204 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds surrounding Gold River, California range from developed state recreation areas to rustic lakeside sites. The area includes established campgrounds like Beals Point and Peninsula Campground within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, offering both tent and RV accommodations with lake access. Several RV parks provide full hookup options, including SacWest RV Park & Campground with cabin rentals and Cal Expo RV Park closer to Sacramento. Primitive camping opportunities can be found at Mineral Bar Campground along the American River, while specialty accommodations like the clothing-optional Laguna Del Sol cater to specific interests.
Access to camping areas varies by location, with many sites requiring advance reservations during peak summer months. "The lake has receded quite a bit that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now (California drought)," noted one visitor at Acorn Campground, highlighting how seasonal water levels impact the camping experience. Most developed campgrounds maintain year-round operations, though facilities may be limited during winter. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area campgrounds generally provide the most amenities, including showers, flush toilets, and picnic areas. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Sacramento and Folsom. Fire restrictions commonly affect the area during dry summer months when wildfire danger increases.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with lakeside sites at New Hogan Lake and Folsom Lake being particularly popular. Campers frequently mention wildlife encounters, especially at more remote locations. "We did a lot of kayak fishing and relaxing by the lake. We were able to walk the kayaks down with no problem," reported one camper at Oak Knoll. Family-friendly campgrounds like Beals Point offer convenient lake access and bike paths, while more secluded options like Giant Gap provide a disconnected experience. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with sites closer to highways experiencing more traffic sound. Most campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, though shade availability differs between locations, with Oak woodland areas providing better coverage during hot summer months.
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"Great Bike paths adjacent along the river into Downtown or up to Folsom. All Full hook up sites on gravel or asphalt, daily, weekly, monthly rates."
"then you want a good location for your home base. Cal Expo definitely has the centralized location for exploring Old Sac, Cal Expo, State Capitol, the rivers and beyond."
from $50 - $1000 / night
Check Availability"Great little campsite with a 50s vibe right outside the city of Sacramento. The bathrooms and showers are clean the staff are friendly and helpful."
"We stayed at the side close to the highway so it was a bit noisy but not too bad. The people were friendly! It was a bit too pricey though."
from $58 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Also while setting up, every person that walked by said hi and welcome! We have never experienced that much friendliness in a campground."
"This is an older park in a location close to shopping. However, the train is near by and can be heard in the park. It comes by about twice in a 24 hr period. Office staff very nice and helpful."
"There is a little store within walking distance. Overall a very nice park!"
from $65 / night
Check Availability"The campsites are spacious and you don't feel over crowded if there is a family next to you. It's pet friendly."
"I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."
"Four swimming pools
- Three social pools
- Volleyball courts
- Pickleball
- Hiking/walking trails <-- our favorite.
- Tennis And others."
"Everything you could ask for as amenities go in a beautiful location. Don't forget your sun screen."
TravelerOur family loved it here. Great staff. The poo was clean and heated. They had volleyball, karaoke, clean bathrooms and open showers.
There is even a cute pond to fish out of.
Theirs an old town that has two stores open. One is ice cream and the other is breakfast and lunch.
Everything is affordable.
ScoutA renewed campground with very friendly Staff, Pool and Casino. The Sites are big. The restrooms and showers excellent
ScoutThe campgrounds was well kept - grass was mowed - trashes empty. Beautiful little spot if you like to fish the delta. But they have a sign as you enter the property that says “Pay Here” but don’t do that because the prices on the sign are not correct, and the instructions are also incorrect… I guess. I know this because I was told that I got it wrong and if you argue about it, they will threaten to call the sheriff. I like sheriffs.
GuideFriendly staff, well run, clean bathrooms and showers. Bumpy narrow road on the levee on the road in but doable. It is windy due to the location, particularly at night. Really shook the RV.
TravelerFire swept through. It’s no more :( but it’s still a great spot to stop and fish!
5/26
ScoutI wanted to find a spot somewhat close by and came across this one. I think it was because I went on a weekday but upon entering there’s no one at the front so there is no check in so you just go straight to your camp site. I wasn’t expecting there to be a distance from the campsite to your parking space but if you’re looking for a spot for van/SUV camping it’s a little difficult to find a spot. Some spots are better than others of course! Camp host was really friendly as well! Spotted some turkey, deer, and quail!
Legend5 minutes to stores and restaurants, with swimming, fishing, boating, biking trails, ADA sites available. Large well separated campsites among scattered pines and oaks providing nice shade. Showers water and flush toilets. Several sites with electric hookup. I did not see a pump out station. The only problem is the reservation site through the state of California. $28 for a site without a hookup. The "glamping" refers to a canvas tent (yurt) with 2 full bed frames and foam mattresses in it. The "glamping' sites also have a fabric shelter over the picnic table, and a raised grill as well as a campfire ring, all for the affordable price of $279 a night, and you still have to walk to the bathroom. Use a communal shower and carry your own water. There seem to always be sites available, and I think they added the glamping to attract more people, but what they really need to do is fix the website where you make reservations. The glamping also seems to be run by a separate vendor, although you still reserve through the state of California. The reservation site said there was one site available but when we got here there were many many sites.
TravelerThis is a fairly easy to reach dispersed site in the El Dorado NF, north of HWY 88 and about 1-2 miles from a developed NF campground called PiPi (pr PiePie). Its off of Forest Service road 8N55 (although the map on the Dyrt site has it mislabelded as 8N54 as of 05/26). Reach it from 88 to Omo Ranch Road, then about 4 miles out on North-South Road [aka 10N83] to 8N55. Only a 1/2 mile on 8N55 although the ranger said there were other sites further out. You'll need to bring everything (and pack it out too). Camp site is a big flat spot on a hill crest under mature pine and fir trees. I was able to easily maneuver my SUV and teardrop within the trees and I think even a modest sized RV could do so.
TravelerExceptional campground, clean, well kept, and very clean bathrooms/showers. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Grounds green, mowed lawns and nicely trimmer hedges. Campsites have ample room between neighbors. Well done Travis outdoor recreation team.
Camping areas around Gold River, California range from large state recreation facilities to smaller private campgrounds, all within a 30-mile radius. The foothills location creates varied camping conditions with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Winter camping remains popular at lower elevations where overnight temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making year-round options practical for tent and RV campers alike.
Water recreation access: Rancho Seco Recreation Area offers a small lake perfect for beginners. "Good rated... Clear and beautiful water. Awesome views," notes Sunshine M. The lake is particularly suitable for novice sailors and sailboarders according to Chuck P., who calls it a "well kept secret!"
Dog-friendly activities: Take your pets to SacWest RV Park & Campground where "a wonderful dog park" awaits according to David & Sue C. The campground provides dedicated pet areas while still offering riverside relaxation. Cheyenne O. at Beals Point Campground mentions "easy trails to take your four legged friend on and of course the beach."
Cycling opportunities: Ride the extensive trail network accessible from Cal Expo RV Park. "Great for bikers," states Wil Rider B. The bike paths connect to miles of regional trails that extend from downtown Sacramento to Folsom Lake. HandL C. confirms its "centralized location for exploring Old Sac, Cal Expo, State Capitol, the rivers and beyond."
Quiet weekday camping: Mid-week visitors to Rancho Seco Recreation Area appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. "Very busy on the weekends but very quiet and peaceful during our one night during the week," shares Chuck P. The 12-mile distance from I-5 helps maintain this tranquility.
Site spacing and privacy: Many campers value the thoughtful layout at Peninsula Campground. R D. describes "spacious unique sunny sites" while noting the campground is "so huge there are usually sites available first come first serve." Ray B. recommends exploring site options: "Everyone else was on the loop near the shore. We picked a site away from everyone else at the other end of the campground with a stunning view over the lake."
Clean facilities: Beals Point Campground maintains high standards for bathrooms and showers. Brian A. appreciates the "clean bathrooms and coin op showers," while Mike R. calls it "probably the quietest RV spot i have been to" with "very nice and clean bathroom clean showers." Melissa S. confirms "park is clean with lots of trees."
Water level fluctuations: Lake access can vary dramatically by season and drought conditions. Melissa S. notes at Beals Point Campground that "the lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to." During spring visits, Ray B. found Peninsula Campground more appealing with "green grass, and the leaves are out on all the oak trees which makes it more beautiful."
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting means frequent animal sightings. R D. at Peninsula Campground warns "if you don't love being surrounded by wild animals, this will probably be a bit much for you. Bears have been seen on occasion, cougars, Bobcats, and coyotes all stop by from time to time, and there are so many skunks it can get annoying." At Rancho Seco, Angel S. mentions "the whole park is infested with ground beetles that would just land all over you and your food."
Reservation timing: Peak seasons require advance planning. Emmi O. at Beals Point Campground shares that "Staff was very nice and friendly and let us pick a spot. Price was very reasonable for dry spot $28." Several campgrounds offer discounts for disabled visitors, with Abigail S. noting "handicapped discounts can be obtained."
Safety considerations: Check campground terrain before bringing small children. Angel S. at Rancho Seco warns "in our campground we found multiple fish hooks and one happen to pierce my sandal. We have a 3 year old and brought our dog so imagine how dangerous that can be."
Kid-friendly amenities: SacWest RV Park & Campground provides numerous activities for children. Tatiana I. mentions "Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around!" The campground consistently receives positive reviews for family friendliness.
Shower facilities: Bring quarters for showers at most campgrounds. Emmi O. notes "the showers needs QUARTERS and we were out of coins. So remember to take quarters with you if you want to shower." At Beals Point, Abigail S. describes "The showers take quarters and have hot water most of the time. The showers are very big its actually quite peaceful and nice."
RV age restrictions: Some parks limit older vehicles. Mya C. reports that at Imperial Manor MHC And RV Park, you "have to have an rv 10 years or newer," while experiencing similar discrimination at Mark J RV Park: "Couldn't even rent a space due to how old our RV was."
Work-friendly setups: Remote workers find Sacramento Shade RV Park accommodating. Shelby F. reports "We travel for work and had to book last minute, Bruce was/is extremely nice and helpful!" For digital connectivity, Brian A. notes Beals Point offers "GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars."
Site leveling challenges: Check site conditions before parking larger RVs. At Loomis RV Park, Tonya B. found "our spot was not that great for our 40ft bus due to the tree limbs and the ground was very uneven, which made it difficult to level. We would stay here again, however I would make sure it's in a spot that's level."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gold River, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gold River, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 204 campgrounds and RV parks near Gold River, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gold River, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gold River, CA is Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gold River, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Gold River, CA.
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