Year-round camping near Meadow Valley, California ranges from rustic forest sites to full-service RV parks. Located in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains at elevations between 3,500-5,000 feet, this area experiences warm summers and cold, snowy winters that limit accessibility. Most tent camping options close by mid-October due to snowfall, while some RV campgrounds remain open through late October.
What to do
Swimming and tubing: South Yuba Campground offers excellent river access with clear water. "Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California. The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers. Perfect snow melt means August is the prime time," notes Anna R. about South Yuba Campground.
Fishing: Whitehorse Campground near Bucks Lake provides good fishing opportunities throughout summer. "Clean campground, great fishing, and nice trail around lake. Kids love camping here," writes Erin C. The campground operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day with 19 sites total.
Hiking: Grizzly Creek Campground serves as a base for hiking in Plumas National Forest. "This campground is a very quiet spot after Labor Day, it is small, only 10 sites total and it is only open until September 30," reports Patricia N. The campground features sites that can accommodate smaller trailers and tents.
Lake activities: Lake of the Springs offers swimming and non-motorized boating. "We had such a fun time at this campground. Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool! We spent practically the whole wknd in the lake. No motorized water craft kept it quiet," shares Nicole G.
What campers like
Quiet shoulder seasons: Loganville Campground offers peaceful experiences after peak season. "The weather was perfect in early October! It was not busy, there was one other occupied campsite not too close to where we were. Beautiful trees and clean sites. Close to Sierra city where you can grab a snack," reports Lily G. about Loganville Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings. "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands," shares Nicole G. about Lake of the Springs. Bears are also present in the area, with Sarah J. noting at Whitehorse Campground that "the campsite was visited by a bear at night...The bear, after speaking to the host, is well known locally. They have watched it grow up."
Helpful staff: Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park receives consistent praise for staff assistance. "Great location and overall a great RV park. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The park is immaculately maintained," writes Melanie R. Another camper, Angela C., notes they "escort you to your site and guide you in!! Ask if we need help setting up."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and grounds. "Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked 2-3x a day," reports Erin C. about Whitehorse Campground, while Jeff B. states Movin' West RV Park is "a great RV park to stay at in Graeagle, California. The staff is very friendly and helpful."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating rough forest roads. One camper at Whitehorse Campground mentions "the hour long drive with a trailer down the wash board road" as the "biggest downfall of this area."
Limited services: Most campgrounds have vault toilets rather than flush toilets. "Vault toilets are very common and a non-issue. Sure they don't smell like an indoor bathroom- but these were serviced every day," explains Sarah J. at Whitehorse Campground.
Cell service: Most campgrounds have limited or no cell reception. At Lake of the Springs, Nicole R. notes "No cell service in any of the loops and WiFi isn't great," while at South Yuba Campground, John T. reports "No cell signal here."
Bear country: Proper food storage is mandatory. "It is bear country, and the campsite was visited by a bear at night. Just do what they say- and keep your food stuffed locked up. Head the warnings," advises Sarah J. about camping at Whitehorse.
Tips for camping with families
Best kid-friendly campgrounds: Whitehorse Campground offers family-friendly features. "Kids love camping here. Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked 2-3x a day," reports Erin C. The campground includes a trail around the lake that's suitable for children.
Accessible swimming: Movin' West RV Park provides family-friendly activities within walking distance. "Short walk to town for a morning of mini golf. The kids scootered and rode bikes along the camp roads, and drivers were cautious and patient," shares Corinne D. The park also hosts occasional communal meals, with one camper noting "Memorial day weekend George hosted camp-wide dinner of BBQ tri-tip and kielbasa."
Wildlife education: Lake of the Springs offers unique wildlife encounters. "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!" shares Nicole G. This provides educational opportunities for children to observe wildlife safely.
Campground spacing: Consider site separation when booking with children. At Whitehorse Campground, Erin C. notes "Spacing in tent only is cramped but that's it," while at Grizzly Creek, Patricia N. highlights "all sites have tables, fire pits and plenty of room between sites."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Little Bear RV Park in Blairsden offers concrete pads for easier leveling. "Very clean and well maintained! A quiet and relaxing place to stay," notes Lisa T. The park features full hookup sites with 50-amp service according to reviews.
Spacing considerations: Site proximity varies significantly between RV parks. Jeff B. mentions about Movin' West: "It would be even better if there was more space between each RV spot. It feels like your neighbor is right there in your business all the time. They put up fences to give some semblance of privacy but it doesn't really help."
Seasonal operations: Most RV campgrounds near Meadow Valley operate seasonally. Little Bear RV Park runs from April 15 to October 28, while Clio's Rivers Edge operates from April 15 to October 31. Quail Ridge RV Park is one of the few year-round options in the area.
Hookup availability: Water hookups may be limited during shoulder seasons. Patricia N. notes at Grizzly Creek Campground "the water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared," which applies to many campgrounds in the area.
