Camping options around Foresthill, California range from basic primitive sites to partial-hookup facilities nestled within the Sierra Nevada mountains at elevations between 3,000-7,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters with significant snowfall at higher elevations. Most campgrounds close during winter months, typically reopening from May through October when access roads become passable.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding at local lakes: The small lake at Thousand Trails Snowflower provides calm waters suitable for beginners. "Great little Lake for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding. RV sites have partial hook ups," notes Kathy C.
Swimming in natural pools: South Yuba River offers excellent swimming opportunities. "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. Perfect snow melt means August is the prime time," explains Anna R.
Mountain biking on nearby trails: Several campgrounds offer access to mountain biking trails. Paul R. mentions Snowflower has "some decent trails close by to ride. There's also legit fishing lakes within about a 20 minute radius."
What campers like
Secluded swimming areas: South Yuba Campground provides riverside recreation without crowds. "This is one of the best sites there is. 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," shares J.d. E.
Winter camping opportunities: Some areas offer unique off-season experiences. "We ended up camping in a truck camper at Tahoe Valley Campground after being caught in a snow storm. For a last minute find, it turned out to be an awesome choice... And nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!" says Basia M.
Group facilities for large gatherings: Coyote Group Campground provides specialized accommodations for bigger groups. "Large group camp site with lots of flat places to pitch a tent. Clean pit toilets. 3x Bear food and 4x trash/recycling bins. 2 (or 3?) water spigots. 4 big picnic tables," reports Tyler M.
What you should know
Campsite reservation issues: At French Meadows, site selection can be challenging. "WARNING- two thirds of the campsites were on a slope with no where to setup a tent on level ground. We got lucky and reserved a site with a 'decent' spot to place a tent but if you have never been and don't know what sites to pick while making reservations online then you are rolling the dice," warns Graham K.
Road conditions to remote sites: Some campgrounds require navigating difficult roads. One camper notes, "To get to French Meadows you have to take some winding roads along the mountain side... It was a little unnerving on some parts! But once I got to there, it was definitely worth the drive!"
Toilet facilities vary widely: Maintenance levels differ between campgrounds. At South Yuba, one visitor reported, "The composting toilet is a wreck. Not usable. Use cat holes instead (200 ft from water please). Poison oak is everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Placerville RV Resort & Campground offers numerous amenities for children. "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained," shares Dan.
Noise levels vary by location: Some campgrounds are better suited for families seeking quieter environments. "Super busy campground with kids running around and riding bikes. They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights. Hot showers and well lit clean bathrooms. Hard to find solitude or silence," notes Dani P. about Tahoe Valley.
Bear safety for children: Many campgrounds in the area require proper food storage. Tyler M. explains Coyote Group Campground has "3x Bear food and 4x trash/recycling bins" but suggests "There could be an additional bear bin to support as much food/scented items as a group of 25 would need."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges at RV sites near Foresthill, California: Auburn Gold Country RV Park offers full hookup sites but some campers report issues. "Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level," notes Sebastian M.
Hidden service fees: Some RV parks charge additional fees not included in base rates. "If you don't have the premium hookup spots, you got to pay 20$ 'Service Fee' for dumping. Idk why because you end up doing it all by yourself as usual anyway," reports one Auburn Gold Country visitor.
Site availability challenges: Finding spots at membership-based RV parks requires planning. Kathy C. shares about Thousand Trails Snowflower: "Thousand Trails does not reserve campsites so it can be quite a scene to find a site especially in the summer. Only one dump station was open (there are 3) so waited 30+ minutes to dump."
