The Sacramento Valley provides a distinctive backdrop for RV camping near Gridley, California. Located at 95 feet elevation, Gridley sits on the eastern side of the valley with the Sutter Buttes visible to the west and the Sierra Nevada foothills rising to the east. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September, making water access a priority for campers.
What to do
Riverside fishing and boating: River Reflections RV Park in Oroville gives direct access to the Feather River. "Quiet shady and on the feather river. Just off of hwy70," notes Melissa K. The park offers excellent fishing spots with boat access. "The campsite we had was feet from the feather River. Who wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy with this as a background," adds Kathleen G.
Hiking nearby trails: South Yuba Campground near Nevada City offers trail access along the river. "This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools," writes Anna R. The trails provide both upstream and downstream hiking opportunities to swimming holes. "There's hiking access to the river, and almost never anybody at this campground. It's scenic privacy at it's best," according to J.d. E.
Lake activities: Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs in Oregon House features a lake for swimming and fishing. "We spent practically the whole wknd in the lake. It was the perfect temperature to sit in for hours. No motorized water craft kept it quiet," shares Nicole G. The lake is stocked with fish and many campers report successful fishing trips.
What campers like
Shaded, spacious sites: Sycamore Ranch RV Park in Browns Valley offers well-maintained grounds with mature trees. "Shaded grassy sites along the banks of Dry Creek just above its confluence with the Yuba River. We were tent camping, but each site had a nice, flat, paved parking pad and hookups," explains Chris &. Campers particularly appreciate the irrigation systems that "keep the grass green all year long," according to B. Douglas J.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wildlife sightings are common at several campgrounds. At Sycamore Ranch, one camper noted, "My favorite thing about this campground is the birds! I use the Merlin app to identify the birds here and so far this place holds my record of around 18 birds. There are turtles and otters in the creek to check out as well." Lake of the Springs campers report deer sightings: "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands."
Clean facilities: The Parkway RV Resort in Orland maintains high cleanliness standards. "The sites are spacious and there is a pool to cool down during the hot summers," reports Lindsey F. Another camper noted, "Kudos for the large dog park," though they cautioned about guests who don't clean up after their pets.
What you should know
Seasonal temperature variations: Summer temperatures in the area regularly exceed 100°F, making water access crucial. "It was over 100 degrees the wknd we were there so we spent practically the whole wknd in the lake," reported a camper at Lake of the Springs. Winter lows can drop into the 30s with occasional frost.
Water levels change seasonally: Lake Francis Resort and other water bodies fluctuate throughout the year. Spring offers the highest water levels, while late summer sees reduced flows. One visitor noted the South Yuba River's "Perfect snow melt means August is the prime time."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies widely across the region. At River Reflections RV Park, Michael S. shared, "Cell service is spotty at best and unfortunately WIFI was not working properly." At Lake of the Springs, Nicole R. reported, "No cell service in any of the loops and WiFi isn't great."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible swimming options: Lakes provide safer swimming than rivers for children. At Sycamore Ranch RV Park, families enjoy the clean facilities with code-protected bathrooms. "Very clean campground with a helpful host. Bathrooms/showers for paid guest have a code to get in," notes Julie M. The campground also offers about "2 miles of walking trails" for family exploration.
Kid-friendly activities: Thousand Trails Lake Minden offers playgrounds and organized events for children. "My kid was hypnotized by the riding mower going up and down the stretch," shares one parent. Another camper noted, "My toddler had a blast" at the playground which features "a raised soft-chip base, multiple slides, and just the right level of challenge for a toddler."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. At Lake of the Springs, families report deer encounters where children can feed them fruit. One camper shared, "We saw a river otter playing in the creek" at Sycamore Ranch.
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot in Corning offers "level pull-thru sites, full hook-ups" according to Mary S. Another RVer noted, "Sites are level 75 ft pull through sites. We will stay again. Lower numbered sites are closest to amenities."
Hookup variations: Full hookup availability differs between parks. At Parkway RV Resort, a camper noted, "We found site A10 a little difficult to connect the sewer hose without two hoses." Plan accordingly with extension equipment if needed.
Weather preparations: Summer heat requires air conditioning capability. "Great for overnight. Or casino patronage. No frills, but full hookups," notes Jay W. about Rolling Hills. Many parks maintain open grass areas between RV sites for additional cooling and relaxation space.
