Lake Camanche and New Hogan Lake form the primary water recreation areas near Jackson, California, situated in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The region sits at elevations between 300-1,500 feet with hot, dry summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September. Winter camping offers milder conditions with daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s, though occasional rainstorms can impact road access to remote sites.
What to do
Disc golf opportunities: Lake Amador Resort offers multiple disc golf courses for enthusiasts. According to one camper, "As disc golfers, of course we love camping here, having 3 courses to choose from. But there is something for everyone in the family here, there is amazing fishing, boating and swimming."
Wildlife viewing: The foothills around Jackson provide excellent wildlife watching during quieter seasons. "The wildlife is RIGHT THERE! 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," shared a visitor at Lake Amador Resort.
Kayaking and paddling: Sly Park Recreation Area offers excellent flatwater paddling options. A camper noted, "Jenkinson lake is beautiful to kayak or paddleboard on and you can also rent for $20/hr + $10/hr after that. This is a nice campground to stay in and paddling around the lake is wonderful."
What campers like
Waterfront access: COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground provides direct water access for recreation. One reviewer shared, "We did a lot of kayak fishing and relaxing by the lake. We were able to walk the kayaks down with no problem... They do have water spouts to wash your dishes and bathrooms walking distance."
Off-season tranquility: Winter and spring visits offer quiet experiences at many campgrounds. At Lake Camanche, a camper noted, "We camped twice at this campground on the South Shore. The lake has a North Shore Campground as well. We were the only ones camping on Christmas Weekend and we had a few neighbors when we went again in mid January."
Night sky viewing: The region's low light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "The stars are breathtaking at night. Gotta be my favorite part. It's also fun to look across the lake and see all of the campfires sparkling in the distance," reported a Sly Park visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting shoreline access. "The water levels drastically change due to it being a privately owned lake," notes one camper about Lake Amador.
Campsite spacing: Privacy levels vary widely between campgrounds and specific sites. A visitor to Camanche Lake Blue Oaks Campground North Shore mentioned, "Great clean, friendly camping area. Only complaint was neighbors being extremely loud past 1200 midnight."
Weekend crowds: Peak season weekends see significant visitor traffic. A camp host at Sly Park advised, "Day use areas and day use parking fill up very quickly, especially on weekends, so arrive early if you want a good spot...if you would rather not deal with the 'Weekend Warrior' type of campers, book your stay for mid-week (Mon-Thurs) and probably avoid camping in July altogether."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Acorn Campground provides family-friendly swimming areas. "Acorn Campground is great for tent and RV camping. Warm weather so great for swimming. Good for fishing, boating (they have a launch), kayaking, paddle boarding and you can bring bikes and scooters for the kids," notes one reviewer.
Seasonal activities: Some glamping close to Jackson, California offers special programming during holidays. "Amador is a laid back camping spot that never disappoints. Great for families. Not a party destination but you can still have a great time! They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at," reports a Lake Amador camper.
Hiking opportunities: Look for campgrounds with easy walking paths. "Beautiful hikes that are easy for young children. Plenty of trails to choose from," says one visitor about Sly Park, while another mentions "a lovely, short hike to a waterfall! It's just a 1 mile walk along the lakeshore from the Hazel Creek day use parking area."
Tips from RVers
Sewer connections: Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche offers full hookups, but check site details. "The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose," advises one RVer.
Off-peak value: Winter glamping near Jackson provides value and accessibility. A camper at Monument RV Park noted, "Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!"
Site selection considerations: Research specific site features before booking. "Hilltop sites are better for smaller campers. I have an 18' trailer and sites 126-128 are really nice. They are set into the mountains with trees behind you," recommends a Sly Park visitor, while another adds that "Rainbow, Kam Loop, Dogwood and Hazel Creek camping loops are nicely shaded and stay much cooler than the camping loops toward the front of the park."
