Dispersed camping options near Placerville, California offer varied alternatives to established RV parks and campgrounds. Located in El Dorado County at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, this region transitions between Sacramento Valley's lower elevations and the Sierra Nevada mountains, creating diverse camping conditions. Temperatures fluctuate seasonally, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping to 30°F, affecting campground availability and facilities.
What to do
River recreation: Float trips along the American River at Thousand Trails Ponderosa in Lotus provide day-long activities. "Lots of great fishing, floating, and kayak accessibility. Bring tubes and life vests. Poles and bait," advises Kate A. Families can enjoy swimming in the river during summer months when temperatures rise.
Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds feature dedicated paths for cycling enthusiasts. "Lots of great trails to weave through the campground on a mountain bike," mentions Kate A. about Thousand Trails Ponderosa. Riders can access trails directly from campsites without needing to transport bikes elsewhere.
Winter camping experiences: Winter camping is available at Tahoe Valley Campground where visitors can enjoy snowy conditions. "We ended up camping in a truck camper after being caught in a snow storm. For a last minute find, it turned out to be an awesome choice," reports Basia M. "Nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!"
What campers like
Fishing opportunities: French Meadows reservoir offers productive trout fishing according to visitors. "Great trout fishing," notes Toby R., though he cautions about "extreme fire danger the summer months." The reservoir provides both shore fishing and boat access for anglers.
Swimming spots: Natural water features provide relief during hot summer days. At French Meadows, one visitor reported, "Loved the water access, and water was perfect temperature for swimming for our toddlers." The reservoir maintains comfortable swimming temperatures even during peak summer heat.
Resort-style amenities: Jackson Rancheria RV Park offers upscale camping facilities with hotel-like conveniences. "We love how clean it is, and the staff is friendly. The surrounding areas are woodsy and our dogs love the dog park!" shares Kristina. The park also provides "a heated pool and jacuzzi" and "wonderful shuttle bus to and from casino."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Wildfire prevention measures affect campfires throughout the region. "Bear country be advised. Extreme fire danger the summer months and closed due to snow in winter," warns Toby R. about French Meadows. Before heading out, verify current fire regulations as they change seasonally.
Road conditions: Access to remote campgrounds can be challenging. One French Meadows visitor warned: "Long somewhat treacherous drive to get there." Another camper noted: "The road is long and windy and dangerous if you are not creeping around the corners. 1.5 hours from Auburn."
Site selection strategies: Not all campsites offer level tent pads. A French Meadows camper cautioned: "Two thirds of the campsites were on a slope with no where to setup a tent on level ground. We got lucky and reserved a site with a 'decent' spot to place a tent but if you have never been and don't know what sites to pick while making reservations online then you are rolling the dice."
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: SacWest RV Park & Campground provides structured activities for kids. "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained," notes Dan. Family-oriented campgrounds maintain programming throughout peak seasons.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature pools or water access for children. "The kids loved the stocked fishing ponds, and even better was the immaculate 2 swimming pools and playground!" shares Syd D. about 49er Village RV Resort. "Everyone was busy having fun the whole time."
Arcade facilities: Several RV parks maintain game rooms for entertainment during poor weather. "This is a well maintained RV and tent camping resort. It's great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites," reports Kate A. about Thousand Trails Ponderosa, which also features communal recreation areas.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: Many experienced RVers recommend specific site locations. For Ghost Mountain RV Campground, Craig & Linda L. shared: "Nice size campsites. Water and Electricity only. There is Honeybucket truck that comes around Monday Wednesday and Friday. A dump station on site."
Leveling issues: RV campers frequently comment on pad quality. At 49er Village RV Resort, pads are "paved and level" according to one reviewer, who noted "the back-in sites in the center back up to each other with no divider between them."
Campground infrastructure: Water and electrical connections vary significantly between parks. At Ghost Mountain, campers noted limitations: "Poor hookups, no sewer, roads not paved, dusty." Others mentioned: "About 20 minutes down Hy50 is the Red hawk casino," providing additional entertainment options for RV campers.
