RV sites near Georgetown, California sit at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 feet in the Sierra foothills. Summer temperatures average 85°F while winter lows dip to 30°F, creating distinct camping seasons. Cell service varies throughout the region, with stronger signals in valley locations and limited or no connectivity in mountain campgrounds.
What to do
River activities at American River: South Yuba Campground provides easy access to swimming holes. "Hike up or downstream for some really great swimming holes," notes a visitor. The water conditions peak in August when "perfect snow melt means August is the prime time."
Fishing opportunities: At French Meadows, campers enjoy "great trout fishing" according to reviews. The reservoir provides boat access for anglers. One visitor mentioned the campground is "bear country be advised" so proper food storage is essential.
Wine tasting: Multiple vineyards operate within 15-30 minutes of 49er Village RV Resort. A reviewer noted it was ideal since "we met friends at a nearby winery, this worked for us since we did not want to drive far." Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Amador County wine country.
Mountain biking: Trails start directly from some campgrounds. According to a camper at Thousand Trails Ponderosa, there are "lots of great trails to weave through the campground on a mountain bike." Riders should watch for steep terrain and carry basic repair tools.
What campers like
Access to water: Campsites with river access earn the highest ratings. At Thousand Trails Ponderosa, "The best thing about this campground is its location on the river," with many sites offering direct water views. Another camper noted "The River is nice with man made trails to easily walk down to a beach area."
Level camping spots: Well-maintained sites with flat surfaces are frequently mentioned. "Pads are paved and level" at 49er Village RV Resort. Conversely, French Meadows campers warn that "two thirds of the campsites were on a slope with no where to setup a tent on level ground."
Year-round availability: Multiple RV parks remain open throughout winter. A winter camper at Tahoe Valley Campground shared their experience: "We ended up camping in a truck camper after being caught in a snow storm. For a last minute find, it turned out to be an awesome choice... nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!"
Cleanliness: Parks with well-maintained facilities receive consistent praise. "Clean restrooms and cable and Wifi have been improved," notes a Placerville RV Resort visitor.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal bans affect campfires throughout summer and fall. One Tahoe Valley Campground visitor noted, "Fires are restricted sometimes in the summer," requiring campers to check current regulations before arrival.
Reservation policies: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. According to a French Meadows visitor, "We rolled in around midnight on a Thursday in September and there were still plenty of walk-in sites available," showing off-season flexibility.
Primitive facilities: Many forest campgrounds offer minimal amenities. South Yuba Campground reviews warn "The composting toilet is a wreck. Not usable. Use cat holes instead (200 ft from water please)."
Road access challenges: Mountain campgrounds require navigating steep terrain. A French Meadows camper described "Long somewhat treacherous drive to get there" with "extremely windy and narrow roads with no rails."
Bear safety protocols: Bear-proof food storage is required at forest sites. A Coyote Group Campground visitor reported "3x Bear food and 4x trash/recycling bins," but cautioned that for large groups this might be insufficient, requiring use of "bear-proof trash bins as overflow scented item/food storage."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and pools: Some RV parks offer comprehensive family amenities. At Placerville RV Resort, a camper reported "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained."
Kid-friendly activities: Structured programs enhance family camping experiences. 49er Village RV Resort received praise because "The kids loved the stocked fishing ponds, and even better was the immaculate 2 swimming pools and playground!"
Water safety: Swift rivers require proper precautions. A Thousand Trails Ponderosa visitor warned, "It's great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it's swift."
Budget considerations: Family-oriented parks often charge premium rates. Ghost Mountain RV Campground offers many amenities but a visitor noted, "The only catch is that your first visit you sit through a 1.5 hour long presentation where they basically try to get you to buy a very expensive membership type thing."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request specific sites for best experience. At Auburn Gold Country RV Park, "New fences between back-in sites" provide separation, but "Most lots are used by permanent residents."
Hookup limitations: Water restrictions affect services at some parks. Thousand Trails Ponderosa "doesn'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."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain impacts setup difficulty. Dutch Flat RV Resort received this feedback: "Most sites are neither flat nor level, but close enough to get level."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. A Placerville RV Resort reviewer mentioned it "Is very noisy near the 50 freeway, not much you can do about that."
