Jamestown camping areas feature diverse terrain between 1,400 and 2,000 feet elevation with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F from June through September. Winter temperatures range from 30-60°F with occasional snow at higher elevations. Most local campgrounds close from November through March due to colder conditions, with Tuttletown Recreation Area and Lake Tulloch RV Campground remaining open year-round.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Dogs are welcome on most trails at Glory Hole Recreation Area, though specific rules apply depending on the season. The Carson Creek and Gold Rush trails are rated moderate but accessible. "The campground is very nice and relaxing. Lots of hiking options and access to the lake for fishing and swimming," notes Jordan L., who adds these trails are easy enough for most hikers.
Lake swimming: Hot summer days call for water activities at New Melones Lake. The lake offers designated swimming areas with seasonal water level changes affecting access. "The lake is gorgeous and at night there were several deer walking thru the site," reports Melissa B., who stayed during summer when temperatures regularly hit 100°F.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. "Deer are fearless and majestic, several packs walked through our campsite throughout Sunday night when everyone else was gone. They walked up to us to smell our campfire and our food," writes Katie K. about her experience at Lake Tulloch. Raccoons, turkeys, and various bird species also frequent the area campgrounds.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Tuttletown Recreation Area maintains well-kept restrooms and campsites. "Roads within the recreation area were very good and facilities including toilets and showers were very nice and clean. Water was available at campground," notes Mon M., highlighting the maintained infrastructure that many campers appreciate during summer stays.
Spacious camping spots: Many sites offer sufficient room for multiple tents and vehicles. "Each site is well spaced in between," writes Mon M. about Tuttletown. However, site selection matters as Jordan L. points out: "My only issues were that the site was pretty small—we managed to squeeze a 4 person tent and a 2 person tent but anything larger wouldn't fit unless I wanted to be on a decent slope."
Star visibility: The area offers excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "It was so dark that I was able to do some great astrophotography," explains Scott R. about Tuttletown. Many campsites in higher elevations provide unobstructed views of the night sky, particularly during summer months when clouds are minimal.
What you should know
Summer heat preparation: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through August. "It was something like 107 when we were setting up the tent and most of the day time but on the lake itself, the temperature was perfect," notes Scott R. about Lake Tulloch RV Campground. Pack extra water, shade structures, and cool clothing for summer visits.
Site conditions: Many sites lack natural shade. "Most of the drive-in camp sites, including ours, had absolutely no shade (including nowhere to hang a hammock)," reports Scott R. about Tuttletown. At Lake Tulloch, Katie K. mentions: "We were lucky to have a spot at the dead center of the top of the mountain looking out at the lake with a big shade tree."
Wildlife precautions: Secure food and trash in provided containers. "Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off," reports Cassidy Y. about North Grove Campground. At Lake Tulloch, one camper warns: "Deer and cats get into everything! And cats pee on everything!"
Tips for camping with families
Rainbow Pools access: This natural swimming area near Yosemite Pines RV Resort offers family-friendly water activities. "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," explains Jeanette D., highlighting this alternative to lake swimming.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific family features. "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," notes Jeanette D. about Yosemite Pines RV Resort.
Pet considerations: For families bringing dogs, water access varies by location. Lake Tulloch offers direct water access from some sites. "If you want to go into the lake with your dog, you have to walk very far away if you didn't rent one of the tent sites at the lake front area," explains Maria M., suggesting waterfront sites for families with pets.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: River Ranch Campground offers RV sites with varying privacy levels. "We were registered at site 2B. Cito recommended that we move to 1M because a large family reunion group was coming in and our new site was much more secluded. We were backed up to the river and slept with our van back door open," advises Allison, highlighting the importance of requesting specific sites for privacy.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste management. "There is a nice dump station ($8 fee recommended.. pay station is at park entrance)," notes Hunter P. about Tuttletown Recreation Area, adding: "Boat launch and day use area only a short drive away."
Water hookups: Many sites have water available but not direct hookups. "No trailer hookups, but every site has a water but can't connect it with the trailer," explains Harry S., describing conditions at North Grove Campground. At Lake Tulloch and Angels Camp Campground, full hookups are available for RVs requiring electrical and water connections.
