Tent camping near Carmichael, California offers options with varying conditions across all four seasons. Located in Sacramento County at approximately 75 feet elevation, the area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall. Campgrounds within driving distance provide tent sites on surfaces ranging from dirt to gravel, with access to water bodies including lakes and rivers.
What to do
Kayaking on Jenkinson Lake: Explore the no-wake section at Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area for peaceful paddling. According to visitors, "The small portion of the lake with no wake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing and fishing has been good to excellent near the water fall."
Waterfall hikes: Follow trails to local waterfalls for refreshing swimming spots during warmer months. At Jenkinson, "The hike to the waterfall is wonderful and depending where you start depends on length. You have to see it though! 33ft and the perfect spot to swim when it warms up."
Bird watching: Early spring at Camp Far West North Shore provides quiet opportunities for bird watching. Campers note the peaceful atmosphere: "We were right on the lake at the end of a peninsula. Not a sound except for the birds."
Winter fishing: Lake Camanche remains open year-round, making it ideal for off-season fishing trips. As one camper reports, "We camped twice at this campground on the South Shore. The lake has a North Shore Campground as well. We were the only ones camping on Christmas Weekend... Fishing is awesome!"
What campers like
Secluded tent spots: Many tent campers appreciate less crowded weekday camping at Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area. One camper noted, "We camped during the off season (November) so we had our pick of the campsites, which was a great considering the spots are right next to each other."
Proximity to water: At Rancho Seco Recreation Area, many tent sites sit directly next to the water. A camper confirmed, "It has free showers there and the campground are awesome and you can camp right on the water."
Green landscapes in spring: Early season camping provides lush surroundings before summer heat. At Camp Far West, visitors report, "We must have come at the best time of year because everything was so green and beautiful. The Oak trees that grow here are truly majestic."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain bathroom facilities well, particularly during weekdays or off-season. At Lake Clementine, "Only one vault toilet was open, and it was very clean. It was cleaned again the next morning."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer heat impacts camping comfort significantly. At Rancho Seco, one camper cautioned, "Summers would be very hot and I imagine the area would be packed with day use folks."
Variable bathroom conditions: Facility maintenance can be inconsistent, especially during busy periods. A Rancho Seco camper shared, "We couldn't stay up pass sunset to enjoy the fire and s'mores because you would get flooded with the beetles."
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Lake Clementine's "access road is about six miles of curvy, hilly, and narrow (sometimes only one lane) pavement. There is a sign prohibiting trailers."
Potable water availability: Camp Nauvoo offers drinking water, but Lake Clementine requires campers to bring their own water. A visitor advised, "No showers or running water....there are only toilets available. Bring your own water to drink, wash dishes and pans, or wash yourselves."
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Check sites for potential hazards before setting up. At Rancho Seco, one camper warned, "In our campground we found multiple fish hooks and one happen to pierce my sandal. We have a 3 year old and brought our dog so imagine how dangerous that can be."
Noise considerations: Position tents away from high-traffic areas for better sleep. Jenkinson campers noted, "The campsites were shallow (relatively close to the road) and pretty close together (we had some kind of college party across the way, and we could hear pretty much all of it)."
Activity planning: Mother Lode River Center provides organized activities for children with tent camping options. Nearby at Camp Nauvoo, visitors appreciate that "The owners of this campground have made it there mission that you have a wonderful experience if you are a newbie or seasoned camper. Great sites for families."
Water recreation: Choose sites with swimming areas for summer visits. At Rancho Seco, families report, "They have boat rentals and a fishing derby every year too. It just great and has a beach and they lake is nice size."
Tips from RVers
Off-season benefits: Winter camping provides solitude at Lake Camanche. A camper shared, "We stayed at the lake for one night, mid-week, off season. We were only one of a few handful of RVs in the RV section of the campground. I could imagine it being a loud party-scene in the summer."
Site selection: Choose level sites when available, as many campgrounds have sloped areas. At Jenkinson, campers reported, "The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation. There may have been some that were on normal level ground."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare for wildlife encounters, particularly during evening hours. At Lake Camanche South Shore, a visitor advised, "Nice quiet campground good fishing lake to fish just make sure you put your food away at night raccoons will get your food and snacks."
Resource management: Plan carefully for water and supply needs. For the best tent camping near Carmichael, California, one Lake Clementine visitor recommended, "The nearest store is about 2 miles back to the main road if you need to re-up on anything."
