381 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Cedar Grove, California provides access to several well-maintained campgrounds in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Sly Park Recreation Area offers tent, RV, and glamping opportunities with multiple campground clusters along Lake Jenkinson. The area includes established sites at Ghost Mountain RV Campground with cabin options and the Ice House Campground, which accommodates both tent and RV camping. Campgrounds in this region typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, with some offering water hookups and electric sites for recreational vehicles.
Campers planning trips to this area should note that many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. A camper noted, "We came to Sly Park for my sister's birthday in mid-July and had a fantastic time. The water level in Jenkinson Lake is low, as to be expected, but there's still enough for swimming, kayaking, boating, and fishing." Most campgrounds in the area are accessible via paved roads, though some sites may require navigating unpaved forest routes. The camping season generally runs from May through October, with some facilities like Thousand Trails Ponderosa remaining open year-round. Winter camping is available at select locations, though water spigots are typically turned off during colder months.
The natural setting represents a primary draw for visitors to Cedar Grove area campgrounds. Sites around Lake Jenkinson provide water recreation opportunities including fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Several visitors mentioned the exceptional stargazing conditions at Sly Park Recreation Area, with one review stating, "The stars are breathtaking at night. Gotta be my favorite part." For those seeking more privacy, campgrounds like Hilltop offer secluded sites tucked into forested areas away from the lake but within walking distance to water. Hiking trails circumnavigate Lake Jenkinson, providing scenic views and access to a small waterfall. Elevation in this region creates comfortable summer temperatures compared to lower-elevation areas, making it a popular destination for Sacramento residents seeking weekend getaways.
"They are set into the mountains with trees behind you. The park rangers are very present to keep people in check and the camp host drives by multiple times to keep the bathrooms clean."
"The lake is GORGEOUS and amazingly cool during the summer, and we also love winter camping in the snow as well."
"It reminded me of Lake Pillsbury north of Clear Lake Ca where we as a family had been camping since 1981. But with just over 2hr drive not 6hr with trailer. There is a pool, and kids pool."
"About 1.5hr from Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. Built thick forest of the Sierra mountains. Nice size campsites. Water and Electricity only."
"Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."
"If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"
"We brought our paddle board and we’re walking distance to the lake front. Lake was quiet, trails well maintained and facilities were cleaned regularly. Will definitely stay here again."
"The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation."
"It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3)."
"Neighbors were close, though not so close to be crowded. Spot was very close to the restroom, advantage and disadvantage when a strong ordor would breeze on through."
from $36 - $108 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers."
"It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."
"The lake was warm and it can get a little breezy in the afternoon. Make sure to bring a kayak or SUP board to enjoy the lake."
"Very nice area beautiful lake definitely reccomend bringing ear plugs as the nature in the morning is a very early alarm clock over all a great site that we will come back to"
from $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $65 - $300 / night
Check Availability"You’re also about 3 or 4 miles away from the Georgetown OHV which made it an easy ride to get to the dirt."
"A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare."
from $3 - $8 / night
Check Availability"Clean campground, friendly hosts, all the amenities you could need while enjoying time spent not too far away from the greater Sacramento area."
"We arrived after dark and had no idea what was around us. We were so pleasantly surprised when the sun came up to find ourselves surrounded by trees and so close to the lake."
from $36 - $145 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWe got a pretty secluded site at Cabana 12 but the rest of the sites are kinda stacked on top of each other or out in the open right next to each other. If you want some more privacy then do C12. Being near the lake was great and having a camp store and bathrooms. Showers cost 50¢ for 5 min which isn’t bad but since the campsite is so expensive it would have been nice for them to be free.
ScoutThis place is awesome. Super clean, spaces are big and neighbors are not too close. The facilities are super clean and modern. We enjoyed the pool, spa and shower facilities. There’s a shuttle that shows up about every 40 minutes to the casino. The office staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different spaces and location of the afternoon sun.
ScoutIt’s hard to get a reservation, but it’s worth it if you can. Beautiful sites, decent showers, lovely staff. Recommend!
TravelerWe timed our visit in the middle of the week after school had started so we were alone which made this an incredible spot. Great spot if you have a big group. We only we to the large open spot at the top with what looks like two actual sites. It’s right in the OHV area so we could see how it could get really busy and noisy.
ScoutThis park is completely understaffed, and the staff they do have are short and rude when talked to. Leaches in the water, goose poop all on beach area along with trash and dirty diapers. Management is never to be seen and the store they have is never open. Restrooms had poop on walls, birds in the bathroom, toilet paper everywhere. They constantly have water problems. They have an abundance of wasps also.
GuideNarrow, twisty roads, too small for trailers. Quiet campground within walking distance of Woods Lake and several hiking trails including Fourth of July Lake.
ScoutThis was just an overnight stay for us so we closed the windows and put on music to avoid the hum of the generators surrounding us. Beautiful view as others have mentioned, and easy access back into Tahoe if you'd like. But was already packed by 3pm and a consistent hum of vehicles. But lots of level sites and easy to get back on the road!
TravelerOnly a couple people here dispersed camping on a weekend. Arrived on Friday around 2 PM and the best spot was taken, but there were several others that were very good. It’s an unusual place as it is in abandoned ski resort. Lots of wide open spaces, but to the west there are two spots that are fairly secluded, but still open space and allow for good son for solar and great mountain and Sunset views. Very spotty cell service make sure you bring Starlink. It is a little close to the road so there’s slight road noise and on the weekend you can hear gunfire far away in the distance as people are in the forest taking target practice. No big deal though, very safe place. The sites are about 7500 feet above sea level. So even on the hottest days, it’s relatively cool and very comfortable at night (50s to 60s).
TravelerPlace was quite busy over the weekend but we were able to secure the last campsite Saturday afternoon. The drop toilets had a little remaining toilet paper but ran out during our stay (bring your own). I wouldn’t recommend the road without 4x4 or AWD, especially if the road conditions are wet/muddy. Our RWD car made it to the site, however it's the type of road that you could easily get stuck without off roading experience and careful navigation. There are sizable rocks, ruts, and potholes to navigate through. Under carriage scrapping will be unavoidable for lower clearance vehicles. Cell service available at campground. Bear box boxes available at campground, each site had one.
Amazing hikes and trailhead near campsite.
Cedar Grove camping areas sit between 5,000-7,000 feet elevation in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, creating moderate summer temperatures compared to lower valleys. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from May through October, with water access varying seasonally. Winter camping options exist but require preparation for colder conditions.
Paddling and water activities: At Sly Park Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy fishing and leisurely water activities. "Kayak and paddle board rentals make exploring the lake relaxing and fun! And the hike to the waterfall is fun and easy for all ages," notes a visitor at Sly Park Recreation Area.
Fishing spots: Ice House Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities throughout the season. A camper reported, "We had a nice family campsite (53) very large, flat campsite. Across our site was the reservoir. Fishing was excellent! Overall a great campground in the El Dorado National Forest."
Historic exploration: The Cedar Grove area sits near California's gold country history. At American River Resort, "It is right on the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it," according to a recent camper.
Waterfall hikes: Several campgrounds offer access to waterfalls within walking distance. "There is also a lovely, short hike to a waterfall! It's just a 1 mile walk along the lakeshore from the Hazel Creek day use parking area," reports a camp host at Sly Park Recreation Area.
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. At Pine Cone in Sly Park, "Lot 38 on Pinecone Strip, really private. No other campsite really visible. Close to bathrooms and water. Awesome hiking around the Lake Jenkinson," shares one camper.
Winter camping: For those seeking off-season experiences, Ice House Campground remains accessible with certain limitations. A visitor noted, "We stayed the weekend at a great site. It was cold with a little rain but was very fun. I really enjoy this campground. Water level was low and this time of year the water spigots are off."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in this area require advance booking, especially during peak season. At Jenkinson Campground, "We camped out at Jenkinson at Sly Park Recreation area... The campsites were shallow (relatively close to the road) and pretty close together."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire regulations affect camping plans throughout the area. "They follow fire season safety and you should plan for that," advises a camper who visited Sly Park.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves navigating narrow mountain roads. At Ghost Mountain RV Campground, roads can be challenging with one visitor noting, "Poor hookups, no sewer, roads not paved, dusty."
Campsite variations: Terrain at many Cedar Grove area campgrounds slopes, affecting tent placement. A visitor at Jenkinson explained, "The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation."
Best family locations: Look for campgrounds with dedicated facilities for children. Camp Nauvoo gets praise as a "Hidden gem! It's beautiful, clean, and kid friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there."
Bike-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer good biking terrain for children. At Sly Park, "Unsupervised children on bicycles, hikers, and other campers walking dogs on the roads is very common," notes a camp host - suggesting supervision is needed.
Swimming safety: Water temperature varies significantly at different reservoirs. A camper at Ice House Campground reports, "The water is freezing cold all year long but everyone still gets in it to either ski or fish."
Size limitations: Many Cedar Grove area campgrounds have tight turns and space constraints. At Ghost Mountain RV Campground, "We're in an okay spot, small and angled funky but still it's a wonderful place," reports an RVer.
Dump station access: Plan for limited sewer hookups at many sites. A Thousand Trails Ponderosa camper explains, "They don't have sewer so you can dump it yourself at a dump area on the campground or have a service come to you and do it for $25."
Elevation considerations: Higher elevation affects temperature fluctuations. "Hilltop sites are better for smaller campers. I have an 18' trailer and sites 126-128 are really nice. They are set into the mountains with trees behind you," notes a visitor at Sly Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cedar Grove, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cedar Grove, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 381 campgrounds and RV parks near Cedar Grove, CA and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cedar Grove, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cedar Grove, CA is Sly Park Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cedar Grove, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Cedar Grove, CA.
What parks are near Cedar Grove, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Cedar Grove, CA that allow camping, notably Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
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