Best Campgrounds near Hathaway Pines, CA

Camping near Hathaway Pines, California encompasses a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The area sits within proximity to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, home to the North Grove and Oak Hollow Campgrounds where ancient sequoias tower overhead. Stanislaus National Forest surrounds the region, providing both developed facilities and primitive camping options. Located approximately 150 miles east of San Francisco at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, this region serves as a gateway to Gold Country and higher Sierra adventures. According to reviews, Calaveras Big Trees offers "spacious campsites with lots of room between you and other campers" and provides amenities like "hot showers, great Visitors Center, campfire programs, and self-guided hikes."

Most campgrounds in the Hathaway Pines area operate seasonally from late spring through early fall, with peak season running Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter snow can make access difficult at higher elevations, while summer temperatures typically range from 50-90°F. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, particularly from July through October. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage in established campgrounds near Highway 4 and limited to no service in more remote areas. Visitors should check current conditions with the Stanislaus National Forest Calaveras Ranger District or California State Parks before arrival.

The camping landscape includes full-service RV parks near Angels Camp, family-friendly state park campgrounds with flush toilets and showers, and primitive dispersed sites in the national forest. Sand Bar Flat Campground offers a more remote experience, requiring "about 14 miles of dirt road" access but rewarding visitors with riverside sites and fewer crowds. Mighty Farms provides a small private camping option with amenities like showers and picnic tables. Campers interested in wildlife viewing should note that deer are commonly spotted throughout the area, particularly at dawn and dusk. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak season, while some operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited availability on summer weekends.

Best Camping Sites Near Hathaway Pines, California (294)

    1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    21 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2334

    $25 - $70 / night

    "I think this is my favorite California State Park. It is situated in the Calaveras Big Trees Giant Sequoia Grove."

    "Pros - you are in the middle of the Sequoias, near hiking, kayaking, etc. Beautiful river nearby; pretty easy in and out for small-ish RVs. Hard to beat the location."

    2. Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground

    7 Reviews
    Camp Connell, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "A short walk down to the edge of the Stanislaus River and you won't want to leave. Very family friendly."

    "This hidden gem has a great lay out with tent only sites up front and spots for RVs and tents around the loop in the back - all sites have tables and fire rings are fairly close to several pit toilets"

    3. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon."

    "There are a few people on dirt bikes ripping around trails so not fully secluded but still a good spot."

    4. Pinecrest Campground

    17 Reviews
    Long Barn, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 965-3116

    $40 / night

    "The campsites are a very short walk from the lake. the sites are spacious, well spaced and shady. Amenities are quite good with flush toilets, showers, a general store and more."

    "This is a nice campground on Pinecrest Lake near Sonora Pass in Stanislaus National Forest."

    5. Tuttletown Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Jamestown, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 536-9094

    $150 / night

    "Cute small campsites, kind of close to your neighbor. Not a lot of bugs which is always a plus when your near water, we went mid October and the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold."

    "New Melones was not a top destination but it was close to a very special place for us, Natural Bridges."

    6. Acorn Campground

    28 Reviews
    Valley Springs, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 772-1343

    $20 / night

    "A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night."

    "The lake has receded quite a but that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now (California drought). The campsite was well maintained."

    7. Sand Bar Flat Campground

    5 Reviews
    Long Barn, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "I made the drive in a 2wd cargo van and I saw an 80s Ford Mustang down there at the same time but i don't think I'd recommend doing that. A basic truck or SUV would have an easy time driving down."

    "I loved it super secluded way off the beaten path. Great camp host and the fishing was incredible"

    8. Mighty Farms

    1 Review
    Avery, CA
    5 miles
    +1 (734) 216-2182

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Situated close to a creek and perfect for stargazing, this property offers a way to get away from it all. We've heard the gardens are AMAZING!"

    9. Angels Camp Campground and RV

    5 Reviews
    Angels, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 736-0404

    "Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink. Small hiking trail that had some horse nearby that cam and said hi to us. Will definitely be coming back."

    "Close to lots of cute towns and wineries."

    10. Oak Hollow Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    2 Reviews
    Camp Connell, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Perfect location. Sites are decent size and some are more private than others. Site 97 is large and relatively private. Great for a pop-up camper and two tents."

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Showing results 1-10 of 294 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hathaway Pines, CA

977 Reviews of 294 Hathaway Pines Campgrounds



Guide to Hathaway Pines

Camping near Hathaway Pines, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Yosemite National Park: Just a short drive away, Yosemite is a must-see. One camper mentioned, "We absolutely loved our monthly stay at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort. It was super close to the NP."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Amador Resort, visitors enjoy fishing and swimming. One reviewer said, "We enjoyed fishing from the bank and had some good luck with power bait."
  • Hiking: The trails around Calaveras Big Trees State Park are perfect for hiking. A camper noted, "Great view, great facility and coin-based shower, great trails, great water access."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Pinecrest Campground said, "The campground and bathrooms were very well maintained. It was a 10min walk to the lake."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the laid-back vibe. A reviewer at Lake Amador Resort shared, "Great for families. Not a party destination but you can still have a great time!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers appreciate the chance to see wildlife. One camper at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park mentioned, "Plenty of wildlife to see in the day use area as well. We saw some deer and turkeys."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Acorn Campground pointed out, "Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness; dump station is available for RVs."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy. One visitor at Lake Camanche noted, "Got very crowded on the weekend."
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at North Grove Campground mentioned, "Some road noise from Hwy 4, trucks going by were sometimes pretty noticeable."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Activities: Keep kids entertained with games. A family at Yosemite Pines RV Resort enjoyed, "Outdoor movies at the Amphitheater."
  • Choose the Right Spot: Look for campsites that offer space and privacy. One camper at Lake Amador Resort said, "Some nice spots and some tight spots."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to pack food and snacks. A visitor at Pinecrest Campground mentioned, "We played paddle board in the lake, watched the new Minion movie at the amphitheater."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort noted, "We are in a 45 ft toy hauler and taking 120 up here was an ok drive."
  • Be Prepared for Limited WiFi: Many campgrounds have poor internet access. A camper at Yosemite Pines RV Resort said, "WiFi poor and limited to the front desk and laundry room."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have everything you need. A visitor at Acorn Campground mentioned, "If you have a portable black tank, it would work out better for you on extended stays when dumping your black tank."

Camping near Hathaway Pines, California, has something for everyone. Whether you're with family or friends, you'll find plenty of activities and beautiful spots to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hathaway Pines, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hathaway Pines, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 294 campgrounds and RV parks near Hathaway Pines, CA and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hathaway Pines, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hathaway Pines, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hathaway Pines, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Hathaway Pines, CA.

What parks are near Hathaway Pines, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Hathaway Pines, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.