5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Rollins Lake recreation areas welcome pets at multiple campgrounds with varying amenities. Greenhorn Campground at Rollins Lake provides waterfront sites where campers can anchor boats right in front and keep pets nearby. The campground includes a convenience store within walking distance for pet supplies. Bear River Park & Campground offers riverside sites with picnic tables and fire rings where both dogs and their owners can enjoy the relaxing sound of flowing water. Nevada County Fairgrounds provides full hookup RV camping for pets and owners, though tent camping is not permitted at this location as noted in recent visitor feedback.
Dog owners find multiple trail options near the pet-friendly campgrounds along the North Fork American River. Mineral Bar Campground in Auburn State Recreation Area provides access to Stevens Trail, a moderately difficult 4-mile hike to the river with fantastic views, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Bears are common in this area, and campgrounds provide bear lockers for proper food storage. The river access at most sites offers dogs cooling swimming opportunities during hot summer months, though the water can be extremely cold early in the season. Most dog-friendly campsites maintain pet leash requirements and visitors should always clean up after their animals to maintain access privileges. Random wildlife encounters are possible, as visitors have reported seeing everything from deer to bears, though the bears typically flee immediately upon seeing humans.
"We got a pretty secluded site at Cabana 12 but the rest of the sites are kinda stacked on top of each other or out in the open right next to each other. If you want some more privacy then do C12."
"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!"
from $42 - $53 / night
"We took our one year old and two dogs here and it was awesome. Close to the water which had a nice beach area."
"The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $48 / night
"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."
"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)"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 / night
"Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!"
"Not a bad campsite, but was surrounded by RVs and people walking around. Can’t bring dogs onto the beach area which was a bummer, but was too crowded anyways"
"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."
from $39 - $51 / 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."
from $27 - $53 / night
"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. It was only a 20-minute drive from home in Nevada City."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $48 / night
"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."
"We went in February so we were the only campers in whole campground and got a killer lake front site."
ScoutThis campground was uniquely located close to the Bear River and Lake Rollins. It allowed both exterior and interior access. It was located right in the middle of the Tahoe forest
GuideFriendly staff and a camp host selling firewood. Clean flush toilets and hot showers for 50 cents. A little difficult to find a level spot for a van in the dry camping area, and most spots were right on the side of the road. It would be more enjoyable if one could pull off into the dirt area for level spots out of the main drag.
ScoutClean, well managed and great location. Can walk to historic downtown.
ScoutFirst ever RV use. Has good water and power, toilets and one shower that I didn’t test. Cost $58 usd.
RangerWell worth the drive - definitely suggest AWD if you choose to go all the way up to the hiking point. Stunning views as you continue to climb up. Good amount of people present, but I snagged an awesome and secluded spot. I had I believe a bar of service. My site was clean. Bear scat present and I heard other campers bang pots around me, indicating there was definitely potential to run into a black bear. Rock fire pit was present. I believe there were spots with picnic tables and grills and maybe a bathroom a bit farther down, but I chose seclusion over everything.
GuideThis site does not recognize any state or federal pass the rate starts for 40 a day then they charge per person and per pet grand total for a one night stay with hookups 62$ for one RV one person one dog . 
RangerVery nice 1970 style park most spots only has water and electricity. Section X is full hook ups and close to all amenities. Lots of deers and gray squirrels playing about the park. Nice beach area with rental boats. Restrooms and laundry areas in good shape. This is a nice area to camp.
TravelerIncredible campground! All campers were super respectful of the quiet hours and the campground hosts were great. They work very hard to keep the campground clean. The river isn’t super easy to access but there’s a rope to help you down to the river access spot. The section of the river throughout the campground is claimed so no panning. We loved our stay and can’t wait to go back.
LegendWonderful campground. Quiet, spacious, clean pit toilets. Large and private sites. Bear boxes provided. Camp host on site.
Rollins Lake and surrounding recreation areas offer multiple pet-friendly camping options within 45 miles of Pinecrest, California. Sites range from lakefront to riverside locations at elevations between 1,800-2,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during daytime with cooler 50-65°F nights, creating ideal conditions for pets and their owners.
Paddleboarding on motor-free waters: At Giant Gap, the reservoir prohibits motorboats, creating ideal conditions for paddleboarding. "Such a beautiful lake for paddleboarding as there are no motor boats. Quiet, secluded, flat campsites. There is a great trail that goes entirely around the lake," notes Nicki M.
Swimming in warmer mountain waters: Unlike many high-elevation lakes with freezing temperatures, Collins Lake Recreation Area offers more comfortable swimming. A visitor notes, "We fished from kayaks and always caught fish for dinner. The fishing is awesome on Collins Lake!" The lake stays warm enough for comfortable swimming through summer and early fall.
Hiking around entire lakes: Multiple campgrounds feature full-lake loop trails with moderate terrain. "The camp host, Pat, is a doll, friendly and good for a laugh. The camp is clean with firewood to buy, and plenty to forage on the ground. Pit toilets and portable toilets, large sites for tents and campers alike," writes Marika M. about White Cloud Campground.
Shaded waterfront sites: Campers appreciate sites with natural shade protection during hot summer days. "The reason I like this spot is because campsites C3-C10 have the most shade you can hope for! There is a little waterfall and creek running behind the campsites so you get the trickling water sound," shares Ed S. about Rollins Lake.
Private forest settings: Many campgrounds in the region offer secluded sites despite their proximity to water. "We were treated to a site close to the reservoir. No hookups, but spectacular beauty. It's a beautiful spot!" explains Stephanie C. about her stay at Giant Gap.
Lake circuits for exercise: Scotts Flat Lake features a popular trail circling the water. "Our favorite camping spot! We like to book the group site a few months in advance, as we can usually fit a trailer or two and a few tents without feeling too cramped. Showers are HOT, and there is a playground for kids," notes Rachel.
Advance booking requirements: Most pet-friendly sites must be reserved months ahead for summer weekends. "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," Andrea D. explains about Scotts Flat Lake, highlighting the competitive reservation process.
Bear precautions: Mineral Bar Campground requires proper food storage in provided bear boxes. "Great Access to the American River. Site has pit toilets, fire rings, tables and bear lockers(have seen several bears)," notes Jim N.
Noise levels vary by location: Some campgrounds experience more weekend activity than others. "The campground is no-frills and right on the highway, but a nice place overall," writes Meg R. about White Cloud Campground, while another camper noted, "Nice camping is in the early summer when the lake is full."
Easy river swimming access: Look for gradual-entry swimming spots for children at riverside campgrounds. "Only 15 minutes away (windy road) from Colfax, but feels so remote! Clean campsites right along road with bearboxes, picnic tables, and fire pits. Easy river access down the hill to rocky swimming pools," reports Christian N. about Mineral Bar.
Tent-friendly options: Not all campgrounds accommodate tent camping. "Says right on the web home page, no tent camping (no car camping either)," warns Jim B. about Nevada County Fairgrounds, an important consideration for families without RVs.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Showers are HOT, and there is a playground for kids. Never had issues with noise or people partying too late!" shares a visitor about Scotts Flat Lake, making it suitable for families with younger children.
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the region require significant leveling equipment. "Sites are not very level either. I needed to raise my front end 6 inches to get level," warns David C. about Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Size restrictions on access roads: Some campgrounds have difficult access for larger rigs. "It was a little challenging getting our 16' trailer to the pad but it was worth it. 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," advises Karen B. about Manzanita Rock Meadow.
Full hookup availability: Only certain campgrounds offer complete RV services. Collins Lake Recreation Area provides full hookups including sewer connections. "We camped here TWICE in 2019. First time in mid April and 2nd time on the first weekend of November. Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage," shares a satisfied RVer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Pinecrest, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Pinecrest, CA is Greenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake with a 3.6-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Pinecrest, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 269 dog-friendly camping locations near Pinecrest, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
