Water levels at campgrounds near Colfax fluctuate seasonally, with reservoir-based sites typically fullest in spring and early summer. Most campgrounds in the Sierra foothills sit between 2,000-4,000 feet elevation, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night. Cell service ranges from nonexistent at South Yuba Campground to reliable at sites closer to major highways.
What to do
Swimming in natural settings: South Yuba Campground offers excellent swimming opportunities along the river trail. "Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California. The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers. Perfect snow melt means August is the prime time," notes Anna R. The river access includes hiking trails to multiple swimming areas.
Fishing at mountain lakes: French Meadows provides fishing access to its reservoir. "Great trout fishing," mentions Toby R., though he warns visitors this is "bear country" with "extreme fire danger the summer months." The campground is typically open May through mid-October.
Paddling on calm waters: Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs offers non-motorized boating opportunities. "Nice calm water for a leisurely SUP experience," reports michaelle P. The lake is suitable for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding with rentals sometimes available during peak season.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Lake of the Springs campers frequently encounter deer. "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!" shares Nicole G. The campground's natural setting attracts various wildlife throughout the seasons.
River access: Sycamore Ranch RV Park offers unique water access. "Shaded grassy sites along the banks of Dry Creek just above its confluence with the Yuba River," reports Chris &. One camper even mentioned, "I took advantage of the water and after getting shuttled up to the bridge kayaked down the Yuba and up dry creek all the way to our campsite!"
Stargazing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing due to limited light pollution. Julie M. notes about Sycamore Ranch, "This place is dark at night so really good for star watching." Campsites away from urban centers provide better astronomical viewing conditions.
What you should know
Campsite terrain challenges: Many sites have uneven ground, particularly at French Meadows. "WARNING- two thirds of the campsites were on a slope with no where to setup a tent on level ground," cautions graham K., adding that "if you have never been and don't know what sites to pick while making reservations online then you are rolling the dice."
Seasonal concerns: Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with snow closing many high-elevation campgrounds in winter. "Closed due to snow in winter," notes one reviewer about French Meadows. Summer brings opposite concerns, with Nicole G. reporting, "It was incredibly hot when we were there so we spent most of our time lounging at the edge of the river."
Facility limitations: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At South Yuba Campground, Frying Pan Fred G. warns, "The composting toilet is a wreck. Not usable. Use cat holes instead (200 ft from water please)." Other campgrounds offer more reliable facilities but may have limited capacity during peak times.
Tips for camping with families
Pool alternatives: Thousand Trails Ponderosa offers river swimming that kids enjoy. "The River is nice with man made trails to easily walk down to a beach area," explains Angela C. Kate A. adds that there's "lots of great fishing, floating, and kayak accessibility. Bring tubes and life vests. Poles and bait."
Activity options: Some campgrounds provide recreational facilities beyond natural features. About Placerville RV Resort, Dan notes they have a "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained."
Safety precautions: Parents should be aware of specific hazards at each location. For Ponderosa, Kate A. warns, "Great location, but plan ahead... be careful of the river, it's swift." Wildlife awareness is also important, with Anastasia P. mentioning at French Meadows, "We were here in August...bear boxes" are provided for food storage.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Access to rv sites near Colfax, California can be challenging. About South Yuba, John T. warns, "Note google & garmin routing from Nevada City takes a bridge with a 4 Ton weight restriction." This makes route planning essential for larger RVs traveling to campgrounds near Colfax.
Site selection strategy: At Ghost Mountain RV Campground, site quality varies. "We're in an okay spot, small and angled funky but still it's a wonderful place," shares amanda G. Understanding specific site limitations helps RVers position their vehicles effectively.
Hookup availability: Many Colfax area RV campgrounds offer partial hookups only. Tod S. from Dutch Flat RV Resort notes, "Most sites are neither flat nor level, but close enough to get level. The setting is magnificent." He also mentions that site maintenance can vary, so being prepared with leveling equipment is advised.
