Best Tent Camping near Pine Grove, CA

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Pine Grove? Find the best tent camping sites near Pine Grove. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your California camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Pine Grove, CA (63)

    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    21 Reviews
    95 Photos
    54 Saves
    Arnold, California

    North Grove (sites 27-59)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $25 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche

    2. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    53 Photos
    199 Saves
    Wallace, California

    Lake Camanche Resort features 550+ tent camping sites spread out over hundreds of acres which are available year-round at both North and South Shores.

    Many sites offer immediate lake access while others are just a short walk away. Campsite amenities include bbqs, tables, water, hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. Primitive sites are just a short drive away to restrooms & showers. Ask you reservation agent for which sites provide shade.

    All of our sites feature some of California’s best natural and native species of trees, plants and flowers. Looking for alcohol-free camping? Both shores also feature alcohol-free campgrounds, perfect for those in search of a more family-friendly camping experience.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    3. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    129 Saves
    Herald, California

    Get back to nature at Rancho Seco Recreational Area. A short 25-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, you’ll find the 400-acre park that makes up the Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Take a short vacation and enjoy bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and even a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals and wildlife. Camp in comfort with recreation and concession buildings, shade structures, laundry facility, boathouse, and newly renovated restrooms and showers. This Rancho Seco camping destination offers RV sites, tent camping sites, and group sites, some with gorgeous lake views.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nauvoo

    4. Camp Nauvoo

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    95 Saves
    Diamond Springs, California

    We are a small privately owned small campground (19 sites only) located on the outskirts of Placerville. The property features 86.5 secluded Tahoe like acres with beautiful year-round Weber Creek. The camp sites are placed along the creek or the bluff overlooking the creek. We have traditional dirt camping, canvas tents on platforms, teepees and glamping tents for those that want the comforts of home. We are tent camping only with only one site that allows a small travel trailer or van. (#14) . We are dog friendly and allow dogs in all but 5 glamping sites. We do enforce camp rules especially our quiet time between 10 PM and 7 AM (please review).

    We’ve been told that we have a “family camp” vibe. We are a great place for families wanting a safe environment for their kids but also several group sites for those that want to hang out together with multiple families. We are also a great base site for those wilderness enthusiasts with access to all the El Dorado National Forest including Desolation but want a hot shower at the end of the day.

    We have a lodge that is stocked with games and a ping pong table. The lodge has a microwave, Keurig machine and a hot water kettle for those hot drinks (BYO Cups).We have several tables set up for those that want to eat inside as well as multiple picnic tables along the side of the lodge with overhead protection. We have electricity at the at the lodge for small appliances and charging phones. We have a compressor on site to blow up your air mattresses or float toys. We’ve been told that our bathrooms are the “cleanest” ever and have changing tables and diaper pails. We offer nice flushing toilets and hot showers!

    For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing sets, seesaw and tractor play. We have hiking trails throughout the property. Our highlight is a camp fire bowl with bench seating with a stage to display camper talent which is perfect for the evening fire and roasting s’mores (bring the fixings).

    The creek starts out in spring looking like a rushing river featuring many fishing and swimming holes. As the summer progresses the water level falls but is still great for water play and fishing.

    We have propane BBQs (we provide the propane for BBQs) located throughout the property. We also have a propane grill and charcoal BBQ located in the common area for all to use. There is a dutch oven pit also in the fire bowl area.

    We do not allow wood fires at the individual sites but each site has a propane firepit for ambiance (not cooking) that requires you to purchase a 20 lb. propane cannister on site (add in extras) or pay cash on site.

    **We require a 3 night minimum for the major holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. **We do not do checkins on Sunday but do allow camping over Sunday night. We do exclusive events so you may need to explore multiple weekends to find the right reservation.

    We are located in the foothills so we are a short hop to many local attractions that include river rafting, gold mines, wineries and historical towns with great eating establishments. Tahoe is less than an hour away and there a many hiking trails within 20-30 minutes.

    We have a limited number of items to rent i.e, tents, cots, camp stoves, etc. We also have a small store on site for those items you forgot and a good selection of ice cream. We take venmo or cash.

    CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE BAY ALLOW 4 HOURS - YOU MUST LEAVE BY 3:00 IN ORDER TO ARRIVE DURING CHECKIN. IF YOU GET DELAYED, FOR THE CONSIDERAITON OF THE OTHER CAMPERS YOU MAY CONSIDER WAITING AND ARRIVING THE NEXT MORNING. THERE ARE NO CHECKINS AFTER 9:00.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $65 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    5. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    153 Saves
    Arnold, California

    Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.

    Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:

    The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovers Leap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovers Leap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovers Leap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovers Leap Campground

    7. Lovers Leap Campground

    6 Reviews
    4 Photos
    100 Saves
    Twin Bridges, California

    Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.Lovers Leap__CampgroundFees

    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    • Trash
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Utica Campgrounds

    8. Utica Campgrounds

    4 Reviews
    13 Photos
    142 Saves
    Bear Valley, California

    Utica Reservoir is set in a granite basin surrounded by red fir and lodgepole pine forest. The reservoir has lots of islands and is kept mostly full. Granite slabs along the shore extend into the water. There are two campgrounds adjacent to each other, Sandy Flat and Rocky Point. Elevation is 6,800 feet.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Group Campground

    9. Bear River Group Campground

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    6 Saves
    Bear Valley, California

    Overview

    The Bear River Group Campground offers four separate group campsites on a site above the south side of the Lower Bear River Reservoir. The proximity to water and the mixed pine setting in the fresh Sierra Nevada air, makes this campground an excellent group retreat destination. Upriver from the campground is the Upper Bear River Reservoir. This lake is smaller and spans 166 surface acres with 2.5 miles of shoreline.

    Recreation

    Lake activities include fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing and picnicking on the shores. Rainbow trout are found in abundance throughout the season, in addition to smaller populations of brown and mackinaw trout as well. A short distance past the Upper Bear River Reservoir is the Pardoe Trail, which borders the Mokelumne Wilderness. The trail runs up the top of Squaw Ridge to an elevation of over 9,000 feet, providing excellent views of the surrounding area.

    Natural Features

    Bear Group Campground is situated an elevation of 6,000 feet, just a short distance (approximately one mile drive) from the reservoir. It is part of the Eldorado National Forest located in the central Sierra Nevada. A Mediterranean climate extends over most of the forest with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

    Nearby Attractions

    Restaurants, boat rentals and a general store are within a few miles of the campground.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity. Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person. Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 14 days before your arrival date. Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $115 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    10. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    29 Photos
    16 Saves
    Cool, California

    Boat-In Sites 1-16

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $38 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 63 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Pine Grove

907 Reviews of 63 Pine Grove Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    Had to kick me out

    This place and his staff were absolutely amazing. I had a couple of different times where I needed to change the spot and without fail they were there to help. Quite CLEAN everything! I wanted to stop awhile 30 days later I was told goodbye👋 cause I know the rules at a State Park!🤦😔😔💩

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cal Expo RV Park
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Cal Expo RV Park

    No Skoolies

    Disappointed to be told they don't allow any buses unless they have the RVCIA (sp?) sticker. There were some really old and knackered looking caravans and daggy RV's in the park, but the place was pretty much deserted as it's November. All in all it was frustrating. ggggrrrrrrr

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great 1 night stay

    Came on a Saturday around 4pm, there were 2 other campers other than me so it wasn’t busy at all. No service for at&t. Overall had a good stay here with my 2 dogs

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from El Dorado
    Oct. 17, 2024

    El Dorado

    Dyrts description sucked

    We could not find this place. Needs better description. Afterwards in another rv park I worked it out. Need to go to their website first better directions than just el dorado. Dyrt dropped the ball on this one.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe Valley Campground
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Tahoe Valley Campground

    A little pricey

    We were only after a night, so didn’t need much. Travelling this time of year when campgrounds are closed makes for desperate last minute decisions. BUT if you’re staying here, go across the road to Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. the best pizza!

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Campground
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Acorn Campground

    Great Stop in the Sierras

    We’ve stayed at this campground a couple of times on our way to/from Yosemite National Park, and it is a nice place to spend a couple of nights.  Many campers come here to get on the lake in their powerboats, or fish from the shore, and there will be no shortage of anglers most weekends; but, during the week in the shoulder season, we  pretty much had the place to ourselves. 

    The campground offers a range of pull-through and back-in campsites along the slopes of the rolling hills, but most of the individual sites were flat and could accommodate a wide variety of rig sizes.  Some are close enough together to make a great group camping set-up, while others were off  on their own with a view of the reservoir. While there were many trees around for shade, we still had enough open sky for good solar gain and Starlink. 

    The main bathroom building had clean flush toilets and showers, but there were a few extra vault toilets scattered around.  Fresh water taps and recycling/ trash bins were plentiful. 

    Hiking, cycling, paddling and fishing are the name of the game here, and we got in our kayaks for an awesome day paddle around the many coves of this reservoir.  Since the lake level fluctuates there aren’t many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch. 

    There is a nearby gas station with a few supplies, ice, and firewood. Sonora is the closest town with larger grocery stores and restaurants.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground

    A Surprise in the Sierras!

    We ended up at this small campground because our potential boondocking spots were completely snowed in up top.  So glad we did as it is tucked away on the grounds of an amazing state park!

    Most of the sites are small with a lot of tree coverage. It was quiet, quaint, and clean. We found a good site that provided just enough sky for both our 400W portable solar panel and Starlink to work pretty well. The bathroom building has flush toilets, was kept clean, and warm showers. 

    But the campground isn’t the reason to come here...it’s the history! This little park tucked into the Western Sierras will blow your mind. It is a significant Miwok Native American historical site, with home sites, ancient Oak trees, and literally thousands of grain, and acorn grinding stones located in the central part of the park. 

    The visitor’s center is a must-see and brings the location to life. In cooperation with the local tribes, the state manages the site and visitor’s center for the public. Take a walk on the interpretive trail, hike the adventure trails, fish in the creek, or attend a special program. It is a beautiful place to spend a few days. 

    The nearby town of Pine Grove has a few restaurants and grocery stores to get what you might need.

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Oct. 8, 2024

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    Beautiful park

    Very nice park, great walking trails, beautiful trees. Many of the buildings are older, but well kept. Showers are coin operated and nice. No trailer hookups, but very site has a water but can’t connect it with the trailer. Park does have a dump station and is included in the space rent. Only issue is being by the road and having road noise. Plenty of restrooms and showers (coin operated). The only Wi-Fi is at the visitor center and VERY limited cell service, no great loss.

  • Sebastian M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Auburn Gold Country RV Park
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Auburn Gold Country RV Park

    Okay

    Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level. 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. Feels like a bit of a rip off to be honest. The rest is nice, quiet (except for the geese) and clean.

  • Be L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Diamond Gulch
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Diamond Gulch

    perfect

    Was a wonderful experience! The host was super helpful even at night when we didn’t find our designated spot (even though it had super obvious signs - our fault) Super lovely host and a beautiful ranch. A lot of fireplaces with wood. Can only recommend lighting up a little campfire and stargazing at night! Bring some marshmallows with you !

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

    Going downhill ?

    It wasn’t as nice as the photos depicted. Water shortage? The grasses were long and dried up, there appears to have been a wooden bridge as a shortcut to the pool/restroom/laundry room/Deli, but no longer. The restrooms were barely tolerable and the woman’s had a bad odor. There’s a dishwashing station that is no longer serviceable, just a stainless sink set in a covered table with no water or even plumbing to include drains. You have to pay for WiFi and sometimes the signal drops. For the cost of the campground the WiFi should be free! Lesser known campgrounds even have free WiFi. There are Conestoga Wagons, Cabins and Yurts. None were occupied. Reason?

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Large dirt pull off

    Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Fork Campground
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Silver Fork Campground

    Peaceful getaway

    Beautiful river area, friendly people, hills to hike around! There’s a fire pit and bbq set up at each site and bathrooms and drinking water around the campgrounds. Seems like an amazing spot for a family camping trip! I believe it was $28 a night for a single spot or $14 with a discount. Cons for a nomad is there’s 0 service out there even hiking to the top of the mountain. It’s also about an hour of winding roads from the nearest town to get there. IMO not worth it when there’s plentyyyy of free camping pull offs you pass on the way there.

  • Stephen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, popular, treacherous

    I’m motorcycle camping and the ground level was about half full, mostly RVs, so I attempted to head up Scott Lake Road.

    The dirt was manageable but there are sections of large rocks difficult to pass on two wheels. I crossed several but I dropped my bike before the second circle. Defeated and exhausted from a long day’s ride, I headed back down to set up my camp among the RV set.

    No shade to the lifestyle but this is an awfully long drive to watch TV at top volume.

  • p
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Campground
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Acorn Campground

    Extended stays

    A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night. They do accept golden age passes which reduces your nightly expense to $10 per night maximum 15 days for the month. Geared mostly for small trailers and tents, however, they do have some sites for larger RVs drive-through 40 foot max and roadside, slide outs might cause a problem. Park managers are very professional, courteous and pleasant. Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness dump station is available for RVs. If you have a portable black tank, it would work out better for you on extended stays when dumping your black tank. If you are self-contained, you won’t have any difficulties at all.

  • Azizah T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice House Campground
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Ice House Campground

    Quiet campground with frequent bears

    I made reservations here a week prior to our trip because I was looking for a warmer place to camp. I previously had reservations at Pinecrest, but it was going to be in the 50s during the day and 30s at night. Which isn’t ideal since I have a 7 month old and a 3 year old. But it ended up getting pretty chilly here as well - high 50s, low 40s. I do not recommended campsite 3, where we camped. It is a double site and is spacious enough for two families. But the campground had 3 bears that were visiting every night. One huge black bear, and a mama black bear with her cub. It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3). Luckily, our kids were asleep when the black bear came around 9pm. The camp host never came by to check us in, even though we were right next to their site. They did not inform us of the three bears that would be coming by. Obviously we are in bear country, so precautions were taken. But it would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us (where one of the bears was coming down). When my husband informed the camp host of the bear that came by she wasn’t surprised at all and said “oh there’s three that come every night. One big black bear who is about 4.5ft tall on all fours - he’s a big guy! And a mama bear with her cub.” This was very strange to me that she didn’t come by and tell us this, nor did she tell the other campers around us. We went and informed the two sites by us so that they were aware of this. Aside from that, the campground is beautiful. You can chop your own wood, since there was a couple of dead trees around. The walk to the reservoir is short and sweet. The water isn’t freezing either, our dog enjoyed her daily swim. I recommend this campground for its beauty but be prepared for a bear visit.

  • DJ M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Crowded

    Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Diamond Gulch
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Diamond Gulch

    Excellent base for exploring Yosemite

    We used Diamond Gulch as our base while exploring Yosemite for 5 days.  Overall, it was a great experience with a great host!  We visited in mid to late July, so it was very hot, and this means the campground was a little dusty, but manageable.  As others have stated, there is free firewood at your site, but we were a little scared to light a wood fire given how everything was so dry.  Also, as others have mentioned the showers were great, but we did have issues with getting them to heat up.  

    One thing to keep in mind is that while Groveland is only ~30 minutes from Yosemite, the drive within the park can take up 45-60 minutes.  So, plan accordingly and be prepared.  Our experience was that if we left camp around 7:30 we'd be through the gate with no line at 8am, and be at a parking lot around 9am.  This always worked for us to get a parking spot without any hassle.  After a long day of hiking and exploring the drive back to the campground felt a little long.

    Something we did not expect was how little there is in Groveland itself.  We tried to spend a couple of hours there one afternoon, and ended up just grabbing coffee and going back to camp.  There just isn't much to do in town.  This isn't to discourage anyone, but keep that in mind.

    The good:

    * Good host

    * Beautiful scenery from camp

    * Clean, well serviced bathrooms (porta potties)

    * Water available in camp

    * Excellent showers (especially when you can get them to heat up)

    * Very relaxed atmosphere

    The okay:

    * The sites have wood chips spread to keep down dust, but those get tracked everywhere.

    * A bit of a drive from the sights in Yosemite

    * On busy weekends it can get a bit crowded



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pine Grove, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pine Grove, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Pine Grove, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 63 tent camping locations near Pine Grove, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.