Best Campgrounds near Herald, CA

Campgrounds near Herald, California range from lakeside recreation areas to clothing-optional resorts with cabin rentals. The region includes several established campgrounds including Rancho Seco Recreation Area, which supports tent, RV, and cabin camping, and Lake Amador Resort offering boat-in access and glamping options. Most camping areas are located within a 30-mile radius of Herald, providing year-round access to lakes and reservoirs. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area's Beals Point Campground lies approximately 25 miles north, while Lake Camanche sits about 15 miles east, both featuring mixed-use campgrounds with varying amenities.

Access to developed campgrounds varies significantly with the seasons, particularly regarding water levels at lakes like Comanche and New Hogan Reservoir. Many campgrounds in the region maintain year-round operations, though water activities may be limited during drought conditions. Most sites require advance reservations, especially during summer months and holiday weekends. Facilities typically include drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with many offering electric hookups for RVs. Cellular coverage is generally available at most developed sites, though service can be spotty at more remote campgrounds. A visitor noted, "The lake has receded quite a bit that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now (California drought). The campsite was well maintained."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with Lake Amador and Rancho Seco Recreation Area earning particular praise for their accessibility and amenities. Campers report that sites along lakes tend to fill quickly during peak season. Wildlife encounters are common, particularly at Acorn Campground where deer are frequently spotted. One camper shared, "The wildlife was 'people friendly' to say the least. I had a family of deer pretty much monitoring my whole trip." Noise levels vary by location, with campgrounds closer to roads occasionally experiencing traffic sounds. For families, several camping areas offer recreational activities beyond water sports, including hiking trails and picnic areas. Most developed campgrounds maintain clean restroom facilities, though not all include showers, and those that do often require quarters for hot water.

Best Camping Sites Near Herald, California (173)

    1. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Herald, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 748-2318

    "The campsites are spacious and you don't feel over crowded if there is a family next to you. It's pet friendly."

    "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."

    2. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 763-5121

    $50 / night

    "Easy access to the lake. Campground is well maintained. Bathrooms are always clean and with hot water. No shower at this site. But there’s one close by at the Riverview, walking distance."

    "I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that. 

    The water level really varies on the year."

    3. Flag City RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Lodi, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 339-8300

    $95 - $990 / night

    "They have a huge fenced dog area in the drainage bowl behind the office that also has solar panels on the outskirts. We did not use the area due to the recent rain."

    "Convenient rest stop, has a small pool, is close to stores, highway, mostly facilitates larger size RVs, and generally clean and quiet."

    4. The Hirst Horse Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Herald, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 712-3242

    $85 - $90 / night

    5. Laguna Del Sol - CLOTHING OPTIONAL

    3 Reviews
    Sloughhouse, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 687-6550

    ".

    • Four swimming pools
    • Three social pools
    • Volleyball courts
    • Pickleball
    • Hiking/walking trails <-- our favorite.
    • Tennis And others."

    "Everything you could ask for as amenities go in a beautiful location. Don't forget your sun screen."

    6. Lake Amador Resort

    12 Reviews
    Ione, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 274-4739

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Fabulous lakeside camping.... We’ve been in March, May, July and September..... July, just too hot but we love being able to just get up and fish... The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish."

    "Lake water level was super low at end of summer & lake is hard to access. Unless you got a boat. Saw deer & wild turkeys. This park is huge."

    7. Acorn Campground

    28 Reviews
    Valley Springs, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 772-1343

    $20 / night

    "A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night."

    "The lake has receded quite a but that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now (California drought). The campsite was well maintained."

    8. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Tower Park

    11 Reviews
    Lodi, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 369-1041

    "Loved the access to rhe Delta. Only negative was it is more of A nightly party. So if you want quite. Not your place maybe in fall and winter"

    "Positives

    - Amenities! I love how everything was themed, from the street names to the signs. Two nice playgrounds, ball courts, pool and hot tub."

    9. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

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

    $33 - $58 / 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."

    10. SacWest RV Park & Campground

    17 Reviews
    West Sacramento Vmf, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 371-6771

    $52 - $100 / night

    "Great little campsite with a 50s vibe right outside the city of Sacramento. The bathrooms and showers are clean the staff are friendly and helpful."

    "We stayed at the side close to the highway so it was a bit noisy but not too bad. The people were friendly! It was a bit too pricey though."

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Recent Reviews near Herald, CA

576 Reviews of 173 Herald Campgrounds


  • James C.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Thousand Trails Turtle Beach

    Still a 4-star park worth the trip

    This may not be the park it once was, but it's still far better than most in the area. Showers and clubhouse activities are still limited, but the nearby delta offers its own attraction. Day use, tents, and every class of RV are easily accommodated. No shopping or supplies nearby, but anything you may want or need is within 5 miles. It is very relaxing and one of the first sites I try to book if I'm in the area. Hands down better than the county parks.

  • leann B.
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Mighty Farms

    Unexpected

    The owners here are wonderful and the sites are great unfortunately I didn’t get too to stay due to an issue I had with my truck I highly recommend this little piece of heaven

  • Ryan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Glory Hole Recreation Area

    Overall, great spot

    It's a great spot, we were there in mid-June for 1 night. Toilets work, didn't try out showers. Site we had was nice and large, we were able to fit 2-2 person tents and a 3 person tent quite easily. Enough room for 2 cars on the pad as well, nice and level as well. Everything had already dried out by the time we were there, be aware of ticks and rattlesnakes. No comment on potable water, as I always bring my own since you never know!

  • P
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dos Reis County Park

    Great Option for an Overnight Stop

    A half-mile off of I-5, far enough to dampen the interstate roar, and separated by a dike from the San Joaquin River.  Not a lot to do in the surrounding area, no obvious hiking trails, for example, although some fishing seems to have been possible. A small loop of 20+ sites, all (it appeared) with full-hookups.  We had a back-in site with no trouble for a 17' trailer. Small oddities (a site or two with what looked like permanent residents, showers with limited hours in the morning and evening, unclear signage on how and where to register), but a classic municipal/county park campground, that was a quiet and welcome alternative to commercial camps.

  • R D.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    Spacious unique sunny sites

    To be real, if you're unhoused but well-behaved with an income, this might be a much better option than Beals Point. Peninsula is about 45 minutes to an hour from Folsom depending on traffic. You have to drive down a long windy narrow road to get here, which is the worst part, so it's best to come prepared to stay put for as long as possible once you're here. There is plenty to do since you can go swimming in the lake most months (except early Spring), and there is an 8 mile hiking trail (Darrington) that ends at the campground. Darrington is mountain bike accessible but nowhere near road bike accessible. A shorter accessible trail (Oaks Nature Trail) is entirely contained within the campground and takes you through some great examples and educational signs regarding the riparian ecosystem. Wildlife is off the chain here. As others have said, if you don't love being surrounded by wild animals, this will probably be a bit much for you. Bears have been seen on occasion, cougars, Bobcats, and coyotes all stop by from time to time, and there are so many skunks it can get annoying. One night I was woken up by a deer walking right into my tent which scared the crap out of us both. On the flip side I've seen some of the most beautiful emerald and sapphire colored lizards. They breed here in late spring. It's kind of hilarious to watch the males do push-ups then chase the females down like 80 times in a row. Some of the females fight back and make it a lizard wrestling match. Owls, eagles, salmon, beavers... if it lives in this area, there's a good chance you'll see it here. The boat noise can be annoying on busy days but is not so bad from the higher up sites, which tend to have more amenities due to being further from the lake. The camp hosts here are some of the best I've encountered. Since this campground is so huge there are usually sites available first come first serve, if you come in late at night you can self register at the kiosk. Others are correct that there isn't much shade and the sites aren't very flat. I got around the latter problem by folding a sleeping bag under one side of my sleeping pad to keep that side elevated. Overall one of the best places to Camp near Folsom lake.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Angels Camp Campground and RV

    Nice spot!

    This is a very nice RV park with mature trees. Close to lots of cute towns and wineries.

  • Bryce
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Thousand Trails Lake Minden

    Tiny Park, Giant Heart

    Thousand Trails Lake Minden

    Tiny Park, Giant Heart

    We spent three weeks at Lake Minden and, to be honest, judged it too quickly. It’s one of the smaller Thousand Trails parks, and when we first rolled in, we weren’t sure it was going to be our kind of place. That changed fast.

    Right off the bat, we were greeted warmly at the gate- no awkward waiting or guessing, just a “Hey there, welcome!” kind of vibe. Our assigned spot had a bad electric hookup, but moving one space over solved that and actually gave us a better view. So, win-win. 

    The park, like many Thousand Trails locations, is clearly from a different era. The facilities, the grounds, even the layout- it all shows its age in the same way most of these long-standing parks do. But here’s the difference: it’s obvious they take care of what they have. You can feel the pride in the upkeep, and honestly, I’d take a clean, cared-for 50-year-old park over a neglected new one any day.

    The community here is what made the trip. The staff pour real effort into the activities- they’re on time, thoughtful, and welcoming. Friday potlucks were the soul of the park. We forgot our plates and silverware more than once (parent brain), and Barbara, the activities director, always had us covered without missing a beat. That kind of care doesn’t go unnoticed.

    Easter weekend took it to another level. My toddler had the time of his life painting eggs and coloring puzzles, and my wife - who’d never painted an egg before - might’ve had more fun than he did. The Easter egg hunt was packed with families and even staff with their kids. Prizes for the winners, candy in the eggs for the rest of us- my toddler’s too young for the sweets, so I had no choice but to help. That’s what dads are for, right?

    There’s an ice cream social every Saturday, and it’s as delightful as it sounds. Tons of toppings, lots of conversation, and just a genuinely happy way to spend a weekend afternoon. We missed candy bar bingo this time, but it's already on the list for our return trip.

    Special thanks to Gwen, the park manager, who couldn’t have been more welcoming. The assistant manager warmed up by the end of our stay, which made us feel even more like part of the community.

    Facilities were surprisingly polished. The showers were spotless, stocked, and looked freshly upgraded with woodgrain tile and real stall doors. Toilets and sinks were just as clean, and even when I accidentally left my shampoo in the shower, I found it days later placed neatly on the side counter. That’s rare. Housekeeping here clearly cares.

    The lodge is small- more like a retrofitted mobile trailer - but full of charm. It’s where most activities are held, and there's a cozy back room with a pool table, board games, a decent little DVD collection, and a small library. My toddler played Connect 4 like a champion (even though he mostly used it as a coin-drop game), and, tried valiantly to reach the pool balls.

    Now, the lake. It’s... functional. Let’s be honest, it’s a man-made basin with some concrete leftovers that litter the sides that look like the Ghost of Swimming Pools Past. Not the prettiest, but they do stock it with fish and the docks looked newly redone- one rebuilt while we were there, looked really nice when they finished. I didn’t bring my gear, but next time, I’m sneaking out for some dad-time with a rod and reel.

    There’s no pool at this park, but the grassy areas made up for it. Annual sites had a huge open field behind them where my son ran wild playing ball and chase. Minden must’ve mowed the day we arrived because the smell of cut grass hit us like nostalgia. They kept it mowed weekly, and my kid was hypnotized by the riding mower going up and down the stretch. In fact there's enough gassy area I thought a great spring/summertime regular event would be water days- think slip'n slides and mist sprinklers set up for the kids. That would be fun... and a cool relief in those hotter days.

    There’s a playground with a raised soft-chip base, multiple slides, and just the right level of challenge for a toddler. He had a blast. Even the dog park, while nothing fancy (just a weed-sprouting rectangle), gave our Silky terriers a space to run a few laps. I may or may not have snuck them into the field after hours for some frisbee time. Nobody tell.

    Connectivity was solid- I had full AT&T service for calls, texts, and data the entire time. It was a quiet park, minus one domestic dispute from a neighboring site that cleared up fast (and they moved out the next day). Otherwise, peaceful and calm.

    Now, let’s talk about traffic flow- because this one got me. The park is built around a lake, and the road looping around it is one-way, enforced with a strict 5 mph speed limit. That’s great if you have kids or dogs and you want a calm environment. Not so great when you realize halfway to the store that you forgot your wallet. What should’ve been a quick grab turned into a 10-minute drive out, a 10-minute drive back in, and then… yep, 10 minutes out again. I’ve taken shorter road trips just to get ice cream. Lesson learned.

    ---

    Stay Summary & Scores

    Restroom & Shower Facilities: ★★★★★

    Exceptionally clean, stocked, and well-maintained. Modern-feeling shower stalls with privacy and woodgrain tile. Toilets and sinks equally spotless.

    Lodge Amenities & Common Spaces: ★★★★☆

    Compact but full of charm. Activities room, pool table, games, small library. Retrofitted mobile unit, but used thoughtfully and consistently.

    Overall Cleanliness & Maintenance: ★★★★★

    Top-tier. Grass is cut regularly, restrooms shine, playground looks freshly maintained, and even left-behind items are handled with care.

    Recreational Activities & Family Engagement: ★★★★★

    Thoughtfully organized events (especially Easter), ice cream socials, egg painting, RC airplane shows, dog races, and a family-friendly vibe across the board.

    Staff Hospitality & Park Culture: ★★★★★

    Gwen leads with warmth. Barbara is the MVP of activities. Assistant manager needed some time to warm up, but did. Felt truly welcomed.

    Lake & Waterfront Quality: ★★☆☆☆

    Man-made and a little tired. Some concrete remnants along the edge. Not great for swimming, but fish-stocked and dock area recently improved.

    Pet-Friendliness: ★★★☆☆

    Dog park was weedy and basic, but functional. Open spaces nearby helped. Waste bins were present and clean.

    Site Utility Functionality: ★★★★☆ First electric hookup was faulty, but the second was fine. Rest of the site utilities performed without issue. Easy to park and level.

    Traffic Flow & Accessibility: ★★★☆☆ 

    Strict 5 mph limit is great for safety (especially with kids) but makes trips around the loop feel like slow motion. One-way loop adds time - especially painful if you forget your wallet and turn your day into a 30-minute regret. 

    General Atmosphere & Community Vibe: ★★★★★ Welcoming, peaceful, and filled with community spirit. The kind of place where strangers become friends over potluck and board games.

  • Jazmin The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Sandy Beach County Park

    Decent campground

    We enjoyed our first time camping out here made me fall in love into camping. Felt very safe and secured with rangers on patrol. The public bathroom has roaches that can improve but they have soap and tissue roll inside. Id camp out again in here. No mice in our experience. Peaceful and quiet we went on a Sunday.


Guide to Herald

Camping near Herald, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and biking: The Folsom Lake State Recreation Area has great trails. One camper mentioned, "The paved American River Bikeway was good for walking, running, and horseback riding."
  • Water activities: At Lake Camanche, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. A visitor shared, "We love it at this lake," highlighting the fun water activities available.
  • Wildlife watching: Campers at Anthony Chabot Regional Park have spotted wild turkeys and other wildlife. One review noted, "We were able to take a closeup look at them and they were beautiful birds."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Beals Point Campground said, "Great view onsite, sites are clean."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Acorn Campground are great for families. A visitor mentioned, "Great place for a quick getaway with some friends or family."
  • Abundant recreational activities: Campers enjoy the variety of activities available. A review for Skyline Wilderness Park stated, "Great place to hit Napa Valley. Staff was super friendly."

What you should know:

  • Bear encounters: If you're camping at Ice House Campground, be prepared for bear visits. One camper warned, "The campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Acorn Campground, lack certain amenities like showers. A visitor noted, "Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness."
  • Road conditions: Accessing some campgrounds can be tricky. A camper at Live Oak Campground advised, "Be careful driving up the windy road and watch for the many cyclists."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Del Valle Regional Park, which has clean sites and great bathrooms. One family shared, "Great lake and fishy, clean sites, bathrooms are great."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A camper at Lake Camanche mentioned, "They do have some sites for larger RVs drive-through 40 foot max."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at Woodward Reservoir said, "Nice bathroom," which is a plus for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Acorn Campground noted, "They do accept golden age passes which reduces your nightly expense."
  • Be aware of noise: Some campgrounds can get crowded. A visitor at Lake Camanche mentioned, "Got very crowded on the weekend."
  • Use amenities wisely: Take advantage of dump stations and water access. A camper at Ice House Campground said, "Water spigots are rarely more than a short walk from any camp site."

Camping near Herald, California, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique experiences each campground offers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Herald, CA located and how do I get there?

Herald is a small rural community located in Sacramento County, California, approximately 30 minutes southeast of Sacramento and 45 minutes north of Stockton. The easiest way to reach Herald is by car via Highway 99 to the Galt/Wilton exit, then east on Twin Cities Road (Highway 104). Nearby landmarks include Rancho Seco Recreation Area, which offers camping about 10 minutes from Herald. The area serves as a convenient base for exploring the Sierra Nevada foothills to the east and California's Central Valley.

What camping options are available in and around Herald, CA?

Herald offers several nearby camping options within a 30-minute drive. Lake Camanche provides family-friendly lakeside camping with well-maintained facilities, clean bathrooms, and easy lake access. The lake level varies seasonally, sometimes right up to campsites and other times requiring a short walk. Acorn Campground at New Hogan Reservoir offers reasonably priced sites ($20/night, $10 with Golden Age passes) that accommodate both tents and RVs, with each camping section having restrooms within walking distance. For those seeking alternatives, the region also includes private RV parks and state-managed recreation areas.

What are the best outdoor activities and attractions near Herald, CA?

The Herald area offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Water activities dominate at Woodward Reservoir, which features warm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and water sports. For history enthusiasts, Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground combines camping with cultural exploration, located about 3 hours from the Bay Area with beautiful open spaces and historical significance. The American River provides opportunities for rafting and fishing, while hiking trails abound in the nearby foothills. Folsom Lake offers beaches and boating opportunities, and the wine country of Amador and El Dorado counties is within easy driving distance for wine tasting adventures.