Best Campgrounds near Colfax, CA
Campsites around Colfax, California cluster primarily along the American River and Bear River corridors, with additional options scattered around Rollins Lake. Established campgrounds like Mineral Bar within Auburn State Recreation Area provide riverside camping with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers. Rollins Lake offers multiple campground options including Greenhorn Campground, which accommodates both tent and RV camping with lakefront sites. The camping areas vary from developed sites with showers and hookups to more primitive locations with vault toilets only. Most campgrounds in this region support both tent and RV camping, though amenities and site sizes differ significantly between locations.
Access to many campgrounds requires navigating winding mountain roads, particularly those leading to riverfront sites. The camping season generally extends from spring through fall, with peak visitation during summer months when water activities are popular. Several campgrounds including Giant Gap operate seasonally from May to October, while others like Dru Barner and Nevada County Fairgrounds remain open year-round. Winter camping options become limited due to weather and seasonal closures. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall months due to wildfire concerns. "Only 15 minutes away (windy road) from Colfax, but feels so remote! Beautiful mountain valley of north fork. Clean campsites right along road with bearboxes, picnic tables, and fire pits," noted one visitor about Mineral Bar Campground.
Campers consistently highlight water access as a primary attraction in this region. Riverside locations along the American and Bear Rivers provide swimming holes and gold panning opportunities, while Rollins Lake supports boating and fishing. Public lands around Colfax feature mixed terrain with both forested sites and open water access points. "The air is deliciously clean, the river provides a calming soundtrack at night, and the rangers are friendly and helpful," reported one camper at Bear River Park. Visitors should be aware that campground quality varies significantly, with some reviews mentioning issues with overcrowding during peak season and occasional problems with rowdy neighbors. Many campgrounds maintain bear-resistant food storage lockers due to active wildlife in the area. Both water and shade access represent critical factors when selecting campsites, as summer temperatures can become quite hot.
