Campgrounds surrounding Walnut Grove, California offer distinctive Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta camping experiences with most situated between 0-20 feet in elevation. The area's Mediterranean climate features hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters rarely dipping below freezing. Sites within the region experience strong delta winds that can affect tent camping and outdoor activities, particularly in spring and early summer.
What to do
Boating and fishing access: Ko-Ket Resort provides direct water access with private docks for campers. "They have paddle boards you can rent and go out on the water in the morning. They have cute little cottages people can rent too," notes a reviewer who appreciated the water recreation options.
Family-oriented attractions: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers structured activities beyond water recreation. "For October, we did an outdoor movie, magic pumpkins, costume contest, trick or treating, hay ride, and haunted house. My daughter loved everything except the haunted house, which she said was 'too scary!'" explains a camper who visited during the fall season.
Wildlife viewing: At Brannan Island State Recreation Area, campers can watch for native delta wildlife. "It has great facility for disabled and has great area to run around and you can fish the bay area from the area or go fishing in boat," mentions one visitor who enjoyed the accessible outdoor spaces.
What campers like
Waterfront accommodations: Campers consistently rate waterfront sites highest. "Our RV window looked out over our very own doc!" shares a visitor at Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina, highlighting the premium experience of waterside camping despite noting "spots could use some cleaning up."
Family facilities: Parents appreciate campgrounds with dedicated children's amenities. "The price per night is very expensive but there are a lot of amenities. Nice playground, basketball court, volleyball, bouncy pillow, outdoor movies, pool, lazy river, water park, bumper boats, laser tag, boat rentals on the delta," explains a camper who found the facilities worth the cost.
Tiny house options: For those seeking alternative accommodations, Delta Bay RV Resort offers unique lodging. "They have a lot of cute tiny houses in this campground. You can bring your own tiny house, or rent one for the weekend. There is an open house once or twice a year you can come and visit all the tiny houses in the community," notes a visitor.
What you should know
Wind conditions: The delta region experiences significant wind that affects camping comfort. At The Meadows of Isleton, "It was pretty windy the weekend we stayed and the owner kindly gave us rope to reinforce our tents," mentions a camper who needed assistance securing their setup.
Variable water levels: Seasonal fluctuations impact marina facilities. A reviewer at Brannan Island State Recreation Area observed, "They closed their boat berths because they were rotting," indicating infrastructure challenges related to water conditions.
Price considerations: Many delta campgrounds charge premium rates, especially those with extensive amenities. "For camping, it is expensive, but think of it more as a theme park/resort, than true camping. We saved on the cabin and RV, and spent on the optional activities and the fancy meals," advises a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Children enjoy the agricultural aspects at some sites. The Meadows of Isleton offers "a large grassy property with some farm animals and large lavender garden. The owners are extremely kind and welcoming. It almost felt like a large family reunion. They want you to feel at home and encourage interaction with their animals, which my kids loved."
Age-appropriate activities: Consider children's ages when selecting a campground. "We go with several families with kids 5-13 and they all have a blast. The price per night is very expensive but there are a lot of amenities," reports a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, while another notes it's "Very trailer/R.V. camping... Not a place for me who's in a tent with no kids."
Off-season benefits: Visiting during non-peak times can improve the experience. "I hear it is super crowded in the summer, but it would be worth it if the water park is open," suggests a camper who visited Jellystone Park in autumn when facilities were less crowded.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on specific preferences. At Flag City RV Resort, a visitor recommends their "HUGE fenced area to walk your dog OFF LEASH" as a standout feature for pet owners, while another appreciates the "clean concrete patch, small trees with little or no shade but full hookups."
Hookup specifics: Pay attention to electrical capacity. At Duck Island RV Park, a camper noted, "Also they have 30 and 50 Amps at every site. Large open view to Sacramento River," highlighting the versatile power options that accommodate different RV requirements.
Maintenance quality: Factor in facility condition when selecting a campsite near Walnut Grove. "Squeaky clean and organized. Nice pool and hot tub, nice laundry facilities (more than one!), moderately sized paved and level sites," observes a Flag City RV Resort visitor who found the infrastructure well-maintained.
