Camping opportunities near Smartsville, California exist across 3 distinct ecosystems: the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, riparian zones of the Yuba River, and oak woodlands. The area sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while spring brings moderate 70-75°F conditions. Most campsites in the region require advanced reservations between May and September when water activities peak in popularity.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling: Access the Yuba River directly from Sycamore Ranch RV Park where you can paddle upstream from camp. "I took advantage of the water and after getting shuttled up to the bridge kayaked down the Yuba and up dry creek all the way to our campsite!" reports one visitor who enjoyed the convenience of water access.
Fishing for trout: Collins Lake Recreation Area maintains stocked rainbow trout throughout spring and fall seasons. A camper noted the productive fishing: "We love Collins!! Very nice for paddle boarding and kayaking. Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!"
Wildlife observation: Bring binoculars to Manzanita Rock Meadow where deer often approach campsites at dawn and dusk. "We got to meet Galen when she brought us firewood and she told us about some great trails on the Yuba River to catch some amazing sunsets," explains one camper who appreciated the wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront access: Laughing Buddha RV/Tent Camp provides private deck spaces overlooking natural areas. "The space was unsurpassed for quiet and privacy, with plenty of trees but not choked with underbrush," notes a tent camper who valued the solitude.
Lake swimming: During hot summer months, multiple lakes offer swimming opportunities with gradually sloping shorelines. At Camp Far West North Shore, one visitor observed, "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."
Year-round camping options: Most campgrounds near Smartsville maintain operations throughout all seasons. A Lake Francis Resort camper mentioned, "Nice quiet lake. Good campsites. Good general store and even a little restaurant and ice cream shack," highlighting amenities available regardless of season.
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary by property: Many campgrounds implement seasonal fire bans during summer and fall. At Inn Town Campground, "They do not allow wood burning fires, but you can use a gas fire ring or rent one from the campground," explains a reviewer who found alternative options.
Reservation windows: Most popular waterfront sites require booking 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. One camper advises, "Just know that here on The Dyrt, the location on the map for some reason shows it as being many miles away from Kidder Ct: it's marked as if it is at Higgins Corner, halfway to Auburn? Whereas it is in reality only a mile away from downtown Nevada City."
Water levels fluctuate seasonally: Spring offers highest water levels for recreation, while late summer sees significant drawdown at reservoirs. According to one reviewer, "In the Spring, the water level is much higher so the water line is closer to the campsites. In the fall, pre-winter, the water level is much lower. It was about a 50 yard walk down to the water from #116 camp site."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for beginners: First-time campers can ease into outdoor experiences by renting cabins at Collins Lake Recreation Area. "We stayed at site 60A Lake Front View, which had stunning water views and a spacious setup. The site gets a lot of sun in the morning and afternoon, so bring a popup canopy for shade—it made a big difference for us!" shared a family visitor.
Swimming safety considerations: Most lake beaches lack lifeguards and contain underwater drop-offs. At Lake Francis Resort, a visitor explained, "The down side is how quickly the easiest access to the lake fills up. Everyone has to drive over from the tent RV site to access the water. There are other places you can drive and park to get to the water, but there it a drop off into the water from there vs a gradual walk in."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation facilities like playgrounds and safe water entry points. "We spent our time at the pool which is near the flushable toilets and the ice cream parlor, restaurant, and camp store. The pool goes from 3.5' ft to 5' back to 3.5' ft," noted a family staying in a cabin.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only, with fewer sewer connections than water/electric sites. A reviewer at Nevada County Fairgrounds observed, "Hookup campsites are demarcated by white powder on the ground. If you don't need hookups looks like you can go anywhere."
Leveling challenges: Bring adequate leveling blocks as many sites require significant adjustment. "Just can't recommend based on the very cramped conditions. Sites are not very level either. I needed to raise my front end 6 inches to get level," reported one RVer experiencing typical terrain challenges.
Navigating narrow access roads: Larger rigs face access limitations on several properties with tight turns. As one Manzanita Rock Meadow visitor noted, "It was a little challenging getting our 16' trailer to the pad but it was worth it. So quiet and serene there. I don't think the bigger rigs would be able to make the turn into the site and the road to the entrance is a bit rough."
