If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near New Melones Lake, look no further. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near New Melones Lake. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
North Grove (sites 27-59)
$25 - $70 / night
Lake Camanche Resort features 550+ tent camping sites spread out over hundreds of acres which are available year-round at both North and South Shores.
Many sites offer immediate lake access while others are just a short walk away. Campsite amenities include bbqs, tables, water, hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. Primitive sites are just a short drive away to restrooms & showers. Ask you reservation agent for which sites provide shade.
All of our sites feature some of California’s best natural and native species of trees, plants and flowers. Looking for alcohol-free camping? Both shores also feature alcohol-free campgrounds, perfect for those in search of a more family-friendly camping experience.
$50 / 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.
Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.
Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:
The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.
"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank-
Pitch your tent under the shade of a majestic oak tree, right on the bank of the Tuolumne River, whose waters originate in Yosemite National Park. Keep an eye out for river otters, turtles, bald eagles, and beaver. Expect nighttime visitors like owls, foxes, and raccoons. Cole Ranch is a bit of an oasis surrounded by almond and walnut orchards. Pick a treat from the wild blackberry bushes, or from our family organic pomegranate orchard (mid-October thru mid-December). Warm yourself with your own personal fire pit in your camp, no extra charge (bring your own firewood, or purchase seasoned oak from Your Host). Outdoor kitchen available with a coffee bar, refrigeration, electricity, hot water, 3-burner stove, and BBQ’s.
**ADVISORY** (9/08/23) 8:05 AM
The river is back to normal flow, perfect for wading, swimming, fishing, kayaking, or any other river activities.
**ADVISORY** (8/10/23) 8:05 AM
The Tuolumne River unexpectedly rose about 2- 3' over night. The entire gravel shore us under water. Wading is relatively safe, but use extreme caution when boating or swimming.
$60 - $90 / night
Army veteran and outdoor enthusiast that loves to share my passion for the wilderness!
One hour from Yosemite's West Gate, we have plenty of room, extra camping gear and amenities, and lots of peace and quiet! ATVs and guided tours are also possible upon request. Four-wheel drive is required for RVs and campers, and we can assist with your arrival. Please call or email ahead.
$50 - $150 / night
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services like trash removal, and few or no facilities such as tables and fire pits, are provided.
Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.
Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:
The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest.
Guide
Loved the big beautiful trees. Enjoyed the creek behind. Lovely campground. Nice, clean facilities. Has bear lockers, pinicic tables and fire rings.
Guide
Spent (2) nights here and loved it. Enough T-Mobile service for messaging and lite web browsing. Spacious pull-out with a small rock fire pit. I believe fires are allowed as long as you have a permit.
~8min drive to Big Oak Entrance and ~40min drive to Yosemite Valley Welcome Center. Why stay at Hodgdon when you can stay here!
Legend
We’ve stayed at this campground a couple of times on our way to/from Yosemite National Park, and it is a nice place to spend a couple of nights. Many campers come here to get on the lake in their powerboats, or fish from the shore, and there will be no shortage of anglers most weekends; but, during the week in the shoulder season, we pretty much had the place to ourselves.
The campground offers a range of pull-through and back-in campsites along the slopes of the rolling hills, but most of the individual sites were flat and could accommodate a wide variety of rig sizes. Some are close enough together to make a great group camping set-up, while others were off on their own with a view of the reservoir. While there were many trees around for shade, we still had enough open sky for good solar gain and Starlink.
The main bathroom building had clean flush toilets and showers, but there were a few extra vault toilets scattered around. Fresh water taps and recycling/ trash bins were plentiful.
Hiking, cycling, paddling and fishing are the name of the game here, and we got in our kayaks for an awesome day paddle around the many coves of this reservoir. Since the lake level fluctuates there aren’t many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch.
There is a nearby gas station with a few supplies, ice, and firewood. Sonora is the closest town with larger grocery stores and restaurants.
Legend
We ended up at this small campground because our potential boondocking spots were completely snowed in up top. So glad we did as it is tucked away on the grounds of an amazing state park!
Most of the sites are small with a lot of tree coverage. It was quiet, quaint, and clean. We found a good site that provided just enough sky for both our 400W portable solar panel and Starlink to work pretty well. The bathroom building has flush toilets, was kept clean, and warm showers.
But the campground isn’t the reason to come here...it’s the history! This little park tucked into the Western Sierras will blow your mind. It is a significant Miwok Native American historical site, with home sites, ancient Oak trees, and literally thousands of grain, and acorn grinding stones located in the central part of the park.
The visitor’s center is a must-see and brings the location to life. In cooperation with the local tribes, the state manages the site and visitor’s center for the public. Take a walk on the interpretive trail, hike the adventure trails, fish in the creek, or attend a special program. It is a beautiful place to spend a few days.
The nearby town of Pine Grove has a few restaurants and grocery stores to get what you might need.
Guide
Very nice park, great walking trails, beautiful trees. Many of the buildings are older, but well kept. Showers are coin operated and nice. No trailer hookups, but very site has a water but can’t connect it with the trailer. Park does have a dump station and is included in the space rent. Only issue is being by the road and having road noise. Plenty of restrooms and showers (coin operated). The only Wi-Fi is at the visitor center and VERY limited cell service, no great loss.
Traveler
Was a wonderful experience! The host was super helpful even at night when we didn’t find our designated spot (even though it had super obvious signs - our fault) Super lovely host and a beautiful ranch. A lot of fireplaces with wood. Can only recommend lighting up a little campfire and stargazing at night! Bring some marshmallows with you !
Scout
Nothing fancy or too expansive, but a handful of spots on either side of the road. Certainly easier to settle in before it’s dark.
Scout
Our neighbors in A119 talked, played loud music, whooped and laughed loudly until at least 3 am. At about 11 pm, we requested that please keep the noise down and reminded them of the quiet after 10 pm park rule. They said that the rule only applied to loud music and proceeded to make rude comments and told us to call the ranger. No one answered the phone. We called the local police: no noise ordinance in the county. Our neighbors proceeded to increase the volume of their talking, laughing and started hooting (making animal noises) as well. My husband asked them again at about 12 am to please be quiet and they got even louder after that. We moved to a different site and were still able to hear them but the noise level dropped to a more moderate level. We reported them to the ranger the next day but did not get a satisfactory response. There were at least 20 people at that site. The ranger said that 8 people was the limit. Without enforcement, number limits or quiet time rules are meaningless.
Guide
It wasn’t as nice as the photos depicted. Water shortage? The grasses were long and dried up, there appears to have been a wooden bridge as a shortcut to the pool/restroom/laundry room/Deli, but no longer. The restrooms were barely tolerable and the woman’s had a bad odor. There’s a dishwashing station that is no longer serviceable, just a stainless sink set in a covered table with no water or even plumbing to include drains. You have to pay for WiFi and sometimes the signal drops. For the cost of the campground the WiFi should be free! Lesser known campgrounds even have free WiFi. There are Conestoga Wagons, Cabins and Yurts. None were occupied. Reason?
Guide
Drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds. Side of road camping. Camping on Ridgeline
Guide
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!
Scout
So disappointing this app has failed us like 5 times now on camping spots. Not the right location.
ScoutA good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night. They do accept golden age passes which reduces your nightly expense to $10 per night maximum 15 days for the month. Geared mostly for small trailers and tents, however, they do have some sites for larger RVs drive-through 40 foot max and roadside, slide outs might cause a problem. Park managers are very professional, courteous and pleasant. Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness dump station is available for RVs. If you have a portable black tank, it would work out better for you on extended stays when dumping your black tank. If you are self-contained, you won’t have any difficulties at all.
Ranger
Got one of the furthest sites tent camping. Could see all the stars. They also provide bear boxes for each site.
GuideWooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.
GuideWe used Diamond Gulch as our base while exploring Yosemite for 5 days. Overall, it was a great experience with a great host! We visited in mid to late July, so it was very hot, and this means the campground was a little dusty, but manageable. As others have stated, there is free firewood at your site, but we were a little scared to light a wood fire given how everything was so dry. Also, as others have mentioned the showers were great, but we did have issues with getting them to heat up.
One thing to keep in mind is that while Groveland is only ~30 minutes from Yosemite, the drive within the park can take up 45-60 minutes. So, plan accordingly and be prepared. Our experience was that if we left camp around 7:30 we'd be through the gate with no line at 8am, and be at a parking lot around 9am. This always worked for us to get a parking spot without any hassle. After a long day of hiking and exploring the drive back to the campground felt a little long.
Something we did not expect was how little there is in Groveland itself. We tried to spend a couple of hours there one afternoon, and ended up just grabbing coffee and going back to camp. There just isn't much to do in town. This isn't to discourage anyone, but keep that in mind.
The good:
* Good host
* Beautiful scenery from camp
* Clean, well serviced bathrooms (porta potties)
* Water available in camp
* Excellent showers (especially when you can get them to heat up)
* Very relaxed atmosphere
The okay:
* The sites have wood chips spread to keep down dust, but those get tracked everywhere.
* A bit of a drive from the sights in Yosemite
* On busy weekends it can get a bit crowded
Guide
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)
GuideAll wheel drive, okay. Large grounds, many motorbike and trails, permit required (bikes). Camped upper level. Please pack in, pack out, don't make others clean up after you.
Scout
We have been going to camanche Lake for years . Low cell service but very nice place to tent camp. Last year, they gave us our spot we set up, then was told they made a mistake and made us move spots, but the new spot was closer to the water and that made the kids happy. Kinda a hassle, but it worked out. We love it at this lake.
Guide
Six of us went and got 2 campsites, 27 & 28. Very roomy and lots of shade. Other sites have varying degrees of shade from good to none. Fishing was fantastic with both flies and lures. Bathrooms nearest camp host are much nicer than the others. Hosts were extremely nice. Price was just $12/night with national parks pass. Tons of free firewood from downed trees in area
RangerNot expensive and has bathrooms, garbage, fire pits and picnic tables but no privacy and unfriendly camping ground covered with gravel and few level places to comfortably pitch a tent. Many families here but some partiers till midnight and an idiot who ran his generator all night during quiet hours
RangerThis was a really nice stay close to Yosemite with really spread out spots. Couldn’t even see your neighbor and the vicinity to the park made it perfect. It’s 4 stars because you could hear the traffic from the main road from my spot
RangerAwesome spot close to Yosemite, road isn’t too bad and it’s absolutely beautiful. I wasn’t bothered . I recommend arriving a little early, we didn’t have a little trouble finding the right road.
Scout
This place ist closed! It seems to be closed for ever. 06/26/24
Scout
This place is closed, it seems to be longer. 06/26/24
Scout
Thank you for sharing your experience at Hirst Horse Ranch! It sounds like a perfect getaway with its peaceful 10-acre property, shaded by trees and dotted with delightful horse pastures. The children’s playground, with its sandbox, treehouse, and impressive 17-foot swing, promises endless fun for the young and the young at heart. The opportunity to interact with horses and enjoy breathtaking sunsets makes it truly special. For more captivating moments and updates, make sure to follow them on Instagram. Download the Instagram app through this link and stay connected with Hirst Ranch!
ScoutFh
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near New Melones Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near New Melones Lake is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near New Melones Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 49 tent camping locations near New Melones Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
