Best Camping near Jackson, CA
Camping near Jackson, California
Camping near Jackson, California offers a diverse range of experiences, from serene lakeside retreats to historic state parks. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent, park your RV, or try out glamping, the campgrounds around Jackson have something for everyone. With beautiful natural settings, plenty of outdoor activities, and a mix of amenities, it's a great destination for both seasoned campers and families looking for a weekend getaway.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the top campgrounds near Jackson, what you can do while you're there, what campers like and dislike, and some tips for making the most of your camping trip. We'll also share insights from fellow campers to give you a real feel for what to expect.
What to do
The area around Jackson is rich with outdoor activities and natural beauty. From fishing and hiking to exploring historic sites, there's plenty to keep you busy.
One popular spot is Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, where you can learn about local Native American history and enjoy easy hiking trails. According to Jess R., "Indian grinding rock is the place to go if you just want to be in nature. So peaceful to hear all the birds in the morning, the frogs at night."
For water activities, Lake Camanche is a favorite. You can fish, swim, or rent a boat. Donnalyn C. shares, "We had a great time and enjoyed the view especially the sunset. This campground has a shower with hot water. Lots of trees around. Water faucet close by, as well as trash bins."
If you're into fishing, Lake Amador Resort is another excellent choice. Dennis W. notes, "We enjoyed fishing from the bank and had some good luck with power bait. The resort is very clean and quiet!"
What campers like
Campers appreciate the natural beauty and variety of activities available near Jackson. Many campgrounds offer a peaceful setting with plenty of wildlife and scenic views.
At Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, Melissa S. highlights the well-maintained facilities: "Campsites all have parking pad and area for your tent. Picnic table and campfire ring too! Flush toilets are cleaned regularly and showers take Tokens."
Lake Camanche is praised for its cleanliness and amenities. Alyssia S. mentions, "Expensive but kept up very well on the smaller camp sites."
Campers also enjoy the convenience and variety of activities at Rancho Seco Recreation Area. Sunshine M. says, "You can fish, hike, or swim here. The campsites are spacious and you don't feel overcrowded if there is a family next to you. It's pet friendly."
What you should know
While there are many positives, there are also some things you should be aware of before heading out.
Some campgrounds have issues with cleanliness, particularly the bathrooms. Leann B. shares her experience at Acorn Campground: "These bathrooms over here now are disgustingly disgraceful I mean they are so horribly filthy and they just don't seem to care to even bother to really clean them."
Noise can also be a concern. Jon H. at Acorn Campground notes, "Both nights we had partiers next to us. Complained both times and not going back."
Some sites can be challenging to navigate, especially for larger vehicles. Genevieve M. at Lake Amador Resort advises, "4 wheel drive recommended since I saw people struggling to get in and out of sites."
Tips for camping with families
Camping with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you choose the right campground with family-friendly amenities.
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is a great option for families. Steve E. says, "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."
At Rancho Seco Recreation Area, Sunshine M. highlights the variety of activities: "You can fish, hike, or swim here. The campsites are spacious and you don't feel overcrowded if there is a family next to you. It's pet friendly."
For a mix of activities and amenities, Lake Camanche is also a good choice. Julie E. shares, "So far it’s been a fantastic place for our families to meet and have fun together. Water is really nice!! Showers and laundry areas are cleaned daily."
Tips from RVers
RVers will find several campgrounds near Jackson that cater to their needs, with amenities like electric hookups, sanitary dumps, and spacious sites.
Lake Camanche is a favorite among RVers. Daniel B. notes, "Good facilities overall. Got very crowded on the weekend. We were backed up to the trout pond. Lots of dogs, and unfortunately some owners that don't know how to be respectable."
At Rancho Seco Recreation Area, Bob S. shares his experience: "We spent one night here in a hook-up site. The RV camp sites are well spaced. We had power, water, and good Verizon coverage."
Lake Amador Resort also offers good facilities for RVers. Mike A. mentions, "Nice campground on the lake. We stayed in the dry camping area which was right on the lake. The showers worked well and didn’t require coins, and there was a dump station up front by the fish cleaning station."
Camping near Jackson, California offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family outing, the campgrounds in this area have something to offer.
