Best Tent Camping near Nicolaus, CA

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Nicolaus? We've got you covered. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Nicolaus's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Nicolaus, CA (24)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    1. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    29 Photos
    16 Saves
    Cool, California

    Boat-In Sites 1-16

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $38 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Far West North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    3. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    129 Saves
    Herald, California

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove
    Camper-submitted photo from Oracle Oak Grove

    4. Oracle Oak Grove

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    17 Saves
    Rough and Ready, California

    Sweet 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)

    5. Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)

    5 Reviews
    4 Photos
    133 Saves
    Yountville, California

    Known by various names over the years (including Lupine Shores and Steele Park), Steele Canyon campground has always been known as the campground to vacation at if you're looking for some fun and relaxation. Along with tent and RV campsites, the campground features easy access to Lake Berryessa and a launch ramp.

    Discover an amazing outdoor playground when you visit us at Steele Canyon on the gorgeous waters of Lake Berryessa. You can also experience the world-famous wine region of Napa Valley, situated less than an hour from our California RV resort.

    We offer spacious tent camping and RV sites so you can connect with the stunning natural beauty that surrounds Napa County. When you visit Steele Canyon, your outdoor vacation adventure in California goes from ordinary to extraordinary.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $5 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    Camper-submitted photo from OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo

      8. Camp Nauvoo

      3 Reviews
      17 Photos
      95 Saves
      Diamond Springs, California

      We are a small privately owned small campground (19 sites only) located on the outskirts of Placerville. The property features 86.5 secluded Tahoe like acres with beautiful year-round Weber Creek. The camp sites are placed along the creek or the bluff overlooking the creek. We have traditional dirt camping, canvas tents on platforms, teepees and glamping tents for those that want the comforts of home. We are tent camping only with only one site that allows a small travel trailer or van. (#14) . We are dog friendly and allow dogs in all but 5 glamping sites. We do enforce camp rules especially our quiet time between 10 PM and 7 AM (please review).

      We’ve been told that we have a “family camp” vibe. We are a great place for families wanting a safe environment for their kids but also several group sites for those that want to hang out together with multiple families. We are also a great base site for those wilderness enthusiasts with access to all the El Dorado National Forest including Desolation but want a hot shower at the end of the day.

      We have a lodge that is stocked with games and a ping pong table. The lodge has a microwave, Keurig machine and a hot water kettle for those hot drinks (BYO Cups).We have several tables set up for those that want to eat inside as well as multiple picnic tables along the side of the lodge with overhead protection. We have electricity at the at the lodge for small appliances and charging phones. We have a compressor on site to blow up your air mattresses or float toys. We’ve been told that our bathrooms are the “cleanest” ever and have changing tables and diaper pails. We offer nice flushing toilets and hot showers!

      For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing sets, seesaw and tractor play. We have hiking trails throughout the property. Our highlight is a camp fire bowl with bench seating with a stage to display camper talent which is perfect for the evening fire and roasting s’mores (bring the fixings).

      The creek starts out in spring looking like a rushing river featuring many fishing and swimming holes. As the summer progresses the water level falls but is still great for water play and fishing.

      We have propane BBQs (we provide the propane for BBQs) located throughout the property. We also have a propane grill and charcoal BBQ located in the common area for all to use. There is a dutch oven pit also in the fire bowl area.

      We do not allow wood fires at the individual sites but each site has a propane firepit for ambiance (not cooking) that requires you to purchase a 20 lb. propane cannister on site (add in extras) or pay cash on site.

      **We require a 3 night minimum for the major holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. **We do not do checkins on Sunday but do allow camping over Sunday night. We do exclusive events so you may need to explore multiple weekends to find the right reservation.

      We are located in the foothills so we are a short hop to many local attractions that include river rafting, gold mines, wineries and historical towns with great eating establishments. Tahoe is less than an hour away and there a many hiking trails within 20-30 minutes.

      We have a limited number of items to rent i.e, tents, cots, camp stoves, etc. We also have a small store on site for those items you forgot and a good selection of ice cream. We take venmo or cash.

      CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE BAY ALLOW 4 HOURS - YOU MUST LEAVE BY 3:00 IN ORDER TO ARRIVE DURING CHECKIN. IF YOU GET DELAYED, FOR THE CONSIDERAITON OF THE OTHER CAMPERS YOU MAY CONSIDER WAITING AND ARRIVING THE NEXT MORNING. THERE ARE NO CHECKINS AFTER 9:00.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $65 - $300 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Sacred Valley Ranch Retreat

      9. Sacred Valley Ranch Retreat

      Be the first to review!
      1 Photo
      2 Saves
      Gold Hill, California

      We have a private off-grid, camping area. Hiking on the 150 acres is available and we also are situated next to an 1100 acre park. There is a picnic area.

      We also have a popup tent camper site that is has access to a zip line, trampoline, fire pit, pool and ping pong tables, and massage chairs.

      Special Note: Our pond is not available at this time.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Tent Cabin

      $45 - $100 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Canyon - Lake Berryessa - USBR
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Canyon - Lake Berryessa - USBR
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Canyon - Lake Berryessa - USBR
      Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Canyon - Lake Berryessa - USBR
    Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Nicolaus

    397 Reviews of 24 Nicolaus Campgrounds


    • Natalie T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cowboy Camp
      Nov. 20, 2024

      Cowboy Camp

      Camp closed

      Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
      Nov. 5, 2024

      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!🤦😔😔💩

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cal Expo RV Park
      Nov. 4, 2024

      Cal Expo RV Park

      No Skoolies

      Disappointed to be told they don't allow any buses unless they have the RVCIA (sp?) sticker. There were some really old and knackered looking caravans and daggy RV's in the park, but the place was pretty much deserted as it's November. All in all it was frustrating. ggggrrrrrrr

    • Adrian J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Solano County Park
      Oct. 24, 2024

      Lake Solano County Park

      Great County Park

      This is an excellent and straightforward country park. It feels like a state park.

      They have hookups and also dry camping. The better spots are near the water.

      Contrary to other posts, they take walkups. It is just on the website it requires 2 weeks out.

    • PThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from El Dorado
      Oct. 17, 2024

      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.
      Camper-submitted photo from Auburn Gold Country RV Park
      Oct. 7, 2024

      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.

    • Izzy H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)
      Sep. 24, 2024

      Steele Canyon (formerly Lupine Shores)

      Overnight stay

      I got there after they closed (closes at 5pm.) But there's a number to call that was posted for after hours. A camper in front of me had already called and someone arrived within minutes. They were very helpful and friendly. I got a beautiful spot secluded from everyone. I loved it! Just me and nature. I played some music dance by myself as if nobody was watching.

    • Catherine L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cowboy Camp
      Sep. 15, 2024

      Cowboy Camp

      Quiet

      Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.

    • OThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Nevada County Fairgrounds
      Aug. 22, 2024

      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.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Quail Ridge RV Park
      Jul. 29, 2024

      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!

    • Tatiana I.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from SacWest RV Park & Campground
      Jul. 27, 2024

      SacWest RV Park & Campground

      Great Rv parking

      It is the only RV parking in Sacramento that will allow you to stay for one night. Great campground! Hospitality and professionalism- that how you can describe this place! Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around! Beautiful place! Thank you!

    • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park
      Jul. 24, 2024

      Sherwood Harbor Marina & RV Park

      Outstanding location, Right on the river with a swimming beach and free fishing with no license required

      Tons of beautiful, shady spots overlooking or near the Sacramento river. Very Breezy and well maintained park with good prices for electrical and water hookup and a dump station. Clean bathrooms and showers at no cost and the laundry room with free detergent . Decent prices in the store and overlooks the Marina and the river at includes free fishing and swimming and is a beautiful spot! was only going to stay one night and ended up staying two.

    • Sharon B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Collins Lake Recreation Area
      Jul. 17, 2024

      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.

    • Jim L.
      Camper-submitted photo from The Hirst Horse Ranch
      Jun. 26, 2024

      The Hirst Horse Ranch

      Great Place for Travelling!!

      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!

    • Lori L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina
      Jun. 13, 2024

      Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina

      Loved it

      My husband and I stayed for two nights. It is difficult to get to when in an RV towing Two skis (still haven’t found out if the ferry can take vehicles that are towing) , but it was worth the drive. It is an older park, but the bathroom was clean (and free) , there is a fantastic beach, the managers were super friendly, and best of all….. our RV window looked out over our very own doc!

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from Placerville RV Resort & Campground
      Jun. 12, 2024

      Placerville RV Resort & Campground

      Great place

      We had a great experience at the Placerville KOA. In this place, I can join many activities such as playing geometry dash lite .The staff was very welcoming and the grounds are organized and clean. The only thing I would suggest is to put in a few more bathrooms around the site. The main building are the only bathrooms. I would suggest a visit. They also have a pool area and hot tub Our friends stayed in the cabins. They were clean and comfortable

    • Thomas E.
      Camper-submitted photo from Inn Town Campground
      May. 12, 2024

      Inn Town Campground

      Looking for peace of mind

      Although by myself if not had a spot here yet. I have visited many that have and is all had raving reviews. I for one and looking for a little piece and quiet. Although I do come with my RV which requires me to run the generator every once in awhile to go ahead and put power in the battery so that I can be silent at night, which is what we all like to hear the crickets cricket away. But all in all I think it's time for me to take my place and get a space there and I will be doing another reviews after that, which I'm more than positive is going to be a very positive and raving review.

    • T L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
      May. 4, 2024

      Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

      Great Staff Beautiful Views

      The grounds are very well kept and the staff is available but keep their distance. Thanks to Lisa for the mattress pump and a shout out to groundskeeper Genoa who recently retired and shared great knowledge about the area. Try not to forget anything because it is eleven twisty, narrow, miles back to the city of Cool, where you can buy the essentials- The weekends get crowded during peak season but if you visit mid-week you will have the place almost to yourself. Reserve a site online but when you get there tell the attendant that you would like to see what sites are available. Take a tour as the online pics do no justice, and with almost 100 sites, you will find the perfect site that will suit your specifics- Best, Tommy

    • Dustin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Coloma Resort
      Mar. 31, 2024

      Coloma Resort

      Great place!

      We spent the weekend for my wife’s birthday. It rained most of Friday and into Saturday but we had a great time. Steve at check in was very helpful, the little store is cool, and the campground is walking distance from the historic town of Coloma and the Argonaut for breakfast and lunch (and Gelato!) Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon.

    • Cooper L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
      Mar. 24, 2024

      Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

      Awesome place to Camp

      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. I’ve only been talked to once by a ranger who didn’t see my ticket but otherwise not many people usually there and they mostly leave by dark. Say hi if you see me I frequent sometimes!

    • B
      Camper-submitted photo from Spanish Flat - Lake Berryessa
      Mar. 18, 2024

      Spanish Flat - Lake Berryessa

      Pretty good but pricey for what it is

      Overall good experience. A little on the high end for dry camping. The charge for the campsite, every person over 2 campers, and a 25$ surcharge for reserving a specific site. The dump station and boat ramp are also additional but that’s pretty typical. I will say that the staff was very friendly the sites that we stayed in are huge. Double the size of most campgrounds.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nicolaus, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nicolaus, 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 Nicolaus, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Nicolaus, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.