Best Tent Camping near Garden Valley, CA
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Garden Valley? Find the best tent camping sites near Garden Valley. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Garden Valley campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Garden Valley, CA (79)
1. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
Cool, California7 Reviews•29 Photos•16 SavesBoat-In Sites 1-16
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$38 / night
2. Camp Nauvoo
Diamond Springs, California3 Reviews•17 Photos•95 SavesWe are a small privately owned small campground (19 sites only) located on the outskirts of Placerville. The property features 86.5 secluded Tahoe like acres with beautiful year-round Weber Creek. The camp sites are placed along the creek or the bluff overlooking the creek. We have traditional dirt camping, canvas tents on platforms, teepees and glamping tents for those that want the comforts of home. We are tent camping only with only one site that allows a small travel trailer or van. (#14) . We are dog friendly and allow dogs in all but 5 glamping sites. We do enforce camp rules especially our quiet time between 10 PM and 7 AM (please review).
We’ve been told that we have a “family camp” vibe. We are a great place for families wanting a safe environment for their kids but also several group sites for those that want to hang out together with multiple families. We are also a great base site for those wilderness enthusiasts with access to all the El Dorado National Forest including Desolation but want a hot shower at the end of the day.
We have a lodge that is stocked with games and a ping pong table. The lodge has a microwave, Keurig machine and a hot water kettle for those hot drinks (BYO Cups).We have several tables set up for those that want to eat inside as well as multiple picnic tables along the side of the lodge with overhead protection. We have electricity at the at the lodge for small appliances and charging phones. We have a compressor on site to blow up your air mattresses or float toys. We’ve been told that our bathrooms are the “cleanest” ever and have changing tables and diaper pails. We offer nice flushing toilets and hot showers!
For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing sets, seesaw and tractor play. We have hiking trails throughout the property. Our highlight is a camp fire bowl with bench seating with a stage to display camper talent which is perfect for the evening fire and roasting s’mores (bring the fixings).
The creek starts out in spring looking like a rushing river featuring many fishing and swimming holes. As the summer progresses the water level falls but is still great for water play and fishing.
We have propane BBQs (we provide the propane for BBQs) located throughout the property. We also have a propane grill and charcoal BBQ located in the common area for all to use. There is a dutch oven pit also in the fire bowl area.
We do not allow wood fires at the individual sites but each site has a propane firepit for ambiance (not cooking) that requires you to purchase a 20 lb. propane cannister on site (add in extras) or pay cash on site.
**We require a 3 night minimum for the major holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. **We do not do checkins on Sunday but do allow camping over Sunday night. We do exclusive events so you may need to explore multiple weekends to find the right reservation.
We are located in the foothills so we are a short hop to many local attractions that include river rafting, gold mines, wineries and historical towns with great eating establishments. Tahoe is less than an hour away and there a many hiking trails within 20-30 minutes.
We have a limited number of items to rent i.e, tents, cots, camp stoves, etc. We also have a small store on site for those items you forgot and a good selection of ice cream. We take venmo or cash.
CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE BAY ALLOW 4 HOURS - YOU MUST LEAVE BY 3:00 IN ORDER TO ARRIVE DURING CHECKIN. IF YOU GET DELAYED, FOR THE CONSIDERAITON OF THE OTHER CAMPERS YOU MAY CONSIDER WAITING AND ARRIVING THE NEXT MORNING. THERE ARE NO CHECKINS AFTER 9:00.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$65 - $300 / night
3. OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
Coloma, California1 Review•7 Photos•4 Saves- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Market
$30 - $99 / night
4. Rancho Seco Recreation Area
Herald, California14 Reviews•21 Photos•130 SavesGet 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
- Tents
5. Lake Camanche
Wallace, California18 Reviews•53 Photos•199 SavesLake Camanche Resort features 550+ tent camping sites spread out over hundreds of acres which are available year-round at both North and South Shores.
Many sites offer immediate lake access while others are just a short walk away. Campsite amenities include bbqs, tables, water, hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. Primitive sites are just a short drive away to restrooms & showers. Ask you reservation agent for which sites provide shade.
All of our sites feature some of California’s best natural and native species of trees, plants and flowers. Looking for alcohol-free camping? Both shores also feature alcohol-free campgrounds, perfect for those in search of a more family-friendly camping experience.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$50 / night
6. Fashoda
Kyburz, California3 Reviews•17 Photos•53 SavesOverview
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
7. Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Truckee, California18 Reviews•47 Photos•233 SavesDonner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for Donner Lake camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. Visitors are welcome year-round at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$35 / night
8. Azalea Cove Campground
Kyburz, California3 Reviews•4 Photos•73 SavesUnion 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
9. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Arnold, California21 Reviews•95 Photos•55 SavesNorth Grove (sites 27-59)
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$70 / night
10. Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
Emigrant Gap, California4 Reviews•11 Photos•62 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
Recent Tent Reviews in Garden Valley
1008 Reviews of 79 Garden Valley Campgrounds
Bobby S.
Scout
Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Great Trip!
I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun. Me and my friends were up there and there was conveniently a campground available in there same campsite. We went in the summer and the water was perfect! We went fishing and caught crawfish in a trap underneath the bridge near the front. Overall the staff were really nice and it was a great trip. I recommend it!
Lauren Hannah G.
Guide
Sugar Pine Point Campground
Cute Campground near creek
Loved the big beautiful trees. Enjoyed the creek behind. Lovely campground. Nice, clean facilities. Has bear lockers, pinicic tables and fire rings.
- GGuyGuide
Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Had to kick me out
This place and his staff were absolutely amazing. I had a couple of different times where I needed to change the spot and without fail they were there to help. Quite CLEAN everything! I wanted to stop awhile 30 days later I was told goodbye👋 cause I know the rules at a State Park!🤦😔😔💩
- TTim M.Scout
Cal Expo RV Park
No Skoolies
Disappointed to be told they don't allow any buses unless they have the RVCIA (sp?) sticker. There were some really old and knackered looking caravans and daggy RV's in the park, but the place was pretty much deserted as it's November. All in all it was frustrating. ggggrrrrrrr
- GGuyGuide
Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Great staff
I am not the easiest but the staff has a heart of gold and at every turn we’re really there to help.
- MMatthew A.Scout
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Great 1 night stay
Came on a Saturday around 4pm, there were 2 other campers other than me so it wasn’t busy at all. No service for at&t. Overall had a good stay here with my 2 dogs
- PPaul K.Guide
El Dorado
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.
- UUT801
Ranger
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.
- PPaul K.Guide
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!
- AAnthony F.Scout
Hope Valley Dispersed
Hope Valley dispersed
Free camping
Shane T.
Traveler
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Great spot!
We stayed one night on our way through the area. Spot was nice level and clean. We loved the bike paths all though out the area. Rode In to south Tahoe and had a great experience.
Shari G.
Legend
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.Legend
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.
- hharry S.Guide
North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
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.Scout
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.
- BBradford H.Traveler
Loon Lake
Old boat ramp, rock and uneven
Nice peaceful spot. Few cars go by, but it’s tucked away enough.
- DDaniel M.Traveler
American River Resort
Top
Des douches chaudes du wifi Super rapport qualité-prix Que du bonheur
- kkellyScout
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
- TTaylor A.Guide
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!
- OOnyx E.Guide
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!
- SShawn M.Traveler
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.
- OOnyx E.Guide
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.ScoutScotts 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.
- pphillip H.Scout
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.Ranger
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.
Anthony K.Scout
Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
Hold on
There’s no legal “dispersed” camping at Luther Pass; there are 11 tent sites with a maximum stay of five days. Very nice campground, though.
- OOnyx E.Guide
Nevada County Fairgrounds
Quiet camping
It’s $30 a night for dry camping and goes up from there depending on what hookups you need. Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around.
Guide to Garden Valley
Nestled in the scenic beauty of California, Garden Valley offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Local Activities for Tent Campers
- Experience the thrill of rafting at the well-reviewed Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area, where the North Fork of the American River provides an ideal launch point for water sports.
- Enjoy hiking and exploring the picturesque trails surrounding Camp Nauvoo, which is perfect for families looking to connect with nature.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks at OARS American River Outpost Campground, where you can soak in the stunning views of Gold Rush country.
Amenities That Enhance Your Stay
- At Camp Nauvoo, campers can enjoy amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for families.
- The Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area features reservable sites with fire pits and vault toilets, ensuring a pleasant camping experience.
- OARS American River Outpost Campground offers convenient access to trash disposal and a market, making it easy to stock up on essentials during your stay.
Unique Features of Each Campground
- The charming Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area is a boat-in only site, providing a serene escape with limited access for a more private experience.
- Camp Nauvoo is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with 85 acres of beautiful grounds perfect for both relaxation and adventure.
- Enjoy the rustic charm of OARS American River Outpost Campground, where glamping options are available for those looking for a touch of luxury in the great outdoors.
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 Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area 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 79 tent camping locations near Garden Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.