Top Free Dispersed Camping near Sacramento, CA

Camping near Sacramento, CA, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “There’s great hiking, an observatory, and often nature events throughout the summer.”
• Water Activities: At Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, you can enjoy swimming and kayaking. A visitor noted, “Easy access to lake beach swim area, and easy access to nearby stores.”
• Wine Tasting: If you’re near Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, take a short trip to local wineries. One reviewer shared, “Great spot for cheap and restful accommodation while visiting wine country.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Collins Lake Recreation Area. A guest said, “The facilities are clean, great views.”
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy Coloma Resort. One family mentioned, “The campground is walking distance from the historic town of Coloma and the Argonaut for breakfast and lunch.”
• Quiet Environment: Campers at Live Oak Campground — Mount Diablo State Park appreciate the peacefulness. A reviewer noted, “Very quiet, no issues. We had friendly neighbors.”

What you should know:

• Reservations: Popular spots like Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground can be tough to book. One camper said, “Always tough to get a reservation, but it never disappoints if you can get one.”
• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, including Beals Point Campground, have poor cell reception. A visitor mentioned, “No cell coverage for any of the major providers.”
• Wildlife Caution: At Ritchey Creek Campground, be aware of local wildlife. One camper warned, “It’s full of poison oak!!!! But you can get around it.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Coloma Resort. A parent shared, “Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon.”
• Pack Snacks: Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, especially for hot days at places like Lake Camanche. One camper noted, “We love it at this lake.”
• Plan for Cleanliness: Ensure you have cleaning supplies, as some campgrounds may have limited restroom facilities. A visitor at Acorn Campground mentioned, “Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. Woodward Reservoir offers full hookups, which many RVers appreciate. One reviewer said, “Nice campsites full hookups.”
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Camanche mentioned, “Got very crowded on the weekend.”
• Bring Water Shoes: If you’re camping near water, like at Collins Lake Recreation Area, water shoes can help navigate rocky shores. A camper advised, “Recommend water shoes, although this may only help a little as the rocks are quite large.”

Camping near Sacramento, CA, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!