Camping near Penryn, California stretches across the transition zone between the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet. The region's Mediterranean climate creates distinct camping seasons with temperature swings of up to 40°F between day and night during fall and spring months. Access to water recreation varies dramatically through the year, with tributary streams to Folsom Lake often drying completely by late summer.
What to do
Explore river rapids: At American River Resort, campers can watch rafters navigate challenging water features. One visitor noted, "It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."
Gold panning: The region's gold rush history offers opportunities for modern-day prospecting at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground. A visitor shared, "If you're lucky and know how to read the river, gold panning is a must!"
Educational nature trails: Peninsula Campground features interpretive walks with regional ecology information. "A shorter accessible trail (Oaks Nature Trail) is entirely contained within the campground and takes you through some great examples and educational signs regarding the riparian ecosystem," noted one camper.
Mountain biking: The area offers both technical and beginner-friendly trails, with Peninsula Campground providing direct access to the 8-mile Darrington Trail. As one review mentioned, "There is an 8 mile hiking trail (Darrington) that ends at the campground. Darrington is mountain bike accessible."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The foothills offer exceptional wildlife observation opportunities. At Peninsula Campground, one visitor described, "Wildlife is off the chain here... bears have been seen on occasion, cougars, Bobcats, and coyotes all stop by from time to time... I've seen some of the most beautiful emerald and sapphire colored lizards."
Shoulder season camping: Spring camping offers ideal conditions with fewer crowds. A Beals Point visitor shared, "Very green early in the season, lake extremely low, warm evenings already. GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars."
Water access: Many campgrounds provide direct water access with varying amenities. One camper at Coloma Resort stated, "The River was not crowded at all and when people did get near by they would respect each other's boundaries and not crowd up. Our site was perfectly shaded and good sized right on the waterfront."
Clean facilities: Despite high usage, many campgrounds maintain above-average restroom conditions. A visitor noted about Beals Point, "Really nice camp hosts and attendants. Nice services; clean bathrooms and coin op showers."
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Folsom Lake's water levels vary dramatically, affecting beach access. A Peninsula camper advised, "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."
Road conditions: Several campgrounds require navigating challenging access roads. At Lake Clementine, "The access road is about six miles of curvy, hilly, and narrow (sometimes only one lane) pavement. There is a sign prohibiting trailers."
Cell service: Unlike many mountain destinations, most campgrounds maintain usable cell coverage. A Beals Point visitor confirmed, "GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars."
Shower costs: Most campgrounds with shower facilities require quarters. A visitor mentioned, "Dyrt says that it has wifi but couldn't find one and the showers needs QUARTERS and we were out of coins. So remember to take quarters with you if you want to shower."
Tips for camping with families
Shade considerations: Summer heat requires planning for shade. A Beals Point camper warned, "The Sacramento area gets very hot in the summer, and this campground provides some but not a ton of shade."
Swimming options: Many sites offer safe swimming areas with varying amenities. At Coloma Resort, "Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon."
Educational opportunities: The region offers historical and nature learning experiences. One camper at Ascension Ranch shared, "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."
Terrain challenges: Camp sites often feature uneven ground that requires planning. A Lake Clementine visitor noted, "Many of the sites are more suitable for tent campers. The parking area is at the top of the hill, and you set up your tent below."
Tips from RVers
Leveling issues: Several campgrounds present challenges for level parking. At Auburn Gold Country RV Park, one RVer warned, "Our spot was not that great for our 40ft bus due to the tree limbs and the ground was very uneven, which made it difficult to level."
Size restrictions: Check campground limitations on RV length. Lake Clementine warns visitors with "a sign prohibiting trailers; our 18-foot camper van did fine but anything much larger would definitely be challenged."
Power reliability: Electrical service quality varies between campgrounds. American River Resort provides more limited options, as one RVer noted, "I asked if I would have 120 V access and told I would but there was only 30 amp 240 v. Totally useless for me."
Dump fees: Even when staying at RV parks, additional fees may apply for services. One camper mentioned, "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."
