Best Tent Camping near Cool, CA

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Cool? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Cool with tent camping. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Cool, CA (70)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    1. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    29 Photos
    16 Saves
    Cool, California

    Boat-In Sites 1-16

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $38 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    2. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    130 Saves
    Herald, California

    Get back to nature at Rancho Seco Recreational Area. A short 25-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, you’ll find the 400-acre park that makes up the Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Take a short vacation and enjoy bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and even a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals and wildlife. Camp in comfort with recreation and concession buildings, shade structures, laundry facility, boathouse, and newly renovated restrooms and showers. This Rancho Seco camping destination offers RV sites, tent camping sites, and group sites, some with gorgeous lake views.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo

    4. Camp Nauvoo

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    95 Saves
    Diamond Springs, California

    We are a small privately owned small campground (19 sites only) located on the outskirts of Placerville. The property features 86.5 secluded Tahoe like acres with beautiful year-round Weber Creek. The camp sites are placed along the creek or the bluff overlooking the creek. We have traditional dirt camping, canvas tents on platforms, teepees and glamping tents for those that want the comforts of home. We are tent camping only with only one site that allows a small travel trailer or van. (#14) . We are dog friendly and allow dogs in all but 5 glamping sites. We do enforce camp rules especially our quiet time between 10 PM and 7 AM (please review).

    We’ve been told that we have a “family camp” vibe. We are a great place for families wanting a safe environment for their kids but also several group sites for those that want to hang out together with multiple families. We are also a great base site for those wilderness enthusiasts with access to all the El Dorado National Forest including Desolation but want a hot shower at the end of the day.

    We have a lodge that is stocked with games and a ping pong table. The lodge has a microwave, Keurig machine and a hot water kettle for those hot drinks (BYO Cups).We have several tables set up for those that want to eat inside as well as multiple picnic tables along the side of the lodge with overhead protection. We have electricity at the at the lodge for small appliances and charging phones. We have a compressor on site to blow up your air mattresses or float toys. We’ve been told that our bathrooms are the “cleanest” ever and have changing tables and diaper pails. We offer nice flushing toilets and hot showers!

    For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing sets, seesaw and tractor play. We have hiking trails throughout the property. Our highlight is a camp fire bowl with bench seating with a stage to display camper talent which is perfect for the evening fire and roasting s’mores (bring the fixings).

    The creek starts out in spring looking like a rushing river featuring many fishing and swimming holes. As the summer progresses the water level falls but is still great for water play and fishing.

    We have propane BBQs (we provide the propane for BBQs) located throughout the property. We also have a propane grill and charcoal BBQ located in the common area for all to use. There is a dutch oven pit also in the fire bowl area.

    We do not allow wood fires at the individual sites but each site has a propane firepit for ambiance (not cooking) that requires you to purchase a 20 lb. propane cannister on site (add in extras) or pay cash on site.

    **We require a 3 night minimum for the major holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. **We do not do checkins on Sunday but do allow camping over Sunday night. We do exclusive events so you may need to explore multiple weekends to find the right reservation.

    We are located in the foothills so we are a short hop to many local attractions that include river rafting, gold mines, wineries and historical towns with great eating establishments. Tahoe is less than an hour away and there a many hiking trails within 20-30 minutes.

    We have a limited number of items to rent i.e, tents, cots, camp stoves, etc. We also have a small store on site for those items you forgot and a good selection of ice cream. We take venmo or cash.

    CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE BAY ALLOW 4 HOURS - YOU MUST LEAVE BY 3:00 IN ORDER TO ARRIVE DURING CHECKIN. IF YOU GET DELAYED, FOR THE CONSIDERAITON OF THE OTHER CAMPERS YOU MAY CONSIDER WAITING AND ARRIVING THE NEXT MORNING. THERE ARE NO CHECKINS AFTER 9:00.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $65 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche

    6. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    53 Photos
    199 Saves
    Wallace, California

    Lake Camanche Resort features 550+ tent camping sites spread out over hundreds of acres which are available year-round at both North and South Shores.

    Many sites offer immediate lake access while others are just a short walk away. Campsite amenities include bbqs, tables, water, hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. Primitive sites are just a short drive away to restrooms & showers. Ask you reservation agent for which sites provide shade.

    All of our sites feature some of California’s best natural and native species of trees, plants and flowers. Looking for alcohol-free camping? Both shores also feature alcohol-free campgrounds, perfect for those in search of a more family-friendly camping experience.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove

    8. Oracle Oak Grove

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    17 Saves
    Rough and Ready, California

    Sweet land with a cute hobbit/ witchy natural Vibe.

    Great asthetics, incredible gardens.

    Close to town, 30 min drive to 2 different parts of the Yuba River.

    Friendly vibe good people live on the land. There is a cute Cob compost toilet, bath house.

    Located in an Oak Grove.

    We are in the armpit of the Nevada County. A 15 minute drive to either Grass Valley or Nevada City. Or a 15 minute drive to two different parts of the Yuba River, Bridgeport and 49. And about 30 minutes to amazing lakes on the way to Tahoe. Also close to the bike trail you could bike to Nevada City. Before you arrive fill up on spring water from Bitney Springs, we've been drinking it for over a decade. For the extra sensative just ask to use the Berkey water filter. This area is the most bike friendly area in the entire county. Lots of trails a long the NID (Nevada Irrigation Ditch) created during the Gold Rush.

    Beautiful trail that over looks a view of an epic creek and a heart shaped lake. Camping stove can be requested, in the beginning stages of building a beautiful outdoor kitchen.

    For guests staying the weekend there is availabile usage of bikes, kayak, and paddle board. Need to be reserved a head of time.

    Also please the woodstove is currently wood fired. It takes about 5 hours to heat up and a decent amount of wood. We are more than will to prepare it ahead of time, but need a heads up and would prefer if you plan to be in it longer than 20 minutes. Also because of the amount of wood it uses and the labor to takes to prepare it, we request a donation. We love our tub, she is our precious gem, but she's a labor of love and anything opposite from a convience. Also because she is wood fire, I cant burn fires in the summer. So she is only available late fall, winter and spring. When the fire Ban is on there are no fires, including the hot tub.

    But due to high demand I will work on including a propane option for next summer.

    I love birthday parties.

    I love people coming with friends. I love people of all walks of life.

    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $60 / night

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
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    Showing results 1-10 of 70 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Cool

    731 Reviews of 70 Cool Campgrounds


    • Jeffrey A.
      Camper-submitted photo from Happy Time RV Park
      Nov. 26, 2024

      Happy Time RV Park

      Great for the night or long term.

      Reasonably priced campground off I5 between Yuba City and Sacramento at the 505 split. Full set ups and dry camp. Very friendly staff. Mixture of residents. Well maintained park.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
      Nov. 5, 2024

      Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

      Had to kick me out

      This place and his staff were absolutely amazing. I had a couple of different times where I needed to change the spot and without fail they were there to help. Quite CLEAN everything! I wanted to stop awhile 30 days later I was told goodbye👋 cause I know the rules at a State Park!🤦😔😔💩

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cal Expo RV Park
      Nov. 4, 2024

      Cal Expo RV Park

      No Skoolies

      Disappointed to be told they don't allow any buses unless they have the RVCIA (sp?) sticker. There were some really old and knackered looking caravans and daggy RV's in the park, but the place was pretty much deserted as it's November. All in all it was frustrating. ggggrrrrrrr

    • PThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from El Dorado
      Oct. 17, 2024

      El Dorado

      Dyrts description sucked

      We could not find this place. Needs better description. Afterwards in another rv park I worked it out. Need to go to their website first better directions than just el dorado. Dyrt dropped the ball on this one.

    • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground
      Oct. 9, 2024

      Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground

      A Surprise in the Sierras!

      We ended up at this small campground because our potential boondocking spots were completely snowed in up top.  So glad we did as it is tucked away on the grounds of an amazing state park!

      Most of the sites are small with a lot of tree coverage. It was quiet, quaint, and clean. We found a good site that provided just enough sky for both our 400W portable solar panel and Starlink to work pretty well. The bathroom building has flush toilets, was kept clean, and warm showers. 

      But the campground isn’t the reason to come here...it’s the history! This little park tucked into the Western Sierras will blow your mind. It is a significant Miwok Native American historical site, with home sites, ancient Oak trees, and literally thousands of grain, and acorn grinding stones located in the central part of the park. 

      The visitor’s center is a must-see and brings the location to life. In cooperation with the local tribes, the state manages the site and visitor’s center for the public. Take a walk on the interpretive trail, hike the adventure trails, fish in the creek, or attend a special program. It is a beautiful place to spend a few days. 

      The nearby town of Pine Grove has a few restaurants and grocery stores to get what you might need.

    • Sebastian M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Auburn Gold Country RV Park
      Oct. 7, 2024

      Auburn Gold Country RV Park

      Okay

      Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level. If you don't have the premium hookup spots, you got to pay 20$ "Service Fee" for dumping. Idk why because you end up doing it all by yourself as usual anyway. Feels like a bit of a rip off to be honest. The rest is nice, quiet (except for the geese) and clean.

    • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground
      Sep. 24, 2024

      Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground

      South Feather and Power water company campground

      Sly Creek Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake with several campsites along a small portion of the lake.

      There is a boat ramp and ATV riding on the forest roads in the area.

      The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025.

      Passes are honored.

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground
      Sep. 7, 2024

      Lodgepole Campground

      Perfectly Situated in the Sequoias

      I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!

    • OThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
      Sep. 6, 2024

      Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

      Large dirt pull off

      Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
      Sep. 6, 2024

      Bowman Lake Dispersed

      Lake side Campsites

      If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.

    • OThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Silver Fork Campground
      Sep. 4, 2024

      Silver Fork Campground

      Peaceful getaway

      Beautiful river area, friendly people, hills to hike around! There’s a fire pit and bbq set up at each site and bathrooms and drinking water around the campgrounds. Seems like an amazing spot for a family camping trip! I believe it was $28 a night for a single spot or $14 with a discount. Cons for a nomad is there’s 0 service out there even hiking to the top of the mountain. It’s also about an hour of winding roads from the nearest town to get there. IMO not worth it when there’s plentyyyy of free camping pull offs you pass on the way there.

    • Azizah T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice House Campground
      Aug. 26, 2024

      Ice House Campground

      Quiet campground with frequent bears

      I made reservations here a week prior to our trip because I was looking for a warmer place to camp. I previously had reservations at Pinecrest, but it was going to be in the 50s during the day and 30s at night. Which isn’t ideal since I have a 7 month old and a 3 year old. But it ended up getting pretty chilly here as well - high 50s, low 40s. I do not recommended campsite 3, where we camped. It is a double site and is spacious enough for two families. But the campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night. One huge black bear, and a mama black bear with her cub. It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3). Luckily, our kids were asleep when the black bear came around 9pm. The camp host never came by to check us in, even though we were right next to their site. They did not inform us of the three bears that would be coming by. Obviously we are in bear country, so precautions were taken. But it would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us (where one of the bears was coming down). When my husband informed the camp host of the bear that came by she wasn’t surprised at all and said “oh there’s three that come every night. One big black bear who is about 4.5ft tall on all fours - he’s a big guy! And a mama bear with her cub.” This was very strange to me that she didn’t come by and tell us this, nor did she tell the other campers around us. We went and informed the two sites by us so that they were aware of this. Aside from that, the campground is beautiful. You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around. The walk to the reservoir is short and sweet. The water isn’t freezing either, our dog enjoyed her daily swim. I recommend this campground for its beauty but be prepared for a bear visit.

    • OThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Nevada County Fairgrounds
      Aug. 22, 2024

      Nevada County Fairgrounds

      Quiet camping

      It’s $30 a night for dry camping and goes up from there depending on what hookups you need. Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around.

    • Roxanne D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
      Aug. 8, 2024

      Lake Camanche

      Fun Spot low cell service

      We have been going to camanche Lake for years . Low cell service but very nice place to tent camp. Last year, they gave us our spot we set up, then was told they made a mistake and made us move spots, but the new spot was closer to the water and that made the kids happy. Kinda a hassle, but it worked out. We love it at this lake.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Quail Ridge RV Park
      Jul. 29, 2024

      Quail Ridge RV Park

      Serene RV Trailer Park?

      Place wasn’t too bad. Very nice people, very peaceful, and quiet, however, there were many people here who are permanent residents of the park, some of their areas are a little trashy looking for lack of a better word. Definitely not a bad spot if you’re on the way to another campground, but there are probably better ones to head to, especially if you have children with you. We were also looking for a place to camp with two days notice and this was all we could find. Cheap too!

    • Tatiana I.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from SacWest RV Park & Campground
      Jul. 27, 2024

      SacWest RV Park & Campground

      Great Rv parking

      It is the only RV parking in Sacramento that will allow you to stay for one night. Great campground! Hospitality and professionalism- that how you can describe this place! Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around! Beautiful place! Thank you!

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lindsey Lake Campground
      Jul. 25, 2024

      Lindsey Lake Campground

      So nice!

      Stayed 6 days with friends and dogs. Sites were rustic but clean. We had direct access to lake to launch and swim. Jake, site host, very kind and professional as he answered questions and gave advice when a group member popped a tire coming up to the lake. We will be back!

    • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park
      Jul. 24, 2024

      Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park

      Outstanding location, Right on the river with a swimming beach and free fishing with no license required

      Tons of beautiful, shady spots overlooking or near the Sacramento river. Very Breezy and well maintained park with good prices for electrical and water hookup and a dump station. Clean bathrooms and showers at no cost and the laundry room with free detergent . Decent prices in the store and overlooks the Marina and the river at includes free fishing and swimming and is a beautiful spot! was only going to stay one night and ended up staying two.

    • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
      Jul. 21, 2024

      Bowman Lake Dispersed

      Great Late Spring Escape

      This place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.

    • Sharon B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Collins Lake Recreation Area
      Jul. 17, 2024

      Collins Lake Recreation Area

      Lakeside

      *pros: great little market, very nice staff, clean, great views *cons: rocky watch your step, especially at the beach and a long the shore. Recommend water shoes, although this may only help a little as the rocks are quite large and when can trip over them as much as step on them. they are not round river rocks, but pointy and painful to traverse. *my stay: I was only here for two nights and on the second morning some people pulled in and pitched a tent at 4:30 in the morning. They weren’t particularly loud, but they did curse and had their flashlight bright enough that it shone into my site and RV. Overall, it was still a very pleasant stay for the two nights.

    • Raymond B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
      Jul. 15, 2024

      USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

      Overnight stay

      We recently spent a night at this campsite and found it to be perfect for a quick overnight getaway. The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated.

      There are plenty of sites to choose from, catering to different preferences. However, we recommend taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped.

      A huge plus is the gas station just about 5 minutes down the road. It’s well-stocked with all the convenient store items you might have forgotten at home, making it easy to grab any last-minute necessities.

      Overall, it was a delightful stay. Just remember, always practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in!

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice House Campground
      Jul. 4, 2024

      Ice House Campground

      Beautiful mountain reservoir

      Boulder loop is very hot. Meadow loop has more trees and shade. Several sites in each loop have lake views and direction access to the lake. Can pull up your boat and leave water toys. Pit toilets and central shower at boat launch area.


    Drive Time


    Guide to Cool

    Tent camping near Cool, California offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from serene lakeside sites to charming primitive campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

    Tent campers appreciate these amenities

    Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40

    Tent campers should check out the activities

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cool, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cool, 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 Cool, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 70 tent camping locations near Cool, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.