337 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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!"
"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."
from $33 - $58 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Very quite camping spot very clean.coin operated showers😭 lake is very close by."
"I wanted to find a spot somewhat close by and came across this one."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"You’re also about 3 or 4 miles away from the Georgetown OHV which made it an easy ride to get to the dirt."
"A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare."
from $3 - $8 / night
Check Availability"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 ."
"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."
TravelerFeel like you’re in the woods all while being right in the smack of town! There is even a little coffee trailer that is AMAZING! All the amenities with a rustic feel. We will definitely be back!
GuideLook up this site’s history, it’s quite fascinating.
While there’s a no trespassing sign, this is indeed a Forest Service-managed site and confirmed as a dispersed location.
I pulled in just as this older gentleman was walking the area, and he started telling me all about the owner back in the 60s-70s (“a mean guy”) and what a cool ski resort it once was.
ScoutI have stayed at Bear River Group Campground twice and plann to make it an annual trip. It is near a reservoir, but necessary to drive to get to the water. There is no road noise at all. It is fairly remote and very well set up for groups. Highly recommend it.
LegendGeneral: Beals Point is one of two locations on Folsom Lake for camping. Large campground with a mix of electric and non-electric campsites plus some group sites.
Site Quality: Drives are paved and mostly level. We camped in a little “cul-de-sac” with just four sites. While these sites back up to the American River Bike Trail (aka Jedediah Smith Recreation Trail), it was overgrown, and I did not see direct access to the trail as we did the last time we were here.
Bath/Shower: Typical CA state park layout– all-gender units with toilet and sink (but no soap, towels, or dryers) and showers. Unlike other CA state parks, these take quarters instead of tokens. The units could use a little TLC, but what was most disheartening was how other campers had trashed them– toilet paper (and worse) scattered all over the insides. Obviously not the fault of the campground.
Activities/Amenities: Folsom Lake is the draw, and people were fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The 32-mile paved multi-use American River Bike Trail is easily accessible. There is a snack bar/concession stand for beach rentals, but it was not open when we were there.
Our stay here this time was over a weekend; it was completely full, and it reminded us once again that we prefer to camp during the week and shoulder seasons when campgrounds are less crowded!
LegendI invite you to take a look at the pictures. This is a simple gravel parking lot with hookups. There's nothing special about this location.
GuideThere’s only a couple of spots to pull off the road, the boat ramp clearly states no camping. I found a spot but every few hours all night long a truck with flashing lights on the roof drove by. Kinda weird
GuideThis appears to be another roadside pullout in the Demonstration Forest area rather than a legal overnight campsite. Based on on-site clarification from CAL FIRE at a nearby listing, overnight camping is not permitted in this Demonstration Forest area. Only the campground run by PG&E is legal.
Guide--- Not a legal campsite: confirmed by CAL FIRE ---
I originally stopped here with an in-progress cargo trailer conversion because this looked like an excellent roadside pullout: large, easy to access, relatively level, and long enough to maneuver a truck and trailer without drama. As a short stop, turnaround, or day-use staging spot, it is genuinely useful. However, this should not be listed or treated as an overnight campsite. While I was on-site, I was contacted by Officer Steve Garcia with CAL FIRE, who advised me that overnight camping is not permitted at this location. I had interpreted the posted seasonal“no parking” signage as suggesting that public use might be allowed outside the snow-removal season, but he clarified that the signage relates to snow removal and does not authorize overnight camping in the Demonstration Forest area. For practical details: the pullout itself is easy to enter and exit, with enough room for a modest trailer rig to get fully out of traffic and turn around. Road noise drops off substantially overnight, though traffic begins again in the morning. The area may be useful for a brief rest stop, equipment check, turnaround, or day-use pause. But as a camping location, the important information is simple: Do not plan to camp here overnight. I’m updating this review so others don’t make the same assumption I did. This is a good pullout, but it is not a legal overnight campsite.
GuideIndian Valley. Site 5. I love this campground and this area of California. It is not directly situated on the Hwy, and abuts the Yuba River, which is clear and gorgeous and draws a lot of birds and wildlife. A small, quiet family campground with an excellent local host couple. Vault toilets are kept clean. Site 5 has a large open space to the right and a beautiful view to the scenery beyond the river. The vault toilet was close, and now and then I could smell an odor, but it was not constant, nor terrible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 337 campgrounds and RV parks near Greenwood, CA and 21 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 21 free dispersed camping spots near Greenwood, CA.
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