Located in the heart of California's historic Gold Country at approximately 2,400 feet elevation, Pine Grove offers cabin camping options in a region known for pine forests and mild weather between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Spring visitors experience temperatures between 50-75°F while summer averages 85-95°F with low humidity. Fall brings colorful foliage and cooler temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration.
What to Do
Gold panning history: At Coloma Resort, visitors can experience the thrill of gold panning in the area where California's gold rush began. "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 one camper who explored this historic area.
Hiking with giant sequoias: North Grove Campground at Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers trails through ancient sequoia groves. "There is plenty to do and trails to hike in this area, easy enough for families with children and rugged trail options for the more experienced hikers," writes one visitor. Another notes, "The energy from these trees is electric. The enormity and smell of the forest is enchanting."
Water recreation: Lake Amador Resort provides boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. "The man made pond is nice for the kids. It has a slide they can use," writes a camper. During warmer months, the water activities provide relief from summer heat, with fishing for trout, bass, and catfish available year-round.
What Campers Like
Proximity to historic sites: Near Pine Grove, campers appreciate access to Gold Rush history. "On our last day we checked out and drove the trailer over to the Indian Grinding Rock State Park. Very few in the parking lot which allowed us to take up a bunch of spots. We did the southern trail nature hike and saw the grinding rocks. It's a must see in our opinion," reports one visitor to Gold Country Campground Resort.
Wildlife viewing: Cabins in this region offer chances to observe local wildlife. "The wildlife is RIGHT THERE! We saw a tarantula near the tee box on 2. I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend," writes one camper about their experience at Lake Amador Resort.
Rustic cabin experiences: While some cabins offer more amenities, others provide a more rustic experience. The cabins at Buffalo Hill offer a unique experience with rich historical context. These accommodations combine rustic charm with modern comforts, including king-sized beds in some units.
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions significantly. "We stayed here on an off week. Almost had the place to ourselves except for the full timers. The amenities were not open...off season and/or COVID...but we went and took a look and got a thumbs up by our 7 year old daughter. The place looks great for a summer stay!" notes a camper at Gold Country Campground Resort.
Insect awareness: Some campers report seasonal insect issues. "The only and biggest downfall was the meat bees. Absolutely ruined the trip. We had a group of 9 families so we couldn't eat together cuz we all had to escape to our sites and quickly eat. Recommend bringing nets and tents to eat under," warns a visitor during August.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity can be limited in cabin areas near Pine Grove. "The only issue was the internet was not working...and our T-Mobile phones didn't have coverage in the area. That's on us though. If you want cell service and reliable internet I don't think you can hold the campground liable for that!"
Tips for Camping with Families
Family-friendly activities: Rancho Seco Recreation Area provides diverse options for families seeking cabin accommodations. "I love this place because it is about 45 minutes from the house. There's plenty to do with lots of great sites. You can fish, hike, or swim here. The campsites are spacious and you don't feel over crowded if there is a family next to you."
Kids' recreation: Many campgrounds feature dedicated children's facilities. "Good family place. Nice Splash pad and pool. Nothing fancy but it works. They also have a mini golf course. Little traffic so our kids could ride their bikes with no worries," notes a family that visited a local resort.
Off-season benefits: Consider visiting cabins near Pine Grove during shoulder seasons. "We used the spot to not be in the snow but make the trip up to Iron Mountain Sno-Park...a 45 minute drive. The snow looked great for skiing but not so much for snowmen or sledding. Wish we had snow shoes!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Coloma Resort offers cabins and RV sites with varying levels of privacy. "The spaces are a bit small but clean. The bathrooms are spotless and they offer a lot of amenities for families. We are two single adults and to no fault of their own there was a lot of children running around, riding bikes and it seemed like everyone had a dog. But at 10:00pm it did get very quiet."
Hookup considerations: Many cabins near Pine Grove provide partial or full hookups for those combining RV and cabin camping. "The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose," advises one RVer who stayed in the area.
Off-season value: Winter and spring visits offer better availability. "Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!" writes an RVer who appreciated the year-round accessibility of cabins and RV sites in the area.
