327 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Coloma puts you along the American River with access to California's Gold Rush history, swimming, and fishing. Several good camping spots can be found in the area, including Coloma Resort right along the river. Campers often make the drive to South Lake Tahoe as well, where Sierra Nevada campsites sit at higher elevations with cooler temperatures. Many hiking trails start near these campgrounds, with some paths leading to good viewpoints and quiet spots to watch for deer and other wildlife. Some campsites have good tree cover for shade, while others are more open and sunny. Roads to most camping areas stay in good condition year-round, though winter snow can affect access to higher elevation sites. Gold panning opportunities at Coloma Resort let campers try their hand at finding flakes in the same river that started the 1849 Gold Rush. American River Resort has larger sites that work well for families with kids who need room to play. Bear activity means food storage is important - many campgrounds provide metal food lockers to keep supplies safe. Most camping areas have good signs and you can reach them without needing four-wheel drive in dry conditions. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park sits just minutes from many campsites and shows where gold was first discovered. The area works well for campers who like fishing, hiking, or just hanging out by the water. Pack layers since the temperature often drops significantly at night, even in summer. The combination of history and river access makes Coloma worth considering for California camping trips.
"Beautiful campground along the American River in Coloma CA. The campground contains both on river and off river sites. You can literally backup to the rivers edge in the on river sites."
"We loved the Coloma Campground."
"As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely."
"As full timers- we thought we hit the jackpot for the area in order to be near the towns we wanted to explore and also have service for good wifi."
from $33 - $58 / 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."
"Very quite camping spot very clean.coin operated showers😭 lake is very close by."
"I wanted to find a spot somewhat close by and came across this one."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift."
"Great spot if you can get in half of the camp got washed away from the rain this year though ."
"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"I’ve been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it’s a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing."
"Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Our site was next to the raft launch/pickup, so there were a couple of groups picked up during the day. Bathrooms were average and the site was maintained well."
"Small cars made it down ther without difficulty)
Once at the camp ground, right on the waters edge, grab up the 3rd site on the right. It is literally on the edge of the river."
GuideThere’s only a couple of spots to pull off the road, the boat ramp clearly states no camping. I found a spot but every few hours all night long a truck with flashing lights on the roof drove by. Kinda weird
TravelerThis appears to be another roadside pullout in the Demonstration Forest area rather than a legal overnight campsite. Based on on-site clarification from CAL FIRE at a nearby listing, overnight camping is not permitted in this Demonstration Forest area. Only the campground run by PG&E is legal.
Traveler--- Not a legal campsite: confirmed by CAL FIRE ---
I originally stopped here with an in-progress cargo trailer conversion because this looked like an excellent roadside pullout: large, easy to access, relatively level, and long enough to maneuver a truck and trailer without drama. As a short stop, turnaround, or day-use staging spot, it is genuinely useful. However, this should not be listed or treated as an overnight campsite. While I was on-site, I was contacted by Officer Steve Garcia with CAL FIRE, who advised me that overnight camping is not permitted at this location. I had interpreted the posted seasonal“no parking” signage as suggesting that public use might be allowed outside the snow-removal season, but he clarified that the signage relates to snow removal and does not authorize overnight camping in the Demonstration Forest area. For practical details: the pullout itself is easy to enter and exit, with enough room for a modest trailer rig to get fully out of traffic and turn around. Road noise drops off substantially overnight, though traffic begins again in the morning. The area may be useful for a brief rest stop, equipment check, turnaround, or day-use pause. But as a camping location, the important information is simple: Do not plan to camp here overnight. I’m updating this review so others don’t make the same assumption I did. This is a good pullout, but it is not a legal overnight campsite.
GuideIndian Valley. Site 5. I love this campground and this area of California. It is not directly situated on the Hwy, and abuts the Yuba River, which is clear and gorgeous and draws a lot of birds and wildlife. A small, quiet family campground with an excellent local host couple. Vault toilets are kept clean. Site 5 has a large open space to the right and a beautiful view to the scenery beyond the river. The vault toilet was close, and now and then I could smell an odor, but it was not constant, nor terrible.
TravelerVery nice & clean campground next to the lake! There’s also a market across the street from the campground in case you want something to eat, ice cream or just forgot to pack something. Very nice hosts who were very friendly and nice.
ScoutClean sharp fun to be there. Lots of staff roaming around and helping. Bring your BBQ
ScoutStayed two nights and had our 8 year old grandson with us. We got what we were told was the best full hook up RV site. I can see a little bit of the lake which is very nice. There is a lot of permanent residence mobile trailer homes. Not at all what I expected. It is dirt, rocks and trees that don’t really provide shade. There were cigarette buts all over our camp site. There is a small fire pit but no bbq. For a good five hours today there was some shooting off a gun. Our dog happens to be afraid of that sound so she spent most of the day inside the trailer. When we arrived we had no picnic table and nobody would answer the phone. My husband and I ended taking one from the empty site next to us. Then this morning I called trying to get the Wi-Fi password. They gave me the wrong one, I called back, they never answered. I left a message, they never called back. My grandson and I walked down a small boat ramp to the lake. The area was full of trash and there was sludge at least a foot off the shore. From there you can see many of the small boat ramps off the backs of the permanent trailers and they were in complete disrepair. I get the feeling no one cares.
I can’t speak to any other area in this resort. Only where we are physically. My Husband did say there was a nice pond with picnic tables and shade, but the dog was not allowed to be there so that wasn’t something that we could enjoy.
ScoutThe area was quiet during my stay. Site is adjacent to the road, with a rock fire ring . The road up had some rough areas, but my outback had no real issues. I recommend hugh clearance, 4x4 to get here.
GuideVery popular in the summer!! Amazing lake front campsites with incredible views. Also kind of pricey. There’s onsite security and a big store with delicious icecream. Totally incredible fishing opportunities.
Dispersed camping options near Coloma, California include primitive sites in the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills. The area sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet above sea level where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Afternoon thunderstorms occur during summer months, making morning arrival times preferable for setting up camp.
River activities: Access points along the American River provide day-use areas for swimming, fishing, and gold panning. Coloma Resort connects visitors directly to these activities with "River was stunning and it was neat to walk across the bridge and check out the old historic mining town. We are going back in august and can't wait. Looking forward to rafting in the river!" according to visitor Whiffaroni M.
Gold panning: American River Resort offers direct access to the same river that sparked the California Gold Rush. Chris U. notes, "Campground was clean and well taken care of. 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."
Hiking trails: Nearby Folsom Lake State Recreation Area features multiple trail networks less than 30 minutes from Coloma. A visitor at Peninsula Campground reports, "The near by Otter Creek Trail is a nice day hike though a bit of switch backing elevation to get down to the creek. Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds."
Direct river access: Coloma Resort campsites place visitors steps from the American River where summer water activities center. Karen T. comments: "Beautiful view of the river but it was certainly crowded. Group sites we were near played loud music. Quiet hours weren't enforced as people played music or loudly chatted until 1am the first night we were there."
Covered tent sites: Many campsites offer shade structures important for summer camping when temperatures regularly reach 90-100°F. One camper mentioned, "The sun shade provided in the tent sites came in handy when we had a short moment of rain. It was also much appreciated during the sunny weather."
Historical attractions: Dru Barner Campground provides a quiet base for exploring Gold Rush history. A visitor shared, "I drove into Georgetown (6 miles) one day and had the best time exploring the shops and talking to the locals. Gas station has propane. Back in or pull through sites."
Fire restrictions: Summer fire bans frequently affect the area during peak camping season. At Auburn State Recreation Area, a visitor noted, "A fire pit/grill, large concrete picnic table, and bear box complete the site (although there was a fire ban in effect)."
Water conditions: Camp Lotus sits on the American River with water levels changing seasonally. Kevin L. explains, "Great campground for tenting or RV camping. It's on the river. Friendly and helpful hosts. No dogs are allowed though. This is one of our favorite campgrounds."
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly during summer months. A guest at Dru Barner Campground advises, "You can call and reserve or just show up and find an open spot. I was there in May 2021."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location. Brian A. at Beals Point Campground reported, "GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars. Dry camping spot 28.00/per night."
Water safety precautions: Rivers near Coloma have strong currents, especially during spring runoff. Abigail S. warns about Folsom Lake: "If not camping overnight I love to get a day pass and just hang out on the beach! I suggest staying on the main beach with the provided lifejacket area if with children as the other rock areas near the beach suddenly can drop off underwater very deep."
Bathroom access: Beals Point Campground offers coin-operated showers and clean facilities. One visitor mentioned, "The shower rooms have very high ceilings with thicker glass windows way up high as well. Almost like a spa experience if you ask me. Although I did get hit with a cold shower one time here during the winter."
Recreational options: Many campgrounds offer additional family-focused amenities. Rosina A. shares about Coloma Resort: "You can tent camp (it's covered sites for camping too), rent a cabin or RV camp. Great sites along the river too. Kids can play along several playgrounds for kids of different ages. A large grass area great for games."
Site size restrictions: Peninsula Campground accommodates smaller RVs better than large rigs. Ray B. explains: "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."
Power limitations: Many campgrounds offer only 30-amp service or no hookups at all. One American River Resort visitor noted, "The power is not good. I had to bypass the surge suppressor because it kept cutting out due to low voltage. Voltage was generally 104-105."
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow approach roads. David C. warns: "I would be very cautious about coming here with a larger RV. Ours is 30' bumper to bumper. I think 32 would be ok. Be aware that Garmin nav might take you the wrong way. Apple Maps had it correct though."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Coloma Resort campground?
Coloma Resort offers comprehensive amenities for a comfortable stay. The campground features both water/electric sites along the river and full hookup options off-river. Facilities include clean bathrooms, a small on-site store, group areas, and private showers. There's a large grassy area by the river, hiking trails, and even cabins for those who prefer not to tent camp. The resort provides fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Many campers appreciate the convenient location, with the historic town of Coloma accessible via a short walk across the bridge, where you'll find the Gold Rush park and dining options like the Argonaut restaurant.
Where are the best campgrounds in Coloma, CA?
Coloma offers excellent camping options along the American River. Coloma Resort is highly rated, featuring both riverside and off-river sites with water and electric hookups. For those seeking a unique experience, OARS American River Outpost Campground caters to rafting enthusiasts in the heart of Gold Rush country. Other quality options near Coloma include American River Resort with riverside sites and Camp Lotus. Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak season, so advance reservations are recommended.
What are the nearby cities and attractions when camping in Coloma?
When camping in Coloma, you're perfectly positioned to explore Gold Country attractions. The historic town of Coloma itself is walking distance from campgrounds like American River Resort, offering shopping and dining options. The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, commemorating the California Gold Rush's birthplace, is a major draw. For outdoor recreation, Beals Point Campground near Folsom is about 30 minutes away, offering lake access despite fluctuating water levels. Sacramento is approximately 45 minutes southwest, while Auburn and Placerville are closer options for supplies and services. The American River provides excellent rafting, fishing and swimming opportunities right in Coloma.
Keep Exploring
