Tent camping near Rio Linda, California provides convenient access to several freshwater recreation areas within a 50-mile radius. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, while winter lows often drop below 40°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. The surrounding area features a mix of oak woodlands and grassy foothills with elevation changes from 50 to 1,500 feet as you travel east toward the Sierra Nevada foothills.
What to do
Water recreation at multiple lakes: Camp Far West Lake offers tent camping with direct lake access for swimming, fishing, and paddling. According to a camper, "We visited Camp Far West for one night on a quick trip looking for somewhere remote, nearby, and slightly warmer during the winter months. It was green and beautiful."
Hiking along lake shores: Jenkinson Campground at Sly Park Recreation Area features a 9-mile trail circling the entire lake with additional paths to waterfalls. A reviewer notes, "The trails are perfectly maintained and you can go around the whole lake in 9 miles. The hike to the waterfall is wonderful and depending where you start depends on length."
Fishing at Lake Camanche: The lake offers productive year-round fishing opportunities with winter being particularly quiet. One visitor shared, "We camped twice at this campground on the South Shore. We were the only ones camping on Christmas Weekend. Fishing is awesome!"
What campers like
Quiet off-season camping: Lake Camanche provides peaceful winter camping experiences away from summer crowds. A camper mentioned, "Our go to campground for Winter Camping and Fishing. We liked the site because we can launch our kayaks from our campground down to the lake."
Shaded sites during hot months: Rancho Seco Recreation Area offers tent sites with tree coverage to help manage the intense summer heat. As one camper noted, "Sites along lake are best. It has free showers there and the campground are awesome and you can camp right on the water."
Proximity to water: Delta Bay RV Resort provides access to Delta waterways for fishing. One reviewer stated, "Spent the night at my usual fishing spot and had a great time. Staff is friendly and food is good."
What you should know
Seasonal fire restrictions: Most campgrounds in the region enforce strict fire bans during peak fire season, typically June through October. Always check current restrictions before your trip.
Limited water and facilities: Lake Clementine Boat In has minimal amenities requiring proper planning. A recent visitor advised, "No potable water or flushable toilets, so be prepared! We camped during the off season (November) so we had our pick of the campsites, which was a great considering the spots are right next to each other."
Campsite reservations: For summer camping, especially at popular locations like Rancho Seco Recreation Area, reserve sites up to 6 months ahead. One regular camper explained, "We've been camping here for 10 years now. Always 4+ campsites for 4-5 days around July 4th weekend (reserve at least 6 months out)."
Insects at certain times: Some campgrounds experience seasonal insect issues. A visitor to Rancho Seco noted, "Another issue is that I do not know if this is because of the weather but the whole park is infested with ground beetles that would just land all over you and your food."
Tips for camping with families
Choose lakefront sites: Rancho Seco Recreation Area offers tent sites directly adjacent to water for easy access with children. A family camper shared, "Enjoyed camping here several times as a family and with a group. Beautiful lake to canoe/kayak about."
Look for rental options: Many lakes offer boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. One reviewer mentioned, "There also boat rental that are a fair price, plus you get them for an hour or so. You will have to check the prices and availability."
Check for beach areas: Some campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. A parent noted, "It's pet friendly. The store was recently redone and they offer a wide variety of items, from keep sakes to any necessity you may have forgotten."
Inspect tent sites for safety: Some campgrounds may have hazards. One parent warned, "The issues that made me give this place 3/5 stars is because it is a heavy fishing park so in our campground we found multiple fish hooks and one happen to pierce my sandal. We have a 3 year old and brought our dog so imagine how dangerous that can be."
Tips from RVers
Evaluate road access: Camp Nauvoo and other foothill campgrounds may have challenging access roads. Consider your vehicle size and towing capabilities when selecting a campground.
Choose level sites: Many campgrounds in the area have sloped sites that can be challenging for RVs. A visitor to Jenkinson Lake reported, "The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation."
Consider glamping alternatives: For those wanting amenities without an RV, several campgrounds offer alternative accommodations. One visitor mentioned, "They have a lot of cute tiny houses in this campground. You can bring your own tiny house, or rent one for the weekend."
