Cedar Grove offers glamping options surrounded by oak woodlands at an elevation of around 2,000 feet, with nearby access to the American River watershed. During summer, water levels drop in Lake Jenkinson and the American River, changing swimming and paddling conditions. The area experiences minimal snow in winter but rainfall can make roads muddy from December through March.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: The hiking trail to the waterfall at Sly Park Recreation Area provides an accessible adventure for most fitness levels. "I'm in my mid 40's and walked the south side waterfall trail from Hazel Creek to the first dam and back in about 3 hours…and I'm by no means a regular hiker," shares Michell C. The waterfall hike connects to a 9.5-mile trail system around the lake.
Gold panning: Try your luck finding gold flakes near Coloma Resort, where California's gold rush began. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you," notes Jill F. The nearby historic town of Coloma adds educational context to the experience.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Many lakes in the area offer calm waters for paddling sports. Bea I. from Sly Park Recreation Area reports, "Jenkinson late is beautiful to kayak or paddleboard on and you can also rent for $20/hr + $10/hr after that." Winter visitors should note that some water access points close seasonally, extending hiking distances to reach the shoreline.
What campers like
Stargazing: The night skies around Cedar Grove offer excellent visibility due to limited light pollution. Carly D. from Sly Park Recreation Area notes this as her favorite aspect: "The stars are breathtaking at night. Gotta be my favorite part. It's also fun to look across the lake and see all of the campfires sparkling in the distance."
Lakeside views: Many campsites provide direct lake views, particularly at Peninsula Campground where winter and spring visits offer greener landscapes. "We picked a site away from everyone else at the other end of the campground with a stunning view over the lake. Highly recommended for a spring visit," writes Ray B., highlighting the seasonal beauty of the area.
Privacy options: The region offers both social and secluded camping experiences. Melissa M. recommends: "Lot 38 on Pinecone Strip, really private. No other campsite really visible. Close to bathrooms and water." This strategic site selection allows glampers to customize their experience based on preference for privacy or community.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for weekend visits. "It's a very popular camping spot, so I recommend planning and reserving sometimes several months in advance. Weekends book up quickly, but weekday camping is easy to find," advises Carly D. about camping at Sly Park.
Yellow jacket concerns: Some campsites experience seasonal wasp activity that can impact outdoor cooking. At Pipi Campground, Krystle L. warns: "We got swarmed by them anytime tried to cook. No exaggeration easily 100+ jackets swarming our bbq while tried to cook our dinner. We got relief from them down by the water." Bringing yellow jacket traps and scouting sites before setting up camp can help mitigate this issue.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the area have limited or no cellular reception. Prepare by downloading maps and directions in advance. "There is no cell reception and the Navi will not work so be prepared and have printed directions/map," advises Krystle L. about Pipi Campground, underscoring the importance of preparation.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible trails: Families with young children will find suitable hiking options throughout the area. "This is a great place to camp or to make a day trip if you're near the area. Beautiful hikes that are easy for young children. Plenty of trails to choose from," notes a visitor about Sly Park's trail system.
Kid-friendly water access: Look for shallow water areas that provide safer play spaces for children. Heather W. at Pipi Campground points out: "River has many shallow areas for safe water play with life jackets." The campground also offers "handicapped friendly" features including "a boardwalk and cement walking trail good for wheelchairs and canes."
Seasonal timing: For families seeking quieter experiences, avoid peak summer weekends. Michell C. advises: "It does get very busy on weekends, so if you would rather not deal with the 'Weekend Warrior' type of campers, book your stay for mid-week (Mon-Thurs) and probably avoid camping in July altogether."
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: Many local campgrounds have limited space and challenging access for larger rigs. At American River Resort, David C. notes: "The terrain is steep with mostly smaller sites. I would be very cautious about coming here with a larger RV. Ours is 30' bumper to bumper. I think 32 would be ok." Check campground maps and call ahead to confirm site suitability.
Power considerations: Some campgrounds offer electrical hookups but with limitations. "I had to bypass the surge suppressor because it kept cutting out due to low voltage. Voltage was generally 104-105," reports David C. about American River Resort. RVers should consider bringing power management devices when glamping in Cedar Grove to protect sensitive electronics.
Road challenges: Access roads to some campgrounds present difficulties for larger vehicles. Michell C. warns: "Rainbow, Kam Loop, Dogwood and Hazel Creek camping loops are nicely shaded and stay much cooler than the camping loops toward the front of the park but it can be tough to get a larger motorhome or travel trailer into the back of the park. The roads are very narrow with plenty of blind corners."
