236 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Jamestown, California serves as a gateway to several campgrounds in California's Gold Country, with options ranging from lakeside RV parks to primitive tent sites. The area includes facilities like Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina located directly in Jamestown, as well as nearby options such as Tuttletown Recreation Area near Sonora and Glory Hole Recreation Area in Angels Camp. Most campgrounds support both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort. The region's campgrounds typically feature amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, while some provide full hookup sites with electric, water and sewer connections.
Camping in the Jamestown area remains popular year-round due to the mild climate, though summer temperatures frequently reach over 100°F. "We camped out for 2 nights in spot 96 in the height of summer and just before all the fires started. It was something like 107 when we were setting up the tent," noted one camper at Tuttletown Recreation Area. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when water recreation draws visitors to New Melones Lake. Facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with some offering full shower houses and flush toilets while others provide more basic amenities. Road access is generally good with paved routes to most established campgrounds, though some sites may be challenging for larger RVs to access.
Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers in the area, with multiple sites offering views of New Melones Lake. A visitor to Ironhorse Campground mentioned, "This site is right on the lake, the bathrooms were clean. It was pretty busy but the spaces are far enough apart that it wasn't super loud even in a tent." Many campgrounds experience significant seasonal water level changes, particularly during drought years, which can affect swimming and boating access. Sites with shade are highly sought after during hot summer months, with early reservations recommended for the top-rated campgrounds near Jamestown. Wildlife sightings, including deer and raccoons, are commonly reported in campground reviews. The mixed-use campgrounds in the region accommodate various camping styles, from those seeking basic tent sites to RVers requiring full hookup services.
"Only 5 minutes away from a small town for groceries. It is quite a drive to get to the actual locations in the Yosemite park from the campground."
"If you plan to go into Yosemite NP, it's a long drive so plan accordingly. Our family really enjoys Rainbow Pools and Yosemite Pine's proximity to Rainbow Pools is part of why we stay here."
from $24 - $439 / night
Check Availability"Cute small campsites, kind of close to your neighbor. Not a lot of bugs which is always a plus when your near water, we went mid October and the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold."
"New Melones was not a top destination but it was close to a very special place for us, Natural Bridges."
from $150 / night
Check Availability"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
from $18 - $22 / night
Check Availability"The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot."
"Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked."
"You feel like you're in the middle of nowhere but you're so close to things. Directions are easy to follow, leveling is required but there were pretty good lots."
"It was a bit hard to find in the dark, but the camping area is fenced in under an oak grove so eventually we found the stump with our name on it next to the tent."
from $30 - $89 / night
Check Availability"We were lucky to have a spot at the dead center of the top of the mountain looking out at the lake (site 13) with a big shade tree."
"There are sites on the lake with shade provided over the tables. It was mid week and was not crowded at all. The lake is gorgeous and at night there were several deer walking thru the site."
"At the junction of Hwy49 the “Chain of Gold” and 108 outside Yosemite National Park. Daily/weekly rates. Short walk to downtown in this 1850’s mining town."
"There is no visual of the river there, but it is a very short walk to get to the picnic area where you have full view."
"Watering holes on campgrounds and around the area like Cherry Lake, Rainbow Pools and Gods Bath! California is full of beautiful wonders and this little gem in Stanislaus Forest is one of them!"
"Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink. Small hiking trail that had some horse nearby that cam and said hi to us. Will definitely be coming back."
"Close to lots of cute towns and wineries."
"Whip out your wallet and empty on it on the check-in desk of this thousand trails (or whatever) park."
"Our tent site was #311 and it was perfectly tucked in the trees with a stream alongside."
ScoutFound a beautiful spot down. Hard and flat Road right by a little stream where we could park our 22-ft van with a bike trailer. Our dog could run around free. We enjoyed a quiet evening. Even though it's thickly wooded, we seem to have decent starlink service.
ScoutThis place is awesome. Super clean, spaces are big and neighbors are not too close. The facilities are super clean and modern. We enjoyed the pool, spa and shower facilities. There’s a shuttle that shows up about every 40 minutes to the casino. The office staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different spaces and location of the afternoon sun.
TravelerWe timed our visit in the middle of the week after school had started so we were alone which made this an incredible spot. Great spot if you have a big group. We only we to the large open spot at the top with what looks like two actual sites. It’s right in the OHV area so we could see how it could get really busy and noisy.
GuideOverall VERY happy with this campground and would come back. We are thousand trails members and sometimes it’s not the best spots but the staff were so friendly and helpful and when we were having power issues they were able to move us to a better location (on the river) and have just really been accommodating. It’s essential to be down in the tree area at minimum for August. Under the solar panels is incredibly hot because the heat just traps underneath. The grounds of the campground do have a significant amount of trash…. That’s the only big downside. And that’s on the campers! Pick up your trash people….
ScoutThis park is completely understaffed, and the staff they do have are short and rude when talked to. Leaches in the water, goose poop all on beach area along with trash and dirty diapers. Management is never to be seen and the store they have is never open. Restrooms had poop on walls, birds in the bathroom, toilet paper everywhere. They constantly have water problems. They have an abundance of wasps also.
TravelerOnly a couple people here dispersed camping on a weekend. Arrived on Friday around 2 PM and the best spot was taken, but there were several others that were very good. It’s an unusual place as it is in abandoned ski resort. Lots of wide open spaces, but to the west there are two spots that are fairly secluded, but still open space and allow for good son for solar and great mountain and Sunset views. Very spotty cell service make sure you bring Starlink. It is a little close to the road so there’s slight road noise and on the weekend you can hear gunfire far away in the distance as people are in the forest taking target practice. No big deal though, very safe place. The sites are about 7500 feet above sea level. So even on the hottest days, it’s relatively cool and very comfortable at night (50s to 60s).
ScoutBeware of camp 212 it’s very isolated and out on the edge, we had a bear encounter and there are no bear boxes so it makes it very dangerous, not only that the host that night of 8/1/26 was useless and pretty much an a-hole he did nothing and just yelled at us in the morning that we couldn’t have two cars parked in our reservation when it specifically states that we can. The maintenance is terrible the bathrooms had no functioning lights, would not recommend especially if you have kids
ScoutBeware of camp 212 it’s very isolated and out on the edge, we had a bear encounter, but not only that the host that night of 8/1 was useless and pretty much an a-hole he did nothing and just yelled at us in the morning that we couldn’t have two cars parked in our reservation when it specifically states that we can.
GuideStayed here 3 nights when visiting Yosemite. Approx. 5 minutes from west entrance and one hour from Curry/Yosemite Villages. Tons of spaces, some set back from the road/pull in and some are next to the road (but still fairly spacious). Would definitely stay again. No service for me with Verizon.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there KOA campgrounds available in or near Jamestown?
While there isn't a KOA campground directly in Jamestown, the closest KOA option would be in the greater region near Yosemite. For alternatives with similar amenities near Jamestown, consider Acorn Campground, which offers clean facilities at reasonable rates ($20 per night, with Golden Age Pass discounts available) and accommodates both small trailers and some larger RVs. Another quality option is Angels Camp Campground and RV, which provides full hookups and amenities similar to what you'd expect at a KOA.
Where can I find camping sites near Jamestown, CA?
Jamestown offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Tuttletown Recreation Area is conveniently located near Sonora with drive-in access, reservable sites, and amenities like water and toilets that accommodate big rigs. For a lakeside experience, Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina provides boat-in and drive-in access with full amenities. Other nearby options include Acorn Campground with reasonably priced sites ($20/night, $10 with Golden Age Pass) that accommodate both small trailers and larger RVs, and the well-maintained campgrounds at Glory Hole Recreation Area.
What attractions can visitors enjoy near Jamestown camping areas?
The Jamestown area offers diverse attractions for campers. History buffs can explore Jamestown's preserved Gold Rush-era downtown and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Outdoor enthusiasts staying at Lake Camanche enjoy easy lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating, with well-maintained grounds and clean facilities. For a unique cultural experience, visit Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground to see Native American petroglyphs and demonstrations. Yosemite National Park is within driving distance, making Jamestown an excellent base camp for day trips to this iconic destination.
Keep Exploring
