Best Campgrounds near Jackson, CA

Jackson, California provides a mix of camping experiences, from resort-style RV parks to basic tent sites in scenic Gold Country landscapes. The Jackson Rancheria RV Park stands out as a highly-rated facility with concrete pads, full hookups, and shuttle service to the casino. Several campgrounds in the area feature lakeside settings, including Lake Amador Resort and Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area, which offer fishing and water recreation opportunities. Gold Country Campground Resort provides family-oriented camping with amenities like mini-golf and a swimming pool, while Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground offers a more natural setting with cultural significance.

Camping options vary by season, with most developed campgrounds open year-round. A recent review noted, "We've stayed here in rain and even a little snow flurry," highlighting the variable weather conditions in the foothills. Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained, making them accessible for various vehicle types including larger RVs. Water levels at reservoirs like Lake Amador fluctuate seasonally, which affects both the camping experience and fishing opportunities. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when temperatures rise and water activities become popular. Fire restrictions may apply during the dry summer and fall seasons when wildfire danger increases.

Campers report high satisfaction with sites near lakes and rivers, though water levels can vary dramatically. "The water levels drastically change due to it being a privately owned lake," one visitor mentioned about Lake Amador. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer and wild turkeys, which are commonly spotted at campgrounds throughout the area. Many campgrounds provide a balance of natural settings with modern amenities - showers, hookups, and organized activities appeal to families and those seeking comfort, while more rustic options exist for campers preferring a traditional outdoor experience. Fishing is particularly popular, with several lakes stocked with trout, bass, and catfish. The region's proximity to historic Gold Country towns and wineries makes it a good base for exploring local attractions beyond the campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Jackson, California (275)

    1. Acorn Campground

    28 Reviews
    Valley Springs, CA
    12 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."

    2. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    12 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."

    3. Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Volcano, CA
    9 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. "

    4. Lake Amador Resort

    12 Reviews
    Ione, CA
    7 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. Jackson Rancheria RV Park

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

    $50 - $70 / night

    "First time here at Jackson and we were pleasantly surprised with how beautiful this park is! Not a bad spot anywhere! Spacious , clean, very friendly staff, beautiful walking trail around the park."

    "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!"

    6. Gold Country Campground Resort

    8 Reviews
    Pine Grove, CA
    8 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."

    7. 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."

    8. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Herald, CA
    17 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Roaring Camp

    2 Reviews
    Pine Grove, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 296-4100

    "No camping here but it is next to Henry Cowell SP. Tight turns, I would not recommend for RV’ers."

    "We found a huge group site out here for our Burns Canyon trail run. I’m not sure if it was this exact location but it’s hard to miss! We’re planning another trip back already!"

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Recent Reviews near Jackson, CA

870 Reviews of 275 Jackson Campgrounds


  • Raymond M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    This place is real camping

    This campground was the best campground that I’ve been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man not recommended for women in small kids, but absolutely amazing and beautiful place. 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

  • Laura The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Glory Hole Recreation Area

    Pretty and quiet

    Easy to find, there was no one but my spot was labelled with the tags. Facilities are clean but the shower was cold, at best lukewarm. The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad

  • Shir S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    El Dorado

    Great place before lake tahoe

    We drove from redwood to Lake Tahoe and wanted a place to stay since it got late Good place Online booking and entrance if after hours and affordable price opposed to other sites in the area

  • Jolean D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stanislaus National Forest Pine Marten Campground

    Close to the lake but not huge spots

    The location is beautiful. Smaller Alpine lake with spot for tents, and smaller RVs. Good space for outdoor setup and clean bathrooms. If you are looking for boondocking Sierra Nevada mts with a few comforts. This is great.

  • J
    Sep. 17, 2025

    American River Resort

    Perfect match

    During our stay (mid of September) the place was empty and we had the most relaxed time we could have. RV site close to the river and some deers also crossing our ways on the campground

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lower Blue Lake Campground

    Beautiful location!

    My cousins and I stayed in sites one through three. They are extremely close to the lake, near the dam. We were able to leave our chairs and kayaks down by the water, and felt totally secure. we were able to kayak down to the other end of the lake, where there is a small waterfall. our sites had to be reserved, but there are some FCFS sites as well. Pit bathrooms are OK. The portable water spigot was broken, so we had to get some water from Middle blue lake Campground, about a mile away. The water issues is the only reason I am taking a star off, this place is beautiful, and we are definitely coming back. A couple of the sites will accommodate, decent sized rigs.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Pinecrest Campground

    Beautiful Location With Talkitive Ravens

    We went to Pinecrest as the first trip we took with our brand new travel trailer. Not only was it a great break-in trip but the location was lovely. The hosts were friendly and very helpful when we had difficulty getting into the site we reserved. Once we set up camp in our new sire, we started to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. And the ravens. Lots of talkative ravens. Very entertaining.

    We were thrilled to find out there’s a restaurant and general store located right across the street from the campground. It was just delicious icing on a very tasty cake. Two thumbs up for Pinecrest Campground and an extra thumbs up and thank you to the hosts.


Guide to Jackson

Camping near Jackson, CA, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the proximity to hiking spots, with one reviewer mentioning, "Great view, great facility and coin-based shower, great trails, great water access" at North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming or kayaking in nearby lakes. One camper at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe said, "The lake is a 5 min walk away not to mention near the start of many hiking trails in desolation wilderness."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park noted, "We had a bear visit our campsite, so it’s crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Bear Safety: Always store food properly to avoid bear encounters. A camper at Eagle Point Campground emphasized, "The campground staff enforces this rule diligently."
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at North Grove Campground mentioned, "Some road noise from Hwy 4, trucks going by were sometimes pretty noticeable."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Acorn Campground pointed out, "No showers, toilets, trash, and no water hookups."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A camper at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Safety First: Always supervise children near water. A parent at Fallen Leaf Campground advised, "The lake is a 5 min walk away."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes. A camper at Yosemite Pines RV Resort mentioned, "We enjoyed our stay here while on a three-week trip."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area noted, "Full hookups, but unfortunately low water pressure."
  • Plan for Space: Some sites can be cramped. A camper at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "The sites are small but have full hookups."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Dust can be an issue at some campgrounds. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "My biggest issue with this campground is the dirt. It’s this ash dirt that gets everywhere."

Camping near Jackson, CA, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping spots near Jackson, CA?

The Jackson area offers several excellent camping options. Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground provides a peaceful, well-shaded campground with just 23 sites, making it perfect for a quiet getaway. It's connected to a beautiful historical park with plenty to explore. For lake access, Lake Camanche is family-friendly with well-maintained grounds, clean bathrooms, and easy water access. The campground is especially popular around summer holidays, so book well in advance. Other noteworthy options include Acorn Campground at New Hogan Reservoir for boaters and Gold Country Campground Resort near Pine Grove for those seeking more amenities.

How much does camping cost at Jackson campgrounds?

Camping costs around Jackson vary by location and amenities. Acorn Campground offers reasonable rates at $20 per night, with discounts available for Golden Age Pass holders who pay just $10 per night (maximum 15-day stay per month). American River Resort charges around $45 for tent sites with an additional $5 fee for dogs. This price includes amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, clean bathrooms, and private showers. While seemingly steep for tent camping, these rates are typical for California recreation areas. State park campgrounds in the region generally range from $20-35 per night, while RV resorts with full hookups can cost $45-65 per night depending on the season.

Are there RV parks in Jackson, CA with full hookups?

Jackson Rancheria RV Park offers excellent full-hookup sites for RVs in a beautifully maintained setting. Campers praise its spacious sites, cleanliness, friendly staff, and scenic walking trail around the property. The park's layout ensures there are no bad spots, with beautiful views throughout. For those looking for alternatives, 49er Village RV Resort near Plymouth is another well-equipped option with full hookups that can accommodate larger RVs. Both parks provide easy access to local attractions, though Jackson Rancheria has the added benefit of casino access. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season, as these parks are popular destinations for RVers visiting Gold Country.