Top Tent Camping near Garden Valley, CA

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Garden Valley? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Garden Valley, including sites, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your California tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites Near Garden Valley, CA (78)

    Camper-submitted photo from Auburn State Recreation Area—Lake Clementine Boat In
    Camper-submitted photo from Auburn State Recreation Area—Lake Clementine Boat In
    Camper-submitted photo from Auburn State Recreation Area—Lake Clementine Boat In
    Camper-submitted photo from Auburn State Recreation Area—Lake Clementine Boat In
    Camper-submitted photo from Auburn State Recreation Area—Lake Clementine Boat In
    Camper-submitted photo from Auburn State Recreation Area—Lake Clementine Boat In

    1. Auburn State Recreation Area—Lake Clementine Boat In

    7 Reviews
    29 Photos
    16 Saves

    Boat-In Sites 1-16

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $38 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo

    2. Camp Nauvoo

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    95 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $65 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from OARS River Park Adventure Campground (Rafters guests only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS River Park Adventure Campground (Rafters guests only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS River Park Adventure Campground (Rafters guests only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS River Park Adventure Campground (Rafters guests only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS River Park Adventure Campground (Rafters guests only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS River Park Adventure Campground (Rafters guests only)
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    4. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    129 Saves

    Get back to nature at Rancho Seco Recreational Area. A short 25-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, you’ll find the 400-acre park that makes up the Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Take a short vacation and enjoy bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and even a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals and wildlife. Camp in comfort with recreation and concession buildings, shade structures, laundry facility, boathouse, and newly renovated restrooms and showers. This Rancho Seco camping destination offers RV sites, tent camping sites, and group sites, some with gorgeous lake views.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche

    5. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    53 Photos
    199 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda
    Camper-submitted photo from Fashoda

    6. Fashoda

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    53 Saves

    Overview

    Fashoda Campground, located on a peninsula of the eastern side of Union Valley Reservoir, is an incredibly scenic place to camp. The lake area is a hub for activities like swimming, sailing, boating and fishing. Hiking and biking are also quite popular, and many campers make use of the Union Valley Bike Trail.

    Recreation

    Head out on a sailboat or take the family water skiing. Union Valley offers a number of water activities. Anglers seek rainbow, brown and mackinaw trout and Kokanee salmon. The Union Valley Bike Trail stretches 4.8 miles with an easy climb of 300 feet. The trail connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake, starting from Wench Creek on down to Jones Fork Campground.

    Natural Features

    Union Valley Reservoir sits in the Crystal Basin, spanning 25,000 acres at an elevation of 5,100 feet. The area is part of the Eldorado National Forest, which is home to the famed gold mining territory of the 1800s. Remnants of the California Gold Rush days can be found throughout the region. Wildlife thrives in the Eldorado National Forest. Bring a camera and be sure to look for spotted owls, bobcats, mule deer and porcupines.

    Nearby Attractions

    Climb up Two Peaks and look down on a fantastic view of Union Valley and the Crystal Basin.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Azalea Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Azalea Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Azalea Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Azalea Cove Campground

    7. Azalea Cove Campground

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    72 Saves

    Union Valley Bike__Trail & Campground__Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.This is a walk-in, bike-in or boat-in campground.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground

    8. North Grove Campground

    21 Reviews
    95 Photos
    54 Saves

    North Grove (sites 27-59)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $25 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore

    10. Camp Far West North Shore

    3 Reviews
    7 Photos
    44 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Garden Valley

994 Reviews of 78 Garden Valley Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from El Dorado Fairgrounds
    Oct. 17, 2024

    El Dorado Fairgrounds

    Dyrts description sucked

    We could not find this place. Needs better description. Afterwards in another rv park I worked it out. Need to go to their website first better directions than just el dorado. Dyrt dropped the ball on this one.

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground by the Lake
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Campground by the Lake

    Great option if available for Lake Tahoe

    Camped here for what we thought would be a couple of nights for an event. However, event was canceled due to massive wild fire (air quality index was horrible, so stayed 1 night and left ASAP next morning). Campground is right on the main drag through town and just across the street and a short walk to the lake, although the lake does not permit dogs in this area. Nice walking/biking paths, but heavily commercial district means lots of traffic going by. Site (#E06) is huge with enough space for several RVs, but we parked sideways adjacent to the picnic table and had spot near to bathrooms/showers which are clean but a bit ragged around the edges. 

    Food aside: Dinner of Curly's pork with cheese and Hatch green chile tortillas. Good to come back here at some point when not high season and can stay more in camping zone, this is a pretty commercial district.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe Valley Campground
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Tahoe Valley Campground

    A little pricey

    We were only after a night, so didn’t need much. Travelling this time of year when campgrounds are closed makes for desperate last minute decisions. BUT if you’re staying here, go across the road to Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. the best pizza!

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Campground
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Acorn Campground

    Great Stop in the Sierras

    We’ve stayed at this campground a couple of times on our way to/from Yosemite National Park, and it is a nice place to spend a couple of nights.  Many campers come here to get on the lake in their powerboats, or fish from the shore, and there will be no shortage of anglers most weekends; but, during the week in the shoulder season, we  pretty much had the place to ourselves. 

    The campground offers a range of pull-through and back-in campsites along the slopes of the rolling hills, but most of the individual sites were flat and could accommodate a wide variety of rig sizes.  Some are close enough together to make a great group camping set-up, while others were off  on their own with a view of the reservoir. While there were many trees around for shade, we still had enough open sky for good solar gain and Starlink. 

    The main bathroom building had clean flush toilets and showers, but there were a few extra vault toilets scattered around.  Fresh water taps and recycling/ trash bins were plentiful. 

    Hiking, cycling, paddling and fishing are the name of the game here, and we got in our kayaks for an awesome day paddle around the many coves of this reservoir.  Since the lake level fluctuates there aren’t many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch. 

    There is a nearby gas station with a few supplies, ice, and firewood. Sonora is the closest town with larger grocery stores and restaurants.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground

    A Surprise in the Sierras!

    We ended up at this small campground because our potential boondocking spots were completely snowed in up top.  So glad we did as it is tucked away on the grounds of an amazing state park!

    Most of the sites are small with a lot of tree coverage. It was quiet, quaint, and clean. We found a good site that provided just enough sky for both our 400W portable solar panel and Starlink to work pretty well. The bathroom building has flush toilets, was kept clean, and warm showers. 

    But the campground isn’t the reason to come here...it’s the history! This little park tucked into the Western Sierras will blow your mind. It is a significant Miwok Native American historical site, with home sites, ancient Oak trees, and literally thousands of grain, and acorn grinding stones located in the central part of the park. 

    The visitor’s center is a must-see and brings the location to life. In cooperation with the local tribes, the state manages the site and visitor’s center for the public. Take a walk on the interpretive trail, hike the adventure trails, fish in the creek, or attend a special program. It is a beautiful place to spend a few days. 

    The nearby town of Pine Grove has a few restaurants and grocery stores to get what you might need.

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    North Grove Campground

    Beautiful park

    Very nice park, great walking trails, beautiful trees. Many of the buildings are older, but well kept. Showers are coin operated and nice. No trailer hookups, but very site has a water but can’t connect it with the trailer. Park does have a dump station and is included in the space rent. Only issue is being by the road and having road noise. Plenty of restrooms and showers (coin operated). The only Wi-Fi is at the visitor center and VERY limited cell service, no great loss.

  • Sebastian M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Auburn Gold Country RV Park
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Auburn Gold Country RV Park

    Okay

    Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level. 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. Feels like a bit of a rip off to be honest. The rest is nice, quiet (except for the geese) and clean.

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion

    Peaceful lake

    Large sites very peaceful. Most sites close to the lake. We visited the last week of August. Expect to see bears. Hosts were clear about the need to keep campsites clear of food. Since you could not dump dish water on ground because of the bears it was more effort to wash up after meals. It would be nice if there was a dish washing station . We have seen this at other campsites we have been to. The have AT&A cell service had good service

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Lodgepole Campground

    Perfectly Situated in the Sequoias

    I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Large dirt pull off

    Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Lake side Campsites

    If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Fork Campground
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Silver Fork Campground

    Peaceful getaway

    Beautiful river area, friendly people, hills to hike around! There’s a fire pit and bbq set up at each site and bathrooms and drinking water around the campgrounds. Seems like an amazing spot for a family camping trip! I believe it was $28 a night for a single spot or $14 with a discount. Cons for a nomad is there’s 0 service out there even hiking to the top of the mountain. It’s also about an hour of winding roads from the nearest town to get there. IMO not worth it when there’s plentyyyy of free camping pull offs you pass on the way there.

  • Stephen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, popular, treacherous

    I’m motorcycle camping and the ground level was about half full, mostly RVs, so I attempted to head up Scott Lake Road.

    The dirt was manageable but there are sections of large rocks difficult to pass on two wheels. I crossed several but I dropped my bike before the second circle. Defeated and exhausted from a long day’s ride, I headed back down to set up my camp among the RV set.

    No shade to the lifestyle but this is an awfully long drive to watch TV at top volume.

  • p
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Campground
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Acorn Campground

    Extended stays

    A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night. They do accept golden age passes which reduces your nightly expense to $10 per night maximum 15 days for the month. Geared mostly for small trailers and tents, however, they do have some sites for larger RVs drive-through 40 foot max and roadside, slide outs might cause a problem. Park managers are very professional, courteous and pleasant. Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness dump station is available for RVs. If you have a portable black tank, it would work out better for you on extended stays when dumping your black tank. If you are self-contained, you won’t have any difficulties at all.

  • Azizah T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice House Campground
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Ice House Campground

    Quiet campground with frequent bears

    I made reservations here a week prior to our trip because I was looking for a warmer place to camp. I previously had reservations at Pinecrest, but it was going to be in the 50s during the day and 30s at night. Which isn’t ideal since I have a 7 month old and a 3 year old. But it ended up getting pretty chilly here as well - high 50s, low 40s. I do not recommended campsite 3, where we camped. It is a double site and is spacious enough for two families. But the campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night. One huge black bear, and a mama black bear with her cub. It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3). Luckily, our kids were asleep when the black bear came around 9pm. The camp host never came by to check us in, even though we were right next to their site. They did not inform us of the three bears that would be coming by. Obviously we are in bear country, so precautions were taken. But it would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us (where one of the bears was coming down). When my husband informed the camp host of the bear that came by she wasn’t surprised at all and said “oh there’s three that come every night. One big black bear who is about 4.5ft tall on all fours - he’s a big guy! And a mama bear with her cub.” This was very strange to me that she didn’t come by and tell us this, nor did she tell the other campers around us. We went and informed the two sites by us so that they were aware of this. Aside from that, the campground is beautiful. You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around. The walk to the reservoir is short and sweet. The water isn’t freezing either, our dog enjoyed her daily swim. I recommend this campground for its beauty but be prepared for a bear visit.

  • Julia H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great

    Lots of people ! come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars. very quiet at night, maybe i just got lucky lol.

  • Roxanne D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Lake Camanche

    Fun Spot low cell service

    We have been going to camanche Lake for years . Low cell service but very nice place to tent camp. Last year, they gave us our spot we set up, then was told they made a mistake and made us move spots, but the new spot was closer to the water and that made the kids happy. Kinda a hassle, but it worked out. We love it at this lake.

  • Tatiana I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from SacWest RV Park & Campground
    Jul. 27, 2024

    SacWest RV Park & Campground

    Great Rv parking

    It is the only RV parking in Sacramento that will allow you to stay for one night. Great campground! Hospitality and professionalism- that how you can describe this place! Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around! Beautiful place! Thank you!

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Campground
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Acorn Campground

    Decent but concretized camping area

    Not expensive and has bathrooms, garbage, fire pits and picnic tables but no privacy and unfriendly camping ground covered with gravel and few level places to comfortably pitch a tent. Many families here but some partiers till midnight and an idiot who ran his generator all night during quiet hours



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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Garden Valley, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Garden Valley, CA is Auburn State Recreation Area—Lake Clementine Boat In with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Garden Valley, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 78 tent camping locations near Garden Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.