Best Camping near Sonora, CA
Camping near Sonora, California
Sonora, California, is a gateway to some of the most beautiful and diverse camping experiences in the state. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this area offers a mix of established campgrounds, scenic trails, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent, park your RV, or try out glamping, Sonora has something for everyone.
From the towering sequoias at North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park to the versatile accommodations at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, you'll find a range of options to suit your camping style. Read on to discover what makes camping near Sonora a memorable experience.
What to do
Camping near Sonora offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained. From hiking and kayaking to exploring historical sites, there's no shortage of things to do.
At North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park, you can hike among the giant sequoias and enjoy the beautiful Stanislaus River. Kevin and Lisa S. noted, "Pros - you are in the middle of the Sequoias, near hiking, kayaking, etc. Beautiful river nearby; pretty easy in and out for small-ish RVs. Hard to beat the location." Read more.
For a more relaxed experience, the Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging offers a nature trail that leads to an old gold mine. Brett C. shared, "Beautiful trees, paved roads for biking or scootering, hooting owls in the trees, huge unusual pine cones, a nature trail that goes to an old gold mine. Really special place." Read more.
What campers like
Campers appreciate the natural beauty and variety of amenities available at the campgrounds near Sonora. The scenic views and well-maintained facilities make for an enjoyable stay.
At North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Lisa C. said, "The entire park is beautiful and well-maintained. We met an off-duty ranger while on the trail; she was giving her elderly father a personal tour. Despite, she spent some time sharing with my daughter points of interest and interesting facts/history." Read more.
Meghan P. enjoyed her stay at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, saying, "Great option for bringing an RV to Yosemite. Calistoga Wagons were plenty warm as lows dipped into the 30s. Staff was very friendly. Cell service was non-existent - but such is life in the mountains." Read more.
What you should know
While camping near Sonora offers many perks, there are some things you should be aware of to ensure a smooth experience. Issues like road noise, inconsistent amenities, and wildlife can impact your stay.
Kevin and Lisa S. mentioned some drawbacks at North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park, "Cons - some road noise from Hwy 4, trucks going by were sometimes pretty noticeable; some toilets and showers were pretty nice, some pretty beat up. Inconsistent pricing on the showers." Read more.
At Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, Michael P. had a less than ideal experience, "We encountered an unprofessional and discourteous staff, led by a manager, Carmella Hoeft, who was as unaccommodating as she was rude. From day one, we felt dismissed and looked down upon, with our concerns and requests met with dispassion and disinterest." Read more.
Tips for camping with families
Camping with families near Sonora can be a rewarding experience if you plan ahead. Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities and activities to keep everyone entertained.
Meghan P. found Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging to be a great option for families, "Resort had a surprisingly fun trail hike around the perimeter. Perfect for an outing with young kids. Petting farm was a big hit too with the kids." Read more.
Xi C. enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere at North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park, "The sites are a little close to each other but we were ok as a family with small kids. Other reviews complained about yellow jackets but we didn't see them." Read more.
Tips from RVers
RVers will find several campgrounds near Sonora that cater to their needs. Look for sites with electric hookups, easy access, and spacious spots to make your stay more comfortable.
Kevin and Lisa S. found North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park to be RV-friendly, "Pretty easy in and out for small-ish RVs. Hard to beat the location." Read more.
Brett C. appreciated the large sites at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, "The sites are really big. Beautiful trees, paved roads for biking or scootering, hooting owls in the trees, huge unusual pine cones, a nature trail that goes to an old gold mine. Really special place." Read more.
Camping near Sonora, California, offers a mix of natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and RV-friendly amenities. Whether you're exploring the giant sequoias or enjoying a nature trail, there's something for everyone to enjoy.