376 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Weimar, California feature numerous campgrounds along the American River watershed and nearby forestlands. Auburn State Recreation Area provides several riverfront camping opportunities, including Mineral Bar Campground and Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, both offering tent and limited RV sites with river access. Developed facilities at Dru Barner Campground in Eldorado National Forest and Beals Point Campground at Folsom Lake provide more amenities, while private operations like Coloma Resort offer cabins and glamping options. Campsites throughout the region range from primitive riverside tent spots to full-hookup RV sites with varying seasonal availability.
Camping in this region follows distinct seasonal patterns, with several campgrounds operating only from late spring through fall. Giant Gap operates from May through October, while Lake Clementine Boat-In sites are reservable only from May 1 to September 30. Winter storms can make access difficult on narrow, winding roads into canyon campgrounds, particularly at locations like Ruck-A-Chucky where the descent requires careful navigation. Most developed sites provide vault toilets and picnic tables, though potable water availability varies significantly. Fire restrictions often apply during summer and fall, with complete bans during high fire danger periods. According to one visitor, "The trek down to the campsite was slightly difficult and we decided to utilize the four wheel drive as we navigated to and from."
Riverside camping represents a primary draw throughout the area, with the American River and its tributaries providing swimming opportunities and scenic backdrops. Many campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites despite the sometimes rustic facilities. At Bear River Park & Campground, a visitor noted, "Each spot has a fire ring, grill and picnic table. The air is deliciously clean, the river provides a calming soundtrack at night." Wildlife sightings, including bears, are reported near several campgrounds, particularly in the less developed areas. Campers frequently mention the solitude found during off-peak periods, though summer weekends bring higher visitation. Several reviewers highlight gold panning opportunities along riverbanks as an additional recreational activity, particularly at Mineral Bar Campground and other sites with river access.
"We got a pretty secluded site at Cabana 12 but the rest of the sites are kinda stacked on top of each other or out in the open right next to each other. If you want some more privacy then do C12."
"This is a smaller but nice lake. It hasn’t ever been over crowded when I’ve gone. The reason I like this spot is because campsites C3-C10 have the most shade you can hope for!"
from $42 - $53 / night
Check Availability"The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."
"The campsites are all very nice but 23 and 24 can’t be beat with the best access to the water ( you will have a lot of people walking by to get there also though)."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"I’ve been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it’s a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing."
"Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"Just know that here on The Dyrt, the location on the map for some reason shows it as being many miles away from Kidder Ct: it’s marked as if it is at Higgins Corner, halfway to Auburn?"
"Super clean and friendly Not congested and close to many hiking trails Easy drive and close to Nevada City.
Especially nice during Christmas Season. Feels like walking back in time."
"Our site was next to the raft launch/pickup, so there were a couple of groups picked up during the day. Bathrooms were average and the site was maintained well."
"Small cars made it down ther without difficulty)
Once at the camp ground, right on the waters edge, grab up the 3rd site on the right. It is literally on the edge of the river."
"Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."
"If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"
"You’re also about 3 or 4 miles away from the Georgetown OHV which made it an easy ride to get to the dirt."
"A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare."
from $3 - $8 / night
Check Availability"Nice trails to explore that run along the river’s edge. Easy trails for beginners."
"One of my favorite summer spots, great Access to the American River. Site has pit toilets, fire rings, tables and bear lockers(have seen several bears)"
from $28 / night
Check Availability"As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely."
"As full timers- we thought we hit the jackpot for the area in order to be near the towns we wanted to explore and also have service for good wifi."
from $28 - $48 / night
Check Availability
RangerVery nice 1970 style park most spots only has water and electricity. Section X is full hook ups and close to all amenities. Lots of deers and gray squirrels playing about the park. Nice beach area with rental boats. Restrooms and laundry areas in good shape. This is a nice area to camp.
TravelerIncredible campground! All campers were super respectful of the quiet hours and the campground hosts were great. They work very hard to keep the campground clean. The river isn’t super easy to access but there’s a rope to help you down to the river access spot. The section of the river throughout the campground is claimed so no panning. We loved our stay and can’t wait to go back.
LegendWonderful campground. Quiet, spacious, clean pit toilets. Large and private sites. Bear boxes provided. Camp host on site.
RangerWe got a full hookup 50 amp back in site next to the trout pond. Sites are level and the park is easy to navigate. Park has laundry, showers and a dump station with water fill. Walking distance to grocery and dining. Access to hike/bike trails. Although close to highway the back of the campground was pretty quiet.
RangerI didn't stay here but I went to buy a camper shell. All the management were very friendly and cheerful. They went it off their way to be helpful. As we left we saw some people passing and the place looked well kept.
TravelerOur first dispersed camping experience, so i'm not sure how it compares to others. There is tons of space, no bathrooms, no water, basically no people - kind of lovely. The ground is all fairly rocky - so expect bumps and lumps under your tent. 😅 There is TONS of space in what I assume was their parking lot. Easy RV parking for sure. There is also a dirt road you can go down to get a bit further from the main road. Reccomend AWL or FWD if going more than half way down. Come prepared with enough water etc. - the views are absolutely worth it. Oh! And I often had 5G signal with Verizon. Sometimes only 4G, but very rarely fully lost signal.
GuideA freshly worked dirt lot. Like a freshly plowed field. Tractor tire tracks make walking difficult. There is no signage at all. I'm not sure I'm not on private property. May be the sketchiest road I've ever driven. I intended to stay a week. Instead, I got here at sunset, I'm leaving at first light. Somehow, it has mosquitoes.
GuideI think if you go further down the road there is a free spot to sleep but we ended up going to the paid campground by mistake. We rolled in at 2am and when we woke up a very nice lady had us pay. Rightfully so, Nice campsite but $36 a night.
TravelerWe stayed in mid September 26. There was only one family camping the first few days we were there and then we had the entire campground to ourselves. Location was beautiful and it was extremely quiet with exception to the wildlife. Lots of deer, geese, ducks and squirrels. Possible one bear sure to a dumpster dive with shredded garbage on our last day. We were in a 28' RV. Rv camping is a no frill experience. No hook-ups but water spigot at each site. RVs have to parallel park at the top of the hill area. They campers have the difficulty of finding a level spot because most of the tent camping is on a slope. Flush toilets are available. Spotty cell service on Verizon's visible service but we were still able to stream entertainment on our phone's hotspot. Overall, we loved it stay due to the scenery and the obvious peacefulness due to an empty campground. Our 3 night stay midweek with no hook-ups was just over $200.00 which is to me absolutely outrageous but we needed a place to stay on short notice. Aside from the cost, we had an absolutely wonderful peaceful experience watching the wildlife and beautiful scenery.
The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Weimar sit at elevations between 1,300 and 2,500 feet, creating a transitional climate zone between valley heat and mountain chill. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-60°F while summer brings 65-95°F days, with most precipitation falling between November and April. Campgrounds in this region often feature mixed conifer and oak woodland habitats with manzanita and madrone understory.
Gold panning opportunities: Try your luck at Mineral Bar Campground where the American River offers accessible spots for prospectors. "If you're lucky and know how to read the river, gold panning is a must!" notes Jason A., who visited Ruck-A-Chucky Campground. Many sites along the American River watershed provide opportunities to connect with the area's gold rush history.
Paddleboarding on calm waters: Giant Gap offers excellent paddleboarding conditions. "Such a beautiful lake for paddleboarding as there are no motor boats," writes Nicki M. The reservoir features a 5-mile loop trail circling the entire body of water, providing both water and land recreation options.
Historical exploration: Visit Coloma Resort for access to nearby Sutter's Mill and gold rush exhibits. "The campground is walking distance from the historic town of Coloma and the Argonaut for breakfast and lunch (and Gelato!)," shares Dustin C. The area offers self-guided historical walks and interpretive displays explaining the region's pivotal role in California history.
Riverfront access: Ruck-A-Chucky Campground receives praise for its riverside sites. "What a great trip... grab up the 3rd site on the right. It is literally on the edge of the river," recommends Jason A. The sites provide direct water access with the soothing sounds of flowing water at night.
Off-season solitude: Lake Clementine Boat In campground offers peaceful camping during quieter months. "We camped during the off season (November) so we had our pick of the campsites," reports Anna V., who found the waterfront setting ideal despite cooler temperatures. Many campgrounds in the region become significantly less crowded from October through April.
Shade coverage: Greenhorn Campground at Rollins Lake offers excellent tree cover in select sites. "The reason I like this spot is because campsites C3-C10 have the most shade you can hope for! There is a little waterfall and creek running behind the campsites so you get the trickling water sound," explains Ed S., highlighting both shade and ambient water sounds.
Road conditions: Access to canyon campgrounds requires careful driving. "The trek down to the campsite was slightly difficult and we decided to utilize the four wheel drive as we navigated to and from," explains Brian O. about Ruck-A-Chucky. For Giant Gap, one camper advises: "Follow the Forest Service directions, NOT google maps. You need to drive through the town of Foresthill first."
Water availability: Dru Barner Campground currently faces water issues. "Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality," warns Cheri S. Water conditions vary seasonally and by campground, so checking availability before arrival is essential at all sites in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Weimar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Weimar, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 376 campgrounds and RV parks near Weimar, CA and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Weimar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Weimar, CA is Greenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake with a 3.6-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Weimar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Weimar, CA.
What parks are near Weimar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Weimar, CA that allow camping, notably Plumas National Forest and Eldorado National Forest.
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