Fall River Lake campgrounds sit in California's Sierra Nevada foothills at elevations ranging from 1,000-2,500 feet, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. The region features oak-studded hills surrounding reservoirs with fluctuating water levels dependent on seasonal rainfall and snowmelt. Most camping areas offer limited shade coverage, making spring and fall visits more comfortable than midsummer stays.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Acorn Campground provides direct lake access for anglers. "Fishing areas were easy to get to and we watched numerous people enjoy water sports on the lake," notes Debbie R., who found the surroundings beautiful and facilities clean.
Kayaking excursions: The many coves of New Melones Lake offer excellent paddling opportunities from Glory Hole Recreation Area. A visitor commented, "We got in our kayaks for an awesome day paddle around the many coves of this reservoir. Since the lake level fluctuates there aren't many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide excellent opportunities to see native wildlife. "Deer are fearless & majestic, several 'packs' walked through our campsite all throughout Sunday night when everyone else was gone. They walked up to us to smell our campfire & our food," shared Katie K. from Lake Tulloch RV Campground.
Astrophotography: The area's minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. According to Scott R., "It was so dark that I was able to do some great astrophotography," making Tuttletown Recreation Area ideal for stargazers.
What campers like
Level, spacious sites: Big Oak campground offers well-designed sites with excellent views. A camper explains, "We loved site 106 in the Big Oak campground, but found others that were even better view-wise. 116 and 117 had great views of a larger part of the lake."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept shower and bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked," reports Joshua H., who was pleasantly surprised by the quality at Big Oak campground, adding that "sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy."
Swimming access: Despite fluctuating water levels, swimming remains a popular activity. "The lake is gorgeous and at night there were several deer walking thru the site," notes Melissa B., who stayed at Lake Tulloch RV Campground. "This is hot weather territory but you can take a quick swim to cool off. There is a day use area and a swimming area with a beach."
Campsite privacy: At several locations, the layout provides separation from neighbors. "Each site is well spaced in between," according to Mon M. at Tuttletown Recreation Area. "Roads within the recreation area were very good and facilities including toilets and showers were very nice and clean."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility maintenance can be inconsistent. "Bathrooms could use some upgrades and store hours could be extended as well," observed Yvette M. at Lake Tulloch RV Campground, while other visitors report clean facilities with working flush toilets.
Extreme summer heat: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with limited shade at most sites. One camper at Glory Hole Recreation Area advised, "Be prepared for the heat. It can reach up to 110F in summer. It is toasting even with shade."
Water quality concerns: Water from campground taps may be discolored at certain times. "The water that was coming out of all the faucets was red and brown. People weren't allowed to shower that night," reported Maria M., who experienced problems at Lake Tulloch.
Prepare for insects: Summer months bring increased mosquito activity, especially near water. "The mosquitoes have definitely increased!" warned Lori T., who visited Big Oak campground in spring. "Site #142 has great afternoon shade, a nice view, and is very level."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Yosemite Pines RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities including play areas. "The kids had fun playing at the playground, jet skiing, and making sand castles at the beach," says Elisabeth, who found the staff friendly and helpful.
Petting zoo experience: Several campgrounds feature animal encounters for children. "With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids," reports Jeanette D. about Yosemite Pines.
Cabin options: For families seeking more comfort, cabins provide an alternative to tent camping. "Cabin had bunk beds. Small refrigerator," notes Craig & Linda L., who stayed at Lake Tulloch RV Campground for a weekend getaway.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming zones with beach access appeal to families with children. "The lake is gorgeous and at night there were several deer walking thru the site," shares Melissa B. about Lake Tulloch. "There is a day use area and a swimming area with a beach."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Tuttletown Recreation Area offers some sites suitable for larger RVs, though with limitations. "Sites are packed in tight. Definitely geared for tent camping although I was lucky enough to be here when it was dead empty and picked a good site for my 27' toy hauler," notes Hunter P., who appreciated the fire pits and picnic tables at every site.
Dump station access: Facilities for waste disposal are available at select campgrounds. "There is a nice dump station ($8 fee recommended... pay station is at park entrance)," shares a camper about Tuttletown, adding that a gas station with firewood is not too far away.
Hookup availability: For those needing full hookups, options are limited but available. "Grassy full hook up sites in Sonora Ca. At the junction of Hwy49 the 'Chain of Gold' and 108 outside Yosemite National Park," reports Paul N. about Mother Lode Fairgrounds, which offers daily/weekly rates and a short walk to the historic mining town.
Water supply challenges: Hookup reliability varies across campgrounds. "No electrical hook up. In some spots the hook ups are far, other sites they have them every few feet," explains Natalya P., who camped at Tuttletown Recreation Area.
