more welcoming. The assistant manager warmed up by the end of our stay, which made us feel even more like part of the community.
Facilities were surprisingly polished. The showers were spotless, stocked, and looked freshly upgraded with woodgrain tile and real stall doors. Toilets and sinks were just as clean, and even when I accidentally left my shampoo in the shower, I found it days later placed neatly on the side counter. That’s rare. Housekeeping here clearly cares.
The lodge is small- more like a retrofitted mobile trailer - but full of charm. It’s where most activities are held, and there's a cozy back room with a pool table, board games, a decent little DVD collection, and a small library. My toddler played Connect 4 like a champion (even though he mostly used it as a coin-drop game), and, tried valiantly to reach the pool balls.
Now, the lake. It’s... functional. Let’s be honest, it’s a man-made basin with some concrete leftovers that litter the sides that look like the Ghost of Swimming Pools Past. Not the prettiest, but they do stock it with fish and the docks looked newly redone- one rebuilt while we were there, looked really nice when they finished. I didn’t bring my gear, but next time, I’m sneaking out for some dad-time with a rod and reel.
There’s no pool at this park, but the grassy areas made up for it. Annual sites had a huge open field behind them where my son ran wild playing ball and chase. Minden must’ve mowed the day we arrived because the smell of cut grass hit us like nostalgia. They kept it mowed weekly, and my kid was hypnotized by the riding mower going up and down the stretch. In fact there's enough gassy area I thought a great spring/summertime regular event would be water days- think slip'n slides and mist sprinklers set up for the kids. That would be fun... and a cool relief in those hotter days.
There’s a playground with a raised soft-chip base, multiple slides, and just the right level of challenge for a toddler. He had a blast. Even the dog park, while nothing fancy (just a weed-sprouting rectangle), gave our Silky terriers a space to run a few laps. I may or may not have snuck them into the field after hours for some frisbee time. Nobody tell.
Connectivity was solid- I had full AT&T service for calls, texts, and data the entire time. It was a quiet park, minus one domestic dispute from a neighboring site that cleared up fast (and they moved out the next day). Otherwise, peaceful and calm.
Now, let’s talk about traffic flow- because this one got me. The park is built around a lake, and the road looping around it is one-way, enforced with a strict 5 mph speed limit. That’s great if you have kids or dogs and you want a calm environment. Not so great when you realize halfway to the store that you forgot your wallet. What should’ve been a quick grab turned into a 10-minute drive out, a 10-minute drive back in, and then… yep, 10 minutes out again. I’ve taken shorter road trips just to get ice cream. Lesson learned.
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Stay Summary & Scores
Restroom & Shower Facilities: ★★★★★
Exceptionally clean, stocked, and well-maintained. Modern-feeling shower stalls with privacy and woodgrain tile. Toilets and sinks equally spotless.
Lodge Amenities & Common Spaces: ★★★★☆
Compact but full of charm. Activities room, pool table, games, small library. Retrofitted mobile unit, but used thoughtfully and consistently.
Overall Cleanliness & Maintenance: ★★★★★
Top-tier. Grass is cut regularly, restrooms shine, playground looks freshly maintained, and even left-behind items are handled with care.
Recreational Activities & Family Engagement: ★★★★★
Thoughtfully organized events (especially Easter), ice cream socials, egg painting, RC airplane shows, dog races, and a family-friendly vibe across the board.
Staff Hospitality & Park Culture: ★★★★★
Gwen leads with warmth. Barbara is the MVP of activities. Assistant manager needed some time to warm up, but did. Felt truly welcomed.
Lake & Waterfront Quality: ★★☆☆☆
Man-made and a little tired. Some concrete remnants along the edge. Not great for swimming, but fish-stocked and dock area recently improved.
Pet-Friendliness: ★★★☆☆
Dog park was weedy and basic, but functional. Open spaces nearby helped. Waste bins were present and clean.
Site Utility Functionality: ★★★★☆ First electric hookup was faulty, but the second was fine. Rest of the site utilities performed without issue. Easy to park and level.
Traffic Flow & Accessibility: ★★★☆☆
Strict 5 mph limit is great for safety (especially with kids) but makes trips around the loop feel like slow motion. One-way loop adds time - especially painful if you forget your wallet and turn your day into a 30-minute regret.
General Atmosphere & Community Vibe: ★★★★★ Welcoming, peaceful, and filled with community spirit. The kind of place where strangers become friends over potluck and board games.
ScoutThe host was very nice. When we got there we could not find the black water hookup. He came out and helped us get all connected. Most lots are used by permanent residents. I did not see any children. Very clean and was very pet friendly. All of the folks were very friendly and most had their own dogs. I am not sure I would come back, I am new to RVing and I think I need muck more to experience before I would go back to the same place twice. I am looking for parks closer to wineries as well.
ScoutWOW, this place is super nice. Kid friendly with activities and play areas. Pet park for off leash play! Clean and friendly staff! #1 park in our book!
ScoutThe campground is easy to get to and has a nice convenience store in case you forgot anything. It was quiet and had a nice river view. Pets are allowed as well!
GuideWe love Collins!! Very nice for paddle boarding and kayaking. Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!
Dispersed camping near Camptonville, California offers access to the Sierra Nevada foothills with elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 feet. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures typically ranging from 85-95°F and cooler fall nights dropping to 40-50°F. Water levels in the Yuba River watershed fluctuate seasonally, with high flows during spring snowmelt and slower, warmer conditions by late summer.
Swimming at designated spots: Collins Lake Recreation Area maintains a designated beach area where campers can swim in the lake's clear waters. "I love this camp ground. Really nice lake always stocked with fish. Quiet at night and not rowdy during the day. Great place for family camping. They also have boat rentals," notes Veronica N.
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Dark Day Campground provides access to Bullards Bar Reservoir for non-motorized water activities. "If you own a boat, camp here! There's good fishing, water skiing and a fun family friendly campground," explains J.d. E., making it ideal for paddlers seeking calm water.
Mountain biking on Pioneer Trail: Access this popular trail system from White Cloud Campground where multiple routes accommodate various skill levels. "Pioneer trail is amazing for mountain biking and hiking," reports Deb P., highlighting the accessible terrain just steps from campsites.
Spacious campsites: Indian Valley Campground features generously sized sites with natural boundaries. "Easy access to water (creek) and firewood. Definitely a lot of mosquitoes, but once the fire kicks in they scatter," mentions Jérémy P., noting how the layout supports both privacy and creek access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs delivers regular wildlife encounters right in camp. "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 Nicole G., describing the resident deer population that frequently visits campsites.
Swimming holes along river trails: Walking paths connect many campgrounds to prime swimming spots on the Yuba River. "This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California," advises Anna R., highlighting the popular swimming destinations accessible from South Yuba Campground.
Generator noise concerns: Several campgrounds permit generators, creating noise issues for those seeking quiet. "Schoolhouse is definitely busier and louder. It's mixed RV and tent with no RV power so the generators are loud and you'll be surrounded by them," warns Kailey L. about Schoolhouse Campground.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal to no connectivity. "Very nice campground, but cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area," reports Pamela H. about Lake of the Springs, which reflects conditions throughout the area.
Seasonal water levels: River and lake access varies dramatically between seasons. "Late summer generally provides warmer, calmer water, while spring runoff creates cold, fast currents," according to local rangers, suggesting August as prime time for water activities.
Road noise impact: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds significantly. "Awesome spots to camp, it's just insanely close to the 20 so you'll hear non-stop traffic," notes Rory R. about White Cloud Campground, with similar issues at campgrounds near major roads.
Ice cream breaks: Carlton Flat Campground campers often visit nearby Collins Lake store for treats. "The camp store which was one of the best ones I have been to so far. They sell quite a bit of camping and fishing needs. They also have a great ice cream parlor. Don't miss out on that!" recommends Ed E.
Private beach access: Some sites at Carlton Flat offer direct river access. "Our site even had a little bit of a private beach access to the river once you walk down from the bushes," explains Isabel R., describing the family-friendly water access from certain sites.
Wildlife introduction opportunities: Families camping at Lake of the Springs regularly encounter deer families. "We were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands," reports one camper, creating memorable nature interactions for children.
Boat rentals for kids: Collins Lake Recreation Area offers affordable watercraft rentals. "They also have boat rentals," mentions Veronica N., with pontoon boats and paddle boats available for families without their own equipment.
Parking challenges: Laughing Buddha RV/Tent Camp offers limited but level space for smaller rigs. "It was a little challenging getting our 16' trailer to the pad but it was worth it. So quiet and serene there. I don't think the bigger rigs would be able to make the turn into the site," advises Karen B.
Electrical reliability concerns: Several 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.
Lake view priority: Select waterfront sites at Collins Lake for optimal views. "We stayed in spot 110 with a lakefront view," mentions Daniel S., who enjoyed direct water access from his RV site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Camptonville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Camptonville, CA is Collins Lake Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Camptonville, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 251 dog-friendly camping locations near Camptonville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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