Best Campgrounds near Pinecrest, CA

Campgrounds near Pinecrest, California provide a mix of established sites and more remote options across Tahoe National Forest and surrounding public lands. Several developed campgrounds offer amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, particularly at locations such as Giant Gap and Scotts Flat Lake. The region includes tent sites, RV-accessible campgrounds, and even cabin accommodations at properties like Manzanita Rock Meadow and Collins Lake Recreation Area. Many campgrounds feature proximity to water features, with several properties situated near rivers or lakes that allow for swimming, fishing, and other water activities.

Road conditions and seasonal closures significantly impact camping access throughout the area. Most campgrounds operate from late spring through mid-fall, with many facilities closing during winter months due to snow and difficult access. Giant Gap operates from May through October, while more developed sites like Greenhorn Campground at Rollins Lake remain accessible year-round. Elevation differences create varied conditions, with higher elevation sites experiencing cooler temperatures even during summer months. Campers should prepare for significant wildlife activity, particularly bears, which frequent many campgrounds in the region. According to one visitor, "There are three bears that come every night. One big black bear, and a mama bear with her cub," highlighting the importance of proper food storage.

The natural features near Pinecrest campgrounds consistently receive praise from visitors. Water access represents a major draw, with many campers highlighting the quality of swimming areas and fishing opportunities. Campers report high satisfaction with sites that offer both privacy and water proximity. Established campgrounds typically provide bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities vary significantly by location. Several visitors mentioned excellent hiking opportunities directly accessible from campgrounds, including trails to alpine lakes and viewpoints. Campers seeking greater isolation can find more primitive sites, though these typically have fewer amenities. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, some campgrounds experience significant crowding during summer weekends and holidays, with waterfront sites being particularly popular and requiring advance reservations.

Best Camping Sites Near Pinecrest, California (360)

    1. Inn Town Campground

    12 Reviews
    Nevada City, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-9900

    "Just know that here on The Dyrt, the location on the map for some reason shows it as being many miles away from Kidder Ct: it’s marked as if it is at Higgins Corner, halfway to Auburn?"

    "Super clean and friendly Not congested and close to many hiking trails Easy drive and close to Nevada City.

    Especially nice during Christmas Season. Feels like walking back in time."

    2. Giant Gap

    11 Reviews
    Gold Run, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 367-2224

    $24 - $48 / night

    "The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."

    "The campsites are all very nice but 23 and 24 can’t be beat with the best access to the water ( you will have a lot of people walking by to get there also though)."

    3. Greenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake

    7 Reviews
    Pinecrest, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (530) 388-0328

    $42 - $53 / night

    "This is a smaller but nice lake. It hasn’t ever been over crowded when I’ve gone. The reason I like this spot is because campsites C3-C10 have the most shade you can hope for!"

    "They have a convenience store that is walkable distance to get supplies, food, candy from. You should reserve a spot right on the lake. If you have a boat you can anchor it right in front."

    4. Nevada County Fairgrounds

    6 Reviews
    Grass Valley, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 273-6217

    "Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around."

    "Really nice with the lake and quiet woods feeling. No hassle booking and really reasonable price. Huge sites like 150x18 or there abouts."

    5. Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Colfax, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-4527

    $28 / night

    "Nice trails to explore that run along the river’s edge. Easy trails for beginners."

    "One of my favorite summer spots, great Access to the American River. Site has pit toilets, fire rings, tables and bear lockers(have seen several bears)"

    6. Scotts Flat Lake

    4 Reviews
    Forest Knolls, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-5302

    $39 - $51 / night

    "Reserved 2 campsites next to each other for  10 family members for Father’s Day weekend 2019.   Sites were large and not too close to each other so plenty of room to spread out.  "

    "Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off."

    7. Greenhorn Campground

    2 Reviews
    Pinecrest, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (530) 272-6100

    $27 - $53 / night

    "There are multiple campsites by the water, no need to drive or take a long walk. There is a store on site that seeks everything you may need."

    "Edit: I ended up sticking around to take in the place bc I had paid so much."

    8. White Cloud

    6 Reviews
    Washington, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 - $48 / night

    "The individual sites are distanced enough so it still feels private, bathrooms and water was available. Hiked the pioneer trail and then went swimming in the lake nearby."

    "It was only a 20-minute drive from home in Nevada City. We enjoyed hanging around the campground, took a cruise over to Rucker Lake for some exploring."

    9. Collins Lake Recreation Area

    22 Reviews
    Oregon House, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 692-1600

    "This campground is above Marysville California."

    "They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our "front door" from our 27' travel trailer."

    10. Manzanita Rock Meadow

    6 Reviews
    North San Juan, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 263-3656

    $40 - $55 / night

    "Situated on 25 acres, this gem is truly the best place to relax and unwind. With beautiful scenery and so many outdoor activities to enjoy, we know you'll be planning your next stay before you leave."

    "I don’t think the bigger rigs would be able to make the turn into the site and the road to the entrance is a bit rough. Don’t miss visiting the covered bridge at South Yuba State Park!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 360 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Pinecrest, CA

984 Reviews of 360 Pinecrest Campgrounds


  • 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 :-)

  • H
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground

    Quieter Camp with Nice Trail Adjacent

    A two loop campground in a beautiful area. I stayed here in October of 2024. Aside from the host and a forest crew, I was the only camper. It was quiet and lovely. I walked the adjacent trail in the morning, which was very pretty. The pit toilets are old style and smelly, but clean.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground

    Water, front and tree shaded campsites

    Campsites, along the shores of the reservoir are small and close together. The other sites are larger and have more privacy. All of the sites have shade. Elevation is about 6000 feet. I camped here 9/17/25.

  • D
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Movin' West RV Park

    Very nice place

    Clean and cute, rv sites are level and spacious

  • Shir S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation

    Wrong coordinates

    Use the coordinates to get to the Boca campground site and make a right, the exact coordinates will take you to a boat ramp , the campground itself was fire we stayed at site 25 , had a private walk way to the beach

  • 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 Pinecrest

Camping near Pinecrest, California ranges from 3,500 to 6,000 feet in elevation, creating significant temperature variations even within short distances. The higher elevation campgrounds typically remain snow-covered until late May, while lower elevation sites often open by early April. Water levels at area reservoirs fluctuate dramatically between spring and late summer, affecting shoreline camping and water access points.

What to do

Hiking on Pioneer Trail: White Cloud Campground provides access to the Pioneer Trail, a multi-use path popular with mountain bikers and hikers. "So fun and quiet for the most part. Traffic noise from 20 was the only drawback so next time will choose a campsite on the back side. Pioneer trail is amazing for mountain biking and hiking," notes one visitor at White Cloud.

Paddleboarding on local lakes: Many campers bring non-motorized watercraft to explore the quieter lakes. "Scotts Flat is just five miles outside of Nevada City. It is run by the Nevada Irrigation District. One of the many man made lakes in the region. A beautiful lake to boat, fish and swim," according to a camper at Scotts Flat Lake.

Gold panning opportunities: Several campgrounds offer access to rivers where recreational gold panning is permitted. "Close to the n. fork of the American river. Lots of great swimming holes close by up river. Great hiking path opposite the camp ground going up river. Activities include fishing, hiking, and gold prospecting," reports a visitor to Mineral Bar Campground.

What campers like

Lake views from campsites: Water proximity remains a top priority for most campers. "We loved our brief stay at Giant Gap, we were surprised to get availability! We were treated to a site close to the reservoir. No hookups, but spectacular beauty," writes a camper at Giant Gap.

Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive consistently higher ratings. "The campground is exceptionally clean and meticulously maintained. We even had a heated mattress pad in our glamping tent to keep warm. The owners, Dan and Erin Thiem, really have thought of everything," shares a visitor to Inn Town Campground.

Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention appreciation for sites with adequate room. "Just can't recommend based on the very cramped conditions. Sites are not very level either. I needed to raise my front end 6 inches to get level," warns a reviewer about Nevada County Fairgrounds, highlighting the importance of site spacing.

What you should know

Water levels change seasonally: Reservoir levels drop substantially by late summer. "Nice campground close to the water. Water levels are very low and the banks were muddy but we still had enjoyable time paddling. Vault toilets were well maintained. Only negative were the excessive amount of bees during the day," explains a Giant Gap visitor.

Wildlife considerations: Beyond bears, bees and other insects can be problematic at certain times. "Paid $68 for a tent site with no hookups. Showers take quarters too. Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off," reports a camper at Scotts Flat Lake.

Site reservation competition: Prime waterfront sites book extremely quickly, often months in advance. "We were hoping to reserve water front this Father's Day and had to stay up until midnight on Jan 2nd to book on line. We did get a couple of sites across from the beach," notes a visitor describing reservation challenges at Scotts Flat Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Lake swimming options: Several campgrounds offer beach areas specifically designed for families. "We usually go with friends and their trailers, note this is dry camping so you should bring generators if you have a trailer," advises a camper at Greenhorn Campground.

Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds include playgrounds and open areas. "This campground is above Marysville California. Beautiful campground and Lake. Fishing there was wonderful lakeside and great hikes. Registration area and cafe has ice cream available and souvenir store," shares a visitor to Collins Lake Recreation Area.

Quieter weekday visits: School breaks create significant crowding at family-friendly sites. "The campground is no-frills and right on the highway, but a nice place overall. I was watching my friends' kids for the weekend, so we loaded up bikes and the dog and got out of the house for a couple of days," reports a White Cloud camper.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven pads requiring significant leveling equipment. "It's $30 a night for dry camping and goes up from there depending on what hookups you need. Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around," explains a visitor to Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Road access limitations: Several campgrounds have access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. "It was a little challenging getting our 16' trailer to the pad but it was worth it. So quiet and serene there. I don't think the bigger rigs would be able to make the turn into the site and the road to the entrance is a bit rough," warns a camper at Manzanita Rock Meadow.

Hookup availability varies widely: Full hookups are limited in the region. "Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage. They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our 'front door' from our 27' travel trailer," details a visitor to Collins Lake Recreation Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make camping reservations at Pinecrest Lake?

Pinecrest Lake campground reservations can be made through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance of your arrival date. Due to high demand, especially during summer months, it's advisable to book as early as possible when the reservation window opens. Alternatively, nearby Tahoe National Forest Wild Plum Campground offers a beautiful forest setting along Haypress Creek as a backup option if Pinecrest is fully booked. For holiday weekends and peak summer dates (July-August), set calendar reminders to book exactly at the six-month window for the best chance of securing a spot.

What camping options are available in Pinecrest, California?

Pinecrest offers a variety of camping experiences for different preferences. The main Pinecrest Lake Campground provides developed sites with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby restrooms. For those seeking alternatives in the region, Donner Memorial State Park Campground offers spacious campsites with lake access and boulder-filled terrain perfect for families. American River Resort provides riverside camping with more amenities, including private showers and a short walk to town for supplies. Most sites in the Pinecrest area accommodate both tents and smaller RVs, though specific length restrictions vary by campground.

Where are the best campgrounds near Pinecrest, CA?

The Sierra Nevada region surrounding Pinecrest offers several excellent camping options. Ice House Campground is a popular alternative to Pinecrest when temperatures are more moderate at lower elevations. For those seeking a remote experience, Gold Lake 4x4 Campground in the Sierra Buttes provides exceptional fishing opportunities and hiking trails with stunning mountain views. Both campgrounds offer pine forest settings typical of the Sierra Nevada range and access to outdoor recreation, though Gold Lake requires 4WD vehicles for access.