Best Tent Camping near Colfax, CA

The foothills of the Sierra Nevada near Colfax, California offer tent campers several options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Lake Clementine Boat In at Auburn State Recreation Area provides tent-only camping along the North Fork of the American River, while tent campsites at Tahoe National Forest's Onion Valley Campground offer pine-shaded sites accessible via drive-in and walk-in options. Both locations maintain designated tent sites with varying levels of amenities and seasonal availability.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though potable water is rarely provided. The access roads to many backcountry tent sites require high-clearance vehicles, with several reviews noting rough, narrow driving conditions. Lake Clementine's tent camping area prohibits trailers on its six-mile access road of "curvy, hilly, and narrow pavement." Bear boxes are common at established tent campsites, with reviewers noting their importance during drought years when wildlife becomes more active. Many tent sites operate seasonally, with Lake Clementine's prime season running May through September.

The tent camping experience offers proximity to natural features and relative solitude compared to developed areas. Several backcountry tent sites provide access to crystal-clear lakes and river swimming areas. Primitive tent sites at Lindsey Lake Campground require careful driving but reward campers with remote, serene surroundings. The 12 official tent campsites often fill by Thursday afternoons during peak season, though surrounding National Forest land allows dispersed tent camping for those prepared to bury waste and practice leave-no-trace principles. As one review notes, "If you are prepared to bury your waste and leave no trace, they're probably better camping spots. You can be out of ear and eye shot of any other person, spread out, and really take a great hammock nap."

Best Tent Sites Near Colfax, California (86)

    1. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Cool, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-4527

    $38 / night

    "The parking area is at the top of the hill, and you set up your tent below. Most of the sites that have a “driveway” were not level, except for Sites 5 and 6."

    "Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."

    2. Peninsula Camping and Boating Resort

    1 Review
    Pinecrest, CA
    4 miles
    +1 (530) 477-9413

    3. Oracle Oak Grove

    1 Review
    Rough and Ready, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    $60 / night

    "I got to know the owners at Oracle Oak and they have taken great steps to make this a unique place to stay, they also have kayaks and other water sport equipment available for campers to make your stay"

    4. Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground

    5 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 288-3231

    "We rolled in here after midnight and most of the spots were still empty, and they're far enough apart that we were able to set up camp without being too disruptive."

    "There aren’t many spots and they are well spaced out. Tables and fire rings in most of them. Vault toilet near the entrance was in surprisingly good condition."

    5. Camp Far West North Shore

    3 Reviews
    Beale Air Force Base, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 633-0803

    "I did feel the camping spots need some maintenance because the fire pits and bbqs are non functioning, we had to build our own fire ring. And the broken glass....... man it was everywhere!"

    "We visited Camp Far West for one night on a quick trip looking for somewhere remote, nearby, and slightly warmer during the winter months.  It was green and beautiful. "

    6. Mumford Bar Trail Campground

    1 Review
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    18 miles
    Website

    "This is a great small campground with walking access to the Mumford Bar Trail hike down to the American River.

    One vault toilet. No water spigot. Pack it in, PACK IT OUT."

    8. Lake Spaulding Campground

    4 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 386-5164

    "We take our Kayaks and spend the day on the lake. It gets choppy in the afternoon so be aware. The campgrounds are set among huge boulders and can be very private."

    "We stayed here for a night before backpacking to Eagle Lakes, and it was a nice little wooded campground.  Very quiet, spacious sites.  Hiking along the lake is gorgeous. "

    9. OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)

    1 Review
    Coloma, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 626-5600

    $30 - $99 / night

    "If you have some extra time, be sure to check out Marshall Gold Discovery Park, home of Sutter's Mill, and the nearby wine country."

    10. Love Creek Sanctuary

    Be the first to review!
    Meadow Vista, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    $50 - $100 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 86 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Colfax, CA

933 Reviews of 86 Colfax Campgrounds



Guide to Colfax

Tent camping near Colfax, California offers a fantastic escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers should check out Lake Clementine

Tips for tent camping near Colfax

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Colfax, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Colfax, CA is Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Colfax, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 86 tent camping locations near Colfax, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.