SacWest RV Park & Campground and Ascension Ranch anchor the glamping options near Rio Linda, California, with the Sacramento River to the west and Folsom Lake to the east. Located in California's Central Valley, the region maintains mild temperatures in spring and fall with hot summers regularly exceeding 90°F. Winter camping requires preparation for occasional rain, with December through February receiving most of the area's 18 inches of annual precipitation.
What to do
American River access: Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake offers multiple water recreation options with direct lake access and trails. "The water was beautiful & perfect for swimming," notes one visitor, while another mentions the "8 mile hiking trail (Darrington) that ends at the campground."
Historic gold panning: Visit Coloma Resort along the American River where California's gold rush began. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you," shares a camper who explored the historic site.
Cycling routes: The American River Trail connects to multiple camping areas with miles of paved paths. "Great Bike paths adjacent along the river into Downtown or up to Folsom," mentions a reviewer at Cal Expo RV Park, making it convenient for cyclists looking to explore the Sacramento region while glamping near Rio Linda.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: American River Resort provides premium sites along the water. "It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it," reports one enthusiastic visitor, highlighting the unique riverfront experience.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers, especially valued during summer stays. "Showers and toilets were very nice," notes a camper at American River Resort, while another at SacWest mentions "The campsite is clean. You can order food and they will deliver. Wonderful ada bathroom/showers with a fold down bench."
Farm animal interactions: Ascension Ranch offers unique glamping with animal encounters. "Super relaxing and has a lake that is at the end of the trail... It was cool to experience the animals that were in the pastures as well," shares a first-time visitor, describing the ranch's agricultural setting that differs from standard camping experiences.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be intense, while winter brings potential for rain. A visitor to SacWest RV Park warns about tree allergies: "If you allergic to pollen, especially trees you should be careful at the moment. The campsites are directly located under mulberry trees. They triggered severe hay fever symptoms in me."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites need advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "This is a KOA campground... Close spaces," notes a Placerville RV Resort reviewer, highlighting the importance of securing spots early, particularly for larger parties or holiday weekends.
Wildlife encounters: Nature interactions range from charming to challenging depending on your perspective. "Wildlife is off the chain here... Bears have been seen on occasion, cougars, Bobcats, and coyotes all stop by from time to time, and there are so many skunks it can get annoying," explains a Peninsula Campground visitor, providing important context for those considering glamping near Rio Linda with children or pets.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for sites with dedicated play areas and activities. "Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool," mentions a SacWest visitor, while Coloma Resort offers "Pool, playground, basketball and soccer" according to another camper.
Educational opportunities: Placerville RV Resort provides engaging activities beyond standard camping. "Mini train ride around park, great playground, mini golf, showed movie and a lot more awesomeness. Was not cheap but kept the kids entertained," shares a parent who found the amenities worth the cost despite the higher price point.
Safety considerations: Choose campgrounds with security features when traveling with children. A Peninsula Campground reviewer notes, "Everyone else was on the loop near the shore. We picked a site away from everyone else at the other end of the campground with a stunning view over the lake," demonstrating how families can find both privacy and scenic locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Sacramento Shade RV Park offers unique amenities for extended stays. "The sites are a little tight but not bad at all and each one has a privacy fence and small concrete pad," notes a visitor who appreciated the thoughtful layout despite compact spacing.
Hookup variations: Check specific utility connections before booking. "We paid around 100 bucks for a normal site, nothing fancy," mentions a SacWest camper, while another at Cal Expo warns, "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."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. Auburn Gold Country RV Park gets high marks overall but a visitor mentions "significant road noise," while another at Cal Expo notes it's "a gravel lot next to the fair grounds, kinda expensive for what you get."
