Best Campgrounds near Granite Bay, CA

Campgrounds near Granite Bay provide access to both developed facilities and scenic outdoor recreation at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Located within Sacramento County, the area features several established campgrounds including Beals Point and Peninsula Campground, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and some cabin options within 10-15 miles of Granite Bay proper. The landscape transitions from oak-studded foothills to waterfront locations along Folsom Lake, with most campsites situated within the state recreation area and a few private resorts offering additional amenities.

Reservations are required for most established campgrounds in the region, especially during peak summer season when water levels at Folsom Lake attract visitors. "We camped by the lake... there was sooo much dust & so many flies. The water was beautiful & perfect for swimming," noted one camper about Peninsula Campground during summer months. Weather varies significantly by season, with hot, dry summers reaching 90-100°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though spring offers green hillsides and wildflowers before summer heat sets in. Beals Point and Peninsula campgrounds provide toilets and showers (coin-operated), while most sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Cell service is generally available throughout the area due to proximity to urban centers.

The region's developed campgrounds receive varied reviews based on seasonal conditions. Several campers mentioned Folsom Lake as a highlight for water recreation, with multiple access points for boating, swimming, and kayaking. Peninsula Campground offers more seclusion with "nice campsites, in the middle of nature," while Beals Point provides easier access but can experience more crowding. "We visited this campground last year for a pre-spring getaway and really liked it. The grass is green, and the leaves are out on all the oak trees which makes it more beautiful," wrote one visitor about Peninsula Campground in spring. Campgrounds in the area typically feature paved or graveled roads suitable for most vehicles, though the Peninsula Campground requires driving several miles on narrower roads to reach the more remote location on the lake's north side.

Best Camping Sites Near Granite Bay, California (237)

    1. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 791-1531

    $28 - $48 / night

    "Folsom Lake is a very large lake which touches 3 counties (Sacramento, Placer & El Dorado). Beals Point is right on the border of Folsom & Granite Bay on Folsom-Auburn Rd."

    "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."

    2. Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 988-0215

    $28 / night

    "Very quite camping spot very clean.coin operated showers😭 lake is very close by."

    "Folsom lake is a great place to take the boat, beals point has a snack bar, life guards and equipment rentals, there are plenty of places you can drive or boat to get away from the crowds if you prefer"

    3. Coloma Resort

    15 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."

    "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"

    4. American River Resort

    11 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-6700

    "Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers."

    "It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."

    5. Loomis RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Roseville, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 652-6737

    $65 / night

    "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!"

    6. Ascension Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 439-0002

    $49 - $245 / night

    "WELCOME TO ASCENSION RANCH Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise tucked away in an oak savanna along Folsom Lake with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities."

    "Super relaxing and has a lake that is at the end of the trail. Super convenient. It was cool to experience the animals that were in the pastures as well. I'd definitely come back."

    7. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

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

    $38 / night

    "I’ve been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it’s a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing."

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

    8. Thousand Trails Ponderosa

    9 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift."

    "Great spot if you can get in half of the camp got washed away from the rain this year though ."

    9. Auburn Gold Country RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Auburn, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-0990

    10. Placerville RV Resort & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Rescue, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 676-2267

    $75 - $107 / night

    "I like the place pros would be doing just water and electric hook up so your away from the croud,clean and quiet, great wifi, cons next to freeway, expensive,no firepit but have a communal fire pit,but"

    "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained. Will be going back."

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Recent Reviews near Granite Bay, CA

707 Reviews of 237 Granite Bay Campgrounds


  • Lisa Marie L.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Gold Country Campground Resort

    Peaceful and clean campground

    We really enjoyed our weekend here. Super clean and quiet. Lots of play areas for kids and pets allowed. Clean bathrooms full hookups too

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Independence Hill Dispersed

    Super quiet, super remote

    If getting away is on your list, then Independance Hill is one place to go. 1 bar Verizon and a small creek (if you continue on up the road). It's really about 2 miles from the village of Iowa Hill, but it is remote. I scared two black bears as I was walking (don't I wish I had that on film...). And yes, that's his footprint on my van door - he was checking out the bag of garbage I had stored on my roof. No services, but there are at least 6 good sites, including a large flat area that can take any size RV. This is my second favorite spot in this area. I'll go again many times :-)

  • Shir S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    El Dorado

    Great place before lake tahoe

    We drove from redwood to Lake Tahoe and wanted a place to stay since it got late Good place Online booking and entrance if after hours and affordable price opposed to other sites in the area

  • J
    Sep. 17, 2025

    American River Resort

    Perfect match

    During our stay (mid of September) the place was empty and we had the most relaxed time we could have. RV site close to the river and some deers also crossing our ways on the campground

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    South Yuba Campground

    nice wooded campground

    No cell signal here - speed test is from starlink. Note google & garmin routing from Nevada City takes a bridge with a 4 Ton weight restriction.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Good spot for a night or two but nothing here

    Easy to get to and easy to park at although not a great spot for tents. Unfortunately there was a massive fire here and there is nothing to look at but burned out trees.

  • M
    Aug. 28, 2025

    North Fork Campground

    Nice quiet campground and river

    I stopped by here to check out the campground and found it to be very nice quiet and clean. There is a nice river running along the side with a waterfall and a few nice deep swimming holes. I got the only FCFS site and it was nice.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    White Cloud

    Beautiful but LOUD

    Awesome spots to camp, it’s just insanely close to the 20 so you’ll hear non-stop traffic.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Scotts Flat Lake

    Pricey but nice

    Paid $68 for a tent site with no hookups. Showers take quarters too. Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off.


Guide to Granite Bay

Camping near Granite Bay, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful lakes and scenic trails. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy spots at Acorn Campground. One visitor said, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained restrooms at Beals Point Campground. A reviewer remarked, "This is a very clean and well-maintained State campground."
  • Scenic Views: The stunning scenery at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park is a big hit. One camper shared, "Lake Tahoe is such a beautiful place and Emerald Bay is probably one of the most beautiful."

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be aware of bear activity at Ice House Campground. A camper warned, "The campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Acorn Campground, lack showers and electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Lake Camanche. One reviewer noted, "It got very crowded on the weekend."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Beals Point Campground, which has easy access to swimming areas. A family camper said, "The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, such as hiking or fishing, to keep kids engaged. One parent shared, "The lake is a 5 min walk away not to mention near the start of many hiking trails."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Ice cream at the store is a must."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions at places like Rv Village Campground At Camp Richardson Resort. A reviewer noted, "It is definitely big enough for our 26’ TT."
  • Be Bear Aware: Store food properly to avoid bear encounters. One RV camper said, "I didn’t see any bears for the 3 days I was here... I was super careful not to leave anything with a smell outside the bear box."
  • Use Amenities Wisely: Take advantage of available amenities, but be prepared for some to be crowded. A visitor at Ice House Campground mentioned, "Bathroom clean and smelled good for a vault toilet."

Camping around Granite Bay, CA, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique experiences each campground offers!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Granite Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Granite Bay, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 237 campgrounds and RV parks near Granite Bay, CA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Granite Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Granite Bay, 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 Granite Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Granite Bay, CA.

What parks are near Granite Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Granite Bay, CA that allow camping, notably New Hogan Lake and Eldorado National Forest.