The Sacramento Valley provides a range of camping options for visitors to Gold River with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F during summer months. Located at an elevation of approximately 100 feet, the area experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, making camping possible year-round but requiring different preparations depending on season.
What to do
Fishing access: easy and productive: Thousand Trails Lake Minden stocks its small man-made lake with fish and has recently improved dock areas. "Last trip we caught 3 bass and 12 bluegills. This trip we caught a personal record size bass. Great place for fishing all day," reports Jon F.
Biking paths: extensive network: The American River bike trail runs adjacent to several RV parks. Cal Expo RV Park provides direct access to riverside trails that connect downtown and beyond. "Great Bike paths adjacent along the river into Downtown or up to Folsom," notes Paul N., making this a central location for cyclists.
Water recreation: river access: Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park offers swimming areas and no-license fishing directly from the campground. "Tons of beautiful, shady spots overlooking or near the Sacramento river... includes free fishing and swimming and is a beautiful spot!" writes Steve M.
What campers like
Privacy features: site dividers: RV parks near Gold River vary in how sites are separated. Some campers appreciate parks that offer separation between spaces. Leslie D. describes Sherwood Harbor as "a largely undiscovered gem of a spot" where RVers can enjoy riverside views at the small local marina.
Clean shower facilities: free access: Cal Expo RV Park maintains clean shower facilities though they require a deposit. "Showers/restrooms are average but clean. Overall a good place to park for a few nights. Sites have full hookups if you want them," reports Eric P.
Dog-friendly amenities: dedicated areas: Flag City RV Resort offers a specialized area for pets. "Squeaky clean and organized. Nice pool and hot tub, nice laundry facilities, moderately sized paved and level sites, nice store with a few local wines, AND HUGE fenced area to walk your dog OFF LEASH," says Mary F.
What you should know
Site spacing concerns: tightly packed: Several RV parks near Gold River pack sites closely together. At Lake Minden RV Resort, one camper noted: "There was absolutely no space between the trailers, to the point I hit my head on my neighbors slide out while setting up."
Age restrictions: RV screening: Some Gold River area parks have requirements about RV age or appearance. Mark J RV Park enforces these policies strictly. One reviewer reported: "Couldn't even rent a space due to how old our RV was and had to keep looking."
Noise levels: location factors: Parks near highways experience traffic noise. For Cal Expo RV Park, a camper notes it's "a gravel lot next to the fair grounds, kinda expensive for what you get," indicating the urban location affects the camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: seasonal availability: 49er Village RV Resort maintains two swimming pools and play areas for children. "The kids loved the stocked fishing ponds, and even better was the immaculate 2 swimming pools and playground!" writes Syd D., noting that the grounds were well maintained.
Dedicated play areas: multiple options: Several parks feature playgrounds and recreation centers. 49er Village provides shuffleboard, horseshoes, and beach volleyball courts, giving families various activity options during their stay.
Camp activities: scheduled events: Some parks organize regular social events. Lake Minden hosts various activities for families. "Friday potlucks were the soul of the park," reports one camper, with additional events like ice cream socials every Saturday.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: site surfaces: Concrete pads at Placerville RV Resort provide level parking spots but may vary in quality. One camper advised caution about hookups: "Read the fine print! If you are expecting a full-hookup site, make sure it has septic at your site! Many of the sites are water and electric only."
Utility placement: hookup access: RVers should note hookup locations when selecting sites. Flag City RV Resort places utilities "on the back quarter of the pad. We needed 15' of sewer hose. The water pressure was okay at about 40 psi," according to MickandKarla W.
Wi-Fi limitations: paid upgrades: Most RV parks advertise Wi-Fi, but quality varies. At Flag City, "The free WiFi is for email checking only, you want better? You pay extra," notes one reviewer, indicating travelers should prepare alternative connectivity options.
