Mandy M.
Scout
ScoutCollins Lake Recreation Area
Great location
The staff is friendly, flexible, and easy to communicate with. They placed me right next to the water with privacy on both sides. It's secure, and so peaceful. Highly recommend.
Best Campgrounds near Gold Run, CA
The Gold Run area in California's Sierra foothills offers a mix of developed campgrounds and RV parks across diverse settings. Established campgrounds like Giant Gap near Sugar Pine Reservoir provide tent and RV sites with varying amenities, while Dutch Flat RV Resort caters primarily to recreational vehicles with full hookups. The region contains several water-adjacent campgrounds, including Rollins Lake's Greenhorn Campground and facilities near Scotts Flat Lake, providing opportunities for both lakeside and forested camping experiences.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping opportunities around Gold Run, with many campgrounds operating only from late spring through fall. Giant Gap typically opens from mid-May through late October, while some higher elevation sites in Tahoe National Forest have even shorter seasons. Most developed campgrounds require reservations during peak summer months. Winter camping options are limited to year-round facilities like Dutch Flat RV Resort and Nevada County Fairgrounds. "The road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying - especially in the dark. We camped in our 4runner as we got there when it was dark and there was so much glass and shell casings everywhere," noted one visitor about dispersed camping in the area.
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, particularly at Sugar Pine Reservoir. Giant Gap Campground receives positive reviews for its lake access and surrounding forest. "The camp sites are all very nice but 23 and 24 can't be beat with the best access to the water," shared one visitor about Giant Gap. Water recreation stands out as a primary draw, with several campgrounds offering swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating opportunities. Sites with shade receive consistently higher ratings, especially during hot summer months. While most developed campgrounds provide vault toilets, drinking water is not universally available, requiring campers to bring their own at certain locations. Campers should note that some areas like Rollins Lake can become crowded during peak season, with mixed reviews regarding site cleanliness and noise levels.
Best Camping Sites Near Gold Run, California (382)
1. Giant Gap
11 ReviewsGold Run, CA4 milesWebsite+1 (530) 367-2224$24 - $48 / night
"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)."
2. Inn Town Campground
13 ReviewsNevada City, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (530) 265-9900"Just know that here on The Dyrt, the location on the map for some reason shows it as being many miles away from Kidder Ct: it’s marked as if it is at Higgins Corner, halfway to Auburn?"
"Super clean and friendly Not congested and close to many hiking trails Easy drive and close to Nevada City.
Especially nice during Christmas Season. Feels like walking back in time."
3. Greenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake
7 ReviewsPinecrest, CA5 milesWebsite+1 (530) 388-0328$42 - $53 / night
"This is a smaller but nice lake. It hasn’t ever been over crowded when I’ve gone. The reason I like this spot is because campsites C3-C10 have the most shade you can hope for!"
"They have a convenience store that is walkable distance to get supplies, food, candy from. You should reserve a spot right on the lake. If you have a boat you can anchor it right in front."
4. White Cloud
6 ReviewsWashington, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (530) 478-6253$24 - $48 / night
"The individual sites are distanced enough so it still feels private, bathrooms and water was available. Hiked the pioneer trail and then went swimming in the lake nearby."
"It was only a 20-minute drive from home in Nevada City. We enjoyed hanging around the campground, took a cruise over to Rucker Lake for some exploring."
5. Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area
4 ReviewsColfax, CA7 milesWebsite+1 (530) 885-4527$28 / night
"Nice trails to explore that run along the river’s edge. Easy trails for beginners."
"One of my favorite summer spots, great Access to the American River. Site has pit toilets, fire rings, tables and bear lockers(have seen several bears)"
6. Scotts Flat Lake
4 ReviewsForest Knolls, CA8 milesWebsite+1 (530) 265-5302$39 - $51 / night
"Reserved 2 campsites next to each other for 10 family members for Father’s Day weekend 2019. Sites were large and not too close to each other so plenty of room to spread out. "
"Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off."
7. Dutch Flat RV Resort
3 ReviewsGold Run, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (530) 389-8924"Our site had several old rugs and leveling Timbers left behind, for example. Most sites are neither flat nor level, but close enough to get level. The setting is magnificent."
8. Greenhorn Campground
2 ReviewsPinecrest, CA6 milesWebsite+1 (530) 272-6100$27 - $53 / night
"There are multiple campsites by the water, no need to drive or take a long walk. There is a store on site that seeks everything you may need."
"Edit: I ended up sticking around to take in the place bc I had paid so much."
9. Nevada County Fairgrounds
6 ReviewsGrass Valley, CA12 milesWebsite+1 (530) 273-6217"Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around."
"Really nice with the lake and quiet woods feeling. No hassle booking and really reasonable price. Huge sites like 150x18 or there abouts."
10. Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
5 ReviewsEmigrant Gap, CA13 milesWebsite+1 (530) 288-3231"Some friends of ours love North Fork Campground just off I-80 at Emigrant Gap, so we were going to try it on the way back from the California coast to Reno. "
"Vault toilet near the entrance was in surprisingly good condition. The dump spot by the front was obviously not bear/raccoon proof enough and I assumed rangers hadn’t been through in a while."
Recent Camping Photos near Gold Run, CA
457 Photos of 382 Gold Run Campgrounds
The Dyrt
Dutch Flat RV Resort
Leslie
Giant Gap
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - NorCal Red Dog Ridge Base Camp
Jon K.
Greenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake
Jordan L.
White Cloud
Carly D.
Bear River Park & Campground
Dan T.
Inn Town Campground
Nicole G.
Inntown Campground
Kelley A.
Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF
Cathy H.
Mumford Bar Trail Campground
Christina L.
River Rest Resort
Caroline B.
Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
Recent Reviews near Gold Run, CA
1106 Reviews of 382 Gold Run Campgrounds
Godson R.ScoutCollins Lake Recreation Area
Awesome
My family and I had a great time. First time going and we went paddle boarding and swam a little bit. Very fun and family friendly. Purchased some very tasty ice cream as well. Staff was very nice and professional.
- JJose M.
RangerWilliam Kent Campground
The place is great
Nice place clean bathrooms and most importantly on one side of Lake Tahoe
Jeff A.
GuideGold Lake 4x4 Campground
Quiet on the lake
Nice little Campground great camp hosts, and lots of good mountain biking
Jack W.RangerLodgepole Campground
Grew Up Camping Here. One of My Favorites.
I've been coming to this campground for 20+ years, and have had a wonderful experience each time. Getting a site down by the creek is ideal - it's so serene, and there are plenty of sites to choose from. They have first-come-first-serve sites as well, which have come in handy to us when a reservation isn't possible. Everything is paved, and all of the sites are within walking distance of the reservoir. This campsite is extremely family-friendly, and I will be bringing my family back here in the future!
Angel H.ScoutEagles Nest Campground — Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Last minute campsite
Go to the website. Reserve a spot. It doesn't matter what time you get there, I got here around 10:00. Its $68, go to the hotel and pick up the pass and the RV site is across the street. So far so good, nice and quiet
Foster C.ScoutVillage Camp Truckee
Easy location.
Exit off 1 80 go round a few roundabouts and u r there. It is a beautiful area with major attractions within a 1/2 hr. Lake Tahoe being the most iconic.
Glyn P.GuideDru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest
Clean, quiet, and picturesque
Came here for a moto trip and really enjoyed the spaciousness, layout, and natural beauty the area had to offer. You’re also about 3 or 4 miles away from the Georgetown OHV which made it an easy ride to get to the dirt.
As others have mentioned, getting to town is a short 15 minutes despite feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Some decent restaurants and a pretty awesome grocery store there so you don’t have to fret if you forget anything.
I can’t speak for other months, but coming around Thanksgiving was just about perfect.
- Graeme P.Guide
Wrights Lake
True Gem
We love Wrights Lake, the kayaking and hiking are amazing
Guide to Gold Run
Public lands surrounding Gold Run, California provide a range of mixed-use campgrounds and undeveloped sites nestled in the Sierra foothills. Developed facilities include Giant Gap Campground near Sugar Pine Reservoir and Dutch Flat RV Resort, offering sites for both tent and RV campers. The region's campground options extend to Rollins Lake's Greenhorn Campground, which provides water-front sites with boat access. Most campgrounds in this area operate within 20 miles of Gold Run, creating a constellation of options along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet.
Seasonal considerations play a crucial role when planning visits, as several campgrounds like Giant Gap operate only from May through October. Summer brings warm temperatures and higher visitation, while spring offers more solitude with potential for muddy conditions. Many developed campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak season. Fire restrictions are common during late summer and fall months. Cell phone coverage varies significantly throughout the area, with better reception near larger campgrounds and limited service in more remote locations. A visitor warned, "The road up to Iowa Hill is terrifying - especially in the dark... come with everything you need."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for camping in the Gold Run vicinity. Sugar Pine Reservoir at Giant Gap Campground receives particularly positive reviews for its recreational opportunities. One camper noted, "The campsites are all very nice but 23 and 24 can't be beat with the best access to the water." Beyond the developed sites, dispersed camping can be found along forest roads, though these areas typically lack amenities. For those seeking more comfort, campgrounds like Inn Town Campground in nearby Nevada City and Scotts Flat Lake provide showers and more developed facilities. Noise levels vary significantly between locations - campgrounds closer to lakes tend to be more active, while remote forest sites offer greater solitude but require more self-sufficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gold Run, CA?
What camping is available near Gold Run, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gold Run, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 382 campgrounds and RV parks near Gold Run, CA and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gold Run, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Gold Run, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gold Run, CA is Giant Gap with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gold Run, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gold Run, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Gold Run, CA.
What parks are near Gold Run, CA?
What parks are near Gold Run, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Gold Run, CA that allow camping, notably Plumas National Forest and Martis Creek Lake.
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