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Best Tent Camping near Greenwood, CA

932 Reviews

The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Greenwood, California offer diverse tent camping opportunities within Auburn State Recreation Area and Tahoe National Forest. Lake Clementine Boat-In Campground provides 18 designated tent sites along the North Fork of the American River, with sites specifically designed for tent campers. The parking area sits at the top of the hill with tent pads positioned below. Tahoe National Forest's Onion Valley Campground, located near Emigrant Gap, features well-spaced tent campsites with picnic tables and fire rings amid scenic mountain terrain.

Most primitive tent campgrounds in the region require self-sufficiency and preparation. Vault toilets are standard at established sites, but running water is rarely available. Bear boxes are provided at many locations, including Lake Clementine and several backcountry tent sites. Access roads to remote tent-only camping areas often involve narrow, curvy pavement or rough dirt roads requiring vehicles with decent clearance. Seasonal considerations affect tent camping options, with higher elevation sites sometimes inaccessible until late spring due to snow. Fire restrictions vary throughout the year, with complete bans common during California's dry season.

Walk-in tent sites throughout the region offer greater privacy than standard campgrounds. According to reviews, Lake Clementine's sites 1-7 remain open in the off-season when the campground is particularly peaceful. One camper noted, "Many of the sites are more suitable for tent campers, with parking at the top of the hill and tent setup below." At Onion Valley Campground, campers report well-spaced sites that provide seclusion even when arriving late. The meadow near these tent campsites creates additional space between neighbors. Backcountry tent camping options expand in Tahoe National Forest, where dispersed camping is permitted in many areas with proper wilderness permits and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

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Best Tent Sites Near Greenwood, California (79)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Greenwood, CA

50 Photos of 79 Greenwood Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Greenwood, CA

932 Reviews of 79 Greenwood Campgrounds

  • Dani P.
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Meeks Bay

    Beautiful and big family oriented campground

    Just a small walk away from Lake Tahoe shore. Big beautiful trees cover the entire campground. A couple bathrooms that surprisingly do not smell bad and have a running faucet. Bears are a real issue, so they have big bear boxes at each site - make sure to use them. Sites close together and not much privacy. Camp Host on site. Very limited parking at the sites, but free parking if you park outside of the campground along the main road and walk in. Do not leave food in your car, especially on the outside. And dont forget to Leave No Trace!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2023

    Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    Off-season peaceful stay

    General: Normally, there are 18 designated sites that are reservable only from May 1– October 15. What we didn’t know until we arrived was that only Sites 1-7 were open after this date; fortunately, only two other sites were occupied when we arrived at 5:30 pm on a Monday in late October. The access road is about six miles of curvy, hilly, and narrow (sometimes only one lane) pavement. There is a sign prohibiting trailers; our 18-foot camper van did fine but anything much larger would definitely be challenged. 

    Site Quality: Many of the sites are more suitable for tent campers. The parking area is at the top of the hill, and you set up your tent below. Most of the sites that have a “driveway” were not level, except for Sites 5 and 6. We lucked out with Site 6 – it was large and level and directly across from the vault toilets. A fire pit/grill, large concrete picnic table, and bear box complete the site (although there was a fire ban in effect).

    Bath: Only one vault toilet was open, and it was very clean. It was cleaned again the next morning. 

    Activities: This campground is located on the North Fork of the American River. In season, this campground would be very popular with rafters; there is a raft launch and takeout area close to the campsites. The river was crystal clear and beautiful.

    This was a small but beautiful campground. We were surprised that we had a semi-decent cell signal ranging from 1 to 2 bars (Verizon).

  • Summer A.
    Jul. 25, 2018

    Big Meadows Campground

    Sequoia National Forest Lovely Spacious Camp Sites

    It sounds like there are multiple Big Meadow camp grounds in California. This review is for Big Meadow Campground, Sequoia NF - FS, CA. The photos are of site 009B. My visit was wonderful. The camp sites are large. We set up two 8 person tents and one 2 person tent and there was plenty of room for more. The firepits are very well made. They block the wind while allowing good airflow. There is a very large picnick table at each site, a bear box, and plenty of shade. There is a vault toilet that is cleaned daily. The sites boarder a stream. The water level is about 3 inches in July with temperatures in the 80's. This is a dog friendly site. There is no potable water at this site.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2023

    General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park

    Available off-season camping near Lake Tahoe

    After October 2, it is first come, first available and only sites 26-72 were open so my review is limited to a small portion of the campground. When I researched ahead of time, it was the ONLY open campground I could find in the Lake Tahoe area. At least the per night rate was decreased to $25 ($23 for seniors). I don’t know about the rest of the loops but most of the sites in the open loop appeared to be “doubles” or even “triples”; the camper pads were paved but appeared to be side-by-side parking spaces. Fortunately, there were not many campers so this was not a problem, however, if the park were more crowded, this layout would only make sense if the camper pads were used to park vehicles and people tent camped. All sites appeared to be level. No hookups. Each site had a large picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. 

    We had been warned multiple times that we were camping in an active bear area and although we did not encounter any, one of the other campers told us they had seen a mama and bear cub, along with a coyote. 

    The showers and dump station were closed for the season. There was no host on-site. The restrooms were very basic: toilet and sink but no soap, paper towels, or air dryers. 

    My rating might have been higher if we could have seen other parts of the campground, but our experience was limited to one night and we did not visit the day-use area.

  • Elliott B.
    Sep. 28, 2018

    Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    Nice location, but has a few major issues

    We got a last minute cancelled site at the Fallen Leaf Campground, and thought we’d truly lucked out. We stayed at site 87 which is nestled among towering native pine trees on the South end of the campground and one of the few sites which doesn’t have neighbors on all sides. The sites have the standard standing BBQ's and fire rings at all sites (but we couldn’t utilize them because of the fire ban), old picnic tables and various amounts of space for RV’s/cars and the tried and true bear box. In this campground you NEED to utilize the bear boxes. They have signs everywhere about the mass amount of bear activity and how there is a mother and her 2 cubs which have been terrorizing the campground for some time this season (2018). Again, you need to keep everything (food, toiletries, etc.) in the bear box at all times. The sites are reservable, and on top of the $35 (nonelectric) per site there is a $7 fee for a second vehicle, Yurts go for $86 which do have power and a nonrefundable $10 service fee…. While the campground allows dogs, they aren’t allowed in the Yurts.

    There’s lots of bear proof dumpsters around the campground, lots of potable water in strategic spots and a number of decent restrooms, and it was nice that at some of them they provided hot (pay) showers (at $1 per 3 minutes) and while the ADA has some control the standard one has no control over the heat or pressure its simply on or off. Also, the restrooms have no soap, paper towels, or hand dryers, etc. Which was a little disappointing for the cost.

    My biggest disappointment in the setup of the campground has to do with the bears and cleaning your dishes. There is no dish-washing area in the entire ~200 site, ~14 bathroom campground. They specifically ask that you don’t wash your dishes in the sinks or at the water spigots as they don’t want any food particles going down the drains. So, when I asked about disposing of the dish water they said to just toss it at the base of a tree, as it’s dry and the trees would appreciate it. This doesn’t help keep the bears away… While we scrapped and collected every bit of food waste we could and tossed it into the dumpsters, ff you’re just tossing food scrap-soaked water at the base of the trees the bears are going to come for the smell… I’ve stayed at other sites in bear country which have setups for disposing of the waste water and food scraps to detract bears and Fallen Leaf definitely is lacking and this is possibly part of the reason they’re having such an issue with bears.

    While, our site (87) would probably normally be a great location with the Fallen Leaf Lake being the only thing behind you and no neighbors on at least 2 of your sides, we happened to somehow book the same weekend that a corporate event was taking over the vast majority of the campground with almost 200 people….

    While, not entirely the campgrounds fault it was a little disruptive to have this mass number of people come directly next to us in site 88 for their meals as they’d decided to make that site the meal prep site for breakfast (they started prep at 5:30 am) and dinner (we actually had to ask the drunk group to stop screaming at midnight) these were both well outside the “quiet hours” and definitely surpassed the “6 people per site” rule.

    Otherwise this campground is in a great location to see the area as it’s only approximately one-quarter mile north of Fallen Leaf Lake. The trail from the campground was only 3 sites over from us. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is directly across Highway 89 and is a great location to talk to the Rangers about other potential hikes in the area. They also have interpretive programs, guided walks on the Rainbow Trail and to the Stream Profile Chamber (which was closed because someone decided to break it. Although it should be repaired now… end of September 2018). Also, nearby Baldwin Beaches or Pope Beach, which cost $10, or you can go to the Tallac Historic Site with tours and events at its historic buildings and grounds and the free (dog friendly) Kiva beach which is exactly the same as the other pay access beaches….

    There’s also a really nice paved bike trail that runs 3 miles along Highway 89 and can be used to access all of the above. You have access to excellent day hiking and backpacking in Desolation Wilderness via the Glen Alpine or Mt. Tallac trailheads which are also nearby.

  • Elliott B.
    Sep. 27, 2018

    Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    Campground with a beautiful layout

    I walked through the seasonally closed Eagle Point Campground while exploring the Emerald Bay section of Lake Tahoe. This campground is a newly renovated area of the peninsula on the South/West side of the Emerald Bay State Park separated into Upper and Lower sections.

    Since the campground was closed we had to park on Highway 89 and walk through the campground to get to the Rubicon Trailhead which is located at the divider between the 2 camping sections.

    As we hiked through I was really blown away with the layout of the campground. I loved that these sites were almost a multi-leveled. Meaning that your tent site might be 10 feet lower than your picnic table, bear box, etc. or it could have a raised fire pit on a small bluff above the tent pad, table. Each site was unique, and this added to the separation between sites, so you’re not on the same level and directly next to your neighbors, adding to the feeling of being in the wilderness. (At least to me)

    Also, it should be pointed out that there were signs everywhere about using your bear boxes and that they’d fine you if you leave anything in your car. I know some people seem to have an issue with this for some reason…but I don’t want a bear roaming through any campground I’m staying at.

    There weren’t any sites that I saw which could hold an RV or 5th wheel, unless you have something under 18 feet… So maybe tents only, and there are no hookups. While I know I got a sterile experience since no one was actually camping, the campground was very clean and well maintained and the restrooms looked really nice. They had running water, flush toilets and pay showers ($1 per 3 minutes). The little amphitheater at the trailhead was cool and seemed ideally setup for presentations with incredible views of Lake Tahoe.

    While pets are allowed in the campground, they’re not allowed on the Emerald Bay SP trails or beaches. Sites are $35 and all are reservable 6 month out, so

  • Rosina A.
    Jun. 1, 2022

    Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    Folsom Lake Penninsula

    Beautiful sunsets. No showers. Bathrooms are clean. Some sites are rather small and have little flat ground. Pics on website are tough to see when booking. Lake to most sites is a drive, but there are a few campsites on the lake. Many sites are on hill, you walk up the hill or down a hill with stairs. Lake has day use area, but also a dock area for camping folks. Lots of mosquitoes. They have a fire are to cook, no fire ring, have a bear box and picnic table. Some sites have plenty of shade while others are just plain sun so be prepared.

    Water is nice temperature and super clean! Nice to kayak, paddle, boat (they have boat ramps), fish, swim. Beach areas are rocks with weeds, but pretty.

  • Kate A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Thousand Trails Ponderosa

    Great location, but plan ahead

    This is a well maintained RV and tent camping resort. It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift. The RV and tent sites are in two separate areas, with more updated amenities available for RVs like hot showers. Shared pool site. Lots of great trails to weave through the campground on a mountain bike.

    One downside- it can be hot. Not a lot of tree cover for the RV sites- make sure you bring shade with you. Luckily, there’s a nice cool river to swim in!

    Fires are restricted sometimes in the summer. Some sites require a membership.

    Local grocery and pizza, frozen yogurt available within walking distance.

    Lots of great fishing, floating, and kayak accessibly. Bring tubes and life vests. Poles and bait.

  • Patricia O.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2018

    Lindsey Lake Campground

    Rustic and remote

    There are only a few campsites here, 12, I think, and a rough road getting (SUV or truck recommended) into the campground. Once you reach camp, you’ll be rewarded with serene and beautiful surroundings. Lots of lakes and hiking in the area. Mosquitos can be a problem so come prepared. Vault toilet. No trash service, no piped water. There are picnic tables and fire rings.

Guide to Greenwood

Tent campsites near Greenwood, California provide access to diverse mountain terrain ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 feet elevation along the western Sierra Nevada slopes. Weather conditions vary considerably by elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-90°F at lower elevations and 65-80°F at higher sites. Camping options include both reservable established sites and first-come primitive locations that typically require longer drives on unpaved forest roads.

What to do

Swimming at American River: At Lake Clementine Boat In campground, the river access offers clear water for cooling off during hot days. One camper noted, "The river was crystal clear and beautiful," making it ideal for swimming during summer visits.

Hiking through wildflower meadows: Onion Valley Campground features open fields of wildflowers with nearby trails. As one reviewer mentioned, "If you hike through some burnt areas you'll find a really pretty stream. I loved the open fields of wild flowers. Those open spaces allow for some great star gazing night."

Gold Rush exploration: OARS American River Outpost Campground provides access to historic Gold Rush sites. "The campground is in Coloma, which is in the heart of Gold Rush country... 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."

Lake activities: Jenkinson Campground offers multiple water-based recreation options. "We brought our paddle board and we're walking distance to the lake front. Lake was quiet, trails well maintained and facilities were cleaned regularly."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At Onion Valley Campground, campsites are well-spaced for solitude. One camper shared, "We rolled in here after midnight and most of the spots were still empty, and they're far enough apart that we were able to set up camp without being too disruptive."

Off-season tranquility: Winter and early spring camping offers quieter experiences. At Camp Far West North Shore, "We were the only people anywhere except for folks in the full hook-up area, which was far from us. We were right on the lake at the end of a peninsula. Not a sound except for the birds."

Riverside camping: Camp Nauvoo provides creek-side sites in a peaceful setting. One visitor commented, "This place is a hidden gem! It's beautiful, clean, and kid friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there."

Convenient amenities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected facilities. One camper at Lake Clementine noted, "We were surprised that we had a semi-decent cell signal ranging from 1 to 2 bars (Verizon)."

What you should know

Winter access limitations: Many campgrounds have seasonal closures. At Fashoda, campers should note, "Would have been great but, closed until June. Just drive down ice house road you will find lots of dispersed free camping."

Limited utilities: Most tent sites have basic facilities only. At Camp Far West North Shore, "The fire pits and bbqs are non functioning, we had to build our own fire ring. And the broken glass....... man it was everywhere!"

Early arrival recommended: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. One camper at Onion Valley Campground reported, "This camp ground was small but we managed to find a spot. Easy and fast access from Rocklin/Sacramento/Roseville."

Varying fire restrictions: Rules change throughout the year. At Lake Clementine, "A fire pit/grill, large concrete picnic table, and bear box complete the site (although there was a fire ban in effect)."

Tips for camping with families

Pack extra water: Most tent campsites lack potable water sources. At Lake Clementine, one camper advised, "No showers or running water....there are only toilets available. Bring your own water to drink, wash dishes and pans, or wash yourselves."

Consider unique accommodations: Camp Nauvoo offers alternatives to standard tent camping. "The owners of this campground have made it there mission that you have a wonderful experience if you are a newbie or seasoned camper. Great sites for families and romantic sites for couples."

Inspect sites before setting up: Some areas have hazards to check for. At Peninsula Camping and Boating Resort, "When we arrived to the campground, we found that the sites we reserved were on a hill, and poison oak between them."

Look for educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature learning experiences. Jenkinson Campground features "trails perfectly maintained and you can go around the whole lake in 9 miles. The hike to the waterfall is wonderful."

Tips for RVers

Road restrictions: Many tent campsites have limited RV access. One reviewer at Lake Clementine noted, "The access road is about six miles of curvy, hilly, and narrow (sometimes only one lane) pavement. There is a sign prohibiting trailers; our 18-foot camper van did fine but anything much larger would definitely be challenged."

Site leveling challenges: Finding level RV sites can be difficult. "Most of the sites that have a 'driveway' were not level, except for Sites 5 and 6. We lucked out with Site 6 – it was large and level and directly across from the vault toilets."

Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping offers more availability but requires preparation. "We camped during the off season (November) so we had our pick of the campsites... Using hand warmers and a tent warmer we did fine with the cold nights."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Greenwood, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Greenwood, 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 Greenwood, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 79 tent camping locations near Greenwood, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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