377 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Forest Knolls, California cluster primarily in the Sierra Nevada foothills and around Nevada City, with options ranging from developed sites to more primitive camping areas. The Inn Town Campground in Nevada City provides tent and RV camping with amenities including showers, toilets, and picnic tables, while Collins Lake Recreation Area offers a broader range of accommodation types including cabins and glamping options. Most campgrounds in the region maintain facilities for both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups and services depending on the specific location.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly across camping areas in the region, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with several open only from late spring through early fall. Giant Gap Campground, for example, operates from May 14 to October 20, while White Cloud Campground is available from June 20 to September 27. Reservations are recommended for most developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. As one visitor noted about Gold Lake 4x4 Campground, "Warning - this site requires a high clearance vehicle with good off road tires. Low profile tires and trucks modified for street use, you WILL destroy your vehicle."
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and water access available at many sites in the region. Several campgrounds provide direct access to lakes or rivers, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. The proximity to hiking trails represents another commonly mentioned benefit, with many campgrounds serving as convenient baselines for day hikes. A visitor to Wild Plum Campground described it as "a beautiful campground close to the Yuba on Haypress Creek. Large campsites in the pine forest with lots of privacy at most sites." Campgrounds closer to Nevada City and Grass Valley provide more amenities and easier access to services, while those farther into the Sierra Nevada mountains offer greater seclusion but typically fewer facilities. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds providing bear-resistant food storage options.
"Just know that here on The Dyrt, the location on the map for some reason shows it as being many miles away from Kidder Ct: it’s marked as if it is at Higgins Corner, halfway to Auburn?"
"Super clean and friendly Not congested and close to many hiking trails Easy drive and close to Nevada City.
Especially nice during Christmas Season. Feels like walking back in time."
"This campground is above Marysville California."
"They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our "front door" from our 27' travel trailer."
"This is a smaller but nice lake. It hasn’t ever been over crowded when I’ve gone. The reason I like this spot is because campsites C3-C10 have the most shade you can hope for!"
"They have a convenience store that is walkable distance to get supplies, food, candy from. You should reserve a spot right on the lake. If you have a boat you can anchor it right in front."
from $42 - $53 / night
Check Availability"The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."
"The campsites are all very nice but 23 and 24 can’t be beat with the best access to the water ( you will have a lot of people walking by to get there also though)."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around."
"Really nice with the lake and quiet woods feeling. No hassle booking and really reasonable price. Huge sites like 150x18 or there abouts."
"Reserved 2 campsites next to each other for 10 family members for Father’s Day weekend 2019. Sites were large and not too close to each other so plenty of room to spread out. "
"Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off."
from $39 - $51 / night
Check Availability"This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California. The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers."
"There's hiking access to the river, and almost never anybody at this campground. It's scenic privacy at it's best. Hike up or downstream for some really great swimming holes."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"The individual sites are distanced enough so it still feels private, bathrooms and water was available. Hiked the pioneer trail and then went swimming in the lake nearby."
"It was only a 20-minute drive from home in Nevada City. We enjoyed hanging around the campground, took a cruise over to Rucker Lake for some exploring."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"There are trails for hiking or mountain biking. You are minutes from Bullards Bar which is one of the most beautiful lakes around. I definitely suggest a day trip to the lake."
"It’s mixed RV and tent with no RV power so the generators are loud and you’ll be surrounded by them."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"It was quiet and private, but close to the hosts so they visited when I had questions about the best spots for swimming and hiking nearby."
"Had a fire in the fire pit and enjoyed the quiet(except for the coyotes in the distance!). Galen, our host, was always available to answer questions and to bring extra firewood."
from $55 / night
GuideVery 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideFrom pulling over and setting up camp, to backpacking all of your gear around the lake to the various of different camp spots, blue lake is the perfect camping area. I’ve camped here in the sunshine, rain, and snow and have had no regrets. It’s a great place for people who want to start getting into backpacking, as it’s a very short hike from the car while still very remote and peaceful.
ScoutCame on a Friday afternoon mid June and the campground was full so we camped on the ridge above the campground. There were a lot of people parked around to backpack and camp along the trails bin the area. It took 30 minutes to drive the 5 unpaved miles of grouse ridge road. No issues in my ‘83 2WD Westy
TravelerThis campground is in a decent location, it is about 1.5 miles from downtown and about 6 miles to donner lake. There are short walking trails behind the campground which is great if you have dogs. The campsites are small, but the ones in the back row at least have a decent view of the forest! The gym is a nice perk, but it is very underwhelming (a few cardio machines and random dumbbells). Unfortunately this campground also rents out to long term residents, which makes some of the campsites look pretty rough… but everyone was very quiet and very friendly, so really not much of an issue. This was our second time going, and both times we were happy with our stay… if there was a better option in Truckee, we’d take it, but we love Truckee and this one works well enough.
TravelerOur family loved it here. Great staff. The poo was clean and heated. They had volleyball, karaoke, clean bathrooms and open showers.
There is even a cute pond to fish out of.
Theirs an old town that has two stores open. One is ice cream and the other is breakfast and lunch.
Everything is affordable.
RangerLovely spots, no hookups, close to the highway but far enough off we couldn’t hear it. Stream is lovely, wish we had more time to spend.
GuideThank goodness we found this place! It was the only campground that could accommodate our 36ft Class A in the Tahoe area. Nice shaded campground with level sites and all hookups! across from a rec center with pool and other amenities.
ScoutMy 8th time here. It's right on Hwy 50 so there is freeway noise. Usually the river sounds drown it out for me. Vault toilets and water spigots. $10 Firewood. Cell service decent.
Camping sites near Forest Knolls, California range from developed campgrounds to more secluded options within the Sierra Nevada foothills. Elevations typically vary between 2,000 and 4,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night. Most campgrounds in this region experience seasonal closures due to snow conditions at higher elevations.
Swimming in natural waters: Collins Lake Recreation Area offers excellent swimming opportunities in a clean, well-maintained lake environment. "We spent two nights doing a family and friends reunion. We loved our rv spot, the rest of the group had great tent site and glamping tents. Facilities were super clean and nice. Pool was small but the pool area was really nice. Great location for swimming in the Yuba river!" noted Hani S.
Fishing access: At Giant Gap Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing at the adjacent reservoir. One camper reported, "Such a beautiful lake for paddleboarding as there are no motor boats. Quiet, secluded, flat campsites. There is a great trail that goes entirely around the lake."
Trail exploration: The White Cloud Campground provides access to the Pioneer Trail, ideal for both hiking and mountain biking. A visitor commented, "So fun and quiet for the most part. Traffic noise from 20 was the only drawback so next time will choose a campsite on the back side. Pioneer trail is amazing for mountain biking and hiking."
Private, spacious sites: Inn Town Campground offers well-separated campsites that create a sense of privacy despite proximity to Nevada City. Nicole G. shared, "The campsites are well maintained, there is water nearby all sites and they drive thru the campground once a day to pick up trash in case you don't want to haul it to the dumpster. They have dish washing stations and the absolute nicest, cleanest bathrooms/showers I've ever seen in a campground."
Lake views: Many campers appreciate the waterfront sites at Rollins Lake, particularly in the Greenhorn Campground area. Ed S. mentioned, "This is a smaller but nice lake. It hasn't ever been over crowded when I've gone. The reason I like this spot is because campsites C3-C10 have the most shade you can hope for! There is a little waterfall and creek running behind the campsites so you get the trickling water sound."
Common facilities: Several campgrounds provide community spaces that enhance the camping experience. At Inn Town Campground, Amanda M. found, "The common house has a fully stocked kitchen so you can camp without having to bring supplies! The campground is exceptionally clean and meticulously maintained. We even had a heated mattress pad in our glamping tent to keep warm."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads requiring specific vehicles. Stephanie C. warns about Giant Gap Campground: "Be warned though, Google maps will suggest driving up Iowa Hill. DO NOT. Follow the directions of the campground, that road is not for the faint of heart. And NOT for RVs or trailers."
Noise levels: Proximity to highways affects some campgrounds. At White Cloud Campground, Rory R. noted, "Awesome spots to camp, it's just insanely close to the 20 so you'll hear non-stop traffic."
Site spacing: Campground density varies significantly in the region. At Nevada County Fairgrounds, David C. observed, "Very very small sites. Hardly enough space to put out the awning and set up some chairs. Just can't recommend based on the very cramped conditions. Sites are not very level either. I needed to raise my front end 6 inches to get level."
Kid-friendly amenities: Collins Lake Recreation Area offers multiple activities for children. Coleen C. shared, "Had a great site big enough for a couple of tents. Nice clean site near lake. Hubby enjoyed fishing. Kids loved canoeing out onto the lake. Amazed to watch a bald eagle grab a fish and fly away."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Rachel noted about Scotts Flat Lake, "Showers are HOT, and there is a playground for kids. Never had issues with noise or people partying too late!"
Swimming safety: When camping with children, select sites with calm water access. Julie B. mentioned about Collins Lake, "The only good thing it has is the lake. You can just play in the water all day and it is right there. If you want to be close to the water and don't mind people then this is the place for you."
Site leveling: When selecting an RV site, check for level conditions. At Nevada County Fairgrounds, James B. reported, "Had spot in rear of facility. Lots of room uneven grass surface but auto leveled no problem. Small pond for kids only fishing. Easy freeway access can get to town on surface streets. Overall was quiet clean safe."
Hookup availability: RV campers should confirm which services are available. At Nevada County Fairgrounds, marcus K. noted, "Hookup campsites are demarcated by white powder on the ground. If you dont need hookups looks like you can go anywhere."
Lakefront RV sites: For RVers wanting lake views, Collins Lake offers premium waterfront options. Ed E. shared, "Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage. They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our 'front door' from our 27' travel trailer."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Forest Knolls, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Forest Knolls, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 377 campgrounds and RV parks near Forest Knolls, CA and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Forest Knolls, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Forest Knolls, CA is Inn Town Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Forest Knolls, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Forest Knolls, CA.
What parks are near Forest Knolls, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Forest Knolls, CA that allow camping, notably Plumas National Forest and Martis Creek Lake.
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