Looking to cabin camp near New Melones Lake and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Finding a place to cabin camp in California is easier than ever. You're sure to find the perfect cabin rental for your New Melones Lake camping adventure.
Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging offers some of the best lodging near Yosemite National Park, with many types of cabins, plus yurts and RV and tent sites. While here, enjoy our large swimming pool, volleyball court, deli and Petting Farm! Spend your days at Yosemite and the surrounding Gold Country towns and return to stay with us, where peace and quiet is plentiful! Relax and recharge in a family-friendly setting, ready for your next day’s adventure!
Yosemite Lakes RV Resort is located 80 miles east of Modesto, and just 5 miles west of Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance station. This large, year-round resort offers nearly 400 sites for RV and tent campers along the banks of the South Fork Tuolumne River. RV campers can choose from open, grassy spaces, or shady, wooded spaces with full hookups; tent campers can set up under mostly shady pine woods. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, and restrooms and shower facilities are conveniently located throughout the resort. The resort also offers a variety of cottages, cabins, yurts and bunkhouses. Onsite amenities include a country store, laundry room, Wifi and satellite TV service, trash receptacles, gas station, and propane depot. Dogs are permitted. Reservations are recommended, however many tent sites are first-come, first-served. Seasonal campsite rates are $41–$75/night; other accommodations range from $86–$305/night. For campers looking for a little rest and relaxation time outside of the busy national park, the resort offers a variety of amenities and activities. There’s a playground for the kids, and mini golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and basketball for kids of all ages. Swimming, floating, fishing, and gold panning can be enjoyed on the South Fork Tuolumne River, which flows right through the resort area. The resort also hosts group activities, movies and weekend events. Nearby activities include swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing on Don Pedro Reservoir and New Melones Lake, as well as touring the old mining towns of Sonora, Angels Camp and Murphys. When it’s time to visit Yosemite National Park: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is 45 minutes away; Yosemite Valley is 1 hour away; Tuolumne Meadows is 80 minutes away; and Mariposa Grove is 90 minutes away. In the busy summer season, it’s good to allow extra time to get to these destinations, and have patience looking for parking. Yosemite National Park, located in the heart of California’s spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains, is, justifiably, one of America’s most popular national parks. Visitors flock to Yosemite every summer to marvel at its towering granite walls, domes and pinnacles, as well as its spectacular meadows, waterfalls and wildlife. No trip to Yosemite is complete without taking at least a short walk or hike to soak in the majesty of this glacier-carved landscape, away from the park’s busy roads and villages. Yet, with its limited camping and lodging options, it can be challenging to visit the park during its busy summer season. Fortunately, there are several campgrounds and resorts located just short distances outside of the park that make suitable alternatives to the often congested and overcrowded park facilities, while still allowing easy access to the park’s sights, attractions, and trails.
At Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina you can enjoy your choice of 110 sites on over ten acres including shoreline for Lake Tulloch camping. These include lakefront hookups with space to keep your boat right at your site, lakefront cabins with your own dock and full hookup sites with 50 amp service, water and sewer. Many tent sites with water, picnic table and firepits are also available.
Our General Store, Restaurant, 21 slip marina and gas dock, boat rentals at Lake Tulloch Boat Rentals, modern restrooms, hot showers and laundromat all contribute to making Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina one of the best spots for family camping, boating and fishing in California!
Pinecrest features a large campground by Pinecrest Lake, just 30 miles east of Sonora, at an elevation of 5600 feet. The area includes a day-use beach and a marina, a small shopping center and recreation cabins. The campground caters to all ages and is within walking distance of the lake, an amphitheater, visitor center, swimming beach and spectacular hiking trails. Pets are welcome, but must be compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws.
The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail takes hikers on an easy 4-mile stroll around Pinecrest Lake. Rainbow trout is a common catch in the lake and swimming is enjoyed at the sandy beach. Educational programs are also a highlight of the recreation area. Bike rentals are on hand so campers can bike around the area. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is open for summer operations offering mountain bike trails, hiking, disc golf, indoor and outdoor games and more!__
The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail takes hikers on an easy 4-mile stroll around Pinecrest Lake. Rainbow trout is a common catch in the lake and swimming is enjoyed at the sandy beach. Educational programs are also a highlight of the recreation area. Bike rentals are on hand so campers can bike around the area. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is open for summer operations offering mountain bike trails, hiking, disc golf, indoor and outdoor games and more!__
Many campsites are shaded by trees and sit near the southwest side of the 300-acre Pinecrest Lake in Stanislaus National Forest. In this beautiful mountain landscape, wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes and deer. Stanislaus National Forest is situated in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. The area boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and California's Great Central Valley.
Located in the nearby area are several activities. There are ample hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, mountain bike riding, and water activities. Pinecrest lake is a boating and swimming recreation area with restaurants, stores, boat rentals, and an outdoor movie theater. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is a ski area in the winter and in the summer is a basecamp for mountain biking, hiking, and a great indoor/outdoor BBQ. Aspen Meadow Pack Station is three miles from Pinecrest Lake and offers horseback rides and trail head for hiking. Kennedy Meadows is 30 miles east of Pinecrest and offers great river access for fishing, horse bike rides, hiking, and restaurants. Sonora Pass, a scenic winding highway that has guided people across the Sierra Nevada since 1852, is located nearby.
$30 - $32 / night
Please note: Tent Camping is by reservation only.
Here at Lake Amador we have a large campground consisting of 113 sites located on a 100 acre portion of the facility that is surrounded by shade giving Oaks. Most campsites have running potable water, some have electricity and many sites are located on the waters edge when the lake is full. There are hot showers and flush toilets located throughout the campground and some sites located by swim pond also have free WIFI access!
Lake Amador also has a 73 site Deluxe RV Park on a private peninsula. All sites located in the RV Park have Full hookups and FREE WIFI. Some sites are reserved year round for residents and as vacation spots. All open RV sites are first come first served so call prior to your visit to check availability.
At the Lake Amador Clubhouse we offer food and fun. There you will find both air conditioning and a large fireplace so no matter the weather outside you can always find refuge inside. While there you can utilize the FREE WIFI, play pool, horse shoes, foosball, watch TV or even play Checkers, Chess, or Cribbage on our custom gaming tables. The Clubhouse features a well stocked Beer Bar as well as The Tackle Box Café where you can get a delicious Breakfast and Lunch on the weekends. Now if supplies are all your after you’ll be happy to know we also have a fully stocked general store with any essentials you may have forgotten at home.
$25 - $45 / night
Get back to nature at Rancho Seco Recreational Area. A short 25-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, you’ll find the 400-acre park that makes up the Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Take a short vacation and enjoy bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and even a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals and wildlife. Camp in comfort with recreation and concession buildings, shade structures, laundry facility, boathouse, and newly renovated restrooms and showers. This Rancho Seco camping destination offers RV sites, tent camping sites, and group sites, some with gorgeous lake views.
$30 - $40 / night
Private - Members Only Campground
The Three Links Camp is a great place for individuals and groups to enjoy the beautiful Sierra forest in scenic Tuolumne County! Since 1958, when it was established by the California Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Fraternal Order, the Three Links Camp has provided a welcome retreat from the pressures of everyday life.
Open year around to members, the public and “children of all ages”, the Camp is located on 25 acres in central California. It is about 18 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108 in the Stanislaus National Forest, then about a ½ mile more on a gravel road. The Camp offers all the joys of camping without having to pitch a tent (but you can).
While the Camp rents to individuals, it is especially good for family reunions, community and social groups, meetings, weddings, etc. It has a multipurpose building with full kitchen and dining facilities, chapel, swimming pool, amphitheater and crafts building, RV spaces, tent spaces, and Dorm beds, all at reasonable rates.
At about 4,800 feet in elevation, snow helps create winter activities, with access almost always available. The Camp is a great place for snow play or to take advantage of Dodge Ridge (snowboarding/skiing), about 18 miles east on Hwy 108. Summer activities abound at or around the Camp including hiking and swimming. Beautiful Pinecrest Lake with fishing and boating available, is just 9 miles east.
Make the Camp your base for other points of interest, including Mi-Wuk, historical Twain Harte, Sonora, Jamestown, Columbia, and other areas to the west on or near Hwy 108 or Hwy 49. Activities and interests include dining, shopping, antiquing, classic trains, historic parks, etc., and all are within 30 miles or less from the Camp.
The Camp is overseen by an Board of Directors who are appointed by the Grand Master. The Board provides oversight and guidance for Camp operations according to its bylaws and government requirements, and meets on a monthly basis to take care of Camp business.
The Camp Manager reports directly to the Board.
Rental Information – RV, Tent Camping and Cabins (Dormitory Style)
• RV Spaces •
Over 40 RV spaces set among the trees in the forest shadows, let you rest in the comfort of your own RV. Most spaces have full hookups, and some can accommodate the larger RVs. Some spaces have no sewer line, but our convenient dump station is also available. Individuals or groups of RVs are welcome.
• Tent Sites •
Numerous unimproved tent sites are also available to individuals or groups. The number of people allowed per site may be limited at the discretion of the Camp Manager.
• Dormitories •
Five dormitories (Dorms) handle groups of up to 108 people. Each Dorm has 10 or more single person bunks, two doublewide bunks, and a small restroom with toilet, sink and shower. According to the size of your group, one, two, some or all Dorms may be rented.
We spent one night right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset. It’s true that bathroom / toilets / showers aren’t clean, they are quite old.
But we didn’t care, the view worth it. We went swimming in the lake : what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn’t bothered us.
It was super calm. The crew was nice with us and let us spend only one night here for 50$ (the minimum should be 2 nights)
I recommend this place!
(Also, it’s right halfway between Yosemite and San Francisco: which was perfect for us)
49er was great! We stayed here for the last weekend of the summer before the kids went back to school. We were advised on our arrival that the site I picked was in full sun, and we were moved to“Shady Lane”, site 18. We checked out the pond, playground, volleyball and shuffleboard areas, but spent most of the time in the pool, it was a hot weekend. The flies were pretty bad, but apparently this is not normal and it was just after the county fair ended(fairgrounds is right next door). Full hookups, nice little store with ice cream and coffee, we will have to come back when the weather(and flies) is a little better. I added a handful of 360 photos to show the place off, and I’m working on a street view of the campground. Will be back!
This place itself is just one star worth. But the near proximity to Yosemite is good. Sites are cramped, toilets and showers were unhygienic. Was the most expensive camping we had with the worst service and accommodation.
This time I brought a friend who hadn't been here before.
As usual, the staff was great! Very friendly at our arrival and in the evening while performing their drive-by checks.
This time I actually tried the showers and I was not disappointed. Great water pressure, plenty warm and cleaner than you might expect. Sure, there are some bugs that get in, but it was way nicer than showering in my van.
The bathrooms are well maintained and stocked with paper towels and tp. They really do a nice job here.
The riding was great. We were in awe of how empty it was. Father's Day weekend and we never came across anyone else on the trails.
We did have to relocate. My buddy couldn't get his RV into the hillside spot we'd reserved - M49 I think it was.
Amador is a laid back camping spot that never disappoints. Great for families. Not a party destination but you can still have a great time! They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole. There is also a old school playground for the kids. The staff is super friendly and always there to help. I take my kids at least 3-4 times a year and enjoy any of the seasons. There is Frisbee golf as well.
What a shame. This place has so much potential to be a nice place, but lacks investment and passion of the owner to make it so. My bet is that it was recently sold to new owners and they're way over their heads.
Pros:
-Some of the employees are friendly and helpful
-The location is pretty, and the creek side spots are nice.
Cons:
-The female owner or manager is not helpful and is generally flippant and rude.
-As noted above, getting in/out of spots is difficult and if you don't have high clearance on RV and tow vehicle, you will hit rocks and ruts and may break something. We got lucky and didn't break our sewer plumbing.
- Most spots aren't close to level, make sure to bring more leveling blocks than you're used to.
- Power and water on wrong side of RV in many spots. Make sure to bring extension power and hose. Power is only 15 amp so make sure to bring adapter.
- Resort caters to powersports, so be prepared for constant side-by-sides and quads going around the camp making noise and stirring up dust. If that's your thing, you're in luck.
- The dock is a piece of garbage and a hazard to walk on
- The wifi is spotty at best
- The "store" only has dry goods and not much of it. There is nothing refrigerated and no beer. If you need anything, the closest store is over 20 minutes away on winding roads, so bring everything you need or you'll be wanting.
- Trash receptacles were completely overflowing
Wow, let's say we had a nightmare ishhorrible experience. We rented a tent camp site for 2 nights. We were given an RV Slab camping site. It had the tiniest barbecue grill available. The water that was coming out of all the faucets, was red and brown. People weren't allowed to shower that night. Once night fall came, the camp's site was infested with roaches Everywhere, they went in all our grocery bags and under them. Went into and under all our boxes that we had. The roaches hid under our tents also. There also seemed to be a termite infestation. We had to cut our camping trip short after spending over a thousand dollars on supplies, food, the Camping site and parking fees The workers that drove by, especially Travis, were nice and Welcoming. Dogs have to be on a leash at all times. If you want to go into the lake with your dog, You have to walk very far away if you didn't rent one of the tent sites at the lake front area. Had to fumigate my vehicle when I got home with all my stuff in it. I pray none of the bugs will be in my stuff at home. I heard many other guests screeching and shouting, omg theres cockroaches every where. Good to know, we weren't the only ones disappointed. The owner Jake refused to refund me, or my two guests that wasted their 50 dollars in parking fees, although the trip was cut short due to the conditions. Jake offered for us to stay another night. Will never be back. Beware.
Huge but peaceful camping 15 mins from the entrance and 45 mins from the Yosemite visitor center. General store equipped in nicer gifts than the visitor center. First come first served, but after a check in you can reserve your site for when you are leaving. We didn’t bother looking for a place by the river as it was already packed, but found a nice spot in the third row. Spotted a skunk twice:) Bathrooms are rarely cleaned - three nights in there were still dirty. WiFi poor and limited to the front desk and laundry room. For this price would’ve been nice for it to work throughout the whole place though. Coin machine in laundry room out of order, you can exchange money at the front desk.
Since my initial visit in 2021 I've been back 4 or 5 times now. I guess that means I like it.
Generally, it's a great place - especially for mountain biking fans. Perhaps also for fishing and other activities, but that's outside my scope of interest.
On my first return visit I went to the same spot as the first visit. It was a bad choice - crowded and full of RVs who ran their generators all night long. The next morning I scouted out some better spots. The ranger was quite accommodating and allowed me to move to a quiet spot on top of a hill. This area has become my "go to" as it's close to the Exchequer trailhead and away from boaters.
Subsequent visits have been much better.
Could be a 5 star place, but shade is hard to come by in some areas and some clusters of camp sites get noisy when they're used by groups.
None of my complaints will stop me from going again - the trails are great and keep getting better.
The photos are from various visits.
We absolutely loved our monthly stay at Yosemite Lakes TT. We arrived early April and where the first ones to take a spot by the river - basically on our own for a week or so before others started trickling in. Towards the end of April the weekends were packed and buzzing but as soon as Monday's came around it was quite again. We ended up moving spots to have more space and better Starlink reception. Great activities at the lodge, clean and friendly and super close to the NP. We are in a 45 ft toy hauler and taking 120 up here was an ok drive. Would definitely come back again!
We enjoyed our first visit and will definitely come back! The park is a mix of old RV’s that folks have long term stays and open spots for visitors. Some nice spots and some tight spots. We stayed in site 62 with 41 foot MH. There was no room for a tow vehicle and we did not put our awnings out. We enjoyed fishing from the bank and had some good luck with power bait. The resort is very clean and quiet!
I need the camping
Stayed two nights. Had a large campsite with plenty of room and fairly secluded. Close to the restrooms, never did find showers. Enjoyed the proximity to the lake and had a great hike around it. Would return and stay a day or two longer.
We enjoyed our stay here while on a three week trip from our home in PA to the West Coast. There was a high volume of campers and it seemed they struggled a bit to keep up with the bathrooms but place more blame on people's poor manners in cleaning up after themselves. Definitely recommend!
I would give Yosemite Pines RV Park a zero-star rating if I could, following the disastrous and wholly dissatisfactory experience my fiancée and I had during our recent stay. We booked a 10-day stay at this RV campsite, expecting a relaxing, enjoyable vacation. Instead, we encountered an unprofessional and discourteous staff, led by a manager, Carmella Hoeft, who was as unaccommodating as she was rude. From day one, we felt dismissed and looked down upon, with our concerns and requests met with dispassion and disinterest. The situation worsened when the entire campground lost power during a period of triple-digit heat. The staff provided no resolution or contingency plan. Their lack of compassion and their refusal to offer a refund for our prematurely terminated stay were both shocking and unacceptable. We were also left severely disappointed by their substandard amenities. Their on-site washing machines, in a sorry state of disrepair, ruined over$200 worth of my fiancée's clothing. To add insult to injury, not only did the staff refuse to refund us for the damage, they also didn't offer to refund the cost of using the faulty machines. Frustrated, we paid out of pocket to relocate due to the unbearable heat and lack of power. The management promised a follow-up communication after supposedly"discussing with corporate," but this communication never materialized. Our final grievance occurred after we had left the campsite due to the unfavorable conditions. A package that was delivered after our departure became the subject of an outrageous demand from the manager, Carmella. She requested a$50 Venmo transfer plus the postage fees to simply forward the package to us. In conclusion, Yosemite Pines RV Park demonstrated a lack of basic human humility, compassion, and hospitality during our ill-fated stay. Despite the exorbitant fees charged for the stay, we found the park to be ill-maintained and malfunctioning, the staff unprofessional, and the overall experience thoroughly regrettable. We strongly advise potential visitors to think twice before booking their stay here. Yours in disappointment,
The sites were large and the scenery beautiful. It was the first full hookup campground outside the park, so pretty convenient. The road going in was washed out—the alternate route was extremely steep, but we managed with our 5 Cylinder motorhome. It is first come, first serve, so we chose a quiet place and were happy with it. No privacy between sites, and many were not functional due to sewer issues; I assume, due to the same storm that washed the road out. The shower heads were broken in one of the shower houses, both men’s and women’s. The other showers in our section worked great. Toilets and sinks were very clean. Overall, a good place.
Nice place to camp and relax
I’ve taken my trailer here twice now and love this place. It has nice big pull through spots, park with pool and mini golf. Lots of stuff to keep kids busy. It’s an older sport but feels like camping and not glamping. Staff is very friendly.
Finally got to break in our roof tent so decided to check this out. Our site was awkwardly slanted (so I thought we would trip and fall into the lake) but on the lake so that was nice. 4 wheel drive recommended since I saw people struggling to get in and out of sites. Lots of mosquitoes. Bring Raid and repellent. Friendly staff at cafe/registration and dog friendly. Water was murky so we didn't bother going in but lots of fishermen and we could see fish in the water. Okay overall. Maybe will stay at a different site next time.
At least when we visited the RV Park and the adjacent Cedar Lodge was functioning as one, meaning we could also use their pool, arcade, ping pong etc. Good places with tables, BBQ included.
Perfect Campground for a night outside Yosemite Valley!
Nice natur, but worn and sites with trash
Nice campground on the lake. We stayed in the dry camping area which was right on the lake. We noted that the sites were very close together with no privacy, but that was ok since there were few people there. The showers worked well and didn’t require coins, and there was a dump station up front by the fish cleaning station. Note that there’s a gate that closes so that you can’t enter - we just barely made it by the 9pm Friday closing time (I think this time varies by day of the week).
This resort is so relaxing. Everything you could ask for as amenities go in a beautiful location. Don't forget your sun screen.
We stayed at Yosemite Pines while my husband worked a job from Jan - Mar in Groveland. Was amazing to have this HUGE campground all to ourselves! The sites are really big. Beautiful trees, paved roads for biking or scootering, hooting owls in the trees, huge unusual pine cones, a nature trail that goes to an old gold mine. Really special place. We had to relocate to a hotel every 28 days due to the max 28 day rules in CA (if campgeound is not zoned for long term campers, visitors can only stay 28 days at a time). There are laundry facilities on site. My only complaint is the rotting picinic tables. I also wish there was a rec room or something where we could all hang out during heavy rain or snow storms.
Nice place quiet lots of places for big RVs pull through spots and back in spots they have spots for family reunions have showers store boat ramp nice place to camp North Shore is not for RVs it's for tent camping the South Shore has hookups 30 50 amp service full hookups all around a good place good people quiet time is 9:00 p.m. till 7:00 a.m. I believe doesn't mean you can't be up just no loud music no carrying on to disturb the other people lake is almost full
The Park is scenic and beautiful and would be perfect for families. However at $113/night it is disappointing that it was a gravel site, especially in the wet! Showers were fantastic, toilets do need fixing. Pool/Office and play area is a long walk but up the hill as sites are a long distance away, for that reason Laundry needs a change machine as office had shut by 2pm and that was the only way of getting change to use the facility. Overall a good park but expect premium $$$
Camping near New Melones Lake, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.
Camping near New Melones Lake, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near New Melones Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near New Melones Lake is Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging with a 3.9-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near New Melones Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 cabin camping locations near New Melones Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
