Best Campgrounds near Placerville, CA
Mixed-use campgrounds around Placerville accommodate diverse camping preferences throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills. Established sites include Placerville RV Resort & Campground with 109 sites for tents, RVs, and cabins, and American River Resort offering riverside access with various accommodation types. The region includes several lakeside options like Finnon Lake Recreation Area and Sly Park Recreation Area, which provide alternatives for campers seeking water activities. Most campgrounds maintain year-round operations, though amenities and accessibility vary by location and elevation.
Road conditions and campground availability fluctuate seasonally with mountain weather patterns affecting higher-elevation sites. "The water level really varies on the year. Sometimes the water is right up to the edge of the campsites and other years it's about a half-mile walk," noted one visitor about Lake Camanche. Summer months bring higher temperatures in the lower foothills while providing relief at higher elevations near Pollock Pines. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly between Memorial Day and Labor Day when tourism peaks. Bear activity requires proper food storage at all locations, with bear boxes provided at most established campgrounds. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, particularly in canyon areas along the American River.
Tent and RV sites throughout the area provide access to natural features, with water-adjacent camping receiving consistent praise. Campgrounds near Coloma offer opportunities to explore Gold Rush history along with river activities. Visitors appreciate the balance between wilderness experience and proximity to services. According to one camper, "This camp area is near city area but feels like you are far away from it," regarding Beals Point Campground at Folsom Lake. Wildlife sightings, including deer and occasionally bears, enhance the camping experience for many visitors. Sites range from fully developed with electric hookups, showers, and sewer connections to more primitive options with vault toilets and drinking water. Campgrounds closer to Highway 50 tend to have more traffic noise but provide easier access to groceries and supplies in Placerville.
