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jay H.
Scout
ScoutKit Carson Campground
Great campground
Privacy, shade, quiet, near river. Pub across the street
Camping near Avery, CA
310 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Avery, California feature a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities. Calaveras Big Trees State Park's North Grove Campground provides established sites amid towering sequoias, while Top of Arnold offers primitive dispersed camping along Forest Road 5N56. Several locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with select properties like Angels Camp Campground and Pinecrest Campground also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in this mountainous region, with most campgrounds operating from late spring through early fall. Dispersed sites at higher elevations typically become accessible after snow melts, usually by May, and remain open until the first significant snowfall in October or November. Road conditions vary significantly—Forest Service roads leading to dispersed sites often feature ruts and potholes that challenge low-clearance vehicles. Most established campgrounds provide drinking water and toilet facilities, while dispersed areas require campers to pack in water and pack out waste. According to one visitor at Top of Arnold, "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long."
Stanislaus National Forest lands surrounding Avery provide the backdrop for many camping experiences, with elevation changes creating distinct microclimates and vegetation zones. Campgrounds near water features like the Stanislaus River attract families seeking swimming opportunities during summer months. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting encounters with deer and occasionally bears. Several visitors mentioned the impressive sequoia groves as highlights of their camping experience. A camper noted of Calaveras Big Trees State Park: "Beautiful site, hiking trails close by, well maintained grounds. Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off." Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage at lower elevations near towns and limited or no service in more remote forest locations.
Best Campgrounds near Avery (310)
1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
"I think this is my favorite California State Park. It is situated in the Calaveras Big Trees Giant Sequoia Grove."
"Pros - you are in the middle of the Sequoias, near hiking, kayaking, etc. Beautiful river nearby; pretty easy in and out for small-ish RVs. Hard to beat the location."
from $25 - $70 / night
Check Availability2. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
"A very secluded primitive site that is only a couple miles or less to town over paved and dirt roads. The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers."
"Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"
3. Waka Lu Hep Yo — Stanislaus National Forest
"A short walk down to the edge of the Stanislaus River and you won't want to leave. Very family friendly."
"This hidden gem has a great lay out with tent only sites up front and spots for RVs and tents around the loop in the back - all sites have tables and fire rings are fairly close to several pit toilets"
from $35 / night
Check Availability4. Acorn Campground
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Mighty Farms
"Situated close to a creek and perfect for stargazing, this property offers a way to get away from it all. We've heard the gardens are AMAZING!"
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability6. Tuttletown Recreation Area
"New Melones was not a top destination but it was close to a very special place for us, Natural Bridges."
"Cute small campsites, kind of close to your neighbor. Not a lot of bugs which is always a plus when your near water, we went mid October and the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold."
from $150 / night
Check Availability7. Pinecrest Campground
"The campsites are a very short walk from the lake. the sites are spacious, well spaced and shady. Amenities are quite good with flush toilets, showers, a general store and more."
"This is a nice campground on Pinecrest Lake near Sonora Pass in Stanislaus National Forest."
from $40 / night
Check Availability8. Glory Hole Recreation Area
"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
from $18 - $22 / night
Check Availability9. Angels Camp Campground and RV
"This is a very nice RV park with mature trees. Close to lots of cute towns and wineries."
"Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink. Small hiking trail that had some horse nearby that cam and said hi to us. Will definitely be coming back."
10. USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
"The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot."
"Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked."
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Recent Camping Photos near Avery, CA
358 Photos of 310 Avery Campgrounds
Ben G.
Mighty Farms
goose10091203
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Rosie R.
North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
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Golden Pines RV Resort and Campground
Holly M.
Boards Crossing
Anthony Q.
Sand Bar Flat Campground
Carter B.
Waka Lu Hep Yo — Stanislaus National Forest
Jim M.
Angels Camp Campground and RV
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Glory Hole Recreation Area
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USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Jordan L.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
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Tuttletown RA - Chamise - BOR
Recent Reviews near Avery, CA
1075 Reviews of 310 Avery Campgrounds
Debbie L.ScoutLake Amador Resort
RV camping among the residence.
Stayed two nights and had our 8 year old grandson with us. We got what we were told was the best full hook up RV site. I can see a little bit of the lake which is very nice. There is a lot of permanent residence mobile trailer homes. Not at all what I expected. It is dirt, rocks and trees that don’t really provide shade. There were cigarette buts all over our camp site. There is a small fire pit but no bbq. For a good five hours today there was some shooting off a gun. Our dog happens to be afraid of that sound so she spent most of the day inside the trailer. When we arrived we had no picnic table and nobody would answer the phone. My husband and I ended taking one from the empty site next to us. Then this morning I called trying to get the Wi-Fi password. They gave me the wrong one, I called back, they never answered. I left a message, they never called back. My grandson and I walked down a small boat ramp to the lake. The area was full of trash and there was sludge at least a foot off the shore. From there you can see many of the small boat ramps off the backs of the permanent trailers and they were in complete disrepair. I get the feeling no one cares.
I can’t speak to any other area in this resort. Only where we are physically. My Husband did say there was a nice pond with picnic tables and shade, but the dog was not allowed to be there so that wasn’t something that we could enjoy.
Alma L.
RangerGrover Hot Springs State Park Campground
Thankfully Overlooked and far from Tahoe
We took our 22ft RV. Super clean campground including the bathrooms. Some spots would be very challenging to back into. Some tips:
- Stop at Sorenson’s Cafe for lunch.
- Getting a spot at the pool was easy, even on the weekend.
- Not too many hikes and the brochures don’t do a good job describing them.
- The Sawmill trail is no longer maintained or visible, shame because jt was so beautiful.
- Not too many bugs.
- There is a dump station in Shingle Springs at Fuel Express for $50 but they don’t have water. They do have super cheap gas.
- The KOA in South Lake has a dump station for $25 and are very friendly.
- Cool book selection at the general store in Markleeville. They have antiquarian books as well.
Jonathan G.ScoutTop of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Peaceful forested campsite
The area was quiet during my stay. Site is adjacent to the road, with a rock fire ring . The road up had some rough areas, but my outback had no real issues. I recommend hugh clearance, 4x4 to get here.
- JJames S.
TravelerFaith Valley campground
Nice views near open meadows
Watched a few small prairie dogs and relaxed
- MMathew G.Traveler
Beardsley Dam Campground
Beardsley dam campground
We really enjoyed the campground, there was vaulted toilets and somewhat easy access to the lake it was a bit steep down to the water for young kids. But spacious area and nice views
Trish N.ScoutCarson River Resort
Full Hook Ups Only
This isn't really a campground, it's a cabin resort that has a few RV spots with hookups. There are no bathrooms, showers or laundry facilities. No fire rings or BBQ grills. It is conveniently located directly across from the Carson River, but you have to cross a smaller stream to reach the river. For what is offered, it's overpriced.
- HHolly C.Traveler
Ghost Mountain RV Campground
Ghost mountain is a perfect family place
Our family loved it here. Great staff. The poo was clean and heated. They had volleyball, karaoke, clean bathrooms and open showers.
There is even a cute pond to fish out of.
Theirs an old town that has two stores open. One is ice cream and the other is breakfast and lunch. Everything is affordable. 
Syd M.
GuideLuther Pass Camping
Late Night Snag
We showed up around 9pm and no spots were open, however we had stopped to discuss next steps and someone came up to us and offered us a spot on the corner of their site!! Very nice and pretty view of stars. Bear boxes and restrooms.
Guide to Avery
Camping sites near Avery, California range in elevation from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, creating distinct temperature zones throughout the season. The Stanislaus River provides a focal point for many camping locations, with water temperatures averaging 50-60°F even during summer months. Most areas receive minimal rainfall between May and September, though afternoon thunderstorms occur occasionally at higher elevations.
What to do
Trail hiking: Near North Grove Campground, numerous paths accommodate different experience levels. "There is plenty to do and trails to hike in this area, easy enough for families with children and rugged trail options for the more experienced hikers," notes Jennifer R.
River swimming: Visit Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground for water activities along the Stanislaus. "This campsite is near the Stanisaus river! You can hear it at night and this place is a great spot to disconnect from society! Cell service is spotty to nothing, which is perfect!" reports Pat T.
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies provide excellent viewing conditions. "It was so dark that I was able to do some great astrophotography," shares Scott R. about Tuttletown Recreation Area. Most campsites outside town centers have minimal light pollution, particularly during new moon phases.
Boating: Reservoir access points allow for various water activities. At Acorn Campground, "we got in our kayaks for an awesome day paddle around the many coves of this reservoir. Since the lake level fluctuates there aren't many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch," explains Shari G.
What campers like
Sequoia experiences: The giant trees create memorable environments. At Calaveras Big Trees State Park, "The experience of seeing the redwoods will live in my heart forever. I drove across the country to see them, & I'd do it again in a second," shares Nicole D.
River sounds: Natural white noise enhances sleep quality. "You can hear it at night and this place is a great spot to disconnect for society," notes a visitor about Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground, where the Stanislaus provides constant ambient sound.
Fishing opportunities: Trout populations thrive in local waters. "We used a size ten Tribble hook with about a foot leader and pinch weights with rainbow powerbait for those that want to catch fish for lunch," advises Ian G. at Pinecrest Campground.
Ranger programs: Educational offerings enhance visits. North Grove Campground features "an extensive ranger station with a Visitor Center, snack bar, and organized talks and activities," according to reviewer L, making it popular with first-time visitors.
What you should know
Access roads vary dramatically: Forest Service roads require appropriate vehicles in many cases. At Top of Arnold, "Super fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine," reports Damien M.
Insect populations fluctuate seasonally: Yellow jackets become problematic in late summer. "Beware the yellow jackets!" warns HL about North Grove Campground, particularly around picnic areas and water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Avery, CA?
What camping is available near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Avery, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 310 campgrounds and RV parks near Avery, CA and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Avery, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Avery, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avery, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Avery, CA.
What parks are near Avery, CA?
What parks are near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Avery, CA that allow camping, notably New Melones Lake and Fall River Lake.
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