Dispersed camping opportunities near Hathaway Pines, California sit at elevations between 3,500-6,000 feet, creating varied camping conditions across seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days reach 80-90°F with minimal rainfall. The area's volcanic soil drains quickly after storms, allowing for extended camping seasons at lower elevations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several bodies of water near Hathaway Pines offer good fishing. At Glory Hole Recreation Area, campers can fish directly from shore. "The campground is quiet and the scenery is amazing this time of year. There are easily accessible hiking trails that were a great help in wearing out the pups," reports one visitor to the Big Oak campground.
Disc golf courses: Lake Amador provides multiple courses for disc golf enthusiasts. "As disc golfers, of course we love camping here, having 3 courses to choose from. But there is something for everyone in the family here, there is amazing fishing, boating and swimming," notes a camper.
Stargazing spots: The higher elevation dispersed sites offer excellent night sky views away from light pollution. At Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, one visitor shared: "Perfect spot for star gazing!! We arrived when it was dark and had no problem finding a spot! It was open with plenty of spots & we were the only ones!"
What campers like
Tree cover for shade: Forest sites provide natural cooling during hot summer days. At Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, a camper noted: "It's suitable enough of a campground, Verizon works. There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly, I have a canopy so it helps make it more than fine."
Lake activities: Several camping areas offer direct water access. At Lake Amador Resort, visitors appreciate water activities: "They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole."
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts diverse wildlife visible from campsites. "The wildlife is RIGHT THERE! We saw a tarantula near the tee box on 2. I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend," shared a Lake Amador camper.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Weather impacts both road access and facility availability. At Sly Park Recreation Area, a winter visitor noted: "Water level was low and this time of year the water spickets are off. This site is right next to one of the vault toilets and a trash dumpster. Not many people stay this time of year and the gates are closed just past the marina."
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. For Top of Arnold, a camper warned: "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up." Another mentioned: "Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine."
Fire regulations: Rules vary by location and season. One camper at Top of Arnold advised: "This is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers... Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly recreation: Water features provide entertainment for children. "We have been there three times, twice for day trips when our kids were camping there and one time where our son's and daughter's family and us were camping there for three days weekend," shared a visitor to Woodward Reservoir.
Site selection for privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options for families. A camper at Sly Park recommended: "Lot 38 on Pinecone Strip, really private. No other campsite really visible. Close to bathrooms and water. Awesome hiking around the Lake Jenkinson."
Alternative equestrian camping options: Beyond the dispersed sites mentioned in the existing description, horse owners can find suitable terrain at several locations. "We camped at Spicer on Labor Day weekend with our 28' toy hauler. The campsites have a variety of trees/rocks and many are fairly private. We got one close to the walking trail down to the lake, which took just a couple minutes," noted a visitor to Spicer Reservoir.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Limited locations offer full connections for RVs. At Woodward Reservoir, "Full hookups were used and enjoyed by all each time. On the T-Island sites you right on the water."
Site leveling considerations: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. At Lake Amador Resort, an RVer noted: "We stayed in site 62 with 41 foot MH. There was no room for a tow vehicle and we did not put our awnings out."
Dump station access: Plan waste management carefully. One Lake Amador visitor mentioned: "The showers worked well and didn't require coins, and there was a dump station up front by the fish cleaning station."
