Tent camping near Sloughhouse, California offers options ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour's drive. The region sits at the junction of valley and foothills, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F in July and August. Winter camping is available but temperatures can drop to the 30s at night, especially at higher elevation sites in the Stanislaus National Forest.
What to do
Swimming and paddling: Lake Camanche provides opportunities for water recreation with a swim beach and rentals. "The water isn't freezing, it's usually pretty warm. The lake isn't huge, but makes for great boating," notes one camper at Lake Camanche.
Fishing for beginners: Rancho Seco Recreation Area offers shoreline fishing with less boat traffic than larger lakes. A camper reports, "Nice quiet campground good fishing lake to fish just make sure you put your food away at night raccoons will get your food and snacks."
Hiking trails: Jenkinson Campground features well-maintained paths around Sly Park Lake. "The trails are perfectly maintained and you can go around the whole lake in 9 miles. The hike to the waterfall is wonderful and depending where you start depends on length," shares a visitor at Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area.
Whitewater rafting: OARS American River Outpost offers guided trips near Lotus. "This was our first time whitewater rafting, and it was a great experience. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and we really enjoyed the BBQ on site," says a guest at OARS American River Outpost Campground.
What campers like
Lakeside sites: Several campgrounds offer tent spots directly on the water. "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place," writes a camper at Rancho Seco Recreation Area.
Off-season solitude: Winter and spring camping provides more privacy at popular sites. "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," explains a visitor to Lake Camanche.
Tiny house rentals: Alternative camping options exist beyond traditional tents. "They have a lot of cute tiny houses in this campground. You can bring your own tiny house, or rent one for the weekend," reports a visitor to Delta Bay RV Resort.
Oak tree shade: Camp Far West North Shore features mature oak trees that provide shelter from summer heat. "We must have come at the best time of year because everything was so green and beautiful. The Oak trees that grow here are truly majestic," notes a camper at Camp Far West North Shore.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by location and season. At Top of Arnold, "Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times," advises one camper.
Site selection strategy: Most campgrounds have varying site quality. "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," reports a visitor at Lake Clementine.
Weekday vs weekend crowding: Most locations experience significant fluctuations in use. "Weekends are filled up and busy, but during the week days it's nice and quiet," says a camper at Lake Clementine Boat In.
Road conditions: Some dispersed camping areas require careful driving. "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up," shares a camper at Top of Arnold.
Tips for camping with families
Ground hazards: Check tent sites carefully before setting up. "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 visitor to Rancho Seco.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some locations offer features specifically for children. "Good for a weekend stay. We don't have boat and did not rent one, but the kids had a great time with just the floaties," relates a camper at Lake Camanche.
Educational opportunities: Camp Nauvoo combines outdoor recreation with learning. "The owners of this campground have made it their mission that you have a wonderful experience if you are a newbie or seasoned camper. Great sites for families and romantic sites for couples," explains a visitor.
Insect preparation: Evening bug activity increases during warm months. "Another issue is that 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," notes a Rancho Seco camper.
Tips from RVers
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds remain accessible year-round. "We camped twice at this campground on the South Shore. The lake has a North Shore Campground as well. We were the only ones camping on Christmas Weekend," shares an RV camper at Lake Camanche.
Level site availability: Many sites aren't designed for larger vehicles. "The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation. There may have been some that were on normal level ground but from what we experienced and the ones we mainly saw they were not," advises a visitor to Jenkinson Campground.
Site spacing concerns: Proximity to neighbors varies by location. "Many of the sites are more suitable for tent campers. The parking area is at the top of the hill, and you set up your tent below," explains a camper at Lake Clementine.
