Best Campgrounds near Pilot Hill, CA

Camping options near Pilot Hill, California include both developed facilities and riverfront sites in the El Dorado County region. Located near Folsom Lake and the American River, the area features several established campgrounds including Coloma Resort and Beals Point Campground at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Accommodations range from tent camping and RV sites with hookups to cabins and glamping options. The surrounding Auburn State Recreation Area and nearby Peninsula Campground provide additional camping areas with varying levels of development, making the region suitable for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking access to water recreation.

Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer months when lake and river access is most desirable. "The lake has receded quite a bit that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now (California drought). The campsite was well maintained," noted one visitor to a nearby lake campground. Road access varies between campgrounds, with some areas requiring careful navigation on narrower roads. Weather conditions shift dramatically by season, with hot, dry summers giving way to cooler fall temperatures. Fire restrictions are common during summer and early fall due to wildfire concerns. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while several offer full hookups for RVs and hot showers for a small fee.

The proximity to water represents a primary draw for campers in the Pilot Hill area. Several campground options provide direct access to Folsom Lake or the American River, making them popular for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. According to reviews from The Dyrt, campgrounds with river access receive particular praise: "Great campsite, plenty of room to throw the ball for our dog. The never ending sound of the nearby river was peaceful." Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, are frequently mentioned in visitor accounts. Campers note that sites closest to water tend to fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. While some campgrounds offer relative seclusion, others position sites closer together, creating a more social camping environment that appeals to family groups and those seeking community during their outdoor stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Pilot Hill, California (282)

    1. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 791-1531

    $28 - $48 / 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."

    2. Coloma Resort

    15 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."

    "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"

    3. Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 988-0215

    $28 / night

    "Very quite camping spot very clean.coin operated showers😭 lake is very close by."

    "Folsom lake is a great place to take the boat, beals point has a snack bar, life guards and equipment rentals, there are plenty of places you can drive or boat to get away from the crowds if you prefer"

    4. American River Resort

    11 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-6700

    "Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers."

    "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."

    5. Thousand Trails Ponderosa

    9 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift."

    "Great spot if you can get in half of the camp got washed away from the rain this year though ."

    6. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Cool, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-4527

    $38 / night

    "I’ve been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it’s a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing."

    "Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."

    7. Camp Lotus

    3 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 622-8672

    8. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Applegate, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-4527

    "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."

    9. Auburn Gold Country RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Auburn, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-0990

    10. Ascension Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 439-0002

    $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."

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Recent Reviews near Pilot Hill, CA

819 Reviews of 282 Pilot Hill Campgrounds


  • Lawrence M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Jackson Rancheria RV Park

    Casino rv park

    Clean, concrete pads,excellent customer service, shuttle every 20 minutes to casino

  • Thomas K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Live Oak Riverfront Park

    Over priced

    $40.00 Per night cash only with no water, electricity or sanitary dump stations. Has fire pits, portapoties and picnic tables with large grass area

  • Cathy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2025

    Mumford Bar Trail Campground

    Secluded and peaceful

    This is a small but,free camp site. Each camp site is spacious and has a metal firepit , picnic table. There is restroom in the middle of the camp sites. This is definitely bear country.....my first night i heard a bear. But there's also alot of deers,too. Cell service isn't great ....but I did get a bar or two with Verizon.

  • Lisa Marie L.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Gold Country Campground Resort

    Peaceful and clean campground

    We really enjoyed our weekend here. Super clean and quiet. Lots of play areas for kids and pets allowed. Clean bathrooms full hookups too

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Grouse Ridge Campground

    My Favorite Spot near Truckee

    This is as isolated as it gets. There are a number of pullouts and sites along the road up to Grouse Ridge CG - they're all excellent. Don't expect water or cell reception or toilets. In this area, you're on your own. If the road is muddy, you may not want to take the risk as the mud is slick and getting stuck out here is a true disaster. Even in June, there was still mud, and it even snowed on me which was a thrill to wake up to a white wonderland. Did I mention that you're on your own? Have fun.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Independence Hill Dispersed

    Super quiet, super remote

    If getting away is on your list, then Independance Hill is one place to go. 1 bar Verizon and a small creek (if you continue on up the road). It's really about 2 miles from the village of Iowa Hill, but it is remote. I scared two black bears as I was walking (don't I wish I had that on film...). And yes, that's his footprint on my van door - he was checking out the bag of garbage I had stored on my roof. No services, but there are at least 6 good sites, including a large flat area that can take any size RV. This is my second favorite spot in this area. I'll go again many times :-)

  • Shir S.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    El Dorado

    Great place before lake tahoe

    We drove from redwood to Lake Tahoe and wanted a place to stay since it got late Good place Online booking and entrance if after hours and affordable price opposed to other sites in the area

  • J
    Sep. 17, 2025

    American River Resort

    Perfect match

    During our stay (mid of September) the place was empty and we had the most relaxed time we could have. RV site close to the river and some deers also crossing our ways on the campground

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Awesome site for SUVs

    Awesome site, stayed in my van on the boat launch. There are tent sites above the boat ramp with bear boxes and fire rings. Left side of tent sites is very loud due to the rushing river. Very secluded from others, only 2 others on the boat ramp in vans. do not attempt to do this in anything smaller than an SUv sedans would definitely not be able to make it to this site. Road has lots of holes and rocks sticking up out the ground.


Guide to Pilot Hill

Camping sites near Pilot Hill, California are concentrated along the American River corridor where elevations range from 600 to 1,200 feet. Seasonal water levels fluctuate dramatically with spring runoff creating faster currents and wider beaches forming during late summer and fall. Most campsites require advanced reservations between March and October when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.

What to do

Gold panning and history exploration: Visit Coloma Resort where you can experience California's gold rush heritage. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you," notes a camper who stayed at Coloma Resort. The historic Sutter's Mill is within walking distance.

Whitewater adventures: The American River provides rapids ranging from class II to IV depending on section and season. American River Resort offers on-site rafting. "Campground was clean and well taken care of. 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," reports one visitor.

Mountain biking: Extensive trail networks connect camping areas to surrounding terrain. "Lots of great trails to weave through the campground on a mountain bike," shares a Ponderosa RV Resort visitor, adding that local trails connect to grocery stores and dining options within riding distance.

What campers like

Riverside camping spots: Sites directly adjacent to the water are highly sought after. "Great site had a site right on the waterfront. Will definitely be back," mentions a visitor at Camp Lotus. The campground provides grassy sites with river access and on-site amenities including showers and an on-site deli.

Wildlife encounters: Dawn and dusk offer the best viewing opportunities. At Ascension Ranch, visitors enjoy a unique animal experience: "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," notes one reviewer about the working ranch with sheep, goats, horses and cattle.

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "Bathroom s clean with hot showers. There is an on-site deli that serves breakfast, lunch, and pastries. There is also a store where they sell ice, drinks, ice cream, snacks, toiletries, and other items," remarks a Camp Lotus visitor.

What you should know

Water level fluctuations: Folsom Lake experiences significant water level changes throughout the year. At Peninsula Campground, a camper noted: "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."

Campground accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground requires navigating a 3-mile unpaved route: "The trek down to the campsite was slightly difficult and we decided to utilize the four wheel drive as we navigated to and from."

Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. "Definitely recommend visiting if you are able to make a reservation!" states a Coloma Resort visitor, emphasizing the need to book well ahead, especially for summer weekends when sites fill months in advance.

Fire restrictions: Summer and fall typically bring campfire limitations. Check current restrictions before arrival as rules change based on conditions and can include complete bans during high fire danger periods.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer designated play areas. "You can pan for gold, relax, or bike, hike along the river, and kids can play along several playgrounds for kids of different ages. A large grass area great for games," shares a Coloma Resort visitor.

Swimming safety: Water conditions vary by season with safety considerations. "The current is much faster than years past due to excellent winter," warns a Ruck-A-Chucky Campground visitor, highlighting the need for appropriate supervision and life jackets.

Evening quiet times: Enforcement of quiet hours varies between campgrounds. "At 10:00pm it did get very quiet. So, it's a great place for families," notes a Coloma Resort camper, though other reviews mention inconsistent enforcement at busier campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pilot Hill, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pilot Hill, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 282 campgrounds and RV parks near Pilot Hill, CA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pilot Hill, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pilot Hill, CA is Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pilot Hill, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Pilot Hill, CA.

What parks are near Pilot Hill, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Pilot Hill, CA that allow camping, notably Eldorado National Forest and New Hogan Lake.