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Best Campgrounds near Elk Grove, CA

558 Reviews

Campgrounds surrounding Elk Grove, California provide options ranging from fully developed RV parks to tent camping near lakes and rivers. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access facilities like SacWest RV Park & Campground in West Sacramento, which accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins, or Rancho Seco Recreation Area in Herald with similar accommodation types. The Sacramento region features several campgrounds with lakefront or riverside locations, including Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park along the Sacramento River and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area's Beals Point Campground, which offers year-round camping about 20 miles northeast of Elk Grove.

Seasonal conditions significantly impact camping experiences in the region, with many visitors noting the effects of California's dry climate and varying lake levels. Water levels at some reservoirs like Folsom Lake can recede considerably during drought periods, changing the proximity of campsites to shorelines. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and holidays. Several campgrounds provide hookups for RVs, though amenities vary significantly between locations. As one visitor to Beals Point Campground noted, "Nice 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 campgrounds near Elk Grove receive mixed reviews regarding privacy and spacing between sites. Facilities like Laguna Del Sol in Wilton and Rancho Seco Recreation Area earn higher ratings for their amenities and recreation opportunities. Water-based activities form a central attraction at many sites, with fishing, boating, and swimming available at locations like Folsom Lake and Lake Camanche. Several campgrounds provide direct water access, walking trails, and picnic areas. Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings as highlights of their stays. "We had a family of deer pretty much monitoring my whole trip plus they couldn't seem to wait until I went to bed to come check out my camping gear," reported a visitor at Acorn Campground. Clean restrooms and shower facilities are consistently mentioned as important factors in positive reviews, while road noise affects some locations closer to highways.

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Best Camping Sites Near Elk Grove, California (154)

    1. SacWest RV Park & Campground

    17 Reviews
    West Sacramento Vmf, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 371-6771

    $52 - $100 / night

    "Great little campsite with a 50s vibe right outside the city of Sacramento. The bathrooms and showers are clean the staff are friendly and helpful."

    "We stayed at the side close to the highway so it was a bit noisy but not too bad. The people were friendly! It was a bit too pricey though."

    2. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Herald, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 748-2318

    "The campsites are spacious and you don't feel over crowded if there is a family next to you. It's pet friendly."

    "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."

    3. Cal Expo RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Sacramento, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 263-3187

    $50 - $1000 / night

    "Great Bike paths adjacent along the river into Downtown or up to Folsom. All Full hook up sites on gravel or asphalt, daily, weekly, monthly rates."

    "...then you want a good location for your home base. Cal Expo definitely has the centralized location for exploring Old Sac, Cal Expo, State Capitol, the rivers and beyond."

    4. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 791-1531

    $28 - $48 / night

    "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."

    5. Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park

    7 Reviews
    West Sacramento Vmf, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 371-3471

    "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."

    "Everything you need to “get away” is here and big city amenities a short drive away."

    6. Laguna Del Sol - CLOTHING OPTIONAL

    3 Reviews
    Sloughhouse, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 687-6550

    ".

    • Four swimming pools
    • Three social pools
    • Volleyball courts
    • Pickleball
    • Hiking/walking trails <-- our favorite.
    • Tennis And others."

    "Everything you could ask for as amenities go in a beautiful location. Don't forget your sun screen."

    7. The Hirst Horse Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Herald, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 712-3242

    $85 - $90 / night

    8. Holiday Mobile Village & RV Park

    1 Review
    Elk Grove, CA
    6 miles
    +1 (916) 423-1087

    9. Flag City RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Lodi, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 339-8300

    $95 - $990 / night

    "They have a huge fenced dog area in the drainage bowl behind the office that also has solar panels on the outskirts. We did not use the area due to the recent rain."

    "Convenient rest stop, has a small pool, is close to stores, highway, mostly facilitates larger size RVs, and generally clean and quiet."

    10. Sacramento Shade RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Rio Linda, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 922-0814

    "Also while setting up, every person that walked by said hi and welcome! We have never experienced that much friendliness in a campground."

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Recent Camping Photos near Elk Grove, CA

157 Photos of 154 Elk Grove Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elk Grove, CA

558 Reviews of 154 Elk Grove Campgrounds

  • Shir S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    El Dorado

    Great place before lake tahoe

    We drove from redwood to Lake Tahoe and wanted a place to stay since it got late Good place Online booking and entrance if after hours and affordable price opposed to other sites in the area

  • J
    Sep. 17, 2025

    American River Resort

    Perfect match

    During our stay (mid of September) the place was empty and we had the most relaxed time we could have. RV site close to the river and some deers also crossing our ways on the campground

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Lake Solano County Park

    Great campsite, loud road

    I loved staying here for one night and wish I could’ve been there for longer. The bathrooms are accessible, I had a beautiful spot by the water, my neighbors were friendly, the staff were welcoming. The only catch was that the road parallel to the lake is super loud and for me bothersome at night. I did not get good sleep because of this, i recommend bringing ear plugs if you are sensitive to noise and sleeping outside (i was in a tent). I don’t know how noisy it is for other spots farther away, but I would guess the sound still travels but is not as bad as having a spot along the water. Normal site are $30 per night, sites along the water are $40.

  • S
    Aug. 28, 2025

    smittle creek

    Hidden Gem

    This sweet little spot is a paddle boarding and fishing dream. Primitive site where Smittle Creek flows into Lake Berryessa.

  • James C.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Thousand Trails Turtle Beach

    Still a 4-star park worth the trip

    This may not be the park it once was, but it's still far better than most in the area. Showers and clubhouse activities are still limited, but the nearby delta offers its own attraction. Day use, tents, and every class of RV are easily accommodated. No shopping or supplies nearby, but anything you may want or need is within 5 miles. It is very relaxing and one of the first sites I try to book if I'm in the area. Hands down better than the county parks.

  • Shiva S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)

    Great place to visit

    I came to check out the more calm waters in the canyon for my paddleboard. The site was great layout and I had a really enjoyable time out on the water. Other boaters where very respectful of the no wake zones.The campsites on the bluff of the hill can get windy so be prepared for that. Regardless, I'll be back.

  • P
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dos Reis County Park

    Great Option for an Overnight Stop

    A half-mile off of I-5, far enough to dampen the interstate roar, and separated by a dike from the San Joaquin River.  Not a lot to do in the surrounding area, no obvious hiking trails, for example, although some fishing seems to have been possible. A small loop of 20+ sites, all (it appeared) with full-hookups.  We had a back-in site with no trouble for a 17' trailer. Small oddities (a site or two with what looked like permanent residents, showers with limited hours in the morning and evening, unclear signage on how and where to register), but a classic municipal/county park campground, that was a quiet and welcome alternative to commercial camps.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Skyline Wilderness Park

    Nice but pricy

    This place is nice. RV location is basically a gravel parking area pretty close to one another. Sites are level with minimal need for blocks. Staff are friendly. Native garden is very nice. Hiking is nice too especially in winter when everything is green. It’s like a fairy wonderland on the Manzanita trail. Cell phone coverage is good. Have both Verizon and Att with at least 2-3 bars. 10-12 Mbps down 4-5 Mbps up. Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!

Guide to Elk Grove

Camping near Elk Grove, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Water activities: Folsom Lake is a great place for swimming, fishing, and boating. One camper mentioned, "Folsom Lake with all water-related activities" and highlighted the biking and walking trails nearby.
  • Hiking and biking: The American River Bikeway is perfect for those who enjoy biking or walking. A review noted, "The paved American River Bikeway was good for walking, running, and horseback riding."
  • Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds are surrounded by nature, making it easy to spot local wildlife. One visitor shared, "In the early spring, it is quite, especially here, with green grass and wild turkeys."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Beals Point Campground stated, "This is a very clean and well-maintained State campground."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors have praised the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at SacWest RV Park & Campground said, "Hospitality and professionalism—that's how you can describe this place!"
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park are designed for families, with plenty of activities for kids. A review noted, "Lots of activities for the kids all day besides the water park."

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Peninsula Campground mentioned, "The weekends get crowded during peak season."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. One camper at Acorn Campground pointed out, "No market, pets allowed, picnic table, reservable."
  • Check for reservations: It's a good idea to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during busy times. A review from Lake Camanche mentioned, "They gave us our spot we set up, then was told they made a mistake and made us move spots."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, which offers a water park and playgrounds. One family said, "The water park was clean and very nice."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can save you trips to the store. A camper at Rancho Seco Recreation Area mentioned, "The store was recently redone and they offer a wide variety of items."
  • Plan for downtime: Bring games or books for quiet time. A visitor at Lake Amador Resort shared, "The staff is super friendly and always there to help."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A review from Flag City RV Resort noted, "The utilities are on the back quarter of the pad."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One camper at SacWest RV Park & Campground said, "We have everything we need here; FHU, laundry, clean showers and bathrooms."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially if there are parties nearby. A visitor at Acorn Campground mentioned, "Some partiers till midnight."

Whether you're looking for an elk grove campground or a cozy spot to park your RV, the area around Elk Grove has something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping locations near Elk Grove?

Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers nicely spaced sites with good shade trees, clean facilities, and easy access to swimming areas. Despite being near urban areas, it maintains a secluded feel with convenient access to nearby stores. For a unique historical experience, Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground provides a well-shaded camping area with just 23 sites, making it less crowded. Located about 3 hours from the Bay Area, it's perfect for a weekend getaway with access to beautiful open spaces and historical exhibits. The best time to visit these campgrounds is spring through fall, though summer can be quite hot.

Are there any campgrounds with bathroom facilities near Elk Grove?

Several campgrounds near Elk Grove offer clean bathroom facilities. Lake Camanche maintains well-kept bathrooms with hot water, though some sites may not have showers immediately adjacent (the Riverview area has showers within walking distance). American River Resort features clean bathrooms with private showers, making it comfortable for overnight stays. Most campgrounds in the area provide restroom facilities within a short walking distance from campsites, typically 2-5 minutes. If bathroom quality is a priority, consider calling ahead to confirm current conditions, as maintenance can vary seasonally, especially during drought periods when water conservation measures might be in effect.

Are there any free or low-cost camping options near Elk Grove?

Acorn Campground offers reasonably priced camping at $20 per night, with discounts available for Golden Age Pass holders who can stay for just $10 per night (maximum 15 days per month). This makes it one of the more affordable options in the area. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and located on New Hogan Reservoir. For those seeking budget options, Rancho Seco Recreation Area near Herald provides more economical camping compared to private resorts in the region. While truly free camping is limited near Elk Grove, these options represent good value, especially during weekdays and non-peak seasons when rates may be lower.

What RV camping options are available near Elk Grove?

The Elk Grove area offers several RV-friendly options. Skyline Wilderness Park just outside Napa accommodates numerous RVs with dedicated RV sections separate from tent camping areas. For those needing full hookups, Flag City RV Resort near Lodi offers big-rig-friendly sites with modern amenities. Many campgrounds around Elk Grove can accommodate larger rigs, though site availability varies. Acorn Campground has some sites for larger RVs, though it's primarily designed for smaller trailers. When making reservations, confirm site lengths, hookup options (water, electric, sewer), and dump station availability. Most RV parks in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months and weekends.

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