Camping options near Sloughhouse, California span across a 30-mile radius with elevations ranging from 50 to 700 feet. The region's Mediterranean climate features mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers with temperatures routinely exceeding 95°F from July through September. Water levels at area lakes fluctuate seasonally, with some reservoirs dropping significantly by late summer.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Lake Amador Resort offers multiple disc golf courses amid abundant wildlife. "As disc golfers, of course we love camping here, having 3 courses to choose from. The wildlife is RIGHT THERE! We saw a tarantula near the tee box on 2. I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend," notes a visitor to Lake Amador Resort.
Kayaking and canoeing: Peninsula Campground provides direct water access for non-motorized watercraft. "Excellent camping area, depending on time of year camp site may be within a few yards from the water. We bring our kayaks and paddle all day there are plenty of miles of lakeside to explore," reports a camper at Peninsula Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
Cycling along bike paths: Cal Expo RV Park connects to extensive regional bike trails. "Great Bike paths adjacent along the river into Downtown or up to Folsom," mentions a guest, making it ideal for cyclists wanting to explore the Sacramento region.
What campers like
Crowd variations by season: Off-season visitors experience significantly different conditions than summer travelers. "We stayed at the lake for one night, mid-week, off season. We were only one of a few handful of RVs in the RV section of the campground. I could imagine it being a loud party-scene in the summer. But in the early spring, it was full of bird songs and a gorgeous sunset," reports a camper at Lake Camanche.
Shower facilities: Several campgrounds offer coin-operated showers with varying quality. "Showers take quarters and have hot water most of the time. The showers are very big its actually quite peaceful and nice. The shower rooms have very high ceilings with thicker glass windows way up high as well. Almost like a spa experience," notes a guest at Beals Point Campground.
Campsite spacing and privacy: The Peninsula campground offers more secluded options during low visitation periods. "With only us and two other folks in the entire campground we enjoyed privacy and seclusion. Good bike riding too," writes a visitor during a March stay at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat requires preparation while spring offers milder conditions. "Sacramento area gets very hot in the summer, and this campground provides some but not a ton of shade. If you plan on going to the lake late in the evening, know that the rangers are pretty serious about their curfew," advises a Beals Point camper.
Lake water levels: Drought conditions affect water accessibility at several reservoirs. "Nice campground. As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely," explains a Peninsula campground visitor.
Wildlife interactions: Insects and wildlife can significantly impact camping experiences depending on season. "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," warns a visitor to Rancho Seco Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Dedicated swimming areas with amenities enhance family experiences. "They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole. There is also a old school playground for the kids," recommends a Lake Amador camper.
Farm experiences: Unique agricultural settings offer hands-on activities for children. "My boys played on swings, trampolines, and forts. They also helped milk the cow, picked strawberries, fed the chickens and road on a horse. We really got to be on the farm for the weekend," shares a visitor to The Hirst Horse Ranch.
Safety precautions: Monitor for potential hazards, particularly at heavily fished areas. "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," cautions a Lake Amador visitor.
Tips from RVers
Noise considerations: RV parks near highways or commercial areas experience traffic noise. "If staying for a night or two on your travels probably OK. Looking for a place to winter over- Not here," advises a visitor about SacWest RV Park's proximity to a truck stop.
Shaded sites: Tree cover becomes essential during summer months. "We got lucky and parked under one of the only trees in the park which made it feel more welcoming. We were by the dumpsters but it was never an issue," notes a Cal Expo RV Park guest.
Timing considerations: Gate closure times affect late arrivals. "Note that there's a gate that closes so that you can't enter - we just barely made it by the 9pm Friday closing time (I think this time varies by day of the week)," warns a Lake Amador Resort visitor.
