Fall River Lake camping options span across California's gold country at elevations between 1,200-3,500 feet, offering year-round accessibility with particularly mild temperatures in spring and fall. The reservoir area features oak woodlands transitioning to pine forests at higher elevations, creating distinct camping environments ranging from open lakeside settings to densely forested sites.
What to do
Boat rentals for fishing access: At Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina, visitors can access a range of watercraft options. "We went swimming in the swimming area and there were a surprising amount of people there via Covid. We went in the little shop briefly but from what I could tell they had a lot of useful things campers may need varying from firewood, ice, snacks, fast food, alcohol, & camping/fishing supplies," notes Katie K.
Lake hiking opportunities: Pinecrest Campground offers a scenic trail circling the water. According to Ruben N., "The hike around the lake was beautiful too, roughly 2-3 hr hike with some great views. Amazing place to camp." This lake trail provides moderate terrain suitable for most hiking abilities.
Wildlife viewing excursions: Keep cameras ready for deer sightings at multiple glamping sites around Fall River Lake. "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," reports a visitor at Lake Tulloch.
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Acorn Campground offers water access beyond the main lake beaches. "Even without a boat or any lake toys we had a lot of fun hanging on the shore and letting the dogs swim, and even took a dip ourselves," shares Gregory R. Swimming spots vary from designated beaches to more secluded shoreline access points.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution at Diamond Gulch creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "The stars were so so beautiful, you can see the milky-way and in the morning you're greeted by cows outside the fence!" writes Brenna R. Peak viewing occurs between 10pm-2am, particularly during new moon phases.
Abundant shade sites: Unlike some glamping locations near Fall River Lake that lack tree cover, many campers appreciate the mature forest. A visitor noted, "This is a very nice RV park with mature trees," when describing their experience at Angels Camp. Shade availability varies significantly between campgrounds, with riverside sites typically offering more tree coverage.
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, particularly at lower elevations. "We camped out for 2 nights in spot 96 in the height of summer and just before all the fires started. New Melones was not a top destination but it was close to a very special place for us, Natural Bridges. Also, at the time of booking it was one of the few campgrounds accepting new reservations in this age of COVID. We selected spot 96 as it was the furthest from any other spot (situated on a bend and the only site on that part of the road for a while). It was something like 107 when we were setting up the tent and most of the day time but on the lake itself, the temperature was perfect," reports Scott R. from Tuttletown Recreation Area.
Water level variability: Lake levels fluctuate significantly throughout seasons, affecting access points and views. A camper at Acorn Campground explains, "The lake level varies wildly throughout the year, sites that are right on the lake can end up being hundreds of feet from the lake if the water level is low. Early summer is the best time to go for high lake levels."
Limited cell service: Many glamping sites near Fall River Lake have minimal connectivity. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, a visitor explains, "No cell service. Have to drive about 4 miles west to get signal. Sporadic signal in the park. WiFi is subscription at sites. It was $14.95 for a week. Very intermittent."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety preparation: Bring flotation devices for all ages as swimming areas lack lifeguards. "Acorn Campground is great for tent and RV camping. Warm weather so great for swimming. Good for fishing, boating (they have a launch), kayaking, paddle boarding and you can bring bikes and scooters for the kids," recommends Rosina A.
Entertainment options: Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging offers kid-focused amenities. "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," explains Jeanette D. Activities typically run from May through September.
Special site considerations: Look for campsites with adequate shade during summer stays. "Some sites have plenty of shade, some none, which would be killer in the heat! Great, QUIET time," writes Larry W., suggesting families select shaded sites when possible to avoid extreme daytime heat.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, spaces vary significantly. "Those by the river are packed close together and more shaded. We didn't care to be packed like sardines, so we opted for one of the middle sites. Hardly anyone was in these sites so it was quiet and spacious," shares Erin S.
Hook-up limitations: Many glamping sites near Fall River Lake have limited electrical options. "There are only a handful of 50amp spots and people move to them quickly after someone leaves. Lots of 30amp though so you might want to bring an adapter," advises William V.
Access road conditions: Steep, narrow roads can challenge larger rigs at some locations. A visitor to Yosemite Pines noted, "The campground has nice views, but wow, what a scary drive up a curvy mountainous road to get to it." Most RVers recommend arriving during daylight hours to navigate these routes safely.
