Best Tent Camping near Nevada City, CA
Searching for a tent campsite near Nevada City? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Nevada City with tent camping. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Nevada City, CA (84)
1. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
Cool, California7 Reviews•29 Photos•16 SavesBoat-In Sites 1-16
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$38 / night
2. Bowman Campground
Sierra City, California7 Reviews•19 Photos•176 SavesBowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground with limited services. There are 7 campsites with tables, fire rings and bear proof food lockers. There is no trash service. Bowman Lake is a large lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and scattered pines that are great for fishing and swimming. A few islands are found within the lake. Car top boat launch only. The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous. There are several stretches of the road where it is impossible for two vehicles to pass around each other and so if traffic is coming from both directions, someone will need to back up. Despite the difficult access, Bowman Lake is a popular, heavily used area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Lake Spaulding Campground
Emigrant Gap, California4 Reviews•5 Photos•238 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground
Emigrant Gap, California4 Reviews•11 Photos•62 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
5. Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Truckee, California18 Reviews•47 Photos•232 SavesDonner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for Donner Lake camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. Visitors are welcome year-round at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$35 / night
6. Oracle Oak Grove
Rough and Ready, California1 Review•12 Photos•17 SavesSweet land with a cute hobbit/ witchy natural Vibe.
Great asthetics, incredible gardens.
Close to town, 30 min drive to 2 different parts of the Yuba River.
Friendly vibe good people live on the land. There is a cute Cob compost toilet, bath house.
Located in an Oak Grove.
We are in the armpit of the Nevada County. A 15 minute drive to either Grass Valley or Nevada City. Or a 15 minute drive to two different parts of the Yuba River, Bridgeport and 49. And about 30 minutes to amazing lakes on the way to Tahoe. Also close to the bike trail you could bike to Nevada City. Before you arrive fill up on spring water from Bitney Springs, we've been drinking it for over a decade. For the extra sensative just ask to use the Berkey water filter. This area is the most bike friendly area in the entire county. Lots of trails a long the NID (Nevada Irrigation Ditch) created during the Gold Rush.
Beautiful trail that over looks a view of an epic creek and a heart shaped lake. Camping stove can be requested, in the beginning stages of building a beautiful outdoor kitchen.
For guests staying the weekend there is availabile usage of bikes, kayak, and paddle board. Need to be reserved a head of time.
Also please the woodstove is currently wood fired. It takes about 5 hours to heat up and a decent amount of wood. We are more than will to prepare it ahead of time, but need a heads up and would prefer if you plan to be in it longer than 20 minutes. Also because of the amount of wood it uses and the labor to takes to prepare it, we request a donation. We love our tub, she is our precious gem, but she's a labor of love and anything opposite from a convience. Also because she is wood fire, I cant burn fires in the summer. So she is only available late fall, winter and spring. When the fire Ban is on there are no fires, including the hot tub.
But due to high demand I will work on including a propane option for next summer.
I love birthday parties.
I love people coming with friends. I love people of all walks of life.
- Reservable
- Tents
$60 / night
7. Rucker Lake Campground
Emigrant Gap, California4 Reviews•9 Photos•105 SavesThis is a PG&E; lake/campground on the Tahoe National Forest. Car-top launch for kayaks and boats. There is no boat ramp at the lake.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
8. Grouse Ridge Campground
Emigrant Gap, California4 Reviews•24 Photos•136 SavesGrouse Ridge Campground is located at the top of Grouse Ridge, spectacular vistas of granitic boulders, many alpine lakes, scattered pines, and wildflowers in the summer. Often late opening due to snow banks on access road. Hiking and biking trails lead off of ridge to the Grouse Lakes Area located at the base of the ridge. There are 9 campsites with tables and fire rings. 5 campsites have space for small trailers.There is a vault toilet, but no trash service; pack it in pack it out!
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
9. Camp Far West North Shore
Beale Air Force Base, California3 Reviews•7 Photos•46 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Lindsey Lake Campground
Emigrant Gap, California3 Reviews•7 Photos•81 SavesPrimitive campground, with 12 campsites, vault toilets, and no trash service Located near Lindsey Lake, 12 miles north of Highway 20. Great hiking, fishing and swimming. Low clearance vehicles are not advised.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
Recent Tent Reviews in Nevada City
765 Reviews of 84 Nevada City Campgrounds
Bobby S.
Scout
Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Great Trip!
I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun. Me and my friends were up there and there was conveniently a campground available in there same campsite. We went in the summer and the water was perfect! We went fishing and caught crawfish in a trap underneath the bridge near the front. Overall the staff were really nice and it was a great trip. I recommend it!
- G
Guy
Guide
Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Had to kick me out
This place and his staff were absolutely amazing. I had a couple of different times where I needed to change the spot and without fail they were there to help. Quite CLEAN everything! I wanted to stop awhile 30 days later I was told goodbye👋 cause I know the rules at a State Park!🤦😔😔💩
- GGuyGuide
Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Great staff
I am not the easiest but the staff has a heart of gold and at every turn we’re really there to help.
- PPaul K.Guide
El Dorado
Dyrts description sucked
We could not find this place. Needs better description. Afterwards in another rv park I worked it out. Need to go to their website first better directions than just el dorado. Dyrt dropped the ball on this one.
Sebastian M.Scout
Auburn Gold Country RV Park
Okay
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. Feels like a bit of a rip off to be honest. The rest is nice, quiet (except for the geese) and clean.
- BBradford H.
Traveler
Loon Lake
Old boat ramp, rock and uneven
Nice peaceful spot. Few cars go by, but it’s tucked away enough.
- DDaniel M.Traveler
American River Resort
Top
Des douches chaudes du wifi Super rapport qualité-prix Que du bonheur
- bbill T.Scout
Loveys Landing RV Park and Marina
Don’t waste your time
Long drive on a narrow bumpy levy road to find a full time trailer park. NOT A RV RESORT!
- Patricia N.
Ranger
Grizzly Creek Campground
Nestled in the trees
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, which I don't understand since there is no snow here until November.
When we were there only one other camper was staying here and he was a deer hunter.
The water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared. This campground has two sites that will take a 30' trailer and the remaining sites will take smaller trailers, tents or campers.
One site has a new picnic table but all sites have tables, fire pits and plenty of room between sites. Pit toilets are near the entrance and only one was clean when we stayed here.
Not to far from Bucks Lake if you want to camp and then drive to the lake.
Fees have changed, they are $25 a night and $12.50 if you have the pass.
- Patricia N.Ranger
Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground
South Feather and Power water company campground
Sly Creek Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake with several campsites along a small portion of the lake.
There is a boat ramp and ATV riding on the forest roads in the area.
The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025.
Passes are honored.
Michael B.Scout
Running Deer Campground
Lake side
Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline.
- rrob D.Guide
Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation
Nice USFS campground
All camp sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Please ensure fires are permitted before starting a fire. The campground was clean and quiet. Pit toilets were clean and well stocked. Please note that I was there during the week. I imagine that during summer weekends it can get quite noisy with boat and jet ski traffic being so close to Reno. I would definitely stay again.
- HHope H.Traveler
Bear Valley Campground
Remote Forest Camping
FCFS OHV campground that can be approached from a couple of rough dirt roads, high clearance helpful, 4wd not needed. Not all sites are flat. People from the area (i guess) seemed to be "reserving" sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs... they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility. Took a hike. Very pretty. No OHV noise, but a copter was circling the area in the middle of the night.
- TTaylor A.Guide
Lodgepole Campground
Perfectly Situated in the Sequoias
I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!
- OOnyx E.Guide
Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
Large dirt pull off
Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!
- SShawn M.Traveler
Bowman Lake Dispersed
Lake side Campsites
If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.
Azizah T.Ranger
Ice House Campground
Quiet campground with frequent bears
I made reservations here a week prior to our trip because I was looking for a warmer place to camp. I previously had reservations at Pinecrest, but it was going to be in the 50s during the day and 30s at night. Which isn’t ideal since I have a 7 month old and a 3 year old. But it ended up getting pretty chilly here as well - high 50s, low 40s. I do not recommended campsite 3, where we camped. It is a double site and is spacious enough for two families. But the campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night. One huge black bear, and a mama black bear with her cub. It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3). Luckily, our kids were asleep when the black bear came around 9pm. The camp host never came by to check us in, even though we were right next to their site. They did not inform us of the three bears that would be coming by. Obviously we are in bear country, so precautions were taken. But it would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us (where one of the bears was coming down). When my husband informed the camp host of the bear that came by she wasn’t surprised at all and said “oh there’s three that come every night. One big black bear who is about 4.5ft tall on all fours - he’s a big guy! And a mama bear with her cub.” This was very strange to me that she didn’t come by and tell us this, nor did she tell the other campers around us. We went and informed the two sites by us so that they were aware of this. Aside from that, the campground is beautiful. You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around. The walk to the reservoir is short and sweet. The water isn’t freezing either, our dog enjoyed her daily swim. I recommend this campground for its beauty but be prepared for a bear visit.
- OOnyx E.Guide
Nevada County Fairgrounds
Quiet camping
It’s $30 a night for dry camping and goes up from there depending on what hookups you need. Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around.
- RRebecca J.Traveler
Union Valley Reservoir
Beautiful !
Loved the time spent. Crozier fire started. Made for a bitter sweet sunset.
- aaddison G.Scout
Haskins Valley Campground
Nice, easy access to lake
It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake.
- jjoe N.Scout
Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground
Boca Rest
I spent nine days camping at Boca rest, it is a beautiful campsite. I was there before memorial day weekend so it was fairly empty. The fishing and the little Truckee and the lake was outstanding.
- DDarrin S.Traveler
Quail Ridge RV Park
Serene RV Trailer Park?
Place wasn’t too bad. Very nice people, very peaceful, and quiet, however, there were many people here who are permanent residents of the park, some of their areas are a little trashy looking for lack of a better word. Definitely not a bad spot if you’re on the way to another campground, but there are probably better ones to head to, especially if you have children with you. We were also looking for a place to camp with two days notice and this was all we could find. Cheap too!
- RRebecca J.Traveler
Lindsey Lake Campground
So nice!
Stayed 6 days with friends and dogs. Sites were rustic but clean. We had direct access to lake to launch and swim. Jake, site host, very kind and professional as he answered questions and gave advice when a group member popped a tire coming up to the lake. We will be back!
Chris N.GuideBowman Lake Dispersed
Great Late Spring Escape
This place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.
- Sharon B.Scout
Collins Lake Recreation Area
Lakeside
*pros: great little market, very nice staff, clean, great views *cons: rocky watch your step, especially at the beach and a long the shore. Recommend water shoes, although this may only help a little as the rocks are quite large and when can trip over them as much as step on them. they are not round river rocks, but pointy and painful to traverse. *my stay: I was only here for two nights and on the second morning some people pulled in and pitched a tent at 4:30 in the morning. They weren’t particularly loud, but they did curse and had their flashlight bright enough that it shone into my site and RV. Overall, it was still a very pleasant stay for the two nights.
Jeff B.Guide
Movin' West RV Park
A great place to stay in Graeagle, CA
It was a great RV park to stay at in Graeagle, California. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is great. The town is only 1 mile from the RV park and you can easily walk there. I highly recommend the Graeagle Outpost for coffee, ice cream, and more.
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 because they are only partial fences.
- JJustice B.Scout
Tahoe State Recreation Area Campground
Horrible customer service
Couldn’t even get to the point of making a reservation or getting there cause they didn’t pick up the phone despite being on hold for 10 minutes
Guide to Nevada City
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Nevada City, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that immerse you in nature's beauty. From serene lakes to scenic trails, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Tent campers should check out Lake Spaulding Campground
- Enjoy spacious sites surrounded by towering trees at Lake Spaulding Campground, perfect for a peaceful retreat before your backpacking adventures.
- This campground features picnic tables and fire rings, making it ideal for evening gatherings under the stars.
- With easy access to hiking trails along the lake, you can explore the stunning scenery right from your campsite.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Experience the thrill of rafting on the North Fork of the American River, just a stone's throw from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area, where you can also enjoy fishing and swimming.
- For those who love hiking, the trails around Grouse Ridge Campground lead to breathtaking views and access to multiple lakes.
- Explore the nearby Emerald Pools on the Yuba River, a short drive from Rucker Lake Campground, where you can swim and relax in the warm waters.
Local attractions for tent campers
- Discover the rich history of the area by visiting the historical markers at Camp Far West North Shore, which was once a camp on the immigrant trail to the California gold fields.
- Enjoy the vibrant wildflower fields and stunning meadows at Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground, perfect for a day of exploration and photography.
- Take a scenic drive to Fiddle Creek, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the river and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nevada City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nevada City, CA is Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Nevada City, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 84 tent camping locations near Nevada City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.