Near Coloma, California, RV camping options range from basic electric and water hookups to full-service destinations with amenities. The area sits at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 feet, creating variable seasonal conditions. Winter camping requires preparation for occasional snow at higher elevations, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making access to electric hookups for air conditioning a consideration for RV travelers.
What to do
River activities: Near Thousand Trails Ponderosa, visitors can access the American River for water recreation. "Lots of great fishing, floating, and kayak accessibly. Bring tubes and life vests. Poles and bait," notes Kate A., highlighting the river's recreational options.
Hiking trails: The surrounding foothills offer walking paths for all skill levels. At Dutch Flat RV Resort, guests find "magnificent setting" with "some beautiful hikes starting at the campground," according to Random E., who stayed for an extended period.
Wine tasting: RV sites near Coloma provide convenient access to local wineries. Lee D. mentions using 49er Village RV Resort as a base, noting it "worked for us since we met friends at a nearby winery, this worked for us since we did not want to drive far."
What campers like
Natural water features: The American River and nearby lakes are major draws. Nicole G. from Thousand Trails Ponderosa reports, "The best thing about this campground is its location on the river. We spent most of our time lounging at the edge of the river. It really moved along and was fun to float down in a tube."
Family amenities: Many RV parks offer recreation facilities. "The kids loved the stocked fishing ponds, and even better was the immaculate 2 swimming pools and playground! Everyone was busy having fun the whole time," writes Syd D. about 49er Village RV Resort.
Pet-friendly spaces: Most campgrounds welcome dogs with dedicated areas. Gail M. notes that Jackson Rancheria RV Park is "dog friendly" with "security patrol day and night," providing a safe environment for campers with pets.
What you should know
Campsite spacing: Site size varies considerably between parks. At Thousand Trails Ponderosa, JL cautions that "spots are packed in like sardines making privacy and personal space hard to come by - especially with a lack of landscaping."
Reservation timing: Booking well ahead is essential during peak seasons. French Meadows can be accessed more easily in off-peak times, with Adam B. noting, "We rolled in around midnight on a Thursday in September and there were still plenty of walk-in sites available."
Site conditions: Terrain varies across RV parks. Random E. mentions at Dutch Flat RV Resort that "most sites are neither flat nor level, but close enough to get level," while Tod S. adds that some sites might have "old rugs and leveling Timbers left behind."
Utilities management: Water availability can be inconsistent at certain campgrounds. Anastasia P. observed at French Meadows: "Water pumps were good in the locations where water was present, but due to lower water levels, the pumps on the higher grounds had no water; had to walk to the lowest pumps."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Look for parks with multiple activities for children. At Placerville RV Resort, Dan reports 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."
Pool facilities: Swimming pools provide relief from summer heat. Susan R. from Jackson Rancheria notes the "beautiful walking trail around the park," adding that "not a bad spot anywhere! Spacious, clean, very friendly staff."
Entertainment planning: Consider campgrounds with scheduled activities. Tascha F. shares that 49er Village RV Resort offered "Thanksgiving and Christmas with friends that camped there. They even offered a New Years celebration," making extended stays more engaging.
Budget considerations: Factor in additional costs beyond site fees. Dan mentions Placerville RV Resort "was not cheap but kept the kids entertained. Will be going back," suggesting the value was worth the premium price.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites near Coloma offer different connection options. HandL C. cautions about Placerville RV Resort: "If you are expecting a full-hookup site, make sure it has septic at your site! Many of the sites are water and electric only, and you have to use the one dump station at the camp entrance."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some parks. At SacWest RV Park, David M. notes the "pull through sites" are convenient but advises to "check the prices. If staying for a night or two on your travels probably OK. Looking for a place to winter over- Not here."
Noise considerations: Location within a park affects the camping experience. Mara C. reports at SacWest that "We stayed at the side close to the highway so it was a bit noisy but not too bad," while David & Sue C. found it had a "wonderful dog park" that enhanced their stay.
