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Best Campgrounds near Ione, CA

723 Reviews

Camping opportunities around Ione, California include several mixed-use campgrounds at nearby lakes and reservoirs. Lake Amador Resort, located directly in Ione, offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts with lakefront access. Nearby Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area provides camping with water views, while Rancho Seco Recreation Area in Herald (approximately 15 miles northwest) features a mix of drive-in and walk-in sites with tent, RV and cabin accommodations. Most developed campgrounds in this region cater to both tent and vehicle-based camping, with several offering electric hookups and basic amenities.

The camping season generally runs year-round in the Ione area, though summer temperatures can become quite hot. Many sites require reservations, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Full hookup RV spots tend to fill quickly at popular destinations like Lake Amador. Water levels at reservoirs fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and fishing opportunities. Sites are typically equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply during dry months. Cell coverage is generally available throughout the region's developed camping areas. As one visitor noted, "We stayed in the dry camping area which was right on the lake. The sites were very close together with no privacy, but that was ok since there were few people there."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area. Lake Amador campers mention wildlife viewing opportunities, with one review noting, "I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend." Many camping areas feature mixed terrain with some level sites and others on slopes. Several reviewers mention the family-friendly nature of campgrounds in the area, particularly appreciating amenities like swimming areas. While campgrounds can become crowded during summer months, visitors report more space and quiet experiences during shoulder seasons. Fishing is highlighted as a major activity, with Pardee Reservoir noted specifically for its fishing opportunities, though swimming is prohibited as it serves as a water resource.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ione, California (224)

    1. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    10 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."

    2. 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."

    3. Acorn Campground

    28 Reviews
    Valley Springs, CA
    15 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."

    4. Lake Amador Resort

    12 Reviews
    Ione, CA
    5 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."

    "We had a couple of trees behind us to filter some of the sunlight. It was hot but cooled down nicely during the evening. We had some debris from previous campers but the campsite was pretty clean."

    5. 49er Village RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Sutter Creek, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 245-6981

    "There are trees throughout the park and although it is located right on the road, only the sites that back up to the road hear road noise. There is a small pond in the center and we saw some ducks."

    "We enjoyed walking around with our pets and getting ice cream. The only annoyance was loud music past curfew, but it was only on the weekend."

    6. Jackson Rancheria RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Jackson, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 223-1677

    $50 - $70 / night

    "We wanted a close to home location with all the hookups to make sure we knew how to use everything. We were shocked at how clean and beautiful this park was!"

    "Spacious , clean, very friendly staff, beautiful walking trail around the park. The views are so beautiful we will definitely come back!"

    7. Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Volcano, CA
    17 miles

    $30 / night

    "Next to a beautiful state operated historical park with lots of open space, tall ancient oak trees and two easy trails. Open space great for games, frisbee, soccer, or setup a volleyball net."

    "So glad we did as it is tucked away on the grounds of an amazing state park!

    Most of the sites are small with a lot of tree coverage. It was quiet, quaint, and clean. "

    8. Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Ione, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 702-1420

    "This campground is located in Lake Pardee. Some sites have a beautiful view of the lake. Lake View also has several RV sites but reservations go quickly. The lake is for fishing and boating only."

    9. Gold Country Campground Resort

    8 Reviews
    Pine Grove, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 296-4650

    "Staff a very friendly and our site was just a walking distance to the bathrooms."

    "We used the spot to not be in the snow but make the trip up to Iron Mountain Sno-Park...a 45 minute drive. The snow looked great for skiing but not so much for snowmen or sledding."

    10. Miner's Camp RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 763-5121

    "spots they have spots for family reunions have showers store boat ramp nice place to camp North Shore is not for RVs it's for tent camping the South Shore has hookups 30 50 amp service full hookups all around"

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Recent Camping Photos near Ione, CA

232 Photos of 224 Ione Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ione, CA

723 Reviews of 224 Ione Campgrounds

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Good spot for a night or two but nothing here

    Easy to get to and easy to park at although not a great spot for tents. Unfortunately there was a massive fire here and there is nothing to look at but burned out trees.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    Nice for an established campground

    I prefer dispersed camping for the quiet and solitude but we met friends here who picked the campground. That said, this is a nice established cg. Not a lot of privacy (wide open so you can see everyone around you) but individual sites have room between them. Campers when we were there were fairly quiet but even quiet sounds travel, especially at night. Smoke from all the campfires is not great for people with asthma. Bathrooms are very nice: clean, flush toilets, and sinks with cold water taps. Bear boxes provided. There’s lots of trails to hike here, an an extensive ranger station with a Visitor Center, snack bar, and organized talks and activities. The big trees are exactly as advertised: incredibly big and awe-inspiring. Just wish state parks would let you take your leashed dogs on the trails. Otherwise, a very nice public campground if that’s your thing.

  • 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.

  • Wilbur S.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    Not a sole in sight

    Stopped by Iron Mountain this morning on my way down 88.  Not a sole in sight at this old abandoned ski resort.

    A few rock fire rings but I think camp fires may be banned.

    Lots of piles of logs so it may be busy with logging equipment, etc during the week.

    Good place to stop at for a night.   Not too much noise off 88 since its so close.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Iron MT. Dispersed

    Good flat location easy to find

    Had to check out a few spots to get WiFi AT&T one bar the sun set are awesome can see colors in the sky for a good two hour

  • 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

  • LILI P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    China Flat Campground

    Beautiful campground

    If you like to fish and hike this is a lovely place. Pro-tip: the spot next to the camp host is the best. The ones down the hill by the river are smaller, dark and cold.

  • Kristen M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Lots of Dispersed camping around the lake

    First come first serve sites although plenty, fill up fast. Luckily there is a lot of Dispersed camping all the way around the lake! So beautiful, and the lake is really warm in the summer

  • 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!

Guide to Ione

Camping near Ione, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and biking: Explore the trails around Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. One reviewer mentioned, "The paved American River Bikeway was good for walking, running, and horseback riding."
  • Water activities: Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or fishing at Lake Camanche. A camper shared, "We love it at this lake," highlighting the fun water activities available.
  • Wildlife viewing: Campers at Ice House Campground have spotted bald eagles and other wildlife. One visitor noted, "Nice wildlife viewing. I saw Bald Eagles and Comorans with their babies."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Coloma Resort stated, "The bathrooms are super clean," which is a big plus for families.
  • Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds like Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging are close to Yosemite, making it easy to explore the national park. A visitor mentioned, "Great option for bringing an RV to Yosemite."
  • Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds often have playgrounds and activities for kids. One reviewer at Beals Point Campground said, "The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area."

What you should know

  • Bear country: Campers at Ice House Campground reported frequent bear visits. One camper warned, "It would have been nice to know about the three bears that would be coming by."
  • Limited hookups: Some campgrounds, like Acorn Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "Geared mostly for small trailers and tents."
  • Seasonal access: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Pinecrest Campground is open from April 11 to October 14, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose a campground with activities: Look for places like Coloma Resort, which has a pool and playground. A family shared, "The campground is walking distance from the historic town of Coloma."
  • Pack for comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers, especially if camping at higher elevations like Ice House Campground, where temperatures can drop at night. One camper mentioned, "It ended up getting pretty chilly here as well."
  • Plan meals ahead: Having a meal plan can make cooking easier. A visitor at Yosemite Pines RV Resort noted, "We had to relocate to a hotel every 28 days due to the max 28-day rules."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Acorn Campground mentioned, "They do have some sites for larger RVs drive-through 40 foot max."
  • Be prepared for crowds: Campgrounds like Lake Camanche can get busy on weekends. One camper said, "Got very crowded on the weekend."
  • Bring your own firewood: Some campgrounds, like Beals Point Campground, do not provide firewood. A visitor noted, "You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around."

Camping near Ione, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV camping facilities are available near Ione, California?

RV campers near Ione have several well-equipped options. Acorn Campground at New Hogan Reservoir offers reasonably priced sites ($20/night, half-price with Golden Age passes) and accommodates RVs of various sizes, though it's primarily designed for smaller trailers. American River Resort provides RV sites with fire pits and picnic tables, plus clean bathrooms with private showers. It's conveniently located within walking distance to town for shopping and dining. Other nearby options include Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area with full hookups and Miner's Camp RV Park, both offering the essential amenities RV campers need.

Where are the campgrounds located in Ione, CA?

Campgrounds near Ione are situated around picturesque lakes and reservoirs in the area. Lake Camanche is located just outside Ione, offering shoreline camping with easy lake access, though water levels can vary seasonally. The South Shore area is well-maintained with clean bathrooms and hot water. Lake Amador Resort is another nearby option, providing lake-based recreation opportunities close to town. Most campgrounds in the area are within a 15-20 minute drive from Ione, making them convenient base camps for exploring the Gold Country region while enjoying the natural beauty of the foothills landscape.

What are the best camping spots around Ione for weekend trips?

For weekend trips from Ione, Beals Point Campground at Folsom Lake offers nicely spaced sites under trees, clean facilities, and lake access (though water levels vary). It's family-friendly with beach swimming areas and nearby amenities while still feeling removed from city life. For a cultural experience, Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground provides a small, intimate camping experience (just 23 sites) with well-shaded spots and access to fascinating historical exhibits. It's perfect for a quick weekend getaway, located about 3 hours from the Bay Area. Both locations offer an ideal balance of natural beauty, recreation opportunities, and convenient access for weekend camping trips.

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