267 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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 campgrounds 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 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."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $42 - $53 / night
Check Availability"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)"
from $28 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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"
"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
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"Our site had several old rugs and leveling Timbers left behind, for example. Most sites are neither flat nor level, but close enough to get level. The setting is magnificent."
"Use cat holes instead (200 ft from water please). Poison oak is everywhere. River views are spectacular."
"This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California. The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers."
from $15 / night
Check Availability
GuideRight behind a casino, but a really nice park. Excellent bathrooms and showers. A pool area and dog park. Good Wi-Fi and amenities. A little pricier than what I am used to but it was a really nice place to stay the night. Also awesome treat bad for the dog provided at check in, a really nice touch.
TravelerGorgeous spot. Park undergoing renovations and roads a little tight but all in all a beautiful park. Great dog park
TravelerThis was where we went for our first outing with the travel trailer. The staff was very helpful. The dog park is AMAZING HUGE AND FENCED.
TravelerSurprised how well maintained and friendly staff assisting with set up. Nice dog large area without enclosed fencing. All short term campers are located in the center very cozy. Lots of families and kids and noisy. We were able to ride bike in the park and on the road that was safe with little to no traffic. Several grass areas for guest minus pets. The perimeter areas are for permanent residence with several for sale. So no chance of getting some nice sites. A number of tiny cottages to rent. The railroad tracks along side of park and loud in early hours you got use to it. Will return but off season when kids are back in school. Also no access to creek from park. Recommend very clean park
ScoutThousand Trails Lake Minden
Tiny Park, Giant Heart
We spent three weeks at Lake Minden and, to be honest, judged it too quickly. It’s one of the smaller Thousand Trails parks, and when we first rolled in, we weren’t sure it was going to be our kind of place. That changed fast.
Right off the bat, we were greeted warmly at the gate- no awkward waiting or guessing, just a “Hey there, welcome!” kind of vibe. Our assigned spot had a bad electric hookup, but moving one space over solved that and actually gave us a better view. So, win-win.
The park, like many Thousand Trails locations, is clearly from a different era. The facilities, the grounds, even the layout- it all shows its age in the same way most of these long-standing parks do. But here’s the difference: it’s obvious they take care of what they have. You can feel the pride in the upkeep, and honestly, I’d take a clean, cared-for 50-year-old park over a neglected new one any day.
The community here is what made the trip. The staff pour real effort into the activities- they’re on time, thoughtful, and welcoming. Friday potlucks were the soul of the park. We forgot our plates and silverware more than once (parent brain), and Barbara, the activities director, always had us covered without missing a beat. That kind of care doesn’t go unnoticed.
Easter weekend took it to another level. My toddler had the time of his life painting eggs and coloring puzzles, and my wife - who’d never painted an egg before - might’ve had more fun than he did. The Easter egg hunt was packed with families and even staff with their kids. Prizes for the winners, candy in the eggs for the rest of us- my toddler’s too young for the sweets, so I had no choice but to help. That’s what dads are for, right?
There’s an ice cream social every Saturday, and it’s as delightful as it sounds. Tons of toppings, lots of conversation, and just a genuinely happy way to spend a weekend afternoon. We missed candy bar bingo this time, but it's already on the list for our return trip.
Special thanks to Gwen, the park manager, who couldn’t have been more welcoming. The assistant manager warmed up by the end of our stay, which made us feel even more like part of the community.
Facilities were surprisingly polished. The showers were spotless, stocked, and looked freshly upgraded with woodgrain tile and real stall doors. Toilets and sinks were just as clean, and even when I accidentally left my shampoo in the shower, I found it days later placed neatly on the side counter. That’s rare. Housekeeping here clearly cares.
The lodge is small- more like a retrofitted mobile trailer - but full of charm. It’s where most activities are held, and there's a cozy back room with a pool table, board games, a decent little DVD collection, and a small library. My toddler played Connect 4 like a champion (even though he mostly used it as a coin-drop game), and, tried valiantly to reach the pool balls.
Now, the lake. It’s... functional. Let’s be honest, it’s a man-made basin with some concrete leftovers that litter the sides that look like the Ghost of Swimming Pools Past. Not the prettiest, but they do stock it with fish and the docks looked newly redone- one rebuilt while we were there, looked really nice when they finished. I didn’t bring my gear, but next time, I’m sneaking out for some dad-time with a rod and reel.
There’s no pool at this park, but the grassy areas made up for it. Annual sites had a huge open field behind them where my son ran wild playing ball and chase. Minden must’ve mowed the day we arrived because the smell of cut grass hit us like nostalgia. They kept it mowed weekly, and my kid was hypnotized by the riding mower going up and down the stretch. In fact there's enough gassy area I thought a great spring/summertime regular event would be water days- think slip'n slides and mist sprinklers set up for the kids. That would be fun... and a cool relief in those hotter days.
There’s a playground with a raised soft-chip base, multiple slides, and just the right level of challenge for a toddler. He had a blast. Even the dog park, while nothing fancy (just a weed-sprouting rectangle), gave our Silky terriers a space to run a few laps. I may or may not have snuck them into the field after hours for some frisbee time. Nobody tell.
Connectivity was solid- I had full AT&T service for calls, texts, and data the entire time. It was a quiet park, minus one domestic dispute from a neighboring site that cleared up fast (and they moved out the next day). Otherwise, peaceful and calm.
Now, let’s talk about traffic flow- because this one got me. The park is built around a lake, and the road looping around it is one-way, enforced with a strict 5 mph speed limit. That’s great if you have kids or dogs and you want a calm environment. Not so great when you realize halfway to the store that you forgot your wallet. What should’ve been a quick grab turned into a 10-minute drive out, a 10-minute drive back in, and then… yep, 10 minutes out again. I’ve taken shorter road trips just to get ice cream. Lesson learned.
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Stay Summary & Scores
Restroom & Shower Facilities: ★★★★★
Exceptionally clean, stocked, and well-maintained. Modern-feeling shower stalls with privacy and woodgrain tile. Toilets and sinks equally spotless.
Lodge Amenities & Common Spaces: ★★★★☆
Compact but full of charm. Activities room, pool table, games, small library. Retrofitted mobile unit, but used thoughtfully and consistently.
Overall Cleanliness & Maintenance: ★★★★★
Top-tier. Grass is cut regularly, restrooms shine, playground looks freshly maintained, and even left-behind items are handled with care.
Recreational Activities & Family Engagement: ★★★★★
Thoughtfully organized events (especially Easter), ice cream socials, egg painting, RC airplane shows, dog races, and a family-friendly vibe across the board.
Staff Hospitality & Park Culture: ★★★★★
Gwen leads with warmth. Barbara is the MVP of activities. Assistant manager needed some time to warm up, but did. Felt truly welcomed.
Lake & Waterfront Quality: ★★☆☆☆
Man-made and a little tired. Some concrete remnants along the edge. Not great for swimming, but fish-stocked and dock area recently improved.
Pet-Friendliness: ★★★☆☆
Dog park was weedy and basic, but functional. Open spaces nearby helped. Waste bins were present and clean.
Site Utility Functionality: ★★★★☆ First electric hookup was faulty, but the second was fine. Rest of the site utilities performed without issue. Easy to park and level.
Traffic Flow & Accessibility: ★★★☆☆
Strict 5 mph limit is great for safety (especially with kids) but makes trips around the loop feel like slow motion. One-way loop adds time - especially painful if you forget your wallet and turn your day into a 30-minute regret.
General Atmosphere & Community Vibe: ★★★★★ Welcoming, peaceful, and filled with community spirit. The kind of place where strangers become friends over potluck and board games.
ScoutThe host was very nice. When we got there we could not find the black water hookup. He came out and helped us get all connected. Most lots are used by permanent residents. I did not see any children. Very clean and was very pet friendly. All of the folks were very friendly and most had their own dogs. I am not sure I would come back, I am new to RVing and I think I need muck more to experience before I would go back to the same place twice. I am looking for parks closer to wineries as well.
ScoutThe campground is easy to get to and has a nice convenience store in case you forgot anything. It was quiet and had a nice river view. Pets are allowed as well!
GuideWe love Collins!! Very nice for paddle boarding and kayaking. Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!
ScoutWOW, this place is super nice. Kid friendly with activities and play areas. Pet park for off leash play! Clean and friendly staff! #1 park in our book!
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 Giant Gap with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Pinecrest, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 267 dog-friendly camping locations near Pinecrest, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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