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Camping near Georgetown, CA

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Georgetown, California provides camping opportunities in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, with several established campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding Eldorado National Forest. Dru Barner Campground offers tent and RV sites without hookups in a forested setting approximately 6 miles from Georgetown. The campground features 48 sites with picnic tables and fire rings, as well as facilities for equestrians with horse corrals available. Other campground options in the region include Coloma Resort and American River Resort near the American River, which offer more developed amenities including cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.

    Camping is available year-round at several locations, though facilities and water availability vary by season. The Dru Barner Campground currently lacks potable water service due to quality issues, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Road access to most campgrounds involves mountain driving on curvy roads, though most are accessible without four-wheel drive. Campgrounds like Ruck-A-Chucky in the Auburn State Recreation Area have more challenging access roads that may require high-clearance vehicles. Summer months bring higher temperatures and increased fire restrictions, while winter camping offers more solitude. A visitor noted, "It was an adventurous drive on a curvy mountain road to get here, but well worth it."

    The natural setting represents the main draw for most campers in the Georgetown area. Many sites are situated in forested environments that provide shade and wildlife viewing opportunities. A review mentioned that Dru Barner Campground offers "nothing but trees and the wind blowing through them," making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Campgrounds along the American River provide water recreation options including fishing, swimming, and rafting during appropriate seasons. Cell service is available at some campgrounds, with one camper reporting strong Verizon coverage at Dru Barner. Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Midweek camping typically offers the quietest experience, with weekend visits seeing higher occupancy rates at most campgrounds in the region.

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    Best Campgrounds near Georgetown (357)

      1. Coloma Resort

      4.7(15)8mi from GeorgetownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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. Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest

      4.5(8)5mi from Georgetown48 sitesRVs, Tents

      "You’re also about 3 or 4 miles away from the Georgetown OHV which made it an easy ride to get to the dirt."

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

      from $3 - $8 / night

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      3. American River Resort

      3.8(10)8mi from GeorgetownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      4. Thousand Trails Ponderosa

      3.4(8)8mi from GeorgetownRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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 ."

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

      3.8(6)6mi from GeorgetownRVs, Tents

      "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."

      6. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

      4.6(7)10mi from Georgetown15 sitesTents

      "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."

      from $38 / night

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      7. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

      4.2(33)22mi from Georgetown49 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $33 - $58 / night

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      8. Ghost Mountain RV Campground

      3.8(12)15mi from GeorgetownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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. Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

      4.5(16)18mi from Georgetown80 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

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

      "I wanted to find a spot somewhat close by and came across this one."

      from $33 / night

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      10. Giant Gap

      4.5(11)16mi from Georgetown30 sitesRVs, Tents

      "The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."

      "The campsites are all very nice but 23 and 24 can’t be beat with the best access to the water ( you will have a lot of people walking by to get there also though)."

      from $24 - $48 / night

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    Recent Reviews near Georgetown, CA

    1248 Reviews of 357 Georgetown Campgrounds


    • V L.
      Jul. 30, 2026

      El Dorado National Forest, off Cal Hwy 88

      Decent site for first timers but better for dirt motor bike enthusiasts

      We did two nights and left in the morning on the third day. The ranger drove by briefly both days but didn't stop to give us any feedback. We followed the coordinates using GPS out to this site just fine without losing signal. But once there, definitely no cell signal. We didn't see any posts labeled"8N54" or"8N55". We did see posts for Motorized Trailhead 13E33.

      Overall this was a good little spot for first time dispersed campers like us. We did some light hiking and there was plenty opportunity for star gazing. Oddly enough there was rave music playing all night into the early morning hours. Unexpected, but distant enough that one of us was able to sleep through it ok, but not the best or most peaceful sleep. We're not really sure if it was coming from a nearby campsite or private property but, oh well. At times throughout the day time the rave music would come on briefly.

      Also, this site is really well suited for folks who love dirt motor biking, driving ATVs and that sort of thing. We don't have anything like that but we chose this site because it was easy to get to and not too far from home and civilization. There were several folks riding around both days from about 9 am to 4 pm. We recommend using a copy of the MVUM Map for El Dorado NF Placerville area to see all of the trails and road types. During the peaceful quiet moments, we heard several woodpeckers, crickets, loud deer mooing. And there was even a small heard of cows that came into the campsite a little bit. For about 45 minutes we heard them clinking around with their cowbells on. But it was at night so it was pitch black and the bells were a bit distracting along with the music. One of them even decided to smudge our truck(see photo).

      Also, be prepared to shake out your shoes and clothes often as this site featured dirt floor that was particularly dusty. Any time the riders would go by, a big cloud of dust would flow our way. Plenty of tree cover for shade. We didn't use the fire pit because of fire restrictions right now, but we got a fire permit anyway before heading out there. Instead we used a mini stove with butane canister. Definitely plan to pack everything out and clean up your trash. There were a few straggler pieces of debris clearly left behind by less mindful folks, but overall the site was clean in that sense. We were here in late July and it wasn't too hot or cold. We got a mix of warm and cool breezes that were really nice!

    • Adam M.
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Silver Creek Campground

      The campground is excellent. I had a great time there and it is nostalgic.

      Sheila Edelen is an excellent camp host! She taught me the campers rule and that the campers rule is to always leave a place better than when you got there. I honestly believe if that was a law for every person and thing in existence, every person and thing in existence would have a better existence and life. Truly potent wisdom from a fun and cool artistic person! Remember how simple philanthropy is to continue to teach that important teaching, and that those excellent nostalgic Forest of wisdom philanthropy could be grown from one teaching idea in the form of the thought of a pine cone that had pinecones, and that was one seed from a pine cone teaching that life needs to learn and teach more.

    • B
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Silver Creek Campground

      Truckee River Nirvana! The ultimate hidden gem.

      An absolute hidden gem! The camp hosts greet you like family, and the bathrooms are spotless. Our site was huge with plenty of breathing room. The best part? You can hear the Truckee River roaring just a short walk away and you're in pure paradise!

    • G
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Silver Creek Campground

      The standard

      Good, functional layout. Campsites offer excellent spacing and privacy. Facilities are exceptionally clean, and the hosts are highly efficient. Safe, direct foot path leads to the Truckee River in under two minutes. Optimal choice for a quick escape under an hour from Reno.

    • R
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Silver Creek Campground

      Family friendly camping by the Truckee

      Host was attentive and helpful! Sites were clean and pristine. The river was an awesome way to cool down in this heat! We will be back next year!

    • S
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Silver Creek Campground

      Scenic and Peaceful

      We can’t wait to go back! We absolutely loved this camping spot, from the hiking trails, to the Truckee River, from the amenities, to the clean bathrooms and easily accessible facilities.

      The hosts were great, they answered a few of our questions and gave great pointers to beautiful scenery in the area! 

      This experience has placed a new standard on what to expect for a 10/10 camping spot, thank you!

    • Karah D.
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Silver Creek Campground

      Wonderful Experience

      This is a Beautiful camp ground. Right on the truckee river. Close to Tahoe! Lots of shopping near by as well. Cleanest bathrooms I’ve ever encountered in a campground. The camp host Shelia and Marty were so pleasant. Great hospitality. We will definitely be coming back!! 😊

    • Luke
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Silver Creek Campground

      Amazing river getaway with outstanding hosts!

      This camping spot is an absolute gem! The camp hosts were incredibly welcoming, helpful, and went out of their way to make our stay perfect.The highlights of our trip:Spotless bathrooms: Exceptionally clean and well-maintained facilities.Great layout: The sites are well-spaced, giving you plenty of privacy.Perfect location: The Truckee River is right there, and it is under an hour from Reno.The road was a little close by, but we got used to the background noise quickly and it didn't take away from the great experience. We will definitely be back!


    Guide to Georgetown

    Dispersed camping opportunities near Georgetown, California extend beyond the main established campgrounds in Eldorado National Forest. Situated at approximately 2,500 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this area offers camping options ranging from primitive sites to more developed facilities. Water levels at nearby reservoirs fluctuate seasonally, with significantly lower levels typically occurring in late summer and fall.

    What to do

    Paddleboarding at Sugar Pine Reservoir: Visit Giant Gap for non-motorized water activities. "Such a beautiful lake for paddleboarding as there are no motor boats. Quiet, secluded, flat campsites. There is a great trail that goes entirely around the lake," notes Nicki M.

    Gold panning history: Experience California's gold rush heritage at Coloma Resort. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you," shares Jill F.

    Hiking local trails: Explore the network of trails near camping areas. At Giant Gap, "There is a trail that goes around the entire reservoir, it is a 5 mile loop," according to Syd D. Another camper notes the "Otter Creek Trail is a nice day hike though a bit of switch backing elevation to get down to the creek."

    What campers like

    Wildlife viewing: Many campsites near Georgetown offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds," reports one camper at Dru Barner Campground. This secluded environment supports diverse wildlife observation throughout the year.

    River swimming: The American River provides refreshing swimming options during summer months. A visitor to American River Resort mentions, "It is right on the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."

    Off-season solitude: Visiting in spring or fall offers more peaceful experiences. "Midweek and off season we had the place to ourselves 3 days," reports Lily S. about Dru Barner Campground. Another camper shared that "We camped during the off season (November) so we had our pick of the campsites."

    What you should know

    Water supply challenges: Water availability varies by campground and season. At Dru Barner Campground, "Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality," advises Cheri S. Always check current conditions before arrival.

    Access road considerations: Some campgrounds require careful driving. For Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, "The 3 mile road down is a bit treacherous (maybe don't take your RV) but makes you feel 'out there'," explains Kevin W. Always verify route conditions for your vehicle type.

    Site selection timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. At American River Resort, "Nearly all of the tent sites are tiny and crowded very closely together with no privacy breaks at all between them," reports one camper, highlighting the importance of early arrival or advance reservations.

    Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans may affect your camping plans. "Fires are restricted sometimes in the summer," notes a camper, requiring alternative meal preparation methods during high fire danger periods.

    Tips for camping with families

    Swimming options: Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake offers family-friendly water activities. "The water was beautiful & perfect for swimming," reports Dawn C. Check water levels before planning swimming activities, especially during dry periods.

    Wildlife education: Turn wildlife sightings into learning opportunities. "We were treated to a site close to the reservoir... wild turkeys, deer, and birds," notes one camper, providing natural educational experiences for children.

    Quiet time considerations: Be aware that enforcement of quiet hours varies by campground. At American River Resort, a camper observed, "Multiple groups were blasting music & even though that's against the rules nobody seemed to make them stop," suggesting families seeking quieter experiences should consider timing or alternative locations.

    Tips from RVers

    Site dimensions and leveling: RV sites vary significantly in size and levelness. At Thousand Trails Ponderosa, "The spots are packed in like sardines making privacy and personal space hard to come by," notes JL. Always verify site dimensions match your RV requirements.

    Utilities and power quality: Check electrical service reliability before arrival. "The power is not good. I had to bypass the surge suppressor because it kept cutting out due to low voltage. Voltage was generally 104-105," reports David C. at American River Resort, suggesting surge protectors or alternative power sources may be necessary.

    Driving route selection: Follow official directions rather than GPS. For Giant Gap, "To get there, follow the Forest Service directions, NOT google maps. You need to drive through the town of Foresthill first," advises Mike M., preventing navigation challenges on unsuitable roads.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How far are the nearest camping options from Georgetown, CA?

    The closest camping option to Georgetown is Dru Barner Campground, just a 15-minute drive from town with well-marked signs off Highway 193. For those willing to travel a bit further, American River Resort offers riverside camping with a short half-mile walk to town for shopping and dining. Other options within driving distance include Beals Point Campground at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and the Thousand Trails Ponderosa near Lotus, both requiring a longer drive but offering different recreational opportunities.

    Where are the best campgrounds in Georgetown, CA?

    The best campground in Georgetown is Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest, a well-maintained site with excellent access to the El Dorado National Forest. Campers praise its clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for both recreational vehicle users and equestrians with its horse corrals. For those seeking a more rustic and unique experience, Uncle Tom's Cabin Campground offers a mountain bar atmosphere that appeals to families, miners, off-road enthusiasts, hunters, and explorers alike. It's described as having a nostalgic charm that captures the spirit of the Sierra Nevada region.

    What amenities are available at Georgetown campgrounds?

    Georgetown area campgrounds offer varied amenities depending on location. At Lake Camanche, you'll find well-maintained facilities with clean bathrooms featuring hot water, and easy lake access. While some sites lack showers, nearby facilities within walking distance provide this amenity. For RV travelers, Ghost Mountain RV Campground near Pollock Pines offers water hookups and is big-rig friendly. Most campgrounds in the area provide fire pits and picnic tables, with some offering potable water and vault toilets. Equestrian-friendly sites like Dru Barner include horse corrals, while certain campgrounds maintain alcohol-free areas for family camping.