Tent camping near Nicolaus, California ranges from riverside campsites along the American River to lakeside spots with oak woodland shade. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-100°F during peak camping season from June through August. The surrounding foothills of the Sierra Nevada provide campsites at varying elevations, with higher camps offering cooler temperatures and different vegetation zones than valley locations.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Lake Berryessa's Steele Canyon campground offers calm water areas perfect for paddlesports. "I came to check out the more calm waters in the canyon for my paddleboard. The site was great layout and I had a really enjoyable time out on the water. Other boaters were very respectful of the no wake zones," reports a Steele Canyon visitor.
Fishing: Rancho Seco Recreation Area provides lakeside fishing opportunities within an hour's drive of Nicolaus. "Beautiful lake to canoe/kayak about. Sites along lake are best," notes one camper at Rancho Seco, while another adds, "good fishing lake to fish just make sure you put your food away at night raccoons will get your food and snacks."
Swimming: American River access points allow for swimming during warm months. One camper at Lake Clementine notes, "The river was crystal clear and beautiful," while another mentions, "The river is extremely clean and clear with good temperature."
What campers like
Oak tree shade coverage: Many tent sites feature mature oak trees that provide crucial shade during hot months. At Camp Far West North Shore, one camper observed, "We must have come at the best time of year because everything was so green and beautiful. The Oak trees that grow here are truly majestic."
Water proximity: Sites with direct water access are highly valued. A camper at Oracle Oak Grove mentions they "have kayaks and other water sport equipment available for campers to make your stay even more memorable."
Off-season solitude: Winter and early spring camping offers peaceful experiences with fewer visitors. One Camp Far West visitor noted, "We visited Camp Far West for one night on a quick trip looking for somewhere remote, nearby, and slightly warmer during the winter months. It was green and beautiful. We were the only people anywhere except for folks in the full hook-up area."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many tent campsites are first-come, first-served, requiring early arrival. At Lake Clementine Boat In, "First come first serve campsites, i went for a solo camp trip and loved it. I came in on a Thursday afternoon and snagged campsite #5. (Useful tip, BRING A PEN AND EXACT CASH)."
Fire restrictions: Strict fire bans are common during dry months. Check restrictions before arrival as some campers report needing to build alternative fire arrangements. "The fire pits and bbqs are non functioning, we had to build our own fire ring," reports one Camp Far West camper.
Limited water access: Many campgrounds lack potable water. A Lake Clementine camper advises, "No showers or running water....there are only toilets available. Bring your own water to drink, wash dishes and pans, or wash yourselves."
Weather variations: Summer temperatures commonly exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. A Steele Canyon camper shares, "It got really cold at night (32 degrees), but my fault for not checking the weather."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly water activities: Rancho Seco Recreation Area offers multiple family-oriented water activities. "It has free showers there and the campground are awesome and you can camp right on the water. They have boat rentals and a fishing derby every year too. It just great and has a beach," reports one family camper.
Recreation equipment: Some campgrounds offer equipment rentals. One OARS American River Outpost visitor mentions, "This was our first time whitewater rafting, and it was a great experience. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and we really enjoyed the BBQ on site."
Wildlife awareness: Keep food secure from wildlife. "Make sure you put your food away at night raccoons will get your food and snacks," warns a Rancho Seco camper.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds feature historical elements. A Camp Far West visitor notes, "The name had us a bit confused. Turns out the area was originally a camp on the immigrant trail to the California gold fields. You can learn more from the historical markers on site."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Rancho Seco Recreation Area offers level sites for RVs with hookups. One RVer reports, "21 water and electric sites with a dump station on the way out. Some pull through sites. RV sites are farther from the lake on mostly level gravel pads with picnic table, fire rings, and a trash can at each site."
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers quieter experiences with fewer neighbors. "This is a wonderful spot to stay for a few days in the off season. We stayed in February. Summers would be very hot and I imagine the area would be packed with day use folks," shares an RVer at Rancho Seco.
Cell service: Some remote campgrounds maintain decent connectivity. One Lake Clementine camper noted, "We were surprised that we had a semi-decent cell signal ranging from 1 to 2 bars (Verizon)."
