Douglas S.
Ranger
RangerSly Guard Cabin
Typical of the campground you find in downtown Valdez Alaska
I invite you to take a look at the pictures. This is a simple gravel parking lot with hookups. There's nothing special about this location.
Camping near Lincoln, CA
233 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Lincoln, California area encompasses several established campgrounds and RV parks within a 30-mile radius, ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities and cabin rentals. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers two significant camping areas—Beals Point and Peninsula campgrounds—providing tent and RV accommodations with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. Private options include Thousand Trails Lake Minden in Nicolaus and Auburn Gold Country RV Park, both catering to RV travelers with hookups and additional amenities. Several campgrounds feature cabin accommodations, including Coloma Resort and American River Resort along the American River.
Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though summer brings increased demand and potential heat concerns. "The weather was HOT during early May. Our site was surrounded by some shade but could definitely feel the heat," noted one camper at Folsom Lake. Sites typically range from $28 for basic dry camping to $70 for full-hookup RV spots. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (May through September), particularly for weekend stays. Many facilities provide drinking water, flush toilets, and coin-operated showers, with dump stations available at select locations. Camp Far West North Shore offers lakeside camping but experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in water levels, while facilities near Auburn provide access to both water recreation and hiking trails.
Campers consistently highlight water access as a primary draw at many sites. Peninsula Campground and Beals Point at Folsom Lake receive particularly high ratings for lake proximity, though water levels can vary dramatically by season. One visitor observed, "The reservoir is currently nearly dry, so the 'beach' is just a field. Luckily, I was only there for the site and the hiking." Several reviews mention noise considerations, with Beals Point described as "a major draw for people who are just camping to be loud and drink heavily." By contrast, Camp Far West receives praise for off-season solitude, with one camper noting, "We were the only people anywhere except for folks in the full hook-up area. Not a sound except for the birds." Most campgrounds feature oak tree cover providing partial shade, particularly important during hot summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Best Campgrounds near Lincoln (233)
1. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
"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 Availability2. Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
"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 Availability3. Thousand Trails Lake Minden
"If you are okay with that they have a lot of sites right next to the water. The sites away from the water are quieter."
"Thousand Trails Lake Minden Tiny Park, Giant Heart
We spent three weeks at Lake Minden and, to be honest, judged it too quickly."
4. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
"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 Availability5. Auburn Gold Country RV Park
6. Loomis RV Park
"This is an older park in a location close to shopping. However, the train is near by and can be heard in the park. It comes by about twice in a 24 hr period. Office staff very nice and helpful."
"There is a little store within walking distance. Overall a very nice park!"
from $65 / night
Check Availability7. Coloma Resort
"Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."
"If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"
8. Camp Far West North Shore
"We visited Camp Far West for one night on a quick trip looking for somewhere remote, nearby, and slightly warmer during the winter months. It was green and beautiful. "
9. Ascension Ranch
"WELCOME TO ASCENSION RANCH Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise tucked away in an oak savanna along Folsom Lake with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities."
"Super relaxing and has a lake that is at the end of the trail. Super convenient. It was cool to experience the animals that were in the pastures as well. I'd definitely come back."
from $49 - $245 / night
Check Availability10. SacWest RV Park & Campground
"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."
from $58 - $100 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 25 min from Sacramento, CA
- 30 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 6 min from Stockton, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Lincoln, CA
327 Photos of 233 Lincoln Campgrounds
Aariana N.
Camp Far West North Shore
Chris D.
InTent Montauk
Jeanna J.
Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
T L.
Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Fawad A.
Ascension Ranch
Drew M.
Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
Charity M.
Apple Grass Farm
Carly D.
Bear River Park & Campground
Kate A.
Thousand Trails Ponderosa
Rosina A.
Coloma Resort
April N.
American River Resort
S D.
Sycamore Ranch RV Park
Recent Reviews near Lincoln, CA
666 Reviews of 233 Lincoln Campgrounds
Michele Z.
GuideUnion Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Pretty but not private
There’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
- VVanessa H.
TravelerLake valley road dispersed camping
Per CAL FIRE not legal.
This 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.
- VVanessa H.Traveler
Lake Valley Rd Pullout
--- Not a legal campsite: confirmed by CAL FIRE ---
--- 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.
- HHope H.Guide
Indian Valley
Quiet and Off the Highway
Indian 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.
- MMarc G.
ScoutGrass Valley RV Resort
Great Park!
Clean sharp fun to be there. Lots of staff roaming around and helping. Bring your BBQ
Debbie L.ScoutLake Amador Resort
RV camping among the residence.
Stayed 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.
- AAlivia F.Guide
Collins Lake Recreation Area
Collins Lake Camping
Very 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.
- AAlivia F.Guide
Orchard Springs Campground
Orchard Springs at Rollins
We went in February so we were the only campers in whole campground and got a killer lake front site. It was a little pricey compared to what I’m used to paying for camping(free), but the employees were extremely nice and friendly. We had a great time and paddle boarded, fished, and hiked in the surrounding areas.
Guide to Lincoln
Camping near Lincoln, California provides access to multiple waterways and recreational lakes with year-round opportunities. The region sits at the edge of the Sierra Nevada foothills with elevations ranging from 150 to 1,200 feet. Winter camping sees temperatures averaging 35-60°F, while facilities throughout the area maintain different reservation policies depending on season and popularity.
What to do
Fishing at stocked lakes: Camp Far West North Shore offers fishing opportunities throughout the year, particularly during quieter seasons. "We did a bike ride along the lake through the undeveloped overflow area and beyond to the north east end of the property," notes one visitor to Camp Far West North Shore.
Visit historic gold rush sites: Coloma offers access to California's gold rush history within walking distance of campsites. "You can pan for gold, relax, or bike, hike along the river, and kids can play along several playgrounds for kids of different ages," writes one camper who stayed at Coloma Resort.
Kayak and paddling: Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake provides direct access to paddling opportunities with multiple coves to explore. "We bring our kayaks and paddle all day there are plenty of miles of lakeside to explore. The peninsula camping site is a bit longer drive but worth it!" explains a camper from Peninsula Campground.
What campers like
Seasonal beauty: Spring visits to Peninsula Campground showcase completely different landscape than summer. "We visited this camp ground last year for a pre-spring getaway and really liked it. Tried it again this week, and it was great again. The grass is green, and the leaves are out on all the oak trees which makes it more beautiful," reports a March visitor.
Quiet off-season solitude: Many campgrounds in the Lincoln area transform during off-peak months. A winter visitor to Camp Far West North Shore noted, "We were the only people anywhere except for folks in the full hook-up area, which was far from us. We were right on the lake at the end of a peninsula. Not a sound except for the birds."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain excellent bathroom facilities despite heavy usage. At American River Resort, a visitor observed, "Super clean restroom facilities, access to the river, a nice store, and friendly customer service."
What you should know
Varying water levels: Lake levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, particularly at Folsom Lake. "In the summer months the lake is very busy and the hills are brown with dried grass. But in the early spring it is quiet, especially here, with green grass and wild turkeys," notes a visitor to Peninsula Campground.
Quarters for showers required: Multiple campgrounds operate coin-operated shower facilities, requiring campers to bring quarters. At Beals Point Campground, a visitor warns, "Dyrt says that it has wifi but couldn't find one and the showers needs QUARTERS and we were out of coins. So remember to take quarters with you if you want to shower."
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Fire regulations vary throughout the year. During summer fire seasons, restrictions may prohibit open flames. At Auburn State Recreation Area, "There is a sign prohibiting trailers; our 18-foot camper van did fine but anything much larger would definitely be challenged."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation fields: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's facilities. At Ascension Ranch, families appreciate unique features: "Some of things you'll come across include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, more horses, ranch dogs, puppies, chickens, equestrian activities, secluded campsites, amazing views, access to endless trails."
Shallow water access: Seek out campgrounds with graduated water access for safer swimming with children. American River Resort offers multiple points to access the river, though sites have varying proximity: "Nearly all of the tent sites are tiny and crowded very closely together with no privacy breaks at all between them."
Organized activities: Some resorts coordinate regular family activities. At Coloma Resort, a visitor shared, "There's a large grass area great for games, and if you are up for it, rafting, kayaking and fishing in the cold American river."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and leveling: Many established campgrounds have size limitations and leveling challenges. At Thousand Trails Lake Minden, a visitor cautioned, "The 'resort' advertises full hookups, but the reality is they have about 20 full hookup sites that can't accommodate RVs over 35 feet."
Power considerations: Electrical service can be unreliable at some locations. At American River Resort, a review notes, "Our site had 30 amp only and I doubt any of them have 50 amp. 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."
Cell coverage for remote work: When camping in Lincoln, CA, connectivity varies by location. One remote worker at Beals Point Campground reported, "GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars. Dry camping spot 28.00/per night."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near rivers or lakes around Lincoln, CA?
What camping options are available near rivers or lakes around Lincoln, CA?
The Lincoln area is surrounded by fantastic waterfront camping options. Lake Camanche offers family-friendly camping with direct lake access, well-maintained grounds, and clean bathrooms with hot water. Water levels vary seasonally, sometimes right up to the campsites and other times requiring a short walk. Cal-Ida provides peaceful riverside camping with the soothing sounds of flowing water and ample space for recreation. For boat-in camping, consider Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area for a unique experience. Giant Gap also offers lake views with large campsites and bear boxes, though it can get noisy during holiday periods.
Are there any private campgrounds with amenities in Lincoln?
Are there any private campgrounds with amenities in Lincoln?
Around Lincoln, you'll find several private campgrounds with excellent amenities. American River Resort offers convenient river access, private showers, clean bathrooms, and each site includes a fire pit and picnic table. It's also within walking distance to town for shopping and dining. Coloma Resort is another excellent option situated adjacent to the South Fork of the American River with restrooms and shower facilities. For those looking for full RV accommodations, Auburn Gold Country RV Park provides water hookups and is big-rig friendly with modern facilities. Most private campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak season.
Where are the best camping sites near Lincoln, CA?
Where are the best camping sites near Lincoln, CA?
Lincoln, CA offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is a popular choice with clean facilities, easy access to the lake beach swim area, and convenient proximity to stores. The sites are nicely spaced with plenty of trees for shade. Another great option is Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area, which offers beautiful scenery along the river. For those willing to drive a bit farther, Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground provides well-shaded sites in a small, peaceful setting with just 23 campsites, making it perfect for a weekend getaway.
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