Tent campsites near Sacramento, California vary from primitive river sites to developed lakefront camping areas. Most campgrounds are within a 60-minute drive of the city, at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,500 feet. Summer nighttime temperatures typically drop to 55-65°F even when daytime highs exceed 90°F, making evenings pleasant for tent camping.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: At Lake Berryessa, the calm waters in protected coves provide ideal conditions for paddling. "I came to check out the more calm waters in the canyon for my paddleboard. The site was great layout and I had a really enjoyable time out on the water. Other boaters were very respectful of the no wake zones."
Fishing year-round: Fish at Delta Bay RV Resort where Sacramento River access provides prime fishing spots. "Spent the night at my usual fishing spot and had a great time. Staff is friendly and food is good."
Hiking along lake shores: Several campgrounds offer shoreline trails with minimal elevation gain, suitable for casual hikers. "There is one marked hiking trail that follows the lake shore for the first mile then through a field with cattle" at Rancho Seco Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: Winter and spring camping offer excellent bird watching opportunities. One camper at Lake Camanche noted during off-season stays the area was "full of bird songs and gorgeous sunsets" while another mentioned seeing diverse wildlife throughout the day at Lake Berryessa.
What campers like
Waterfront accessibility: Many tent campsites near Sacramento provide direct water access. At Camp Nauvoo, campers appreciate the creek-side setting: "This place is a hidden gem! It's beautiful, clean, and kid friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there."
Quiet weekday camping: Most Sacramento-area campgrounds experience significant differences between weekend and weekday occupancy. "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. We were the only people anywhere except for folks in the full hook-up area."
Lakeside tent sites: Rancho Seco offers tent-only sites with prime water views. One camper noted, "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place." Another mentioned, "About 50 tent only sites, some just feet from the lake."
Winter and spring camping: The Sacramento region provides year-round tent camping opportunities. A camper at Lake Clementine Boat In shared: "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. Using hand warmers and a tent warmer we did fine with the cold nights."
What you should know
Cash-only payment: Some sites require exact cash for self-registration. At Lake Clementine: "Useful tip, BRING A PEN AND EXACT CASH. Upon arrival, scope out the place and claim your spot by filling out the envelope with your name and vehicle information and how many days your plan on staying."
Fire restrictions: Fire policies vary by season and location. At Steele Canyon, a camper noted: "Fire ban in effect, porta potties were clean and didn't stink. Staff was super nice."
Limited water access: Many primitive campsites lack potable water. "No showers or running water....there are only toilets available. Bring your own water to drink, wash dishes and pans, or wash yourselves."
Bug activity: Seasonal insect populations can impact camping comfort. One Rancho Seco camper reported: "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. We couldn't stay up pass sunset to enjoy the fire and s'mores because you would get flooded with the beetles."
Site selection considerations: Choosing the right site matters. "The campsites on the bluff of the hill can get windy so be prepared for that" at Steele Canyon, while at Lake Clementine "many of the sites are more suitable for tent campers."
Tips for camping with families
Child safety hazards: Inspect sites for potential dangers. At Rancho Seco Recreation Area, a visitor warned: "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."
Kid-friendly water access: Camp Far West North Shore offers gradual water entry points suitable for children. "The Oak trees that grow here are truly majestic and overall I would say this is a beautiful place to come and be one with nature."
Wildlife education opportunities: Several campgrounds around Sacramento provide excellent wildlife viewing for educational experiences. A Lake Berryessa camper described: "Wildlife was seen throughout the day and the weather was great."
Beach areas for play: Many campgrounds include sandy beach areas perfect for children. At Lake Camanche, a regular visitor noted: "The shores in certain areas are filled with big rocks and don't make it very fun for trying to swim in the water," highlighting the importance of choosing the right swimming spots.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many Sacramento-area campgrounds require leveling equipment. At Lake Clementine, a camper advised: "Many of the sites that have a 'driveway' were not level, except for Sites 5 and 6."
Seasonal availability: Off-season camping provides different experiences and availability. "Normally, there are 18 designated sites that are reservable only from May 1–October 15. What we didn't know until we arrived was that only Sites 1-7 were open after this date."
Vehicle size limitations: Access roads to some campgrounds restrict larger rigs. A Lake Clementine camper noted: "The access road is about six miles of curvy, hilly, and narrow (sometimes only one lane) pavement. There is a sign prohibiting trailers; our 18-foot camper van did fine but anything much larger would definitely be challenged."
