Best Campgrounds near Garden Valley, CA

Join the fun near Garden Valley. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Garden Valley. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Garden Valley, California (322)

    1. Coloma Resort

    15 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."

    "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"

    2. American River Resort

    10 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-6700

    "Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers."

    "It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."

    3. Thousand Trails Ponderosa

    9 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift."

    "Great spot if you can get in half of the camp got washed away from the rain this year though ."

    4. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 791-1531

    $33 - $58 / night

    "As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely."

    "As full timers- we thought we hit the jackpot for the area in order to be near the towns we wanted to explore and also have service for good wifi."

    5. Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 988-0215

    $33 / night

    "Very quite camping spot very clean.coin operated showers😭 lake is very close by."

    "Folsom lake is a great place to take the boat, beals point has a snack bar, life guards and equipment rentals, there are plenty of places you can drive or boat to get away from the crowds if you prefer"

    6. Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest

    7 Reviews
    Georgetown, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 333-4312

    $3 - $8 / night

    "A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare."

    "Close to Georgetown and to the El Dorado National Forest. Super clean and easy to get to. Signs off 193 are well marked! The have horse corrals too if you’re into that. Highly recommend!"

    7. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Cool, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-4527

    $38 / night

    "I’ve been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it’s a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing."

    "Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."

    8. Ghost Mountain RV Campground

    12 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-5476

    "It reminded me of Lake Pillsbury north of Clear Lake Ca where we as a family had been camping since 1981. But with just over 2hr drive not 6hr with trailer. There is a pool, and kids pool."

    "About 1.5hr from Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. Built thick forest of the Sierra mountains. Nice size campsites. Water and Electricity only."

    9. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Applegate, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-4527

    "Our site was next to the raft launch/pickup, so there were a couple of groups picked up during the day. Bathrooms were average and the site was maintained well."

    "(Small cars made it down ther without difficulty)

    Once at the camp ground, right on the waters edge, grab up the 3rd site on the right. It is literally on the edge of the river."

    10. Camp Lotus

    3 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-8672
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Showing results 1-10 of 322 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Garden Valley, CA

1138 Reviews of 322 Garden Valley Campgrounds



Guide to Garden Valley

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Garden Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Garden Valley, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 322 campgrounds and RV parks near Garden Valley, CA and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Garden Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Garden Valley, CA is Coloma Resort with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Garden Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Garden Valley, CA.

What parks are near Garden Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Garden Valley, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.