Best Tent Camping near Gold Run, CA

Tent campsites near Gold Run, California range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites within Tahoe National Forest. Onion Valley Campground offers tent sites with vault toilets and picnic tables, while Grouse Ridge Campground provides more remote tent camping experiences. Both locations feature fire rings and are accessible via forest roads, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching some of the more secluded areas.

Most walk-in tent sites require campers to park and carry gear a short distance to their campsite. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, but drinking water is rarely provided, making water filtration equipment essential for longer stays. Bear activity is present throughout the region, with many campgrounds providing bear boxes for food storage. The road to Grouse Ridge Campground is particularly challenging, with the last five miles described as "narrow and rocky" by visitors. Seasonal access varies, with many higher elevation tent campgrounds open from May through October, though snow can persist into early summer.

The tent camping experience in this region offers significant advantages over RV camping, particularly for those seeking solitude and natural settings. Walk-in tent locations at Rucker Lake Campground provide waterfront access with picnic tables and bear boxes. Primitive tent setups are possible at several dispersed camping areas throughout the national forest, where campers can find more privacy. The surrounding landscape offers numerous hiking trails and swimming opportunities in crystal-clear lakes and rivers. A camper noted that "the lake was crystal clear and beautiful" when describing their experience at Lake Clementine. Many tent sites are situated under pine forest canopy, providing welcome shade during summer months when temperatures in the valley can be significantly higher than at these mountain elevations.

Best Tent Sites Near Gold Run, California (88)

    1. Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground

    5 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 288-3231

    "We rolled in here after midnight and most of the spots were still empty, and they're far enough apart that we were able to set up camp without being too disruptive."

    "There aren’t many spots and they are well spaced out. Tables and fire rings in most of them. Vault toilet near the entrance was in surprisingly good condition."

    2. Lake Spaulding Campground

    4 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 386-5164

    "We take our Kayaks and spend the day on the lake. It gets choppy in the afternoon so be aware. The campgrounds are set among huge boulders and can be very private."

    "We stayed here for a night before backpacking to Eagle Lakes, and it was a nice little wooded campground.  Very quiet, spacious sites.  Hiking along the lake is gorgeous. "

    3. Peninsula Camping and Boating Resort

    1 Review
    Pinecrest, CA
    5 miles
    +1 (530) 477-9413

    4. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Cool, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-4527

    $38 / night

    "The parking area is at the top of the hill, and you set up your tent below. Most of the sites that have a “driveway” were not level, except for Sites 5 and 6."

    "Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."

    5. Rucker Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    "This lake is a quiet getaway, with waterfront access and a warm lake. Short hike in but has picnic tables and bear boxes."

    "Got here on a Friday late afternoon and found a walk in spot close to the lake. Nice, quiet campground."

    6. Mumford Bar Trail Campground

    1 Review
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "This is a great small campground with walking access to the Mumford Bar Trail hike down to the American River.

    One vault toilet. No water spigot. Pack it in, PACK IT OUT."

    7. Oracle Oak Grove

    1 Review
    Rough and Ready, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    $60 / night

    "I got to know the owners at Oracle Oak and they have taken great steps to make this a unique place to stay, they also have kayaks and other water sport equipment available for campers to make your stay"

    8. Grouse Ridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4531

    "The hiking is great, there’s access to about 6 or more lakes, a great backpacking spot. The road to get here is quite rough."

    "But it has some great views and access to great trails."

    9. Grouse Ridge Campground

    3 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    20 miles

    "Quite a few sites there with fire rings, beat up, bear boxes that didn't open and picnic benches that were in bad shape. They had two pot toilets. This was a very busy campground."

    10. Bowman Campground

    7 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4531

    "There are several primitive campgrounds to choose from. Some right near the lake. There is a pit toilet, but no water or fire rings. The drive is long and fairly rough."

    "The road is rough and can be treacherous driving on a cliff side. You will need good clearance on your car. Pit toilet only with no water. lots of hiking, good fishing, great kayaking."

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Showing results 1-10 of 88 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Gold Run, CA

955 Reviews of 88 Gold Run Campgrounds



Guide to Gold Run

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Gold Run, California, offers a variety of scenic spots for tent camping, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

Tips for Tent Camping Near Gold Run

  • Be prepared for a rustic experience at Grouse Ridge Campground, where you can enjoy beautiful views and access to numerous hiking trails.
  • Pack your essentials when visiting Canyon Creek Campground, as it has limited amenities but offers a secluded atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
  • Bring plenty of water and supplies to Fiddle Creek, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature while being close to the river.

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gold Run, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gold Run, CA is Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Gold Run, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 88 tent camping locations near Gold Run, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.