Top Tent Camping near Pioneer, CA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Pioneer? Finding a place to camp in California with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Pioneer, CA (68)
1. North Grove Campground
21 Reviews•95 Photos•54 SavesNorth Grove (sites 27-59)
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
$25 - $70 / night
2. Lake Camanche
18 Reviews•53 Photos•199 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$50 / night
3. Rancho Seco Recreation Area
14 Reviews•21 Photos•129 SavesGet 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
- ADA Access
4. Camp Nauvoo
3 Reviews•17 Photos•95 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$65 - $300 / night
5. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
7 Reviews•16 Photos•403 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
6. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
2 Reviews•5 Photos•151 SavesDispersed 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
7. Lovers Leap Campground
6 Reviews•4 Photos•100 SavesRecreation 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
8. Utica Campgrounds
4 Reviews•13 Photos•142 SavesUtica 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)
9. Bear River Group Campground
2 Reviews•9 Photos•6 SavesOverview
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
10. Fashoda
3 Reviews•17 Photos•53 SavesOverview
Fashoda Campground, located on a peninsula of the eastern side of Union Valley Reservoir, is an incredibly scenic place to camp. The lake area is a hub for activities like swimming, sailing, boating and fishing. Hiking and biking are also quite popular, and many campers make use of the Union Valley Bike Trail.
Recreation
Head out on a sailboat or take the family water skiing. Union Valley offers a number of water activities. Anglers seek rainbow, brown and mackinaw trout and Kokanee salmon. The Union Valley Bike Trail stretches 4.8 miles with an easy climb of 300 feet. The trail connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake, starting from Wench Creek on down to Jones Fork Campground.
Natural Features
Union Valley Reservoir sits in the Crystal Basin, spanning 25,000 acres at an elevation of 5,100 feet. The area is part of the Eldorado National Forest, which is home to the famed gold mining territory of the 1800s. Remnants of the California Gold Rush days can be found throughout the region. Wildlife thrives in the Eldorado National Forest. Bring a camera and be sure to look for spotted owls, bobcats, mule deer and porcupines.
Nearby Attractions
Climb up Two Peaks and look down on a fantastic view of Union Valley and the Crystal Basin.
Charges & Cancellations
Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. 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 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$28 / night
Showing results 1-10 of 68 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Pioneer
979 Reviews of 68 Pioneer Campgrounds
- G
Guy
Traveler
Beals Point Campground
Great staff
I am not the easiest but the staff has a heart of gold and at every turn we’re really there to help.
- PPaul K.
Guide
El Dorado Fairgrounds
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.
- UUT801
Ranger
Campground by the Lake
Great option if available for Lake Tahoe
Camped here for what we thought would be a couple of nights for an event. However, event was canceled due to massive wild fire (air quality index was horrible, so stayed 1 night and left ASAP next morning). Campground is right on the main drag through town and just across the street and a short walk to the lake, although the lake does not permit dogs in this area. Nice walking/biking paths, but heavily commercial district means lots of traffic going by. Site (#E06) is huge with enough space for several RVs, but we parked sideways adjacent to the picnic table and had spot near to bathrooms/showers which are clean but a bit ragged around the edges.
Food aside: Dinner of Curly's pork with cheese and Hatch green chile tortillas. Good to come back here at some point when not high season and can stay more in camping zone, this is a pretty commercial district.
- PPaul K.Guide
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!
- AAnthony F.
Scout
Hope Valley Dispersed
Hope Valley dispersed
Free camping
Shane T.Traveler
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Great spot!
We stayed one night on our way through the area. Spot was nice level and clean. We loved the bike paths all though out the area. Rode In to south Tahoe and had a great experience.
Shari G.
Legend
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.Legend
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.
- hharry S.Guide
North Grove Campground
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.Scout
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.
- BBradford H.Traveler
Loon Lake
Old boat ramp, rock and uneven
Nice peaceful spot. Few cars go by, but it’s tucked away enough.
- DDaniel M.Traveler
American River Resort
Top
Des douches chaudes du wifi Super rapport qualité-prix Que du bonheur
Be L.Traveler
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 !
DJ M.Guide
Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
On the mountain
Drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds. Side of road camping. Camping on Ridgeline
- OOnyx E.Guide
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!
- OOnyx E.Guide
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.
- CCheyanne G.Scout
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Pin is incorrect
So disappointing this app has failed us like 5 times now on camping spots. Not the right location.
Stephen B.Scout
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.
- pphillip H.Scout
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.Ranger
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.
Anthony K.Scout
Luther Pass Dispersed Camping
Hold on
There’s no legal “dispersed” camping at Luther Pass; there are 11 tent sites with a maximum stay of five days. Very nice campground, though.
- DJ M.Guide
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.
- CChristopher N.Guide
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
Clara T.Guide
Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
Great time in this campground!
We spent one night right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset. It’s true that bathroom / toilets / showers aren’t clean, they are quite old.
But we didn’t care, the view worth it. We went swimming in the lake : what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn’t bothered us.
It was super calm. The crew was nice with us and let us spend only one night here for 50$ (the minimum should be 2 nights)
I recommend this place!
(Also, it’s right halfway between Yosemite and San Francisco: which was perfect for us)
- RRebecca J.Traveler
Union Valley Reservoir
Beautiful !
Loved the time spent. Crozier fire started. Made for a bitter sweet sunset.
- Julia H.Traveler
Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Great
Lots of people ! come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars. very quiet at night, maybe i just got lucky lol.
Roxanne D.Scout
Lake Camanche
Fun Spot low cell service
We have been going to camanche Lake for years . Low cell service but very nice place to tent camp. Last year, they gave us our spot we set up, then was told they made a mistake and made us move spots, but the new spot was closer to the water and that made the kids happy. Kinda a hassle, but it worked out. We love it at this lake.
Guide to Pioneer
Camping near Pioneer, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: Check out the trails around North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park. One reviewer said, "You are in the middle of the Sequoias, near hiking, kayaking, etc. Beautiful river nearby."
- Fishing: At Lake Camanche, fishing is a popular activity. A camper mentioned, "We love it at this lake," highlighting the fun of fishing with family.
- Wildlife Watching: The Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground is great for spotting wildlife. One visitor noted, "Plenty of wildlife to see in the day use area as well. We saw some deer and turkeys."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Coloma Resort. A review stated, "The bathrooms are super clean," making it a comfortable choice for families.
- Friendly Staff: Many enjoy the helpfulness of the staff at Ice House Campground. One camper shared, "Camp Host was great. Bathroom clean and smelled good for a vault toilet."
- Scenic Views: The views at Pinecrest Campground are a hit. A visitor said, "The lake is GORGEOUS and amazingly cool during the summer."
What you should know:
- Bear Country: If you're camping at Ice House Campground, be prepared for bear visits. One camper warned, "It would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us."
- Limited Amenities: At Acorn Campground, some amenities are lacking. A review mentioned, "Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness," so plan accordingly.
- Crowded Weekends: Many campgrounds, like Lake Camanche, can get crowded on weekends. One camper noted, "Got very crowded on the weekend," so consider mid-week visits for a quieter experience.
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Coloma Resort has activities for kids. A reviewer said, "Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon."
- Plan for Activities: At Pinecrest Campground, families can enjoy paddle boarding and outdoor movies. One camper shared, "We played paddle board in the lake, watched the new Minion movie at the amphitheater."
- Pack Essentials: Make sure to bring everything you need, especially at places like Rancho Seco Recreation Area, where a camper mentioned, "The store was recently redone and they offer a wide variety of items."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: At Lake Camanche, RVers should be aware of site sizes. One review noted, "Expensive but kept up very well on the smaller camp sites."
- Look for Amenities: Ice House Campground offers good facilities, but be mindful of the lack of hookups. A camper mentioned, "All that's missing is RV hookups, so people tend to run their generators."
- Reserve Early: Popular spots like Sly Park Recreation Area fill up quickly. One RV enthusiast advised, "It's a very popular camping spot, so I recommend planning and reserving sometimes several months in advance."
Camping near Pioneer, California, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pioneer, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pioneer, CA is North Grove Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Pioneer, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 68 tent camping locations near Pioneer, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.