The Sierra foothills surrounding Garden Valley, California sit at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 feet, creating a transitional climate zone between the Central Valley and higher mountains. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F during the day, cooling significantly at night. Camping options span from full-service RV parks to more primitive sites along rivers and reservoirs.
What to do
River activities: Swim, float, or kayak in the American River near Thousand Trails Ponderosa in Lotus. The South Fork offers both calm stretches and rapids. "Local grocery and pizza, frozen yogurt available within walking distance. Lots of great fishing, floating, and kayak accessibly. Bring tubes and life vests. Poles and bait," advises Kate A.
Hiking trails: Explore forest paths at South Yuba Campground near Nevada City. The river trail offers numerous swimming holes. "This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools... The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers. Perfect snow melt means August is the prime time," notes Anna R.
Mountain biking: Navigate forested terrain with routes suitable for various skill levels. "Lots of great trails to weave through the campground on a mountain bike," mentions a Ponderosa RV Resort visitor. Most trails are best ridden in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and trails aren't dusty.
What campers like
Swimming in natural waters: The South Fork American River provides relief during hot summer days. "The River is nice with man made trails to easily walk down to a beach area," reports Angela C. from Thousand Trails Ponderosa. "It really moved along and was fun to float down in a tube."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple reservoirs offer trout fishing throughout the camping season. At French Meadows near Foresthill, Toby R. notes "Great trout fishing" while warning "Bear country be advised. Extreme fire danger the summer months and closed due to snow in winter."
Campground amenities: Many parks provide recreational facilities beyond camping. At 49er Village RV Resort in Plymouth, Syd D. mentions "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to mountain campgrounds often requires careful driving. "The road to get to the site is extremely windy and narrow with no rails so be careful!" warns Amanda B. about French Meadows. Similarly, Dan D. notes "Long somewhat treacherous drive to get there."
Seasonal closures: Higher elevation campgrounds have limited operating seasons. French Meadows operates from "May 25 to October 13" while South Yuba Campground runs "April to October 15." Winter snow makes roads impassable.
Campsite selection: Not all sites are created equal. At Placerville RV Resort, HandL C. advises "Read the fine print! If you are expecting a full-hookup site, make sure it has septic at your site! Many of the sites are water and electric only, and you have to use the one dump station at the camp entrance for dumping."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Choose campgrounds with swimming facilities for hot days when river water runs too cold or swift. "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained," notes Dan about Placerville KOA.
Secure food properly: Use bear-resistant containers at higher elevation sites. French Meadows provides "fire ring, table, bear box" according to Adam B., which are essential since this is active bear country.
Reserve early: Plan ahead for popular summer weekends at Jackson Rancheria RV Park. "We specifically stayed in spot 24, but any of the spots along the back have a beautiful view of the canyon," recommends Chesney S. Reservations often open six months ahead.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. Graham K. warns about French Meadows: "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."
Hookup variations: Water restrictions affect services during drought years. "They say NO saving sites but people do and if your new to the campground it's hard to know what is what!" explains Angela C. about Thousand Trails Ponderosa. "They don't have sewer so you can dump it yourself at a dump area on the campground or have a service come to you and do it for $25."
Spacing considerations: RV camping near Garden Valley requires planning for tight sites. "This is a KOA campground...but some gravel on sites would be a great idea," mentions Debra D. about Placerville KOA. Secure reservations specifying site size when bringing larger rigs.
