Tent camping near Jackson, California offers diverse opportunities from spring through fall, with elevations ranging from 1,200 feet in the Sierra foothills to over 6,000 feet in higher mountain areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-95°F, with cooler nights at higher elevations. Several campgrounds provide vault toilets and bear-resistant storage, while dispersed areas require campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste management.
What to do
Swimming in natural areas: Lake Camanche's shores provide multiple swimming opportunities during summer months. According to one visitor, "The water isn't freezing, it's usually pretty warm. The lake isn't huge, but makes for great boating."
Hiking nearby trails: North Grove Campground features several trail options. A camper noted, "There's lots of trails to hike here, an extensive ranger station with a Visitor Center, snack bar, and organized talks and activities."
Fishing in local waters: Rancho Seco Recreation Area offers year-round fishing. One visitor mentioned, "Good fishing lake to fish just make sure you put your food away at night raccoons will get your food and snacks."
Stargazing opportunities: Bear Valley Dispersed Camping provides excellent night sky viewing. A camper reported, "Perfect spot for star gazing! It was open with plenty of spots & we were the only ones!"
What campers like
Wide open spaces: At Lake Camanche, campers appreciate the roominess during off-peak times. One visitor shared, "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."
Well-maintained facilities: Camp Nauvoo receives praise for its upkeep. A camper stated, "This place is a hidden gem! It's beautiful, clean, and kid friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The hospitality was excellent."
Quiet weekday camping: Jenkinson Campground offers peaceful midweek experiences. As one camper noted, "The real gems are further back into the campground where if you plan it right you can talk to nobody except your camp host."
Swimming holes: Top of Arnold dispersed camping provides access to swimming areas. A recent visitor explained, "Super fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans affect most camping areas during summer and fall. In some areas like Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, fire policies may vary by season and current conditions.
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping often involves unpaved routes. One Top of Arnold camper warned, "Dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up."
Wildlife precautions: Bears and other wildlife require proper food storage. A visitor to North Grove Campground reported, "Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. A Top of Arnold camper noted, "2 bars LTE of Verizon," while others report no service at all.
Bug activity: Insect populations can be significant in summer. A Lake Camanche visitor cautioned, "It's an easy to navigate park with many sites on the water. But beware of the bees!"
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Rancho Seco Recreation Area provides family-friendly amenities. A visitor commented, "Enjoyed camping here several times as a family and with a group. Beautiful lake to canoe/kayak about. Sites along lake are best."
Consider beach access: Lake Camanche offers shoreline activities for children. One family noted, "Cool for a weekend stay. We don't have boat and did not rent one, but the kids had a great time with just the floaties."
Look for educational programs: North Grove Campground offers junior ranger activities. A parent shared, "Great visitor center and junior ranger program, and swimming in the Stanislaus river (cold but refreshing!!)"
Pack for temperature changes: Higher elevation campgrounds experience significant day-night temperature swings, sometimes dropping 30-40°F after sunset.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Jenkinson Campground offers varied terrain. A camper noted, "The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation. There may have been some that were on normal level ground."
Dump station locations: Lake Camanche provides sanitary dumping facilities included with site fees. One RVer explained, "Park does have a dump station and is included in the space rent."
Hook-up availability: Rancho Seco Recreation Area offers powered sites. A visitor mentioned, "There are 21 water and electric sites with a dump station on the way out. Some pull through sites."
Level site challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Rancho Seco, "RV sites are farther from the lake on mostly level gravel pads with picnic table, fire rings, and a trash can at each site."
