RV camping opportunities exist within driving distance of Fort Jones, California, at several established campgrounds. The region experiences winter temperatures that can drop below freezing from November through March, making seasonal preparation essential. Elevation changes across the area affect both temperature and road access conditions, particularly during winter months.
What to do
Explore historic mining towns: Columbia State Historic Park is located near 49er RV Ranch, which maintains an authentic mining theme throughout the property. "Great first trip for us! 49er was quiet and well-maintained. The staff was very friendly! They met us at the office when we pulled up and helped us get to the site (#45), and back in," notes one visitor.
Visit wildlife exhibits: Several campgrounds offer on-site animal attractions. At Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, campers can enjoy a small petting zoo. "The Llamas were an absolute plus as well. We loved how close it was to the park," shares one camper who stayed in a yurt accommodation.
Participate in organized activities: Seasonal events are scheduled at many rv parks near Fort Jones. At Placerville RV Resort, activities include mini train rides and outdoor movies. "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained," reports one family that visited the park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in camper satisfaction. At Jackson Rancheria RV Park, guests appreciate the well-maintained grounds. "Very well maintained. The grounds are clean, nice level concrete spaces with lots of grass around them. Easy to social distance," writes one reviewer who visited during 2020.
Water features: Access to swimming options stands out in summer reviews. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, the river access provides natural water recreation. "It is a beautiful campground. We lucked out with a pretty big and shaded riverfront spot (site 73) and could not have been happier. Full hook up, VERY well maintained facilities," notes one camper.
Pet amenities: Dog-friendly facilities receive positive mentions across multiple Fort Jones area campgrounds. "We love how clean it is, and the staff is friendly. The surrounding areas are woodsy and our dogs love the dog park!" reports a visitor to Jackson Rancheria RV Park, highlighting dedicated pet recreation areas.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, connectivity issues require planning. "There is no cell service and the 'pay WIFI' did not work for us...but there is complimentary WiFi at the laundry to check in on things that works just fine," advises one reviewer.
Reservation policies: Many campgrounds prioritize existing members or require specific booking processes. At Ghost Mountain RV Campground, membership affects access. "This resort is part of Colorado River Adventures and is private. Very nice park with everything you could need," explains one visitor.
Site layout challenges: Campsite configurations can present setup difficulties. At Monument RV Park near Lake Camanche, one reviewer notes: "The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose."
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Swimming pools operate seasonally at most campgrounds. 49er Village RV Resort offers water recreation options. "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 and the grounds were perfectly kept," writes one family.
Kid-friendly programming: Organized children's activities vary by campground and season. "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 a visitor to Yosemite Pines RV Resort.
Education opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. "Free gold-panning lessons on the site," notes one visitor to 49er RV Ranch, describing an activity that connects camping with regional history.
Tips from RVers
Big rig accommodations: Larger RVs require specific site considerations. At Golden Pines RV Resort and Campground, reviews note the spacious layout. "Very peaceful location with amenities for all needs. Far enough from the road to be quiet," writes a reviewer who appreciated the adequate space for maneuvering.
Electrical service reliability: Consistent power supply varies by location. Multiple RVers note the importance of bringing backup power options, especially during peak summer usage or winter storms when outages may occur.
Site surface conditions: Pad construction affects leveling ease. "Gravel pads, full hookups, including sewer, cable, water and 30/50A service," notes a reviewer at 49er RV Ranch, providing specific details about the site construction that impacts RV setup.
