Camping near Ione, California offers access to several reservoirs in the Sierra foothills at elevations between 200-1,500 feet. The area's Mediterranean climate features hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winters bring moderate rainfall averaging 20 inches annually. Most campgrounds maintain gravel or paved surfaces with oak and pine tree coverage providing partial shade throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Fishing at Pardee Reservoir: Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area maintains strict water protection regulations as an East Bay MUD water resource. "This campground is located in Lake Pardee. The lake is for fishing and boating only. This is an East Bay MUD water resource so there is no body contact with the water," notes David T., highlighting the lake's primary recreational focus.
Explore Native American history: Visit Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground for cultural education opportunities. "Visit the free museum. The ranger was very knowledgeable and engaged the kids well covering the history of artifacts," recommends Steve E. The park features ancient grinding stones and cultural exhibits within walking distance from campsites.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities at area campgrounds. "We saw a tarantula near the tee box on 2. I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend," reports Christy L. about her stay at Lake Amador.
Cave exploration: Multiple campgrounds provide access to regional cave systems. "Stop by the Black Chasm Cavern nearby. It's a small, but unique cavern about 5 minutes drive from campground and well worth the visit," suggests Kartik K., referring to attractions near Indian Grinding Rock State Park.
What campers like
Swimming options: Rancho Seco Recreation Area offers swimming access despite reservoir restrictions elsewhere. "The camp has free showers and the campground are awesome and you can camp right on the water. They have boat rentals and a fishing derby every year too. It just great and has a beach," explains George A.
Uncrowded off-season camping: Several campgrounds report dramatic differences between peak and off-season visits. "We stayed at the lake for one night, mid-week, off season. We were only one of a few handful of RVs in the RV section of the campground. I could imagine it being a loud party-scene in the summer. But in the early spring, it was full of bird songs and a gorgeous sunset," shares a visitor to Lake Comanche.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise from visitors. "The bathrooms are really clean, the sites are pretty spread out, and it was quiet. Lots of shade, and plenty of water spigot," notes Julie D. about her experience at Indian Grinding Rock campground.
Family recreation amenities: Gold Country Campground Resort offers structured activities beyond lake access. "Nice Splash pad and pool. Nothing fancy but it works. They also have a mini golf course. Little traffic so our kids could ride their bikes with no worries," according to Blake T.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Reservoir levels change dramatically throughout the year, affecting shoreline access. "During the drought years and when the water is back at normal levels... when we go is summer, late July to early August, and majority of the grass is dead and it's HOT, but the water makes up for it," notes Kellie D. about Lake Comanche.
Reservation timing: Securing sites requires advance planning, particularly for lakefront locations. "Reservations for those sites are very hard to get. We go for the fishing. We park our boat at the marina for several days," explains Gail M. about Pardee Lake's limited hookup sites.
Pest management: Acorn Campground and other sites experience seasonal insect activity. "The only and biggest downfall was the meat bees. Absolutely ruined the trip. We had a group of 9 families so we couldn't eat together because we all had to escape to our sites and quickly eat. Recommend bringing nets and tents to eat under," advises Mrs G.
Gate closure times: Some campgrounds restrict late arrivals with secured entrance gates. "Note that there's a gate that closes so that you can't enter - we just barely made it by the 9pm Friday closing time (I think this time varies by day of the week)," warns Mike A. about Lake Amador.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming alternatives: When reservoirs prohibit swimming, look for campgrounds with pools. "There is no body contact with the water, however, there are 2 swimming pools within walking distance to campsites," explains David T. about Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area facilities.
Nature trails: Select campgrounds with interpretive paths suitable for children. "We enjoyed hiking the South trail, which is about 1/2 a mile with nature markers matching to an information guide. Kids will enjoy going inside the roundhouses (teepee like structures)," recommends Steve E. about Indian Grinding Rock.
Recreational diversity: Lake Amador Resort offers multiple activity options. "Amador is a laid back camping spot that never disappoints. Great for families. They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. There is also a old school playground for the kids," shares Moonlit_starrynights.
Site selection for shade: Choose sites with adequate tree cover during summer months. "Some sites have plenty of shade, some none, which would be killer in the heat! When the lake is down (like now) it's a bit of a haul to the water — cart/wagon recommended, as well as a shade pop-up AT water's edge," advises Larry W. about Lake Comanche.
Tips from RVers
Levelness varies: Site conditions fluctuate across campgrounds. "Pads are paved and level. The back-in sites in the center back up to each other with no divider between them. I saw several large RVs look almost like they were touching!" notes Lee D. about 49er Village RV Resort.
Premium hookup availability: Jackson Rancheria RV Park offers full-service options. "Very well maintained. The grounds are clean, nice level concrete spaces with lots of grass around them. Easy to social distance," reports Theo A. The park includes full hookups with 50-amp service.
Walking trails: Several campgrounds feature internal walking paths suitable for exercise. "Beautiful walking trail around the park. The views are so beautiful we will definitely come back!" shares Susan R. about Jackson Rancheria RV Park's amenities.
Satellite and solar access: Tree coverage affects technology needs. "We found a good site that provided just enough sky for both our 400W portable solar panel and Starlink to work pretty well," explains Shari G. about Indian Grinding Rock campground.
