Best Tent Camping near Camptonville, CA

Tahoe National Forest surrounding Camptonville, California offers several tent-only campgrounds with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Fiddle Creek Campground, open from late April through October, provides tent campsites with walk-in access from the parking area. Located just off Highway 49, this tent-only campground features bear boxes, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Carlton Flat Campground, also in Camptonville, offers similar seasonal availability with walk-in tent sites that provide more seclusion from road noise. Both campgrounds sit near waterways, with Fiddle Creek providing access to a cold, clear river popular for summer recreation.

Most tent campgrounds in the region have minimal facilities suited for primitive tent camping experiences. Vault toilets are standard, but running water is rarely available, requiring campers to bring their own supply or filter from nearby water sources. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage, with bear boxes provided at established sites. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. Access roads to many backcountry tent sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly those leading to more remote areas like Bowman Lake. Weekday visits typically offer greater site availability, as one camper noted that Fiddle Creek "is usually full on weekends" despite being relatively empty midweek.

Walk-in tent sites throughout the area provide a more authentic outdoor experience than drive-up options. According to reviews, Fiddle Creek's tent campsites offer varying levels of privacy, with sites farther from the highway providing better shelter from traffic noise. One visitor reported that Site 15 "would've been quieter as it's farther away from the road and has more space around it than others." The proximity to rivers and lakes creates opportunities for swimming, fishing, and gold panning during warmer months. Mosquitoes can be abundant near water sources, particularly in early summer. Fall camping offers cooler temperatures and fewer insects, making it ideal for tent campers seeking solitude in the forest setting.

Best Tent Sites Near Camptonville, California (78)

    1. Fiddle Creek

    2 Reviews
    Camptonville, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 / night

    "Tent only. 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. "

    2. Carlton Flat Campground

    1 Review
    Camptonville, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    "After your hike you can sit on the picnic table enjoy your lunch and watch the woodpeckers and birds fly pass you. This place does get crowded during the summer and during hunting season."

    3. Golden Trout Campground

    1 Review
    Strawberry Valley, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-2050

    "This campground had riding trails that could bring you to Sly Creek and secret camping sites that a quad or 4 wheel drive could find. It's closed until 2023 due to the fires."

    4. Oracle Oak Grove

    1 Review
    Rough and Ready, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    $60 / night

    "I got to know the owners at Oracle Oak and they have taken great steps to make this a unique place to stay, they also have kayaks and other water sport equipment available for campers to make your stay"

    5. Bowman Campground

    7 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4531

    "There are several primitive campgrounds to choose from. Some right near the lake. There is a pit toilet, but no water or fire rings. The drive is long and fairly rough."

    "The road is rough and can be treacherous driving on a cliff side. You will need good clearance on your car. Pit toilet only with no water. lots of hiking, good fishing, great kayaking."

    6. Faucherie Lake Group Campground

    5 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    24 miles
    Website

    "We picked Faucherie as our destination and hit the trails in hopes of finding a spot. Portions of the trail got a bit rough, but manageable with higher clearance vehicles."

    "I’ve been out to this campground on countless years with my family from when I was a young child to now, i think only once or twice did we have to share the grounds with another group!"

    7. Bullards Lakeshore

    Be the first to review!
    Camptonville, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 288-3231

    8. Carlton Flat Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Camptonville, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 288-3231

    9. Rucker Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    22 miles
    Website

    "This lake is a quiet getaway, with waterfront access and a warm lake. Short hike in but has picnic tables and bear boxes."

    "Got here on a Friday late afternoon and found a walk in spot close to the lake. Nice, quiet campground."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Camptonville, CA

626 Reviews of 78 Camptonville Campgrounds


  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2023

    Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    Off-season peaceful stay

    General: Normally, there are 18 designated sites that are reservable only from May 1– October 15. What we didn’t know until we arrived was that only Sites 1-7 were open after this date; fortunately, only two other sites were occupied when we arrived at 5:30 pm on a Monday in late October. The access road is about six miles of curvy, hilly, and narrow (sometimes only one lane) pavement. There is a sign prohibiting trailers; our 18-foot camper van did fine but anything much larger would definitely be challenged. 

    Site Quality: Many of the sites are more suitable for tent campers. The parking area is at the top of the hill, and you set up your tent below. Most of the sites that have a “driveway” were not level, except for Sites 5 and 6. We lucked out with Site 6 – it was large and level and directly across from the vault toilets. A fire pit/grill, large concrete picnic table, and bear box complete the site (although there was a fire ban in effect).

    Bath: Only one vault toilet was open, and it was very clean. It was cleaned again the next morning. 

    Activities: This campground is located on the North Fork of the American River. In season, this campground would be very popular with rafters; there is a raft launch and takeout area close to the campsites. The river was crystal clear and beautiful.

    This was a small but beautiful campground. We were surprised that we had a semi-decent cell signal ranging from 1 to 2 bars (Verizon).

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 25, 2018

    Big Meadows Campground

    Sequoia National Forest Lovely Spacious Camp Sites

    It sounds like there are multiple Big Meadow camp grounds in California. This review is for Big Meadow Campground, Sequoia NF - FS, CA. The photos are of site 009B. My visit was wonderful. The camp sites are large. We set up two 8 person tents and one 2 person tent and there was plenty of room for more. The firepits are very well made. They block the wind while allowing good airflow. There is a very large picnick table at each site, a bear box, and plenty of shade. There is a vault toilet that is cleaned daily. The sites boarder a stream. The water level is about 3 inches in July with temperatures in the 80's. This is a dog friendly site. There is no potable water at this site.

  • Kate A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Thousand Trails Ponderosa

    Great location, but plan ahead

    This is a well maintained RV and tent camping resort. It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift. The RV and tent sites are in two separate areas, with more updated amenities available for RVs like hot showers. Shared pool site. Lots of great trails to weave through the campground on a mountain bike.

    One downside- it can be hot. Not a lot of tree cover for the RV sites- make sure you bring shade with you. Luckily, there’s a nice cool river to swim in!

    Fires are restricted sometimes in the summer. Some sites require a membership.

    Local grocery and pizza, frozen yogurt available within walking distance.

    Lots of great fishing, floating, and kayak accessibly. Bring tubes and life vests. Poles and bait.

  • Patricia O.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2018

    Lindsey Lake Campground

    Rustic and remote

    There are only a few campsites here, 12, I think, and a rough road getting (SUV or truck recommended) into the campground. Once you reach camp, you’ll be rewarded with serene and beautiful surroundings. Lots of lakes and hiking in the area. Mosquitos can be a problem so come prepared. Vault toilet. No trash service, no piped water. There are picnic tables and fire rings.

  • R
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Prosser Family

    Large sites, quiet, & beautiful views

    We stayed for two nights during the end of June 2018. Despite being summer, the temperature drops significantly at night. Even with cold weather sleeping bags, my son and I were really cold. There’s no electricity or bath houses, so charge all your devices and shower before your visit, lol. The potable water pumps are tricky to learn how to use at first, and the water is very cold.

    The sites are large and relatively flat, so tent camping is easy. While there are some sites that cannot be reserved online, I highly recommend that you do not rely on getting one that is first come, first serve. We saw three trucks filled with families trying to go after the last non-reservable site. So, reserve yours online!

    Be aware that there might be bear that get close to your sleeping quarters as the area is full of them. I was never scared, but my son swore that he saw one while he was going to bed. I was still up chit chatting with neighbors, so I did not see anything. Earlier that day, the Forest Ranger came through the camp to do an interpretive by showing everyone various mammal furs, two of which were bears. He told us that they have learned to be attracted to ice chests (coolers) and plastic boxes; they know these can contain food, so cover them with blankets or towels when secured in your car or around the campsite. Of course, food should be locked away at night and when not being prepared.

    This campground is located next to Prosser Reservoir, so there are beautiful views of the lake. The sites on the back side of the grounds have the best views. Even if you don’t get a lake view, do not worry as there are plenty of places to hike with lots of spectacular views! Pick up a copy of ‘Lake Tahoe’s Spectacular Wildflower Trails’ by Julie S. Carville, and pick a trail! Sagehen Creek Trail (Hike #12 in the book, I believe) is very close by Prosser Family Campground.

    The coolest thing about this place is that you can drink while enjoying the natural views! Wahoo!

  • A
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground

    Great spot

    We rolled in here after midnight and most of the spots were still empty, and they're far enough apart that we were able to set up camp without being too disruptive. There's a vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, and some gorgeous scenery. What more could you need?

  • Lauren H.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

    A Dog's Dream

    Nestled against salmon creek and among the gold lake area, just outside of Bassetts. Very large sites, with some hike in with shallow creek crossing. Lush fields and forests. Great views. Can here traffic on ridge. Bear boxes at every site Trash and Recycling receptacles Picnic Tables at every site Fresh water available Bathrooms throughout

  • Jim S.
    Jul. 5, 2019

    Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground

    Rustic clean free

    Forest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.

  • T
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Coyote Group Campground

    Coyote Group Camp

    • Large croup camp site with lots of flat places to pitch a tent. • Clean pit toilets. • 3x Bear food and 4x trash/recycling bins. • 2 (or 3?) water spigots • 4 big picnic tables • Some shade • Uneven terrain around sites and lots of fallen trees • Lots of parking, including triller/RV parking. Parking is paved and flat.

    • Walking distance to the river • Big fire pit

    We enjoyed this site! Excellent for a big group. I think we had 18 people. There could an additional bear bin to support as much food/scented items as a group of 25 would need. We ended up using the extra bear-proof trash bins as overflow scented item/food storage. Worked well.


Guide to Camptonville

Tent camping near Camptonville, California offers access to secluded forest sites within Tahoe National Forest at elevations between 3,000-5,000 feet. The area experiences cool evenings even in summer, with overnight temperatures frequently dropping below 40°F in spring and fall. Most primitive campsites require visitors to pack out all trash and prepare for varying seasonal road conditions.

What to do

Swimming in warm lakes: During summer months, Rucker Lake Campground offers comfortable water temperatures for swimming. "This place is great for swimming in the summer as the lake gets really warm. Across the lake is an amazing rope swing not for the faint of heart (its big)," notes camper Nick K.

Water recreation and fishing: The backcountry lakes provide excellent opportunities for paddling and fishing. At Bowman Campground, one visitor mentions "great hiking, good fishing, great kayaking" while another adds "Awesome spot to camp, fish, off road, launch a kayak or paddle board."

Hiking to natural features: The network of trails leads to secluded spots with unique terrain features. "Try to hike to the waterfalls at the creek at the end of the lake if you can," suggests David L. about Bowman Lake. The Yuba River area contains features like Emerald Pools, described as having "cold water but beautiful hiking" according to reviews.

What campers like

Remote locations: Many campers value the isolation available at camping areas near Camptonville. At Faucherie Lake Group Campground, one camper reports, "I think only once or twice did we have to share the grounds with another group!" Another visitor notes "there wasn't a soul in sight" during their visit.

Weekday solitude: Most campsites experience significantly lower occupancy during weekdays. At Golden Trout Campground, visitors can find "secret camping sites that a quad or 4 wheel drive could find" and enjoy more private experiences during non-peak times.

Natural features: The mountainous landscape provides diverse recreational environments. Campers mention "pristine lake great to paddle out on and great trails to hike out to pools or waterfalls" at Faucherie Lake, and Rucker Lake visitors appreciate that it's a "quiet getaway, with waterfront access and a warm lake."

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many camping areas require appropriate vehicles for access. For Bowman Campground, campers warn "MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AN OFF ROAD VEHICLE. Great campsite but hard to get to. Not bad if you have a 4x4 that's lifted with some all terrain tires." Another notes, "The drive is long and fairly rough. Having a vehicle with some clearance helps."

Temperature fluctuations: Despite warm days, nighttime temperatures can drop dramatically. One camper at Carlton Flat Campground describes it as "wonderful views of the mountains and sunset," but others camping in the region report overnight temperatures falling to 30°F even after 105°F daytime temperatures.

Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Camptonville have minimal services. At Rucker Lake, visitors advise to "bring a lot of drinking/dishes water (no spigots, no sinks)." Bowman Campground offers "a pit toilet, but no water or fire rings," according to reviewers.

Tips for camping with families

Equipment transport: Several campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas. For Rucker Lake, Nick K. advises a "300 foot walk from cars to campground so bring a dolly/wagon," while another camper notes "there isn't a road to actually drive around the spots, you have to park and walk all your stuff down to your spot."

Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region. "Make sure you bring bear spray! Pack your trash too," advises one Bowman Campground visitor, while others mention that bear boxes are available at many established sites.

Site selection for noise reduction: Highway proximity can affect camping experience at some locations. At Oracle Oak Grove, campsites are typically set farther from roadways, providing what one visitor calls a "unique stay" with more privacy from traffic noise.

Tips from RVers

Road access limitations: Most tent camping near Camptonville isn't suitable for large RVs or trailers. About Bowman Campground, David L. notes "It is possible to get a smaller trailer there but not recommended," while others emphasize the narrow, winding forest roads make travel with large vehicles difficult.

Seasonal access: Road conditions vary greatly by season, affecting camping accessibility. Winter campers report "Bowman Lake in the winter is amazing. Wait til the snow melts a bit and you can make your way down to the lake," but most forest roads become impassable with snow until late spring.

Limited hookups: RV campers should prepare for dry camping with no services. Most campgrounds provide no hookups, with reviewers consistently noting the need to be self-sufficient with water and power when camping with an RV in the national forest areas near Camptonville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Camptonville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Camptonville, CA is Fiddle Creek with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Camptonville, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 78 tent camping locations near Camptonville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.