RV campgrounds near Carmichael, California offer varying amenities for campers seeking a base to explore the Sacramento region. Sites range from basic water and electric hookups to premium riverfront locations with activities for families. Most parks have gravel or concrete pads, with spacing that depends on seasonal demand and location within each property.
What to do
River activities: At Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park, campers enjoy waterfront recreation without needing additional permits. "Tons of beautiful, shady spots overlooking or near the Sacramento river... includes free fishing and swimming and is a beautiful spot," notes Steve M., who extended his stay to take advantage of the water access.
Bike path exploration: The American River offers extensive recreational opportunities from several campgrounds. A visitor at Thousand Trails Ponderosa appreciated the riverside location: "Great spot if you can get in half of the camp got washed away from the rain this year though." The campground serves as a convenient base for river activities and cycling along connected paths.
Kid-friendly activities: Family-oriented parks like SacWest RV Park & Campground provide recreational facilities for younger travelers. One visitor highlighted the amenities: "Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around! Beautiful place!" The park welcomes families with organized activities and outdoor spaces.
What campers like
River views: Many campers prioritize waterfront access when selecting an RV site. Leslie D. describes Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park as an "undiscovered gem" with "beautiful spaces to park your RV with a view of the river and small local marina. Everything you need to 'get away' is here and big city amenities a short drive away."
Clean facilities: Parks maintaining high cleanliness standards receive consistent positive feedback. At Placerville RV Resort, visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities. One camper mentioned: "We had a great experience at the Placerville KOA. The staff was very welcoming and the grounds are organized and clean."
Accessibility to urban amenities: Campgrounds near Carmichael provide convenient access to Sacramento services while maintaining a camping atmosphere. A visitor at Flag City RV Resort highlighted the balance: "Convenient rest stop, has a small pool, is close to stores, highway, mostly facilitates larger size RVs, and generally clean and quiet."
What you should know
Site spacing concerns: Parks throughout the Sacramento region often place RVs close together, especially during peak periods. One camper at Lake Minden RV Resort noted: "There was absolutely no space between the trailers, to the point I hit my head on my neighbors slide out while setting up."
Reservation policies: Availability can vary significantly by season and special events. At Thousand Trails Ponderosa, campers should understand the check-in process: "We checked in and had reservations but it's a first come first serve sites! They have different sections that cost more… the closer you are to the river, the more it will cost."
RV age restrictions: Some facilities maintain appearance standards by limiting older vehicles. One potential guest at Mark J RV Park reported: "Couldn't even rent a space due to how old our RV was and had to keep looking." Similar policies exist at other area parks to maintain aesthetic standards.
Tips for camping with families
Look for family activity centers: Campgrounds with dedicated children's recreation areas provide additional value for families. One camper described Placerville RV Resort & Campground: "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained. Will be going back."
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects some sites more than others. Robert S. noted about Placerville RV Resort: "Is very noisy near the 50 freeway, not much you can do about that." Select sites further from main roads when camping with children who are light sleepers.
Pool availability: Summer temperatures in the Sacramento Valley frequently exceed 90°F, making swimming facilities valuable. One visitor at SacWest RV Park & Campground appreciated the amenities: "Pool, game room, wifi, SHOWERS!😍💞" Check ahead for seasonal pool operations, as some smaller parks close these facilities in cooler months.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for potential site grade issues at older campgrounds. At Loomis RV Park, one RVer noted: "Our spot was not that great for our 40ft bus due to the tree limbs and the ground was very uneven, which made it difficult to level. We would stay here again, however I would make sure it's in a spot that's level."
Hookup variations: Campgrounds often offer mixed hookup types across different site sections. At Flag City RV Resort, utilities are placed strategically: "The cement pad was plenty long enough for our 40' fifth wheel and unhooked F450. The utilities are on the back quarter of the pad. We needed 15' of sewer hose."
Urban camping considerations: Sites near Sacramento balance convenience with typical urban challenges. One camper at Cal Expo RV Park shared their experience: "While here there were incidents of someone pulling on our grey/black tank valves to open them and another night hearing someone jostling with the main door handle. I then locked up the bay doors for sanitary and electrical and didn't have any problems after that."
