Camping options near Marysville span across the Sierra Nevada foothills, typically at elevations between 250 and 2,500 feet. The area experiences Mediterranean climate patterns with hot, dry summers where temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September and mild, wet winters. Camping areas around Marysville offer both riverside locations along the Yuba River watershed and lake-based camping with various water recreation opportunities throughout the region.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing on the water: Collins Lake Recreation Area provides immediate access to 1,600 acres of water recreation with boat rentals available for visitors. "I love this camp ground. Really nice lake always stocked with fish. Quiet at night and not rowdy during the day. Great place for family camping. They also have boat rentals," notes Veronica N.
Gold panning and history lessons: The region maintains strong connections to California's gold rush history with several sites offering interactive gold panning experiences. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you," shares Jill F. about Coloma Resort.
Birdwatching along Dry Creek: The water systems around Marysville attract diverse bird populations. "My favorite thing about this campground is the birds! I use the Merlin app to identify the birds here and so far this place holds my record of around 18 birds not including the more silent ones we saw. There are turtles and otters in the creek to check out as well," writes B. Douglas J. about Sycamore Ranch RV Park.
What campers like
Lakefront camping spots: Many glamping sites close to Marysville, California feature prime waterfront locations. "We camped here TWICE in 2019. First time in mid April and 2nd time on the first weekend of November. Both times were AWESOME!!! Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage. They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our 'front door' from our 27' travel trailer," explains Ed E. about his experience at Collins Lake.
Off-season tranquility: While summer brings crowds to luxury camping destinations near Marysville, spring and fall offer quieter experiences. "We visited this camp ground last year for a pre-spring getaway and really liked it. Tried it again this week, and it was great again. About 3 weeks later in March than last year so there were a few more people. The grass is green, and the leaves are out on all the oak trees which makes it more beautiful," writes Ray B. about Peninsula Campground.
Clean facilities: Upscale glamping near Marysville consistently receives praise for well-maintained amenities. "The campsite was great. Our first stay at Collins Lake was fantastic. The lake views were beautiful, the campsites were clean and spacious, and the staff was friendly. Plenty of activities for the family, like fishing and hiking. We'll definitely be back!" shares John L.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations. "We camped here TWICE in 2019. First time in mid April and 2nd time on the first weekend of November. Both times were AWESOME!!! Just an FYI, in the Spring, the water level is much higher so the water line is closer to the campsites, especially #66. In the fall, pre-winter, the water level is much lower. It was about a 50 yard walk down to the water from #116 camp site," notes Ed E. about Collins Lake.
Limited cell service: Several camping areas near Marysville have poor connectivity. "Very nice campground, but cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area," reports Pamela H. about Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs.
Reservation requirements: Premium glamping options close to Marysville typically require advance booking, especially during peak season. "One negative, is you have to book way ahead of time, but it's well worth it," advises Rosina A. about Coloma Resort. Many sites are fully booked 3-6 months in advance during summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Shade requirements: Summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F, making shade essential. "The site gets a lot of sun in the morning and afternoon, so bring a popup canopy for shade—it made a big difference for us! Overall, the campground is clean, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing getaway," recommends John L. about Collins Lake.
Kid-friendly amenities: Campgrounds around Marysville often include recreational facilities beyond water activities. "This is a nice retreat. The spaces are a bit small but clean. The bathrooms are spotless and they offer a lot of amenities for families. We are two single adults and to no fault of their own there was a lot of children running around, riding bikes and it seemed like everyone had a dog," notes Susan S. about Coloma Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers chances for children to observe wildlife. "Had a great site big enough for a couple of tents. Nice clean site near lake. Hubby enjoyed fishing. Kids loved canoeing out onto the lake. Amazed to watch a bald eagle grab a fish and fly away," writes Coleen C. about her family's experience at Collins Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers recommend carefully selecting specific sites. "Try not to forget anything because it is eleven twisty, narrow, miles back to the city of Cool, where you can buy the essentials. The weekends get crowded during peak season but if you visit mid-week you will have the place almost to yourself. Reserve a site online but when you get there tell the attendant that you would like to see what sites are available," suggests T L. about Peninsula Campground.
Hookup variations: Utility access varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level. If you don't have the premium hookup spots, you got to pay 20$ 'Service Fee' for dumping. Idk why because you end up doing it all by yourself as usual anyway," reports Sebastian M. about his experience at Auburn Gold Country RV Park.
