Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake offers quiet, secluded sites within oak woodlands about 22 miles from Rough and Ready. The area experiences Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making spring camping particularly appealing when the hills turn vibrant green. Most glamping sites near Rough and Ready sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, providing cooler temperatures than the Sacramento Valley.
What to do
Fishing at Collins Lake: Collins Lake Recreation Area offers year-round fishing with well-stocked waters. "I love this camp ground. Really nice lake always stocked with fish. Quiet at night and not rowdy during the day. Great place for family camping. They also have boat rentals," notes Veronica N.
Wildlife viewing: Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs provides excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "We had such a fun time at this campground. Our site was in Section A on a dry creek bed. Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands," shares Nicole G.
Paddling Yuba River: Sycamore Ranch RV Park provides access to both Dry Creek and the Yuba River. "I took advantage of the water and after getting shuttled up to the bridge kayaked down the Yuba and up dry creek all the way to our campsite!" explains Chris &.
What campers like
Private glamping sites: At High Camp, the luxury yurt experience is exclusive with only three sites total. "Jake here from the Dyrt! I had the opportunity to talk with Bonnie about her yurt and the great camping experience she hopes to provide for everyone who stops by," mentions Jake C.
Clean facilities: Inn Town Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "The campground is exceptionally clean and meticulously maintained. The campsites are well maintained, there is water nearby all sites and they drive thru the campground once a day to pick up trash in case you don't want to haul it to the dumpster," explains Nicole G.
Lake views: Premium sites at Collins Lake Recreation Area provide direct lake access. "Great Lake and RV Park. We stayed in spot 110 with a lakefront view," reports Daniel S. The campground offers both secluded and lakefront options for different glamping preferences.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: For glamping in Rough and Ready area during spring, Peninsula Campground offers unique advantages. "Weather in the Sierra foothills in early March is perfect for a couple day getaway from the colder temperatures and snow in the higher elevations where we live. Peninsula campground on Folsom Lake is in the rolling hills and oak trees, remote from the more popular side of the lake. In the summer months the lake is very busy and the hills are brown with dried grass. But in the early spring it is quite, especially here, with green grass and wild turkeys," says Ray B.
Cell service limitations: Many glamping sites around Rough and Ready have limited connectivity. "Very nice campground, but cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area," warns Pamela H. about Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs.
Fire restrictions: Propane fires often replace wood fires at glamping sites. "They do not allow wood burning fires, but you can use a gas fire ring or rent one from the campground," explains Nicole G. about Inn Town Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access swimming: Lake Francis Resort provides gradual entry water access. "We stayed at the Diamond P cabin which has the best view of the lake within this group of cabins. You can walk to the lake (it's about 100 yards) from this location," recommends Gina C.
Glamping cabins: For families new to glamping near Rough and Ready, cabin options eliminate equipment needs. "The cabin was great. Two bedrooms, each with twin bunk beds and a full bottom bunk and twin above. Small bathroom with shower, mini fridge, hot plates, microwave, and dishes. Dining table and futon in the living area," describes Gina C.
Educational opportunities: Sycamore Ranch offers environmental learning. "Really pretty campground. The trees are amazing and there are about 2 miles of walking trails. The campground is along Dry Creek, which isn't dry but is covered in some sort of green stuff (not algae). We saw a river otter playing in the creek," shares Suzanne S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Coloma Resort recommends on-site evaluation. "Reserve a site online but when you get there tell the attendant that you would like to see what sites are available. Take a tour as the online pics do no justice, and with almost 100 sites, you will find the perfect site that will suit your specifics," advises T L.
Extended stay amenities: Collins Lake provides full hookups for longer glamping stays. "Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage. They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our 'front door' from our 27' travel trailer," explains Ed E.
Mid-week advantages: Peninsula Campground offers better glamping experiences outside peak times. "In the summer months the lake is very busy and the hills are brown with dried grass. But in the early spring it is quite, especially here, with green grass and wild turkeys. With only us and two other folks in the entire campground we enjoyed privacy and seclusion," reports Ray B.
