Penn Valley is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Penn Valley is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Penn Valley, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$33 - $58 / night
"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."
"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."
$45 / night
"If you are looking for a small campground with full hookups, on the lake, close to Table Mountain and Feather Falls, this is for you."
"Really enjoyed this campground which is part of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. The staff where we checked in were helpful with all of our questions about the area."
$3 - $8 / night
"The good part is this is a beautiful place in the trees to camp with nearby hiking,. And it's equestrian friendly if you want to bring your horse. The Verizon connection was strong."
"Close to Georgetown and to the El Dorado National Forest. Super clean and easy to get to. Signs off 193 are well marked! The have horse corrals too if you’re into that. Highly recommend!"
$45 / night
"Water pumps near the sites. Vault toilets, hot water and showers. The campsites do not overlook the water. We visited in the off season with no reservations and there was plenty of availability."
"The lake is super low, but a pleasant campground on our way home."
$20 / night
"Great walking trails group sites are great love it"
"With pristine wilderness surrounding your tent, you can camp alongside the beautiful reservoir."
$49 - $245 / night
" 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."
$30 - $160 / night
"Just returned from a weekend getaway to Loon Lake. We (2 people, 1 pup) stayed two nights at site #25 at Loon Lake Campground. Perfect location for daytime fishing and nighttime stargazing."
"These two sites are right on the road next to the toilets and trash bins. Some smells and lots of noises and foot traffic, some 4x4 traffic as well."
"It reminded me of Lake Pillsbury north of Clear Lake Ca where we as a family had been camping since 1981. But with just over 2hr drive not 6hr with trailer. There is a pool, and kids pool."
"About 1.5hr from Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. Built thick forest of the Sierra mountains. Nice size campsites. Water and Electricity only."
"There are tons of activities to partake in: relax and do nothing, hike (entire lake is 9.5 miles with a waterfall!)"
"They are set into the mountains with trees behind you. The park rangers are very present to keep people in check and the camp host drives by multiple times to keep the bathrooms clean."
GuideWELCOME 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. Family owned, we're a small operation with big dreams. Offering a serene environment, an abundance of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, we invite you to spend some time with us out on the ranch! Come play for the day or reserve a private campsite, and see what all the fuss is about. Some of things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, more horses, ranch dogs, puppies, chickens, equestrian activities, secluded campsites, amazing views, access to endless trails around and of course, good company.
ScoutThe good part is this is a beautiful place in the trees to camp with nearby hiking,. And it's equestrian friendly if you want to bring your horse. The Verizon connection was strong. Even when the campgrounds full on weekend. It's very quiet, more soldier in the week. Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality.
ScoutNice campground. 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. It can be a little noisy with the close proximity to the road. But park is clean with lots of trees.
TravelerNever been during peak (summer) but both times we have stayed here in winter and it was FANTASTIC! Close to Georgetown and to the El Dorado National Forest. Super clean and easy to get to. Signs off 193 are well marked! The have horse corrals too if you’re into that. Highly recommend!
TravelerThis is a well-kept and forest-dense camping spot. There are tons of activities to partake in: relax and do nothing, hike (entire lake is 9.5 miles with a waterfall!), kayak, fish, sun bathe, swim, play games at your camp, if you have a horse- camp with your horse in one of those sites). It just really is amazing that this gem is only (approx) 1 hour from Sacramento! I cannot wait to go again!
TravelerMust visit for horse lovers!
GuideAs 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. We had enough AT&T service for one person to work fine on the wifi. There are also plenty of coffeeshops about 5 mins away for stronger wifi.
You feel like you're remote and you have direct access to trails and bike path from your site, but very close to downtown Folsom which is a cute little town. Site BP60 was FHU and spacious kind of tucked in a corner. Trash and recycle right at your site and picnic table and space from neighbors. Almost perfectly level site.
No laundry at campground- but Laundry Paradise in Roseville was a great find for us- very clean facilities and new washers. Worth the drive compared to Laundryland in Folsom. I'm only giving it a 4 because it would be a 5 if there was better service or if they offered wifi. It was decent, but could've been better. We will definitely be back.
ScoutI joined my brother and his 2 young kids at this great camp ground. The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area, and easy access to near by stores. This camp area is near city area but feels like you are far away from it.
GuideBack again for the first time since the Sierra winter. Reservoir is pretty high, and not too busy this weekend with boaters. Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5. Otherwise outstanding!
Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Penn Valley, CA is Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 32 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Penn Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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