Searching for a tent campsite near Ione? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
$50 / night
Get back to nature at Rancho Seco Recreational Area. A short 25-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, you’ll find the 400-acre park that makes up the Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Take a short vacation and enjoy bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and even a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals and wildlife. Camp in comfort with recreation and concession buildings, shade structures, laundry facility, boathouse, and newly renovated restrooms and showers. This Rancho Seco camping destination offers RV sites, tent camping sites, and group sites, some with gorgeous lake views.
North Grove (sites 27-59)
$25 - $70 / night
$65 - $300 / night
Boat-In Sites 1-16
$38 / night
Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.
Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:
The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.
New Hogan Dam and Lake is located in the oak- and brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 4,400 acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam. When full, the lake has 50 miles of shoreline and extends nearly eight miles upstream to the confluence of the north and south forks of the Calaveras River. The dam provides flood protection to the City of Stockton (among other communities) and water for irrigation, drinking and hydroelectric power. The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees.
This campground is only accessible by boat and offers the only camping available on the lake outside of the main campgrounds, Acorn and Oak Knoll. Water recreation such as water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing are all frequent activities on New Hogan Lake. Fishing is allowed year-round, subject to state regulations. Popular species caught in New Hogan Lake include striped bass, black bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie.
This campground is only accessible by boat and offers the only camping available on the lake outside of the main campgrounds, Acorn and Oak Knoll. Water recreation such as water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing are all frequent activities on New Hogan Lake. Fishing is allowed year-round, subject to state regulations. Popular species caught in New Hogan Lake include striped bass, black bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie.
Wildlife species thrive at the lake and on the surrounding 6,500 acres of US Army Corps of Engineers' managed land. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot black-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits, wild turkeys, turkey vultures, bald and golden eagles, osprey, red-tailed and other hawks, ducks and geese, California quail, acorn woodpeckers and northern flickers, coyotes, rattlesnakes and other snakes, gray fox, bobcats, and an occasional mountain lion.
A number of historic sites are located nearby, including Carson Hill, the discovery site of the largest gold nugget ever found, and The Black Bart Inn, located in San Andreas, where the famous outlaw Black Bart was captured. Groceries, gas, camping supplies and more can be found in the nearby town of Valley Springs, California.
$20 / night
Traveler
I am not the easiest but the staff has a heart of gold and at every turn we’re really there to help.
Guide
We could not find this place. Needs better description. Afterwards in another rv park I worked it out. Need to go to their website first better directions than just el dorado. Dyrt dropped the ball on this one.
Legend
We’ve stayed at this campground a couple of times on our way to/from Yosemite National Park, and it is a nice place to spend a couple of nights. Many campers come here to get on the lake in their powerboats, or fish from the shore, and there will be no shortage of anglers most weekends; but, during the week in the shoulder season, we pretty much had the place to ourselves.
The campground offers a range of pull-through and back-in campsites along the slopes of the rolling hills, but most of the individual sites were flat and could accommodate a wide variety of rig sizes. Some are close enough together to make a great group camping set-up, while others were off on their own with a view of the reservoir. While there were many trees around for shade, we still had enough open sky for good solar gain and Starlink.
The main bathroom building had clean flush toilets and showers, but there were a few extra vault toilets scattered around. Fresh water taps and recycling/ trash bins were plentiful.
Hiking, cycling, paddling and fishing are the name of the game here, and 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.
There is a nearby gas station with a few supplies, ice, and firewood. Sonora is the closest town with larger grocery stores and restaurants.
Legend
We ended up at this small campground because our potential boondocking spots were completely snowed in up top. 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. We found a good site that provided just enough sky for both our 400W portable solar panel and Starlink to work pretty well. The bathroom building has flush toilets, was kept clean, and warm showers.
But the campground isn’t the reason to come here...it’s the history! This little park tucked into the Western Sierras will blow your mind. It is a significant Miwok Native American historical site, with home sites, ancient Oak trees, and literally thousands of grain, and acorn grinding stones located in the central part of the park.
The visitor’s center is a must-see and brings the location to life. In cooperation with the local tribes, the state manages the site and visitor’s center for the public. Take a walk on the interpretive trail, hike the adventure trails, fish in the creek, or attend a special program. It is a beautiful place to spend a few days.
The nearby town of Pine Grove has a few restaurants and grocery stores to get what you might need.
Guide
Very nice park, great walking trails, beautiful trees. Many of the buildings are older, but well kept. Showers are coin operated and nice. No trailer hookups, but very site has a water but can’t connect it with the trailer. Park does have a dump station and is included in the space rent. Only issue is being by the road and having road noise. Plenty of restrooms and showers (coin operated). The only Wi-Fi is at the visitor center and VERY limited cell service, no great loss.
Scout
Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level. If you don't have the premium hookup spots, you got to pay 20$ "Service Fee" for dumping. Idk why because you end up doing it all by yourself as usual anyway. Feels like a bit of a rip off to be honest. The rest is nice, quiet (except for the geese) and clean.
Traveler
Des douches chaudes du wifi Super rapport qualité-prix Que du bonheur
Guide
Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!
Guide
Beautiful river area, friendly people, hills to hike around! There’s a fire pit and bbq set up at each site and bathrooms and drinking water around the campgrounds. Seems like an amazing spot for a family camping trip! I believe it was $28 a night for a single spot or $14 with a discount. Cons for a nomad is there’s 0 service out there even hiking to the top of the mountain. It’s also about an hour of winding roads from the nearest town to get there. IMO not worth it when there’s plentyyyy of free camping pull offs you pass on the way there.
Scout
So disappointing this app has failed us like 5 times now on camping spots. Not the right location.
ScoutA good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night. They do accept golden age passes which reduces your nightly expense to $10 per night maximum 15 days for the month. Geared mostly for small trailers and tents, however, they do have some sites for larger RVs drive-through 40 foot max and roadside, slide outs might cause a problem. Park managers are very professional, courteous and pleasant. Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness dump station is available for RVs. If you have a portable black tank, it would work out better for you on extended stays when dumping your black tank. If you are self-contained, you won’t have any difficulties at all.
Ranger
I made reservations here a week prior to our trip because I was looking for a warmer place to camp. I previously had reservations at Pinecrest, but it was going to be in the 50s during the day and 30s at night. Which isn’t ideal since I have a 7 month old and a 3 year old. But it ended up getting pretty chilly here as well - high 50s, low 40s. I do not recommended campsite 3, where we camped. It is a double site and is spacious enough for two families. But the campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night. One huge black bear, and a mama black bear with her cub. It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3). Luckily, our kids were asleep when the black bear came around 9pm. The camp host never came by to check us in, even though we were right next to their site. They did not inform us of the three bears that would be coming by. Obviously we are in bear country, so precautions were taken. But it would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us (where one of the bears was coming down). When my husband informed the camp host of the bear that came by she wasn’t surprised at all and said “oh there’s three that come every night. One big black bear who is about 4.5ft tall on all fours - he’s a big guy! And a mama bear with her cub.” This was very strange to me that she didn’t come by and tell us this, nor did she tell the other campers around us. We went and informed the two sites by us so that they were aware of this. Aside from that, the campground is beautiful. You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around. The walk to the reservoir is short and sweet. The water isn’t freezing either, our dog enjoyed her daily swim. I recommend this campground for its beauty but be prepared for a bear visit.
GuideWooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.
Guide
We spent one night right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset. It’s true that bathroom / toilets / showers aren’t clean, they are quite old.
But we didn’t care, the view worth it. We went swimming in the lake : what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn’t bothered us.
It was super calm. The crew was nice with us and let us spend only one night here for 50$ (the minimum should be 2 nights)
I recommend this place!
(Also, it’s right halfway between Yosemite and San Francisco: which was perfect for us)
Traveler
Loved the time spent. Crozier fire started. Made for a bitter sweet sunset.
Scout
We have been going to camanche Lake for years . Low cell service but very nice place to tent camp. Last year, they gave us our spot we set up, then was told they made a mistake and made us move spots, but the new spot was closer to the water and that made the kids happy. Kinda a hassle, but it worked out. We love it at this lake.
Guide
It is the only RV parking in Sacramento that will allow you to stay for one night. Great campground! Hospitality and professionalism- that how you can describe this place! Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around! Beautiful place! Thank you!
RangerNot expensive and has bathrooms, garbage, fire pits and picnic tables but no privacy and unfriendly camping ground covered with gravel and few level places to comfortably pitch a tent. Many families here but some partiers till midnight and an idiot who ran his generator all night during quiet hours
Ranger
Tons of beautiful, shady spots overlooking or near the Sacramento river. Very Breezy and well maintained park with good prices for electrical and water hookup and a dump station. Clean bathrooms and showers at no cost and the laundry room with free detergent . Decent prices in the store and overlooks the Marina and the river at includes free fishing and swimming and is a beautiful spot! was only going to stay one night and ended up staying two.
Traveler
We recently spent a night at this campsite and found it to be perfect for a quick overnight getaway. The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated.
There are plenty of sites to choose from, catering to different preferences. However, we recommend taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped.
A huge plus is the gas station just about 5 minutes down the road. It’s well-stocked with all the convenient store items you might have forgotten at home, making it easy to grab any last-minute necessities.
Overall, it was a delightful stay. Just remember, always practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in!
ScoutBoulder loop is very hot. Meadow loop has more trees and shade. Several sites in each loop have lake views and direction access to the lake. Can pull up your boat and leave water toys. Pit toilets and central shower at boat launch area.
Scout
Thank you for sharing your experience at Hirst Horse Ranch! It sounds like a perfect getaway with its peaceful 10-acre property, shaded by trees and dotted with delightful horse pastures. The children’s playground, with its sandbox, treehouse, and impressive 17-foot swing, promises endless fun for the young and the young at heart. The opportunity to interact with horses and enjoy breathtaking sunsets makes it truly special. For more captivating moments and updates, make sure to follow them on Instagram. Download the Instagram app through this link and stay connected with Hirst Ranch!
ScoutFh
Traveler
Pretty easy to get to and lots of spaces for dispersed sites. There was trash EVERYWHERE. Broken glass, toilet trash, bottles and cans, we were really disappointed. We found a spot pretty hidden which was rad but someone was shooting litteraly all night long which was frustrating. We probably won’t come back.
TravelerNot sure if my wife and I found the right spot or went far enough, but we found a great spot about 4 miles before silver fork camp ground. Nice and flat, right next to the stream, already had some stones for a fire ring. Easy road to get out there.
Guide
My husband and I stayed for two nights. It is difficult to get to when in an RV towing Two skis (still haven’t found out if the ferry can take vehicles that are towing) , but it was worth the drive. It is an older park, but the bathroom was clean (and free) , there is a fantastic beach, the managers were super friendly, and best of all….. our RV window looked out over our very own doc!
Scout
We had a great experience at the Placerville KOA. In this place, I can join many activities such as playing geometry dash lite .The staff was very welcoming and the grounds are organized and clean. The only thing I would suggest is to put in a few more bathrooms around the site. The main building are the only bathrooms. I would suggest a visit. They also have a pool area and hot tub Our friends stayed in the cabins. They were clean and comfortable
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.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ione, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ione, CA is Lake Camanche with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ione, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Ione, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
