Camping near Rancho Murieta, California offers options for outdoor enthusiasts within the rolling oak woodlands of the Sierra foothills, at elevations ranging from 400-1,000 feet. The region typically experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F between June and September, while spring brings cooler temperatures with wildflower blooms across the terrain. Water levels at local lakes fluctuate seasonally, affecting beach access and fishing conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lake Amador Resort, anglers can target multiple species throughout the year. "The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish. Tackle Box Cafe is really good, weekends only, and the staff is kind and helpful," notes a regular visitor who camps there multiple times annually.
Gold panning experiences: Historic sites near Coloma Resort let visitors try their hand at prospecting where California's gold rush began. A camper explains, "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not get rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you."
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings around these campgrounds support diverse wildlife observation opportunities. At Lake Amador, a camper reported, "I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend." Bird watchers often spot waterfowl at the lakes and raptors in the surrounding hills.
What campers like
Free hot showers: Unlike many campgrounds that require quarters, Rancho Seco Recreation Area provides complimentary shower facilities. A camper notes, "The grounds are very attractive and very well maintained and all of the staff we encountered were friendly and accommodating. There is one marked hiking trail that follows the lake shore for the first mile then through a field with cattle."
Off-season tranquility: Winter and early spring visits offer significantly quieter experiences with fewer crowds. A visitor to Peninsula Campground shared, "Another mid-week quick adventure two weeks before spring... Peninsula campground on Folsom Lake is in the rolling hills and oak trees, remote from the more popular side of the lake. In the summer months the lake is very busy and the hills are brown with dried grass. But in the early spring it is quite, especially here, with green grass and wild turkeys."
Waterfront campsites: Several campgrounds offer sites directly adjacent to water bodies. A camper at Rancho Seco stated, "This is a small but lovely place. I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake," while another noted, "Nice quiet campground good fishing lake to fish just make sure you put your food away at night raccoons will get your food and snacks."
What you should know
Seasonal insect activity: Depending on the time of year, campgrounds may experience significant insect presence. A visitor to Lake Camanche warned, "It's an easy to navigate park with many sites on the water. But beware of the bees!"
Bathroom facilities vary widely: While some campgrounds maintain excellent facilities, others struggle during peak periods. At Beals Point, a camper observed, "Coin operated shower very nice and clean bathroom clean showers," while another noted, "The showers take quarters and have hot water most of the time. The showers are very big its actually quite peaceful and nice."
Water levels fluctuate significantly: Lake levels change dramatically throughout the year, affecting beach access. A visitor to Lake Camanche mentioned, "When the lake is down (like now) it's a bit of a haul to the water — cart/wagon recommended, as well as a shade pop-up AT water's edge." At Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, a camper reported, "Nice campground. As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to."
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: 49er Village RV Resort offers family-friendly recreation areas. A repeat visitor shared, "The kids loved the stocked fishing ponds, and even better was the immaculate 2 swimming pools and playground! Everyone was busy having fun the whole time and the grounds were perfectly kept."
Farm experiences: Unique alternatives include ranch settings where children can interact with animals. At The Hirst Horse Ranch, a family reported, "My boys played on swings, trampolines, and forts. They also helped milk the cow, picked strawberries, fed the chickens and rode on a horse. We really got to be on the farm for the weekend."
Swimming areas: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access. One camper noted about Rancho Seco Recreation Area, "They have a beach and the lake is nice size," while another mentioned that Lake Amador has "a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Not all sites with hookups include sewer connections. A visitor to Placerville RV Resort warned, "If you are expecting a full-hookup site, make sure it has septic at your site! Many of the sites are water and electric only, and you have to use the one dump station at the camp entrance for dumping. Kinda inconvenient and not what I would expect for $106 a night!"
Cell service for remote work: Some campgrounds maintain excellent connectivity for those needing to stay connected. At Beals Point Campground, a camper shared, "Really nice camp hosts and attendants. Nice services; clean bathrooms and coin op showers. Very green early in the season, lake extremely low, warm evenings already. GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars."
Weekend crowding concerns: RV sites fill quickly on weekends, especially during summer months. About Lake Camanche, a visitor advised, "Weekends are filled up and busy, but during the week days it's nice and quiet," while another noted, "This year has been very disappointing. The beaches are cluttered with tons of glass and garbage. Mostly because the low water is exposing more. No one answers the phones at the gate."
