Tent camping near North San Juan, California provides access to Sierra foothill wilderness with elevations ranging from 2,500-3,500 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F between June and September, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months due to potential snow and hazardous road conditions.
What to do
Gold panning opportunities: Visitors to Fiddle Creek can try their luck at gold panning in the river. "People pan for gold and some walk up the road to Jackson Hole to float down. About 5 mins up, pass a few houses on your right," notes camper Amber Q.
Bird watching excursions: The forested areas around Carlton Flat Campground offer excellent bird watching. "Awesome place for bird watching, hanging up your hammock and enjoying nature. Wonderful views of the mountains and sunset. Also best place for a long hike," according to Jessica P.
ATVing and 4-wheeling: Several areas provide trail access for off-road vehicles. At Golden Trout Campground, "riding trails could bring you to Sly Creek and secret camping sites that a quad or 4 wheel drive could find," shares Elaina S., though noting the campground was temporarily closed due to fire damage.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy available at certain locations. "Gates are closed but they will open soon...This place does get crowded during the summer and during hunting season," warns Jessica P. about Carlton Flat Campground, suggesting visiting during off-peak times.
Star gazing opportunities: Open meadows create perfect conditions for night sky viewing. At Onion Valley Campground, Caroline B. notes, "I loved the open fields of wild flowers. Those open spaces allow for some great star gazing night."
Quiet weekday camping: Most campgrounds experience lower usage during weekdays. "We were one of only two campers there but still could easily see and hear the other camp...the ranger said it's usually full on weekends," reports a Fiddle Creek reviewer, highlighting the value of midweek visits.
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito conditions: Water proximity means insect protection is essential. At Golden Trout Campground, Elaina warns, "Beware there are TONS of mosquitoes!!"
Variable road conditions: Access can be challenging depending on weather and season. At Peninsula Camping, Laura G. encountered difficult terrain: "When we arrived to the campground, we found that the sites we reserved were on a hill, and poison oak between them."
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have no connectivity. At Fiddle Creek, Amber Q. points out, "No cell service.... which I love."
Traffic noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "Its close proximity to Hwy 49 (maybe 75 feet away) makes for more headlights and traffic noise than I'm used to when camping," notes a Fiddle Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming locations: The Yuba River offers cooling options during hot summer days. Elaina S. notes that beyond the main Golden Trout campground area, there are "2 private beaches next to the creek," though access requires navigation on rough roads.
Spacious sites for groups: Some campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings better than others. At Fiddle Creek, Amber Q. suggests, "If you get a group you can get your own little slice of the campground to yourself."
Dishwashing amenities: Facilities vary between campgrounds. At Peninsula Camping and Boating Resort, Laura G. appreciated that "they have a dishwashing station at the bathrooms with hot water at no coin charge like the showers are."
Bathroom considerations: Vault toilet maintenance varies by location and season. At Fiddle Creek, one camper advises, "Toilets are pit toilets. So make sure you keep the door shut and lid down to help with the smell sometimes during busy week/ends. They are clean once a week."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodation: Most campgrounds in the North San Juan area primarily serve tent campers with few dedicated RV sites. At Onion Valley, Jordan R. noted, "There aren't many spots and they are well spaced out. Tables and fire rings in most of them."
Site selection strategy: For RVers who can access the campgrounds, choosing the right spot matters. "We rolled in here after midnight and most of the spots were still empty, and they're far enough apart that we were able to set up camp without being too disruptive," Adam B. shares about Onion Valley Campground.
Waste disposal planning: Few campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations. At Onion Valley, Jordan R. observed, "The dump spot by the front was obviously not bear/raccoon proof enough and I assumed rangers hadn't been through in a while."
