RV camping near Jamestown, California spans across pine-covered foothills at elevations between 1,400 and 3,000 feet. Summer temperatures often reach 90-100°F while winter brings occasional snow at higher elevations. The region's Gold Rush history creates unique camping opportunities where modern amenities intersect with historic landmarks.
What to do
Swimming spots: 10 miles west of Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina, New Melones Lake offers additional water recreation. "We went swimming in the swimming area... The Lake was nice!" notes Katie K., who appreciated the designated swim zones at Lake Tulloch.
Historic exploration: 5 miles north in Columbia State Historic Park, visitors can pan for gold and tour preserved 1850s buildings. "Nice location to Yosemite. Friendly interactions with staff. Petting zoo animals were adorable," mentions Jen U. at Yosemite Pines RV Resort.
Fishing: Seasonal opportunities along the Merced River. "Later on hooked another one but lost it. On Friday my reel broke so my fishing weekend was over but what a thrill!" shares LILI P. at McCabe Flat Campground, where rainbow trout are caught within feet of campsites.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain regular bathroom cleaning schedules. "The bathrooms are cleaned 2 times a day. There is trash cans for each of the 3 campsites," reports Julian R. about McCabe Flat Campground, noting the conscientious maintenance.
Wildlife viewing: Native deer and other wildlife frequently visit campsites. "Deer are fearless & majestic, several 'packs' walked through our campsite... They walked up to us to smell our campfire & our food," describes Katie K. at Lake Tulloch.
Scenic river locations: Many sites feature water access and views. "All three camps are along the river... The scenery was stunning!" shares Meg R. about Railroad Flat Campground, particularly appreciating the changing weather patterns during her stay.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends fill quickly at most locations. "Reservation fill up quickly and you can see why," notes one camper, making weekday visits preferable during peak season.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds experience water system issues. "The water that was coming out of all the faucets, was red and brown. People weren't allowed to shower that night," reports Maria M. about Lake Tulloch, suggesting bringing extra drinking water.
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds require careful driving. "The narrow road winds along the steep canyon wall with occasional pull-outs to allow oncoming cars to pass," explains Meg R. about accessing Railroad Flat Campground, recommending smaller trailers under 16 feet.
Wildlife precautions: Bears and smaller wildlife can become problematic. "ANTS WILL GET IN THERE. We had ants all over our dishes in the morning, but not our stuff in tubs, so make sure your things are ant proof," advises Ben R. at McCabe Flat.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly water options. "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," recommends Jeanette D. about Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "The kids had fun playing at the playground, jet skiing, and making sand castles at the beach," mentions Elisabeth about Lake Tulloch RV Campground.
Educational opportunities: Gold panning and mining history activities appeal to children. "There's an awesome walking trail around the park... The Llamas were an absolute plus as well," shares Emily Grace M. about Yosemite Pines' petting zoo.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: More private sites are available at certain campgrounds. "Very well maintained. The grounds are clean, nice level concrete spaces with lots of grass around them. Easy to social distance," reports Theo A. about Jackson Rancheria RV Park.
Hookup reliability: Water pressure and electrical service vary by location. "Love these grass sites with concrete pads. We've stayed here in rain and even a little snow flurry," notes Gail M. about Jackson Rancheria, appreciating the stability during variable weather.
Size limitations: Some campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. "I came with my 16' Airstream in tow, and it fit perfectly. I would not recommend anything larger," cautions Meg R. about the BLM campgrounds along the Merced River.
Off-season advantages: Lower elevation RV parks remain accessible year-round. "There are only a handful of 50amp spots and people move to them quickly after someone leaves lots of 30amp though so you might want to bring an adapter," advises William V. about Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes.
