RV sites near Rescue, California offer varying setups for travelers ranging from 30-amp basic connections to full-service premium spots. Located in El Dorado County at approximately 1,300 feet elevation, the area sits between the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills, experiencing hot summers that can reach above 90°F and mild winters. Campgrounds typically remain open year-round with peak season running May through September.
What to do
River activities: explore the American River from Thousand Trails Ponderosa where access to water recreation is a main attraction. "The River is nice with man made trails to easily walk down to a beach area," notes Angela C., who adds details about logistics: "Lots of great fishing, floating, and kayak accessibility. Bring tubes and life vests. Poles and bait."
Walking trails: enjoy easy access to paved paths at SacWest RV Park. "We'd planned to only stopover one night but extended our stay," wrote David & Sue C. The campground borders natural areas with "grassy spots along the river and campfire spots to use," according to YVONNE T., making it ideal for casual outdoor exploration.
Kid-friendly recreation: take advantage of the swimming options at multiple parks. "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness," reports Dan about Placerville RV Resort. Facilities like pools and game areas provide entertainment when not exploring the surrounding region.
What campers like
Level, clean sites: find well-maintained spaces at Jackson Rancheria RV Park. "Very well maintained. The grounds are clean, nice level concrete spaces with lots of grass around them. Easy to social distance," explains Theo A. Susan R. adds, "Not a bad spot anywhere! Spacious, clean, very friendly staff, beautiful walking trail around the park."
Amenities: enjoy extra features beyond basic hookups. Chesney S. reports, "We were shocked at how clean and beautiful this park was! Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful. There's an awesome walking trail around the park." Many campgrounds include pools, which campers mention as crucial during hot summer months: "The pool and spa are under renovation but should open soon."
Proximity to attractions: stay close to regional highlights. The campgrounds serve as convenient basements for exploring Gold Country. One reviewer notes, "Good place to stay for venturing out for golf, fishing, wine tasting and of course the casino." Some parks also offer shuttle services to nearby attractions.
What you should know
Site assignments: understand reservation policies at Ghost Mountain RV Campground. Amanda G. explains one common situation: "The only catch is that your first visit you sit through a 1.5 hour long presentation where they basically try to get you to buy a very expensive membership type thing." Several campgrounds operate with membership systems that affect pricing and availability.
Noise factors: prepare for sound impacts depending on location. Sites near highways experience traffic noise, with one camper noting about Cal Expo, "It is quite noisy at night with traffic, sirens and other noise." Train tracks run near some campgrounds, with a guest at Loomis RV Park reporting, "The train is near by and can be heard in the park. It comes by about twice in a 24 hr period."
Temperature management: plan for heat during summer months. A camper warns, "One downside- it can be hot. Not a lot of tree cover for the RV sites- make sure you bring shade with you." Site selection becomes important for comfort, as some areas offer better natural shade than others.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: prioritize water features during hot months. "The kids loved the stocked fishing ponds, and even better was the immaculate 2 swimming pools and playground!" reports Syd D. about 49er Village RV Resort. Swimming options become essential when temperatures climb in summer months.
Recreation options: check for activities that keep children engaged. Cameron P. describes one campground experience: "The staff was very welcoming and the grounds are organized and clean... They also have a pool area and hot tub. Our friends stayed in the cabins. They were clean and comfortable." Parks with organized activities provide additional value for family stays.
Site spacing: consider proximity to neighbors when traveling with children. Some campers note that certain parks have tight spacing between sites. "The sites are a nice size," notes one review, though spacing varies considerably between campgrounds, with some offering more privacy than others.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: scout your spot carefully before setup. Tonya B. shares about Loomis RV Park: "Although our stay was great, our spot was not that great for our 40ft bus due to the tree limbs and the ground was very uneven, which made it difficult to level." At Auburn Gold Country RV Park, one camper reports, "Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level."
Dump station logistics: understand options for waste disposal. Some parks offer full hookups while others have more limited facilities. HandL C. notes important details: "If you are expecting a full-hookup site, make sure it has septic at your site! Many of the sites are water and electric only, and you have to use the one dump station at the camp entrance for dumping."
Long-term residents: expect a mix of travelers and permanent residents. "Most lots are used by permanent residents. I did not see any children. Very clean and was very pet friendly," reports Tami D. This creates a different atmosphere than purely recreational campgrounds, which matters for those seeking a more traditional camping experience.
