Best Campgrounds near Garden Valley, CA

Camping near Garden Valley, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking and Biking: The area is surrounded by trails perfect for hiking and biking. Campers have enjoyed the paved American River Bikeway, which is great for walking and biking. One reviewer mentioned, "The paved American River Bikeway was good for walking, running, and horseback riding."
• Water Activities: Folsom Lake is nearby, providing opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. A camper noted, "Folsom Lake with all water-related activities" is a highlight of the area.
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor shared, "I saw Bald Eagles and Comorans with their babies," making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Beals Point Campground said, "Great view onsite, sites are clean."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Coloma Resort are noted for being great for families. A visitor mentioned, "The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area, and easy access to nearby stores."
• Abundant Recreation: Campers enjoy the variety of activities available. One review highlighted, "Four stars for the abundant recreation activities."

What you should know:

• Bear Country: Some campgrounds, like Ice House Campground, are known for bear sightings. A camper warned, "It would have been nice to know about the three bears that would be coming by."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Loon Lake has vault toilets and no showers, which some campers found inconvenient. One reviewer noted, "The vault toilets were almost full (kind of disgusting)."
• Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Sly Park Recreation Area mentioned, "Day use areas and day use parking fill up very quickly, especially on weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Coloma Resort, which offers a playground and pool. A camper shared, "Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon."
• Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family enjoyed, "We had a view of the lake, the campground was relatively quiet. Very peaceful."
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food and drinks handy can make family outings easier. A visitor at Sly Park mentioned, "There are some rentals for water activity and this lake seems very popular for water skiing and tubing!"

Tips from RVers:

• Check for Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Ice House Campground, do not have electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "It’s real mountain camping but with amenities."
• Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially on weekends, arrive early. One RV camper advised, "Weekends book up quickly, but weekday camping is easy to find."
• Be Mindful of Noise: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A camper at Giant Gap mentioned, "The camp hosts were so welcoming and helpful," highlighting the importance of being respectful to neighbors.

Camping near Garden Valley, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. From family-friendly spots to serene nature retreats, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.