Best Campgrounds near Greenwood, CA

The Auburn State Recreation Area offers multiple camping options near Greenwood, California, with sites along the American River providing water access and scenic views. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground features tent sites directly alongside the river, while Lake Clementine Boat-In campground provides more secluded experiences. Several developed campgrounds such as Coloma Resort, American River Resort, and Camp Lotus offer cabin accommodations and RV hookups. The region includes a mix of state recreation areas and private resorts, with most developed sites concentrated along the river corridors where rafting and water activities are popular.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, particularly when accessing primitive campgrounds. The access road to Ruck-A-Chucky requires careful navigation with steep, narrow sections that may challenge larger vehicles. "The 3 mile road down is a bit treacherous (maybe don't take your RV) but makes you feel 'out there'," noted one camper about reaching this riverside campground. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Ruck-A-Chucky open from October to April, while Lake Clementine Boat-In operates from May through September. During summer months, temperatures can reach uncomfortable highs, making riverside locations particularly valuable for cooling off.

Waterfront camping represents the primary draw throughout the area, with visitors consistently highlighting river access as the defining feature. Campers at Ponderosa reported enjoying "lounging at the edge of the river" during hot weather, with the swift current providing natural cooling and recreation opportunities. Sites directly adjacent to the American River tend to fill quickly during peak season. Many campgrounds feature a mix of shade coverage, with reviews indicating variable tree cover depending on the specific location within each property. Private campgrounds like Camp Lotus offer more amenities including showers and on-site stores, while public land sites provide more primitive experiences with vault toilets and no potable water. Cell service remains spotty throughout the canyon areas, though several reviewers mentioned getting minimal signal at Lake Clementine.

Best Camping Sites Near Greenwood, California (321)

    1. Coloma Resort

    15 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    7 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!"

    2. American River Resort

    11 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    7 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."

    3. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

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

    $28 - $48 / night

    "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."

    "As full timers- we thought we hit the jackpot for the area in order to be near the towns we wanted to explore and also have service for good wifi."

    4. Thousand Trails Ponderosa

    9 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    6 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 ."

    5. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Cool, CA
    7 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."

    6. Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    15 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"

    7. Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest

    7 Reviews
    Georgetown, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 333-4312

    $3 - $8 / night

    "A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare."

    "Close to Georgetown and to the El Dorado National Forest. Super clean and easy to get to. Signs off 193 are well marked! The have horse corrals too if you’re into that. Highly recommend!"

    8. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Applegate, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-4527

    "Our site was next to the raft launch/pickup, so there were a couple of groups picked up during the day. Bathrooms were average and the site was maintained well."

    "Small cars made it down ther without difficulty)

    Once at the camp ground, right on the waters edge, grab up the 3rd site on the right. It is literally on the edge of the river."

    9. Camp Lotus

    3 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-8672

    10. Auburn Gold Country RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Auburn, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-0990
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Recent Reviews near Greenwood, CA

1058 Reviews of 321 Greenwood Campgrounds


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

    Grouse Ridge Campground

    My Favorite Spot near Truckee

    This is as isolated as it gets. There are a number of pullouts and sites along the road up to Grouse Ridge CG - they're all excellent. Don't expect water or cell reception or toilets. In this area, you're on your own. If the road is muddy, you may not want to take the risk as the mud is slick and getting stuck out here is a true disaster. Even in June, there was still mud, and it even snowed on me which was a thrill to wake up to a white wonderland. Did I mention that you're on your own? Have fun.

  • 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

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Awesome site for SUVs

    Awesome site, stayed in my van on the boat launch. There are tent sites above the boat ramp with bear boxes and fire rings. Left side of tent sites is very loud due to the rushing river. Very secluded from others, only 2 others on the boat ramp in vans. do not attempt to do this in anything smaller than an SUv sedans would definitely not be able to make it to this site. Road has lots of holes and rocks sticking up out the ground.

  • 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.


Guide to Greenwood

Camping sites near Greenwood, California offer diverse river and lake access options at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 feet. Many campgrounds operate year-round despite seasonal temperature fluctuations that can reach 100°F in summer and drop to near freezing in winter. While the Auburn State Recreation Area attracts many visitors, several alternative camping destinations provide varied experiences throughout the area.

What to do

Gold panning opportunities: Coloma Resort, located near Sutter's Mill where gold was discovered, offers visitors the chance to experience California history firsthand. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you," notes one camper at Coloma Resort.

Rafting and rapids: Camp alongside class III rapids at American River Resort. "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," reports a visitor at American River Resort. Many campgrounds offer on-site rafting services for full-day adventures launching directly from camp.

Hiking and biking: Multiple trail networks connect campgrounds to scenic overlooks and river access points. "Lots of awesome trails and little environmental signs to walk around and learn about the area," shares a Peninsula Campground visitor. The nearby Otter Creek Trail offers challenging day hiking options with elevation changes near Dru Barner Campground.

What campers like

River access: Many campers choose sites specifically for water proximity. "We stayed in spot 33 with a large group and didn't feel crowded. One concern was the road along the river view spots," notes a camper at American River Resort. River-front sites typically cost $5-$20 more per night but provide immediate cooling options during hot weather.

Clean facilities: Beals Point Campground maintains well-kept shower buildings. "Staff was very nice and friendly and let us pick a spot. Price was very reasonable for dry spot 28$. The showers needs QUARTERS and we were out of coins. So remember to take quarters with you if you want to shower," advises one visitor. Several campgrounds feature coin-operated facilities requiring quarters.

Off-season solitude: Spring and fall camping offers reduced crowds and green landscapes. "We visited this camp ground 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," reports a Peninsula Campground visitor. Early March through May provides optimal conditions before summer heat arrives.

What you should know

Access road challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "The trek down to the campsite was slightly difficult and we decided to utilize the four wheel drive as we navigated to and from," warns a visitor to Ruck-A-Chucky Campground. Small passenger vehicles can typically manage these roads, but larger vehicles may struggle.

Water limitations: Some locations have seasonal or permanent water restrictions. "Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality," advises a camper at Dru Barner Campground. Pack adequate drinking water and containers for dish washing at primitive sites.

First-come site selection: Despite reservations, many campgrounds operate with first-come site assignment policies. "Upon arrival, scope out the place and claim your spot by filling out the envelope with your name and vehicle information and how many days your plan on staying. Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that's on the parking entrance," explains a Lake Clementine visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Coloma Resort features multiple age-appropriate play areas. "You can tent camp, rent a cabin or RV camp. Great sites along the river too. You can pan for gold, relax, or bike, hike along the river, and kids can play along several playgrounds for kids of different ages," recommends a family camper.

Swimming options: Lake Clementine Boat In offers clear water for swimming. "The river was extremely clean and clear with good temperature. The rangers are there everyday (I think). Very friendly folks. It can get pretty busy during the weekend with a lot of folks coming in for day-use," notes a visitor. Rivers provide natural cooling but require careful supervision due to currents.

Educational opportunities: Historical sites near campgrounds offer learning experiences. "You are walking distance from the historic town of Coloma and the Argonaut for breakfast and lunch (and Gelato!) Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon," shares a Coloma Resort visitor.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks to most area campgrounds. "Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level," warns a visitor at Auburn Gold Country RV Park. Most RV-suitable campgrounds feature gravel or dirt pads rather than concrete.

Power limitations: Many campgrounds offer only 30-amp service or no hookups. "The power is not good. I had to bypass the surge suppressor because it kept cutting out due to low voltage. Voltage was generally 104-105," cautions an American River Resort RV camper. Consider bringing a generator if staying at primitive sites.

Size restrictions: Larger RVs face access limitations at many sites. "I would be very cautious about coming here with a larger RV. Ours is 30' bumper to bumper. I think 32 would be ok," advises an experienced RVer at American River Resort. Call ahead to confirm access for RVs over 28 feet long.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Greenwood, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Greenwood, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 321 campgrounds and RV parks near Greenwood, CA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Greenwood, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Greenwood, CA is Coloma Resort with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Greenwood, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Greenwood, CA.