Camping near Jamestown, CA

Jamestown and the surrounding Gold Country area includes several campgrounds at elevations between 1,200-1,400 feet. Summer temperatures in this region frequently reach 100°F or higher from June through September. Camping near Jamestown CA offers both lakeside and forested options with varying levels of facilities across recreation areas.

What to do

Swimming at natural pools: Rainbow Pools is a popular swimming spot near Diamond Gulch campground. "Our family really enjoys Rainbow Pools and Yosemite Pine's proximity to Rainbow Pools is part of why we stay here. The kids can jump and swim there and that's all they really want to do anyway," notes one camper at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging.

Hiking on local trails: The Carson Creek and Gold Rush trails near Glory Hole Recreation Area offer moderate terrain. A visitor reports, "Don't be dissuaded by that. Both trails are really easy and offer great views," after hiking at USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report deer sightings throughout the area. "Deer are fearless & majestic, several 'packs' walked through our campsite all throughout Sunday night when everyone else was gone. They walked up to us to smell our campfire & our food," a camper at Lake Tulloch RV Campground observed.

What campers like

Scenic campsite views: Many campsites offer lake vistas, particularly at Big Oak campground. "We loved site 106 in the Big Oak campground, but found others that were even better view wise. 116 and 117 had great views of a larger part of the lake," shares a visitor to USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground.

Family-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer additional features for children. "With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids," mentions a camper at Yosemite Pines.

Night sky viewing: The limited light pollution creates stargazing opportunities. One visitor to River Ranch Campground reports, "We were backed up to the river and slept with our van back door open. The sound of the creek was awesome, made falling asleep so easy."

What you should know

Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Condition of facilities differs between campgrounds and seasons. A camper at Tuttletown Recreation Area notes, "Some bathrooms were closed but port-o-potties were there instead. The bathrooms that were open were disgusting."

Water levels fluctuate seasonally: Lake levels can change dramatically throughout the year. "The lake was also extremely low but that's not really anyone's fault," reports a camper at Tuttletown Recreation Area.

Previous camper cleanliness issues: Several reports mention trash left behind at sites. "We filled up a large garbage bag before we could setup camp," one Tuttletown visitor noted after finding their site littered with garbage.

Shade availability depends on site selection: Many campgrounds have limited shade. "Most of the drive-in camp sites, including ours, had absolutely no shade (including nowhere to hang a hammock)," shares a Tuttletown camper.

Tips for camping with families

Petting zoo access: Children enjoy the animal interactions at Yosemite Pines. "Petting zoo animals were adorable. Nice location to Yosemite. Friendly interactions with staff," mentions a visitor to Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging.

Tent site selection: Choose sites carefully when camping with children. "The tent sites were right on top of each other and there was nowhere to park. You had to climb a steep hill to get to them with your car and again to the actual spot," warns one Yosemite Pines visitor about certain tent sites.

Playground options: Some campgrounds include play structures. A Lake Tulloch visitor comments, "The kids had fun playing at the playground, jet skiing, and making sand castles at the beach."

Tips from RVers

Dump station fees: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for this service. "There is a nice dump station ($8 fee recommended.. pay station is at park entrance)," notes a visitor to Ironhorse- Glory Hole Area.

Space limitations: Not all RV-accessible sites accommodate larger vehicles. "I was lucky enough to be here when it was dead empty and picked a good site for my 27' toy hauler," reports an Ironhorse campground visitor, indicating potential space limitations during busier periods.

Fairground alternative: Mother Lode Fairgrounds offers full hookups in town. A visitor notes, "Full hook-up. 50 amp 30 amp. Fresh water at each site. Free WiFi. Large grassy area with picnic table."