Best Tent Camping near Jamestown, CA

The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Jamestown, California offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. North Grove Campground in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, located 30 miles northeast of Jamestown, provides tent campsites with bear boxes, fire rings, and picnic tables amid towering sequoias. For more seclusion, tent campers can explore Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed camping areas, where primitive tent sites are available along ridgelines with natural shade. Hardin Flat Road, situated closer to Yosemite's western entrance, offers spacious tent-only camping with creek access and sufficient distance between sites for privacy.

Most tent campgrounds near Jamestown require proper preparation as amenities vary significantly. Sites at North Grove feature level tent pads, drinking water, and vault toilets, while dispersed camping areas like Top of Arnold (FR 5N56) have no facilities whatsoever. Campers should bring water filtration systems when staying at primitive tent sites. Bear activity is common throughout the region, necessitating proper food storage in all locations. Seasonal considerations affect accessibility, with higher elevation tent sites often inaccessible until late spring due to snow. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall months, particularly at dispersed tent camping locations where no fire rings are provided.

In early spring and late fall, tent campers often find greater solitude at established campgrounds. One visitor to Willow Placer noted, "We got here in off-season and had the whole campground to ourselves. So peaceful listening to the river all night." Walk-in tent sites typically offer more privacy than drive-up options. At North Grove Campground, campers recommend selecting sites further from Highway 4 to minimize road noise. A camper at Hardin Flat Road reported, "There's enough space to distance yourself from others," highlighting the appeal of dispersed tent camping. Backcountry tent camping areas provide the greatest seclusion but require more self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

Best Tent Sites Near Jamestown, California (51)

    1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    21 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2334

    $25 - $70 / night

    "The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative."

    "Beautiful site, hiking trails close by, well maintained grounds. Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off. Rangers were friendly and very informative about the area."

    2. Eagle Point

    1 Review
    Groveland, CA
    16 miles
    +1 (228) 337-9598

    $50 - $150 / night

    "I was lucky to find Eagle Point this spring for a simple tent set up, and boy was it perfect."

    3. Hardin Flat Road

    15 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    30 miles

    "There’s enough space for you to distance yourself from others.

    No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access."

    "We had a lot of space, good amount of tree cover when I rained. There’s a bunch of different spots to choose from, the one by the creek would have been nice."

    4. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon."

    "There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly, I have a canopy so it helps make it more than fine. Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt."

    5. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 763-5121

    $50 / night

    "Wicked August heat, BUT there’s the lake!

    5 Stars — were it not for the SLOBS who preceded us!!"

    "I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that. 

    The water level really varies on the year."

    6. Hacienda

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    Twain Harte, CA
    13 miles
    +1 (209) 586-3234

    9. Cole Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Waterford, CA
    29 miles
    +1 (209) 620-6218

    $60 - $90 / night

    "They also change the hand towel in the restrooms daily for everyone to use. The campsite is well taken care of as well as the kitchen which is communal use."

    "The amenities were above and beyond anything we have seen at other locations.  Complimentary watercraft for the river, stocked outdoor kitchen, and hot showers with shampoo/lotion etc. "

    10. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Stanislaus National Forest, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 459-9238
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Showing results 1-10 of 51 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Jamestown, CA

934 Reviews of 51 Jamestown Campgrounds



Guide to Jamestown

Nestled in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills, Jamestown, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that immerse you in nature's beauty. From towering trees to serene rivers, these campgrounds provide the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tips for tent camping near Jamestown

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jamestown, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jamestown, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Jamestown, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 51 tent camping locations near Jamestown, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.