J
John T.
Traveler
TravelerSouth Yuba Campground
nice wooded campground
No cell signal here - speed test is from starlink. Note google & garmin routing from Nevada City takes a bridge with a 4 Ton weight restriction.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Nevada City, CA
Collins Lake Recreation Area accommodates pets at its 88 designated sites, offering a range of options from tent camping to cabins and RV spots with hookups. Pets must remain on leash throughout the campground, with designated pet waste stations positioned near common areas. Scotts Flat Lake campground also welcomes pets with several trails accessible directly from the campground for morning walks. Bathroom facilities remain clean even during peak season, and tent sites provide ample shade for pets during summer months. The Greenhorn Campground at Rollins Lake allows pets at lakefront sites where campers can anchor boats directly in front of their camping spot.
South Yuba Campground provides pet-friendly camping with trail access to numerous swimming holes along the river. The campground features primitive facilities with composting toilets and requires proper waste disposal at least 200 feet from water sources. Nevada County Fairgrounds offers pet-friendly RV camping with full hookups, though sites can be cramped with limited space between neighbors. The fairgrounds has designated pet walking areas and enforces quiet hours at 10 PM to prevent excessive barking. Poison oak grows abundantly throughout the region's natural areas, so pets should be kept on established trails and checked regularly. Some campgrounds implement seasonal restrictions, with South Yuba open from April to October and Giant Gap operating from May to October due to weather conditions.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Nevada City, California (268)
1. Collins Lake Recreation Area
25 ReviewsOregon House, CA17 milesWebsite+1 (530) 692-1600"Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!"
"Not a bad campsite, but was surrounded by RVs and people walking around. Can’t bring dogs onto the beach area which was a bummer, but was too crowded anyways"
2. Manzanita Rock Meadow
6 ReviewsNorth San Juan, CA8 miles+1 (530) 263-3656$40 - $55 / night
"She told us of some cool hiking trails nearby, and where we could paddleboard. The spot was clean with lots of room to spread out. Our dogs loved it!"
"Situated on 25 acres, this gem is truly the best place to relax and unwind. With beautiful scenery and so many outdoor activities to enjoy, we know you'll be planning your next stay before you leave."
3. Nevada County Fairgrounds
6 ReviewsGrass Valley, CA5 milesWebsite+1 (530) 273-6217"Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around."
"Really nice with the lake and quiet woods feeling. No hassle booking and really reasonable price. Huge sites like 150x18 or there abouts."
4. Greenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake
7 ReviewsPinecrest, CA7 milesWebsite+1 (530) 388-0328$42 - $53 / night
"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!"
"They have a convenience store that is walkable distance to get supplies, food, candy from. You should reserve a spot right on the lake. If you have a boat you can anchor it right in front."
5. South Yuba Campground
4 ReviewsNevada City, CA6 milesWebsite+1 (916) 941-3101$15 / night
"Note google & garmin routing from Nevada City takes a bridge with a 4 Ton weight restriction."
"Use cat holes instead (200 ft from water please). Poison oak is everywhere. River views are spectacular."
6. Giant Gap
11 ReviewsGold Run, CA15 milesWebsite+1 (530) 367-2224$24 - $48 / night
"We took our one year old and two dogs here and it was awesome. Close to the water which had a nice beach area."
"The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."
7. Scotts Flat Lake
4 ReviewsForest Knolls, CA5 milesWebsite+1 (530) 265-5302$39 - $51 / night
"Scott’s Flat is just five miles outside of Nevada City. It is run by the Nevada Irrigation District. One of the many man made lakes in the region."
"Reserved 2 campsites next to each other for 10 family members for Father’s Day weekend 2019. Sites were large and not too close to each other so plenty of room to spread out. "
8. White Cloud
6 ReviewsWashington, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (530) 478-6253$24 - $48 / night
"I was watching my friends’ kids for the weekend, so we loaded up bikes and the dog and got out of the house for a couple of days. It was only a 20-minute drive from home in Nevada City."
"This gem of a campground gives you wuick access to a variety of activities. A quick 15 minute drive takes you to Nevada City/Grass Valley and wine tasting."
9. Laughing Buddha RV/Tent Camp
4 ReviewsNorth San Juan, CA8 miles+1 (530) 263-3656$55 / night
"It was quiet and private, but close to the hosts so they visited when I had questions about the best spots for swimming and hiking nearby."
"Had a fire in the fire pit and enjoyed the quiet(except for the coyotes in the distance!). Galen, our host, was always available to answer questions and to bring extra firewood."
10. Schoolhouse Campground (CA)
7 ReviewsNorth San Juan, CA12 milesWebsite+1 (530) 478-6253$24 - $48 / night
"There are trails for hiking or mountain biking. You are minutes from Bullards Bar which is one of the most beautiful lakes around. I definitely suggest a day trip to the lake."
"It’s mixed RV and tent with no RV power so the generators are loud and you’ll be surrounded by them."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Nevada City, CA
108 Photos of 268 Nevada City Campgrounds
M C.
Grass Valley RV Resort
Galen E.
Manzanita Rock Meadow
Luis M.
Dark Day Campground
Christina L.
River Rest Resort
Charity M.
Apple Grass Farm
Salena L.
Oregon House Falls
Julie D.
Giant Gap
Pamela H.
Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs
Kimberlee M.
Collins Lake Recreation Area
Jordan R.
Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
Cathy H.
Mumford Bar Trail Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Nevada City, CA
869 Reviews of 268 Nevada City Campgrounds
Meg R.
GuideWhite Cloud
Weekend Staycation
I was watching my friends’ kids for the weekend, so we loaded up bikes and the dog and got out of the house for a couple of days. It was only a 20-minute drive from home in Nevada City. We enjoyed hanging around the campground, took a cruise over to Rucker Lake for some exploring. The campground is no-frills and right on the highway, but a nice place overall.
- BBill B.Guide
Inn Town Campground
Just Awesome
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. Do not miss!
Rishi B.GuideInn Town Campground
Camping near it all
Great place to stay. You’re tucked away directly in nature but a 5 minute drive will get you to downtown Nevada city. “Downtown” is a small quaint historic area packed with great restaurants for vegans and organic lovers alike.
- EEileen B.
ScoutInn Town Campground
The Best.
I’ve stayed here many times, It’s the best! 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? Whereas it is in reality only a mile away from downtown Nevada City, off the Gold Flat exit. So I marked an edit to have this corrected on 4/8/2023; the moderators are to check that, and correct the map after veryifying.
Anna W.GuideScotts Flat Lake
Foothills fun
Scott’s Flat is just five miles outside of Nevada City. It is run by the Nevada Irrigation District. One of the many man made lakes in the region. There are bath houses, tent sites and no hookup RV sites. It is clean but can become loud with rowdy camping neighbors. A beautiful lake to boat, fish and swim.
- MMarika M.Traveler
White Cloud
Hostess with the mostest!
This gem of a campground gives you wuick access to a variety of activities. A quick 15 minute drive takes you to Nevada City/Grass Valley and wine tasting. And a quick jaunt up the road to Washington, CA gives you the Yuba River and excellent gloat sites. The camp host, Pat, is a doll, friendly and good for a laugh. The camp is clean with firewood to buy, and plenty to forage on the ground. Pit toilets and portable toilets, large sites for tents and campers alike, its our favorite go to spot.
Nicole G.GuideInntown Campground
Wonderful campground!
My friends and I did a group trip to Inntown in September. We loved it so much we booked another weekend to go back before we left. The owners are incredibly friendly and helpful. The campsites are well maintained, there is water nearby all sites and they drive thru the campground once a day to pick up trash in case you don't want to haul it to the dumpster. They have dish washing stations and the absolute nicest, cleanest bathrooms/showers I've ever seen in a campground. They do not allow wood burning fires, but you can use a gas fire ring or rent one from the campground. It's just outside Nevada City but you feel completely in nature thanks to all the big redwoods in camp. We spent the days at Fuller Dam, and the Yuba River and Scotts Flat Reservoir are nearby too. Overall, this is a fantastic campground and I highly recommend.
- Nicole G.Guide
Inn Town Campground
Wonderful campground!
My friends and I did a group trip to Inntown in September. We loved it so much we booked another weekend to go back before we left. The owners are incredibly friendly and helpful. The campsites are well maintained, there is water nearby all sites and they drive thru the campground once a day to pick up trash in case you don't want to haul it to the dumpster. They have dish washing stations and the absolute nicest, cleanest bathrooms/showers I've ever seen in a campground. They do not allow wood burning fires, but you can use a gas fire ring or rent one from the campground. It's just outside Nevada City but you feel completely in nature thanks to all the big redwoods in camp. We spent the days at Fuller Dam, and the Yuba River and Scotts Flat Reservoir are nearby too. Overall, this is a fantastic campground and I highly recommend.
Guide to Nevada City
Camping opportunities near Nevada City include sites in the Sierra foothills at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures averaging 85-95°F during July and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Winter camping is limited as many campgrounds close seasonally due to snow at higher elevations.
What to do
Paddleboarding on calm waters: At Giant Gap, the reservoir prohibits motor boats, creating ideal conditions for paddleboarding. "Such a beautiful lake for paddleboarding as there are no motor boats. Quiet, secluded, flat campsites. There is a great trail that goes entirely around the lake," notes Nicki M.
Trail exploration: White Cloud Campground offers direct access to the Pioneer Trail. "Pioneer trail is amazing for mountain biking and hiking," says Deb P., who enjoyed the campground despite its proximity to Highway 20.
Fishing opportunities: Collins Lake Recreation Area provides excellent fishing directly from campsites. "The fishing is awesome on Collins Lake! We fished from kayaks and always caught fish for dinner," explains Ed E., who camped in both April and November and found both times productive for anglers.
What campers like
Lakefront camping: Greenhorn Campground at Rollins Lake offers sites with prime water access. "Camp directly on the lake... If you have a boat you can anchor it right in front," writes Rishi B. The campground includes a convenience store within walking distance for supplies and food.
Shaded sites: Tent campers appreciate Scott's Flat Lake for its tree cover. "Sites were large and not too close to each other so plenty of room to spread out," notes Andrea D., who visited with family members across multiple sites.
Private homestead options: Manzanita Rock Meadow offers a secluded alternative to established campgrounds. "Manzanita Rock Meadow was perfect for us. We have a campervan and the spot was level and very clean, affordable, and with great views and even a composting toilet inside a privacy tent," says Lev E.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds in the Nevada City area operate seasonally. White Cloud is typically open from June 20 to September 27, while South Yuba Campground operates from April to October 15. Giant Gap closes from late October through mid-May due to weather conditions.
Dog restrictions at beaches: Despite numerous dog friendly campgrounds near Nevada City, some have beach access restrictions. At Collins Lake, Steven H. notes: "Can't bring dogs onto the beach area which was a bummer, but was too crowded anyways."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the area, particularly at Schoolhouse Campground. "This is bear country so we had a nightly visitor, the bear boxes are there for a reason so use them!" advises Stacie L., who camped with family across multiple sites.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Collins Lake provides multiple options for children. "Great place for family camping. They also have boat rentals," mentions Veronica N., highlighting the peaceful atmosphere that makes it suitable for families with young children.
Swimming spots: Schoolhouse Campground doesn't offer direct water access from the campsite. Isabel C. advises: "From the campground there is no easy access to the water... If you want walk up access to the water while camping, this is not the campsite for you."
Wildlife viewing: Collins Lake offers opportunities for wildlife observation. "Kids loved canoeing out onto the lake. Amazed to watch a bald eagle grab a fish and fly away," shares Coleen C., describing their family experience with multiple activities.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Nevada County Fairgrounds offers RV camping with limitations. "Very very small sites. Hardly enough space to put out the awning and set up some chairs," reports David C., who also found many sites required significant leveling.
Generator restrictions: Several campgrounds have varying policies on generators. Melanie R. notes about Schoolhouse Campground: "It's mixed RV and tent with no RV power so the generators are loud and you'll be surrounded by them."
RV access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. When visiting Giant Gap, Stephanie C. warns: "Be warned though, Google maps will suggest driving up Iowa Hill. DO NOT. Follow the directions of the campground, that road is not for the faint of heart. And NOT for RVs or trailers."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Nevada City, CA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Nevada City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Nevada City, CA is Collins Lake Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Nevada City, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 268 dog-friendly camping locations near Nevada City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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