The Sacramento and Fair Oaks area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F from June through September, and mild winters with occasional rain. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, with several located along the American River or near local waterways. Sites at various elevations provide different camping experiences depending on the season.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park offers a swimming beach right on the Sacramento River. "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," notes one visitor who appreciates the water access.
Fishing without licenses: Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park permits fishing without requiring a license, making it accessible for spontaneous anglers. "Beautiful spot includes free fishing and swimming and is a beautiful spot! Was only going to stay one night and ended up staying two," reports a camper who enjoyed the convenient river access.
River activities: Thousand Trails Ponderosa provides direct river access for water recreation. "The best thing about this campground is its location on the river. But the sites are packed in and many have little or no cover," explains one camper who enjoyed the riverside location despite the crowded conditions. Another visitor adds, "It really moved along and was fun to float down in a tube."
What campers like
Natural water features: SacWest RV Park & Campground includes riverside sites with scenic views. One visitor observed, "This is a nice little place on the edge of town. A maverik next door that can be noisy-as any gas station can be- but even closer to it it's not too much."
Pool facilities: 49er Village RV Resort maintains a heated pool even during winter months. "Pool is open in the winter with heating and a tent over top. Kids loved the arcade games," shares a long-term camper who stayed for over two months while waiting for their home to be built.
Wildlife viewing: Thousand Trails Lake Minden offers opportunities to observe local birds and waterfowl. A visitor with children mentioned, "Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around!" demonstrating the appeal for families interested in nature observation.
What you should know
Train noise: Loomis RV Park experiences train passages that may disturb light sleepers. A visitor clarifies, "There is a train track across the way but not a bother with the horn twice a day. If it was closer it would be 'My Cousin Vinny'."
Restrictions on RVs: Cal Expo RV Park has specific rules about acceptable vehicles. "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," reports one frustrated visitor who was turned away.
Site spacing concerns: Several rv sites near Fair Oaks, California have limited space between units. At Lake Minden, a visitor noted, "There was absolutely no space between the trailers, to the point I hit my head on my neighbors slide out while setting up," highlighting the tight quarters at some parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: SacWest RV Park & Campground has facilities for children of various ages. "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!" shares an enthusiastic visitor.
Family-friendly recreation: 49er Village RV Resort provides multiple activities for children. "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," reports a family who enjoyed a 4-day stay.
Seasonal event planning: Holiday celebrations occur at several campgrounds. One family at 49er Village reported, "Thanksgiving and Christmas with friends that camped there. They even offered a New Years celebration," suggesting families consider timing their visits around special events.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Ponderosa RV Resort has varying site quality depending on location. "They have different sections that cost more… the closer you are to the river, the more it will cost. It ranges from $5 to $20 bucks more a night," explains a visitor who recommends understanding the layout before booking.
Ground conditions: Loomis RV Park has terrain issues that affect larger rigs. A visitor with a 40-foot bus warned, "Our spot was not that great for our 40ft bus due to the tree limbs and the ground was very uneven, which made it difficult to level. We would stay here again, however I would make sure it's in a spot that's level."
Hookup limitations: Lake Minden has specific sections for different types of hookups. "The 'resort' advertises full hookups, but the reality is they have about 20 full hookup sites that can't accommodate RVs over 35 feet. My 40-foot RV doesn't fit, so I'm forced to drive around the lake to the non-hookup section," shares one frustrated RVer who had to use the dump station instead of sewer hookups.
