Yurt camping near Greenwood, California provides access to the Sierra Nevada foothills ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 feet elevation. The region features oak woodlands transitioning to pine forests at higher elevations, with seasonal weather patterns that include hot, dry summers reaching 90°F+ and cooler spring and fall temperatures in the 60-70°F range. Winter camping remains possible at lower elevations while higher areas may close due to snow.
What to do
Gold panning opportunities: Several campgrounds near Coloma offer authentic Gold Rush experiences. At Coloma Resort, you can try your hand at finding gold flakes. "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," explains one visitor.
Waterfall hiking: The region features accessible waterfall trails suitable for various skill levels. Peninsula Campground offers "a lovely, short hike to a waterfall! It's just a 1 mile walk along the lakeshore from the Hazel Creek day use parking area," according to a recent camper. The trail is rated easy to moderate with minimal elevation change.
Lake activities: Jenkinson Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area provides extensive water recreation options. "Jenkinson lake is beautiful to kayak or paddleboard on and you can also rent for $20/hr + $10/hr after that. Paddling around the lake is wonderful. Plenty of space for social distancing," notes one visitor. The lake spans 650 acres with several access points.
What campers like
Riverside campsites: The American River corridor offers premium waterfront camping with direct access to rapids. "Campground was clean and well taken care of. 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 to American River Resort.
Yurt accommodations: Multiple properties near Greenwood offer yurt camping options with varying levels of amenities. Ascension Ranch provides "secluded campsites, amazing views, access to endless trails around," according to a recent visitor. Their yurts include basic furnishings while maintaining a rustic camping experience.
Small lake tranquility: Finnon Lake Recreation Area offers a quieter alternative to larger lakes in the region. "It is a very nice, little campground. Sites were okay. Not spacious but not too tight either. The lake was warm and it can get a little breezy in the afternoon. Make sure to bring a kayak or SUP board to enjoy the lake," advises a recent visitor to Finnon Lake.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance bookings, especially during peak season. "You have to book way ahead of time, but it's well worth it," notes a camper at Coloma Resort. Reservations typically open 6 months in advance, with summer weekends filling within hours of availability.
Site selection considerations: Campground terrain varies significantly throughout the region, affecting privacy and access. At Peninsula Campground, "Rainbow, Kam Loop, Dogwood and Hazel Creek camping loops are nicely shaded and stay much cooler than the camping loops toward the front of the park but it can be tough to get a larger motorhome or travel trailer into the back of the park. The roads are very narrow with plenty of blind corners."
Seasonal water access: Water levels at lakes and rivers fluctuate dramatically by season. A winter visitor to Sly Park noted, "Water level was low and this time of year the water spickets are off." Spring offers fullest water levels while late summer may see significant reduction in lake and river depths.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Family-oriented campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "You can pan for gold, relax, or bike, hike along the river, and kids can play along several playgrounds for kids of different ages," states a visitor about the facilities at Coloma Resort.
Educational opportunities: The region's Gold Rush history provides learning experiences for children. OARS American River Outpost Campground offers historical context alongside outdoor activities. "If you have some extra time, be sure to check out Marshall Gold Discovery Park, home of Sutter's Mill, and the nearby wine country," recommends one camper.
Safety considerations: Family campers should be aware of specific environmental factors. Peninsula Campground advises caution on internal roads as "Unsupervised children on bicycles, hikers, and other campers walking dogs on the roads is very common, unfortunately so are speeding cars. Be cautious on the roads and keep a close eye out."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects many campgrounds in the foothills region. At Auburn Gold Country RV Park, one camper noted their "standard Hookup-RV-Spot was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level." Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended.
Power reliability issues: Several campgrounds experience voltage fluctuations during peak usage. One RVer at American River Resort reported, "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." Consider bringing a voltage regulator during summer months.
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds in the area have limitations for larger rigs. "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 a camper at American River Resort. Calling ahead to confirm specific site dimensions is recommended for RVs over 30 feet.
