Tent camping near Columbia, California offers a mix of public and private camping options within the Sierra Nevada foothills, ranging from 2,000-4,000 feet in elevation. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations while summer can bring extended periods above 90°F. The region contains numerous streams and small lakes that support fishing opportunities, with different fishing regulations applying to public and private waters.
What to do
Hike through ancient sequoias: At North Grove Campground, numerous trails wind through magnificent groves. A camper noted, "There is plenty to do and trails to hike in this area, easy enough for families with children and rugged trail options for the more experienced hikers."
Swim in natural waters: Lake Camanche provides relief from summer heat with accessible swimming areas. A visitor shared, "The water isn't freezing, it's usually pretty warm. The lake isn't huge, but makes for great boating."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple waterways near Columbia offer fishing spots for different skill levels. At Lake Camanche, one visitor reported, "Fishing is awesome! Hiking trails can be better. There is a general store at the boat marina and ramp."
Wildlife observation: The forests around Columbia contain diverse wildlife. A camper at North Grove Campground noted, "A bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off. Rangers were friendly and very informative about the area."
What campers like
Natural swimming holes: Boards Crossing offers pristine water access. According to one camper, "If you walk down the hill from the campsites, you'll find a few great swimming holes—definitely worth the effort on a warm day."
Off-season tranquility: Many campgrounds offer different experiences by season. A visitor to Lake Camanche noted, "We stayed at the lake for one night, mid-week, off season. We were only one of a few handful of RVs in the RV section of the campground...in the early spring, it was full of bird songs and a gorgeous sunset."
Cellular connectivity: For campers needing to stay connected, several dispersed camping areas have reliable service. At Top of Arnold, a camper confirmed, "Great spot for a tent or small trailer. The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up...2 bars LTE of Verizon."
Stargazing opportunities: The foothill areas around Columbia have minimal light pollution. Lake Camanche campers often mention "STUNNING, ever-changing sunsets — pics don't do justice!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful driving. A visitor to Forest Route 4N39 advised, "You don't need 4x4 but you definitely will need a vehicle with some decent clearance. There are some weirdly purposefully placed speed bumps on the west end of the road...that will let you know if you have enough clearance pretty quickly."
Seasonal crowds: Weekday and weekend experiences differ significantly. At Lake Camanche, campers noted, "Weekends are filled up and busy, but during the week days it's nice and quiet."
Camping supplies: Dispersed camping requires complete self-sufficiency. At Top of Arnold, a camper stressed, "This is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man."
Weather preparation: Foothill temperatures vary dramatically between day and night, especially at higher elevations. North Grove Campground sees significant temperature drops after sunset, with some campers reporting frost even in late spring.
Tips for camping with families
Shower availability: For camping with kids, knowing shower options helps with planning. North Grove Campground offers "showers are coin operated and nice," while private campgrounds may provide more extensive facilities.
Swimming safety: Lake Camanche has designated swimming areas suitable for children. One visitor shared, "We don't have boat and did not rent one, but the kids had a great time with just the floaties."
Educational opportunities: Hardin Flat Road dispersed camping puts families close to Yosemite's educational programs. A camper noted, "Just a 10 minute drive from the entrance to Yosemite! The spots along the creek were very buggy. We found one away from the water and not at all buggy."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. A Hardin Flat Road camper mentioned, "We found one away from the water and not at all buggy. It turned out to be near enough to Rush Creek Lodge that you could hear kid noise from the pool during the day but it got quiet after 9pm."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: North Grove Campground provides dump station facilities included with your stay. A visitor confirmed, "Park does have a dump station and is included in the space rent."
Water access limitations: While many sites have nearby water sources, hookups are limited. At North Grove, "No trailer hookups, but very site has a water but can't connect it with the trailer."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and Wi-Fi vary widely. A North Grove camper noted, "The only Wi-Fi is at the visitor center and VERY limited cell service, no great loss."
Terrain challenges: Many dispersed sites have uneven ground. Top of Arnold campers mentioned that "the ground is basically dust dirt," making stabilizing RVs challenging without additional equipment.
