Best Campgrounds near Penn Valley, CA

Camping near Penn Valley, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Hiking and biking: Explore the trails around Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. One camper mentioned, "The paved American River Bikeway was good for walking, running, and horseback riding."
• Water activities: Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or fishing at Collins Lake Recreation Area. A visitor shared, "The lake is stocked with fish. Ice cream at the store is a must."
• Historical sites: Visit the historic town of Coloma and the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. One camper noted, "You can walk across the bridge to tour the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park."

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Eagle Point Campground stated, "The restrooms were clean, and the campground itself was decent."
• Scenic views: Many campers enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Granite Flat said, "The campground is in a beautiful setting, easy to get to, and right off the Highway."
• Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like D.L. Bliss State Park are great for families. One reviewer mentioned, "The sites are kept clean, and staff is friendly."

What you should know

• Bear country: Many campgrounds are in bear territory, so it's essential to store food properly. A camper at Ice House Campground warned, "The campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night."
• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have electric hookups or showers. A review for Granite Flat noted, "The bathrooms were mediocre, and the campground was quiet."
• Crowded during peak season: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially in summer. A visitor at Collins Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "It would definitely be better if we had a boat or water 'toys.' I would go back, but not in the summer."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room. A family at D.L. Bliss State Park appreciated, "Our specific spot offered morning shade and no shade in the afternoons."
• Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One camper at Beals Point Campground said, "The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area."
• Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of food and drinks. A visitor at Coloma Resort mentioned, "The little store is cool, and the campground is walking distance from the historic town of Coloma."

Tips from RVers

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits in the designated spots. A review for Granite Flat stated, "Charged $18 cancellation fee for a site we couldn’t fit into."
• Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. A camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area noted, "Huge campground with plenty of great spots with electric and water hookups."
• Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds have quiet hours, so be respectful of your neighbors. A visitor at Ice House Campground mentioned, "The 10:00 noise cut off is usually well enforced, so the nights are very peaceful."

Camping near Penn Valley, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!