Camping near Loomis offers diverse options from riverside locations to oak-studded foothill settings at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet. The Sierra foothills provide a transitional climate zone with hot summers reaching 90-100°F and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. Seasonal water levels significantly impact camping experiences, with Folsom Lake fluctuating up to 100 vertical feet between winter high water and summer drawdown.
What to do
River rafting access: American River Resort sits directly adjacent to a Class III rapid known as Trouble Maker. "This park is located very close to Sutter's Mill where gold was discovered. It also has a white water rafting business on site," notes one camper who appreciated the convenient river access.
Gold panning exploration: Coloma Resort offers historical gold panning opportunities just minutes from Sutter's Mill. "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 one visitor.
Trail biking network: Access extensive bike trails from several campgrounds. At Cal Expo RV Park, campers value the direct trail connections: "Great Bike paths adjacent along the river into Downtown or up to Folsom. All Full hook up sites on gravel or asphalt," reports one reviewer who used the campground as a cycling base camp.
Wildlife viewing: Spring visits to Peninsula Campground offer opportunities to spot wild turkeys, deer, and numerous bird species. "Peninsula campground on Folsom Lake is in the rolling hills and oak trees, remote from the more popular side of the lake. In the early spring it is quite, especially here, with green grass and wild turkeys," notes one nature enthusiast.
What campers like
Uncrowded spring camping: Peninsula Campground receives high praise for off-peak visits. "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," shares one return visitor.
Secluded tent areas: While many Loomis area campgrounds focus on RVs, some offer prime tent camping. "Some of my favorite campsites. Awesome in spring where the flowers and grass are POPPING. A lot of awesome trails and little environmental signs to walk around and learn about the area," writes an enthusiast about Peninsula Campground.
Swimming access: Beals Point Campground provides beach swimming with safety features. "The lake itself is beautiful! If not camping overnight i love to get a day pass and just hang out on the beach! Its a great family friendly area. I suggest staying on the main beach with the provided lifejacket area if with children," advises one regular visitor.
Ranch animal interactions: Ascension Ranch offers an unusual camping experience with farm animal encounters. "This was my first time going and I got to say, I enjoyed it! Super relaxing and has a lake that is at the end of the trail. Super convenient. It was cool to experience the animals that were in the pastures as well," reports a first-time visitor.
What you should know
Site spacing varies dramatically: Campgrounds differ greatly in how closely sites are positioned. At American River Resort, one camper cautions: "Nearly all of the tent sites are tiny and crowded very closely together with no privacy breaks at all between them. To make it even more claustrophobic, many of the near-river sites are terraced into the hillside."
Water fluctuations impact access: Lake levels change significantly throughout the year at Folsom Lake campgrounds. "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. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely," notes one Beals Point visitor during a low water period.
Reservation timing critical: The best spots at Auburn State Recreation Area require advanced planning during peak season. "First come first serve campsites, i went for a solo camp trip and loved it. I came in on a Thursday afternoon and snagged campsite #5. (Useful tip, BRING A PEN AND EXACT CASH)," advises one camper who secured a prime spot.
Access road challenges: Peninsula Campground's remote location requires navigating challenging roads. "Try not to forget anything because it is eleven twisty, narrow, miles back to the city of Cool, where you can buy the essentials," warns one camper about the isolation.
Tips for camping with families
Lifejacket stations: Beals Point Campground offers dedicated swim areas with safety equipment. "Folsom lake is a beautiful location, great bike and hiking trails. Clean and safe area. Great place to bring the family," notes one visitor who appreciated the family-friendly setting.
Activity facilities: Coloma Resort provides extensive recreation options for children. "We spent the weekend for my wife's birthday. It rained most of Friday and into Saturday but we had a great time. Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon," shares a camper who found plenty for children to do even during inclement weather.
Busy weekend environment: Some campgrounds become extremely active on weekends. At Coloma Resort, a camper observes: "There's a lot of people, kids, bikes, and dogs. It's highly stimulating environment but everyone was very friendly." Another adds that "quiet hours weren't enforced as people played music or loudly chatted until 1am the first night."
Environmental education: Peninsula Campground features interpretive signage for young learners. One visitor recommends it specifically because there are "a lot of awesome trails and little environmental signs to walk around and learn about the area."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Auburn Gold Country RV Park presents some difficulties for larger rigs. "Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level," notes one RVer who struggled with the terrain.
Power quality concerns: Some campgrounds experience voltage issues during peak season. At American River Resort, a camper reports: "The power is not good. I had to bypass the surge suppressor because it kept cutting out due to low voltage. Voltage was generally 104-105."
Length restrictions: Size limits apply at several area campgrounds. One camper at American River Resort advises: "I would be very cautious about coming here with a larger RV. Ours is 30' bumper to bumper. I think 32 would be ok."
Train noise consideration: Loomis RV Park has occasional train disturbances. "Lots of trees for shade and a nice swimming pool to cool yourself. The sites are a nice size. However, the train is near by and can be heard in the park. It comes by about twice in a 24 hr period."
