Best Tent Camping near Grass Valley, CA

Searching for a tent campsite near Grass Valley? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Grass Valley. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Grass Valley, CA (80)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    1. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    29 Photos
    16 Saves
    Cool, California

    Boat-In Sites 1-16

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $38 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground

    2. Bowman Campground

    7 Reviews
    19 Photos
    176 Saves
    Sierra City, California

    Bowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground with limited services. There are 7 campsites with tables, fire rings and bear proof food lockers. There is no trash service. Bowman Lake is a large lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and scattered pines that are great for fishing and swimming. A few islands are found within the lake. Car top boat launch only. The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous. There are several stretches of the road where it is impossible for two vehicles to pass around each other and so if traffic is coming from both directions, someone will need to back up. Despite the difficult access, Bowman Lake is a popular, heavily used area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove

    4. Oracle Oak Grove

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    17 Saves
    Rough and Ready, California

    Sweet land with a cute hobbit/ witchy natural Vibe.

    Great asthetics, incredible gardens.

    Close to town, 30 min drive to 2 different parts of the Yuba River.

    Friendly vibe good people live on the land. There is a cute Cob compost toilet, bath house.

    Located in an Oak Grove.

    We are in the armpit of the Nevada County. A 15 minute drive to either Grass Valley or Nevada City. Or a 15 minute drive to two different parts of the Yuba River, Bridgeport and 49. And about 30 minutes to amazing lakes on the way to Tahoe. Also close to the bike trail you could bike to Nevada City. Before you arrive fill up on spring water from Bitney Springs, we've been drinking it for over a decade. For the extra sensative just ask to use the Berkey water filter. This area is the most bike friendly area in the entire county. Lots of trails a long the NID (Nevada Irrigation Ditch) created during the Gold Rush.

    Beautiful trail that over looks a view of an epic creek and a heart shaped lake. Camping stove can be requested, in the beginning stages of building a beautiful outdoor kitchen.

    For guests staying the weekend there is availabile usage of bikes, kayak, and paddle board. Need to be reserved a head of time.

    Also please the woodstove is currently wood fired. It takes about 5 hours to heat up and a decent amount of wood. We are more than will to prepare it ahead of time, but need a heads up and would prefer if you plan to be in it longer than 20 minutes. Also because of the amount of wood it uses and the labor to takes to prepare it, we request a donation. We love our tub, she is our precious gem, but she's a labor of love and anything opposite from a convience. Also because she is wood fire, I cant burn fires in the summer. So she is only available late fall, winter and spring. When the fire Ban is on there are no fires, including the hot tub.

    But due to high demand I will work on including a propane option for next summer.

    I love birthday parties.

    I love people coming with friends. I love people of all walks of life.

    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Spaulding Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    7. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    47 Photos
    232 Saves
    Truckee, California

    Donner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for Donner Lake camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. Visitors are welcome year-round at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rucker Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rucker Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rucker Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rucker Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rucker Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rucker Lake Campground

    8. Rucker Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    105 Saves
    Emigrant Gap, California

    This is a PG&E; lake/campground on the Tahoe National Forest. Car-top launch for kayaks and boats. There is no boat ramp at the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground

    9. Grouse Ridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    24 Photos
    136 Saves
    Emigrant Gap, California

    Grouse Ridge Campground is located at the top of Grouse Ridge, spectacular vistas of granitic boulders, many alpine lakes, scattered pines, and wildflowers in the summer. Often late opening due to snow banks on access road. Hiking and biking trails lead off of ridge to the Grouse Lakes Area located at the base of the ridge. There are 9 campsites with tables and fire rings. 5 campsites have space for small trailers.There is a vault toilet, but no trash service; pack it in pack it out!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • No image available
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    Showing results 1-10 of 80 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Grass Valley

    757 Reviews of 80 Grass Valley Campgrounds


    • Bobby S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
      Dec. 6, 2024

      Donner Memorial State Park Campground

      Great Trip!

      I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun. Me and my friends were up there and there was conveniently a campground available in there same campsite. We went in the summer and the water was perfect! We went fishing and caught crawfish in a trap underneath the bridge near the front. Overall the staff were really nice and it was a great trip. I recommend it!

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
      Nov. 5, 2024

      Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

      Had to kick me out

      This place and his staff were absolutely amazing. I had a couple of different times where I needed to change the spot and without fail they were there to help. Quite CLEAN everything! I wanted to stop awhile 30 days later I was told goodbye👋 cause I know the rules at a State Park!🤦😔😔💩

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cal Expo RV Park
      Nov. 4, 2024

      Cal Expo RV Park

      No Skoolies

      Disappointed to be told they don't allow any buses unless they have the RVCIA (sp?) sticker. There were some really old and knackered looking caravans and daggy RV's in the park, but the place was pretty much deserted as it's November. All in all it was frustrating. ggggrrrrrrr

    • PThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from El Dorado
      Oct. 17, 2024

      El Dorado

      Dyrts description sucked

      We could not find this place. Needs better description. Afterwards in another rv park I worked it out. Need to go to their website first better directions than just el dorado. Dyrt dropped the ball on this one.

    • Sebastian M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Auburn Gold Country RV Park
      Oct. 7, 2024

      Auburn Gold Country RV Park

      Okay

      Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level. If you don't have the premium hookup spots, you got to pay 20$ "Service Fee" for dumping. Idk why because you end up doing it all by yourself as usual anyway. Feels like a bit of a rip off to be honest. The rest is nice, quiet (except for the geese) and clean.

    • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Grizzly Creek Campground
      Sep. 26, 2024

      Grizzly Creek Campground

      Nestled in the trees

      This campground is a very quiet spot after Labor Day, it is small, only 10 sites total and it is only open until September 30, which I don't understand since there is no snow here until November.

      When we were there only one other camper was staying here and he was a deer hunter.

      The water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared. This campground has two sites that will take a 30' trailer and the remaining sites will take smaller trailers, tents or campers.

      One site has a new picnic table but all sites have tables, fire pits and plenty of room between sites. Pit toilets are near the entrance and only one was clean when we stayed here.

      Not to far from Bucks Lake if you want to camp and then drive to the lake.

      Fees have changed, they are $25 a night and $12.50 if you have the pass.

    • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground
      Sep. 24, 2024

      Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground

      South Feather and Power water company campground

      Sly Creek Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake with several campsites along a small portion of the lake.

      There is a boat ramp and ATV riding on the forest roads in the area.

      The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025.

      Passes are honored.

    • H
      Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Campground
      Sep. 10, 2024

      Bear Valley Campground

      Remote Forest Camping

      FCFS OHV campground that can be approached from a couple of rough dirt roads,  high clearance helpful,  4wd not needed.   Not all sites are flat.  People from the area (i guess)  seemed to be "reserving"  sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs...  they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility.  Took a hike.  Very pretty.  No OHV noise,  but a copter was circling the area in the middle of the night.

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground
      Sep. 7, 2024

      Lodgepole Campground

      Perfectly Situated in the Sequoias

      I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!

    • OThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
      Sep. 6, 2024

      Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

      Large dirt pull off

      Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
      Sep. 6, 2024

      Bowman Lake Dispersed

      Lake side Campsites

      If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.

    • Azizah T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice House Campground
      Aug. 26, 2024

      Ice House Campground

      Quiet campground with frequent bears

      I made reservations here a week prior to our trip because I was looking for a warmer place to camp. I previously had reservations at Pinecrest, but it was going to be in the 50s during the day and 30s at night. Which isn’t ideal since I have a 7 month old and a 3 year old. But it ended up getting pretty chilly here as well - high 50s, low 40s. I do not recommended campsite 3, where we camped. It is a double site and is spacious enough for two families. But the campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night. One huge black bear, and a mama black bear with her cub. It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3). Luckily, our kids were asleep when the black bear came around 9pm. The camp host never came by to check us in, even though we were right next to their site. They did not inform us of the three bears that would be coming by. Obviously we are in bear country, so precautions were taken. But it would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us (where one of the bears was coming down). When my husband informed the camp host of the bear that came by she wasn’t surprised at all and said “oh there’s three that come every night. One big black bear who is about 4.5ft tall on all fours - he’s a big guy! And a mama bear with her cub.” This was very strange to me that she didn’t come by and tell us this, nor did she tell the other campers around us. We went and informed the two sites by us so that they were aware of this. Aside from that, the campground is beautiful. You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around. The walk to the reservoir is short and sweet. The water isn’t freezing either, our dog enjoyed her daily swim. I recommend this campground for its beauty but be prepared for a bear visit.

    • OThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Nevada County Fairgrounds
      Aug. 22, 2024

      Nevada County Fairgrounds

      Quiet camping

      It’s $30 a night for dry camping and goes up from there depending on what hookups you need. Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around.

    • a
      Camper-submitted photo from Haskins Valley Campground
      Aug. 6, 2024

      Haskins Valley Campground

      Nice, easy access to lake

      It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Quail Ridge RV Park
      Jul. 29, 2024

      Quail Ridge RV Park

      Serene RV Trailer Park?

      Place wasn’t too bad. Very nice people, very peaceful, and quiet, however, there were many people here who are permanent residents of the park, some of their areas are a little trashy looking for lack of a better word. Definitely not a bad spot if you’re on the way to another campground, but there are probably better ones to head to, especially if you have children with you. We were also looking for a place to camp with two days notice and this was all we could find. Cheap too!

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lindsey Lake Campground
      Jul. 25, 2024

      Lindsey Lake Campground

      So nice!

      Stayed 6 days with friends and dogs. Sites were rustic but clean. We had direct access to lake to launch and swim. Jake, site host, very kind and professional as he answered questions and gave advice when a group member popped a tire coming up to the lake. We will be back!

    • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
      Jul. 21, 2024

      Bowman Lake Dispersed

      Great Late Spring Escape

      This place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.

    • Sharon B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Collins Lake Recreation Area
      Jul. 17, 2024

      Collins Lake Recreation Area

      Lakeside

      *pros: great little market, very nice staff, clean, great views *cons: rocky watch your step, especially at the beach and a long the shore. Recommend water shoes, although this may only help a little as the rocks are quite large and when can trip over them as much as step on them. they are not round river rocks, but pointy and painful to traverse. *my stay: I was only here for two nights and on the second morning some people pulled in and pitched a tent at 4:30 in the morning. They weren’t particularly loud, but they did curse and had their flashlight bright enough that it shone into my site and RV. Overall, it was still a very pleasant stay for the two nights.

    • Jeff B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Movin' West RV Park
      Jul. 14, 2024

      Movin' West RV Park

      A great place to stay in Graeagle, CA

      It was a great RV park to stay at in Graeagle, California. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is great. The town is only 1 mile from the RV park and you can easily walk there. I highly recommend the Graeagle Outpost for coffee, ice cream, and more.

      It would be even better if there was more space between each RV spot. It feels like your neighbor is right there in your business all the time. They put up fences to give some semblance of privacy but it doesn't really help because they are only partial fences.

    • Rich R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside (truckee)
      Jul. 6, 2024

      Lakeside (truckee)

      Nice big quiet lake

      Clean and easy to get to with 27ft class a. Some sites weren't as flat as others. First come first served worked well.



    Guide to Grass Valley

    Discover the beauty of tent camping near Grass Valley, California, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds offering unique amenities and activities, there's something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

    Explore Local Attractions

    Engage in Local Activities

    Tent Campers Should Check Out Unique Features

    • Experience the rustic charm of Fiddle Creek, where well-maintained sites offer a clean and quiet environment, albeit with some road noise.
    • Enjoy the spacious and private sites at Lake Spaulding Campground, which are nestled among large boulders and provide bear lockers for food storage.
    • Discover the secluded Mumford Bar Trail Campground, a great spot for those looking to escape the crowds while enjoying access to the American River.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Grass Valley, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Grass Valley, CA is Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Grass Valley, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 80 tent camping locations near Grass Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.