Best Tent Camping near Pine Grove, CA

State parks and national forests surrounding Pine Grove, California offer diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. North Grove Campground in Calaveras Big Trees State Park provides established tent campsites with amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes. Lake Camanche, located about 20 miles west of Pine Grove, features lakeside tent camping with both shaded and unshaded sites. For those seeking more solitude, Top of Arnold dispersed camping area offers primitive tent-only sites along Forest Route 5N56, while Boards Crossing provides walk-in tent sites in a more rustic setting.

Tent campers should prepare for variable conditions across these campgrounds. Most established sites feature flat tent pads on dirt or forest duff, though some areas at Jenkinson Campground have sloped terrain that can make tent setup challenging. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with bear boxes provided at most established campgrounds but required for backcountry tent camping. One camper at North Grove noted that "a bear came through our camp one night, hit the bear box and walked off." Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during summer and fall in dispersed camping areas. Vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds but absent at primitive tent sites.

Walk-in tent sites offer unique advantages for campers seeking more seclusion. At Boards Crossing, tent campers park at a gate and walk a short distance to access sites with worn picnic tables and swimming holes nearby. According to reviews, "there are no toilets, no running water, and very few visitors," making it ideal for primitive tent camping experiences. Lake Camanche provides tent-only sites "just feet from the lake" that fill quickly during summer weekends but remain peaceful midweek. Tent campers at North Grove appreciate the "large flat spots for huge tents" and proximity to hiking trails, though sites closer to Highway 4 experience road noise. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most tent campgrounds, particularly at primitive sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Pine Grove, California (65)

    1. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 763-5121

    $50 / night

    "Wicked August heat, BUT there’s the lake!

    5 Stars — were it not for the SLOBS who preceded us!!"

    "I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that. 

    The water level really varies on the year."

    2. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    21 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2334

    $25 - $70 / night

    "The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative."

    "Beautiful site, hiking trails close by, well maintained grounds. Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off. Rangers were friendly and very informative about the area."

    3. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Herald, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 748-2318

    "About 50 tent only sites, some just feet from the lake. RV sites are farther from the lake on mostly level gravel pads with picnic table, fire rings, and a trash can at each site."

    "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."

    4. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon."

    "There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly, I have a canopy so it helps make it more than fine. Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt."

    5. Camp Nauvoo

    3 Reviews
    Diamond Springs, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 207-9441

    $65 - $300 / night

    6. Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2545

    "The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation."

    "We brought our paddle board and we’re walking distance to the lake front. Lake was quiet, trails well maintained and facilities were cleaned regularly. Will definitely stay here again."

    7. Bear River Group Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 295-4360

    $115 - $145 / night

    "Camping on the bear river out of Weimar California. camping is very close to the river. reservations are require, fee is $10 per site. Activities include swimming, rafting, fishing and gold panning."

    8. Boards Crossing

    1 Review
    Camp Connell, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-1381

    9. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

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

    "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

    10. Deer Flat Boat In Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Valley Springs, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 772-1343

    $20 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 65 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pine Grove, CA

932 Reviews of 65 Pine Grove Campgrounds



Guide to Pine Grove

Pine Grove, California, offers a fantastic selection of tent camping options surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a serene getaway or an adventure-filled trip, you'll find a campground that suits your needs.

Local Attractions and Activities

Tent Camping Amenities

  • At North Grove Campground - Calaveras Big Trees State Park, campers can enjoy amenities like picnic tables, showers, and firewood, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Camp Nauvoo offers a range of features including drinking water and trash disposal, making it a convenient choice for families and groups.
  • Lake Camanche provides electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, catering to those who want a bit more comfort while tent camping.

Pricing for Tent Camping

  • Tent camping at Rancho Seco Recreation Area typically ranges from $25 to $35 per night, offering a budget-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Expect to pay around $30 to $40 for a tent site at Lake Camanche, which includes access to various recreational activities.
  • Rates at Camp Nauvoo are generally between $30 and $50, depending on the season and amenities offered.

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 Lake Camanche with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 65 tent camping locations near Pine Grove, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.