283 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Newcastle, California range from primitive tent camping along the American River to developed RV and tent sites with water hookups and shower facilities. The nearby Auburn State Recreation Area provides camping access along the American River, including Lake Clementine Boat In campground which offers primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Developed facilities at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area's Peninsula and Beals Point campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV campers with water hookups and shower facilities. Private resorts like Coloma Resort and Camp Lotus add cabin and glamping options for those seeking additional amenities within a 30-minute drive of Newcastle.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring navigation of narrow, winding roads not suitable for large RVs or trailers. The Auburn State Recreation Area's campgrounds typically operate seasonally, with Lake Clementine's boat-in sites available primarily from May through September. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when water-based recreation is popular. Winter camping options are more limited, with some sites closing during the off-season. According to one visitor at Lake Clementine, "The access road is about six miles of curvy, hilly, and narrow (sometimes only one lane) pavement. There is a sign prohibiting trailers; our 18-foot camper van did fine but anything much larger would definitely be challenged."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw throughout the Newcastle area camping scene. Several established campgrounds provide direct water access, with the American River and Folsom Lake offering swimming and boating opportunities. Many campers note the appeal of sites along the water's edge. As one reviewer mentioned, "The river was crystal clear and beautiful." Auburn Gold Country RV Park offers amenities including a pool and hot tub, while more primitive sites at the Peninsula Campground provide a more secluded experience. Reviewers frequently mention that campgrounds can become crowded during summer weekends, particularly at water-adjacent sites, though mid-week visitors often report having areas nearly to themselves. Dust and heat can be issues during summer months, with limited shade available at some sites.
"As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely."
"As full timers- we thought we hit the jackpot for the area in order to be near the towns we wanted to explore and also have service for good wifi."
from $33 - $58 / night
Check Availability"Very quite camping spot very clean.coin operated showers😭 lake is very close by."
"I wanted to find a spot somewhat close by and came across this one."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."
"If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"
"I’ve been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it’s a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing."
"Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers."
"It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."
"It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift."
"Great spot if you can get in half of the camp got washed away from the rain this year though ."
"WELCOME TO ASCENSION RANCH Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise tucked away in an oak savanna along Folsom Lake with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities."
"Super relaxing and has a lake that is at the end of the trail. Super convenient. It was cool to experience the animals that were in the pastures as well. I'd definitely come back."
from $59 - $115 / night
Check Availability"Our site was next to the raft launch/pickup, so there were a couple of groups picked up during the day. Bathrooms were average and the site was maintained well."
"Small cars made it down ther without difficulty)
Once at the camp ground, right on the waters edge, grab up the 3rd site on the right. It is literally on the edge of the river."
ScoutThis place is awesome. Super clean, spaces are big and neighbors are not too close. The facilities are super clean and modern. We enjoyed the pool, spa and shower facilities. There’s a shuttle that shows up about every 40 minutes to the casino. The office staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different spaces and location of the afternoon sun.
ScoutThis park is completely understaffed, and the staff they do have are short and rude when talked to. Leaches in the water, goose poop all on beach area along with trash and dirty diapers. Management is never to be seen and the store they have is never open. Restrooms had poop on walls, birds in the bathroom, toilet paper everywhere. They constantly have water problems. They have an abundance of wasps also.
GuideAll grass with plenty of shade tress. A lot of spaces to choose from, they have a camp host who patrols the area. Gates are locked at night so some what secure. There is a dump station that you can use if you rent a space. Very nice !
TravelerPlace was quite busy over the weekend but we were able to secure the last campsite Saturday afternoon. The drop toilets had a little remaining toilet paper but ran out during our stay (bring your own). I wouldn’t recommend the road without 4x4 or AWD, especially if the road conditions are wet/muddy. Our RWD car made it to the site, however it's the type of road that you could easily get stuck without off roading experience and careful navigation. There are sizable rocks, ruts, and potholes to navigate through. Under carriage scrapping will be unavoidable for lower clearance vehicles. Cell service available at campground. Bear box boxes available at campground, each site had one.
Amazing hikes and trailhead near campsite.
TravelerThe campsite is set along one side of the middle fork of the Cosumnes River and is quite lovely. It is a popular campground on weekends so reservations are recommended. There are outhouses and fresh water available. Cell service is very spotty (we have Verizon) but drive up the road a half mile and you'll get a signal. There are places to fish and swim in the river, with several day use areas in the campground.
TravelerWe did two nights and left in the morning on the third day. The ranger drove by briefly both days but didn't stop to give us any feedback. We followed the coordinates using GPS out to this site just fine without losing signal. But once there, definitely no cell signal. We didn't see any posts labeled"8N54" or"8N55". We did see posts for Motorized Trailhead 13E33.
Overall this was a good little spot for first time dispersed campers like us. We did some light hiking and there was plenty opportunity for star gazing. Oddly enough there was rave music playing all night into the early morning hours. Unexpected, but distant enough that one of us was able to sleep through it ok, but not the best or most peaceful sleep. We're not really sure if it was coming from a nearby campsite or private property but, oh well. At times throughout the day time the rave music would come on briefly.
Also, this site is really well suited for folks who love dirt motor biking, driving ATVs and that sort of thing. We don't have anything like that but we chose this site because it was easy to get to and not too far from home and civilization. There were several folks riding around both days from about 9 am to 4 pm. We recommend using a copy of the MVUM Map for El Dorado NF Placerville area to see all of the trails and road types. During the peaceful quiet moments, we heard several woodpeckers, crickets, loud deer mooing. And there was even a small heard of cows that came into the campsite a little bit. For about 45 minutes we heard them clinking around with their cowbells on. But it was at night so it was pitch black and the bells were a bit distracting along with the music. One of them even decided to smudge our truck(see photo).
Also, be prepared to shake out your shoes and clothes often as this site featured dirt floor that was particularly dusty. Any time the riders would go by, a big cloud of dust would flow our way. Plenty of tree cover for shade. We didn't use the fire pit because of fire restrictions right now, but we got a fire permit anyway before heading out there. Instead we used a mini stove with butane canister. Definitely plan to pack everything out and clean up your trash. There were a few straggler pieces of debris clearly left behind by less mindful folks, but overall the site was clean in that sense. We were here in late July and it wasn't too hot or cold. We got a mix of warm and cool breezes that were really nice!
ScoutNeeded a place to camp after driving 12 hours from Washington . Wanted to stay as close to Yosemite . This place did the trick . No one was there . Quiet and serene . Lots of scorched trees . But all in all was great . There is also cell service ! 7-23-26
LegendGeneral: Beals Point is one of two locations on Folsom Lake for camping. Large campground with a mix of electric and non-electric campsites plus some group sites.
Site Quality: Drives are paved and mostly level. We camped in a little “cul-de-sac” with just four sites. While these sites back up to the American River Bike Trail (aka Jedediah Smith Recreation Trail), it was overgrown, and I did not see direct access to the trail as we did the last time we were here.
Bath/Shower: Typical CA state park layout– all-gender units with toilet and sink (but no soap, towels, or dryers) and showers. Unlike other CA state parks, these take quarters instead of tokens. The units could use a little TLC, but what was most disheartening was how other campers had trashed them– toilet paper (and worse) scattered all over the insides. Obviously not the fault of the campground.
Activities/Amenities: Folsom Lake is the draw, and people were fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The 32-mile paved multi-use American River Bike Trail is easily accessible. There is a snack bar/concession stand for beach rentals, but it was not open when we were there.
Our stay here this time was over a weekend; it was completely full, and it reminded us once again that we prefer to camp during the week and shoulder seasons when campgrounds are less crowded!
LegendI invite you to take a look at the pictures. This is a simple gravel parking lot with hookups. There's nothing special about this location.
Camping spots near Newcastle, California provide access to the South and North Forks of the American River across elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F from June through September, while spring camping offers wildflower displays and moderate temperatures. Most campgrounds operate with seasonal limitations based on water levels and fire restrictions.
River rafting and floating: Camp Lotus sits directly on the American River with multiple rafting outfitters nearby. "For your convenience, there is an on-site deli that serves breakfast, lunch, and pastries. There is also a store where they sell ice, drinks, ice cream, snacks, toiletries, and other items," according to Judy C. Many visitors bring tubes for floating the gentler sections.
Gold panning: The Auburn State Recreation Area allows recreational gold panning in designated areas. At Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, Jason A. notes, "If you're lucky and know how to read the river, gold panning is a must!" Bring basic panning equipment and check with rangers about current restrictions.
Wildlife viewing: During spring and early summer, look for deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species throughout the area. Ray B. at Peninsula Campground observed, "The grass is green, and the leaves are out on all the oak trees which makes it more beautiful. Everyone else was on the loop near the shore. We picked a site away from everyone else at the other end of the campground with a stunning view over the lake."
Campsite privacy: While many campgrounds become crowded during summer, off-season camping offers significantly more seclusion. At Peninsula Campground, Ray B. shares, "With only us and two other folks in the entire campground we enjoyed privacy and seclusion. Good bike riding too."
Cleanliness of facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and showers despite heavy use. Mike R. at Beals Point Campground reported, "Probably the quietest RV spot I have been to. Coin operated shower very nice and clean bathroom clean showers."
River access: Direct water access remains a key attraction for swimmers during hot months. At American River Resort, Lloyd C. noted, "We had a great time at this resort. We stayed in spot 33 with a large group and didn't feel crowded." The resort offers prime viewing of river rapids: "It is right on the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it," adds Chris U.
Seasonal changes affect campsite quality: Water levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. At Lake Clementine Boat In, Drew M. advises, "First come first serve campsites. Useful tip, BRING A PEN AND EXACT CASH. Upon arrival, scope out the place and claim your spot by filling out the envelope with your name and vehicle information and how many days your plan on staying."
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds switch between reservation and first-come systems depending on season. According to Cooper L., "I've been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it's a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing."
Fire restrictions change frequently: Summer fire bans are common. Kate A. at Thousand Trails Ponderosa notes, "Fires are restricted sometimes in the summer. Some sites require a membership. Local grocery and pizza, frozen yogurt available within walking distance."
Coin-operated showers: Bring quarters for showers at many campgrounds. At Beals Point Campground, Emmi O. advises, "The showers need QUARTERS and we were out of coins. So remember to take quarters with you if you want to shower."
River safety precautions: The American River current varies significantly by season and section. "The river was crystal clear and beautiful," one camper noted, but others warn about swift currents, especially during spring runoff.
Kid-friendly amenities: Coloma Resort offers multiple features specifically for families. Rosina A. explains, "You can tent camp (covered sites for camping too), rent a cabin or RV camp. Great sites along the river too. Kids can play along several playgrounds for kids of different ages. A large grass area great for games."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring additional equipment. One visitor at Auburn Gold Country RV Park noted, "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."
Electrical concerns: During peak summer, electrical capacity can be strained. David C. at American River Resort cautions, "The terrain is steep with mostly smaller sites. Water pressure is excellent. Our site had 30 amp only and I doubt any of them have 50 amp. The power is not good. I had to bypass the surge suppressor because it kept cutting out due to low voltage. Voltage was generally 104-105."
Size limitations: Several campgrounds have tight roads and small sites. "I would be very cautious about coming here with a larger RV. Ours is 30' bumper to bumper. I think 32 would be ok," adds David C. Consider calling ahead to confirm your specific RV can be accommodated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Newcastle, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Newcastle, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 283 campgrounds and RV parks near Newcastle, CA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Newcastle, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Newcastle, CA is Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Newcastle, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Newcastle, CA.
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