Sacramento glamping and cabin camping options provide an elevated outdoor experience set against the backdrop of Northern California's Sierra Nevada foothills and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Located in California's Central Valley at an elevation of 30 feet, Sacramento experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September and mild winters with occasional fog. The region's diverse waterways including the American River, Sacramento River, and Folsom Lake create distinctive camping microclimates.
What to do
Water activities at Folsom Lake: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area's Peninsula Campground offers access to swimming and water activities when the lake is full. "A lot of awesome trails and little environmental signs to walk around and learn about the area. Highly recommend!" notes Christian N. The 8-mile Darrington Trail ends at the campground and is mountain bike accessible.
Wildlife viewing: Peninsula Campground features abundant wildlife year-round. "Wildlife is off the chain here. As others have said, if you don't love being surrounded by wild animals, this will probably be a bit much for you. Bears have been seen on occasion, cougars, Bobcats, and coyotes all stop by from time to time," explains R D., who also mentions seeing "emerald and sapphire colored lizards" breeding in late spring.
River exploration: Ko-Ket Resort provides access to the California Delta river system with water equipment rentals. "They have paddle boards you can rent and go out on the water in the morning," writes Lexi L., who adds that the resort features "a cute restaurant on the water" and "live music on the Saturday we were there."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Coloma Resort offers waterfront sites along the American River. "Our site was perfectly shaded and good sized right on the waterfront," says J A., who appreciated the resort's COVID precautions noting, "Bathrooms smelled like Clorox every morning (good thing, means they were cleaning often)."
Proximity to historic sites: The town of Coloma provides camping with walking access to Gold Rush history. "You can pan for gold, relax, or bike, hike along the river," explains Rosina A., who adds, "You can also learn some history about the discovery of gold and check out Sutter Mill!" The campground is "walking distance from the historic town of Coloma and the Argonaut for breakfast and lunch (and Gelato!)," according to Dustin C.
Off-grid sanctuary: Ascension Ranch delivers a secluded glamping experience near Folsom Lake. "Super relaxing and has a lake that is at the end of the trail. Super convenient. It was cool to experience the animals that were in the pastures as well," writes Ashlynn L., who enjoyed the ranch's serene environment.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Spring conditions at Peninsula Campground offer a different experience than summer. "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," notes Ray B., who appreciated the "green grass and wild turkeys" during the quiet pre-summer season.
Reservation requirements: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Tower Park requires advance booking, especially for themed weekends. "We go for Christmas in July and Santa was there for pictures, we go for Halloween and there is trick or treating through the whole place, a haunted house and a decor and costume contest," shares Katie B., highlighting the park's seasonal programming.
Bathroom facilities: Campground bathroom quality varies widely across Sacramento-area properties. "Showers/ restrooms are average but clean. Overall a good place to park for a few nights. Sites have full hookups if you want them," reports Eric P. about Cal Expo RV Park, where "the shower house has a $20 deposit for a key" that's refunded upon return.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Tower Park offers extensive recreation for children. "Nice playground, basketball court, volleyball, bouncy pillow, outdoor movies, pool, lazy river, water park, bumper boats, laser tag, boat rentals on the delta, restaurants and quick bites," lists Katie B., who enjoys that "kids really enjoy the freedom to go play while the adults sit back and relax."
Cost considerations: Family camping near Sacramento requires budget planning. "For camping, it is expensive, but think of it more as a theme park/resort, than true camping," advises Billy, who suggests saving by choosing tent camping rather than cabins while budgeting for "optional activities and the fancy meals."
Age-appropriate options: Select campgrounds based on children's ages. "This was a nice campground that focuses around child/family activities. There is always something for kids to do," reports Stephanie B. about Jellystone Park, while Billy notes it's "perfect in so many ways" for 5-6 year olds with "two nice playgrounds, ball courts, pool and hot tub."
Tips from RVers
Urban RV options: SacWest RV Park & Campground provides conveniences close to Sacramento. "Great campground! Hospitality and professionalism- that how you can describe this place! Lots of things to do for kids: great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around!" writes Tatiana I., noting it's "the only RV parking in Sacramento that will allow you to stay for one night."
Site selection strategy: RV sites vary significantly in quality, even within the same park. "Check the prices. If staying for a night or two on your travels probably OK. Looking for a place to winter over- Not here," advises David M. about SacWest, recommending sites away from the Maverick Truck Stop side where "the noise was not too bad."
Seasonal considerations: Spring RV camping offers advantages over summer months. "The grass is green, and the leaves are out on all the oak trees which makes it more beautiful," notes Ray B. about Peninsula Campground in March, when "everyone else was on the loop near the shore" allowing them to pick "a site away from everyone else at the other end of the campground with a stunning view over the lake."
