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Liyah P.
Traveler
TravelerDardanelle Campground
Love love love
Fist time ever camping, me and my family (including little one) had a blast! Made me fall in love . No service but trust me, it’s a good thing
Camping near Sonora, CA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Sonora, California serves as a gateway to numerous developed campgrounds and camping areas in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Camping near Sonora ranges from lakeside campgrounds with full RV hookups to forested tent sites, with options like Tuttletown Recreation Area directly in Sonora and Lake Tulloch RV Campground in nearby Jamestown offering tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Several campgrounds in the area feature full hookups for RVs, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings. The Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora also provides camping facilities with electrical hookups, making it convenient for visitors attending local events.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with some sites operating year-round while others close during winter months. A visitor commented, "We spent two great nights at Deadman Campground. It's a nice, quiet campground pretty far up into Sonora pass. We came on a Friday in September, and the campground was full by 12:30pm." Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The terrain varies significantly with elevation, from the lower foothills near Sonora to higher mountain settings along Sonora Pass. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between seasons, with hot summers in the lower elevations and cooler conditions at higher altitudes. Road conditions to some campgrounds may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after winter or during early spring.
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites at locations like Lake Camanche and New Melones Lake. These areas provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming during warmer months. According to one visitor, "Acorn campground is a great campground for boaters, or anyone looking to camp near a lake. Located on New Hogan Reservoir, there are multiple boat ramps, and large sites, many of them right on the lake." Wildlife viewing represents another popular activity, with deer commonly spotted at many campgrounds. Proximity to gold country towns offers additional recreational opportunities, with several historic sites and attractions within short driving distance. Campgrounds closer to Yosemite National Park tend to be more crowded, while those in the foothills often provide more spacious sites and quieter surroundings. Bathroom facilities vary widely between camping areas, from well-maintained shower buildings to basic vault toilets.
Best Campgrounds near Sonora (240)
1. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
"Only 5 minutes away from a small town for groceries. It is quite a drive to get to the actual locations in the Yosemite park from the campground."
"If you plan to go into Yosemite NP, it's a long drive so plan accordingly. Our family really enjoys Rainbow Pools and Yosemite Pine's proximity to Rainbow Pools is part of why we stay here."
from $24 - $439 / night
Check Availability2. Tuttletown Recreation Area
"Cute small campsites, kind of close to your neighbor. Not a lot of bugs which is always a plus when your near water, we went mid October and the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold."
"New Melones was not a top destination but it was close to a very special place for us, Natural Bridges."
from $150 / night
Check Availability3. Glory Hole Recreation Area
"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
from $18 - $22 / night
Check Availability4. USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
"The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot."
"Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked."
5. Diamond Gulch
"You feel like you're in the middle of nowhere but you're so close to things. Directions are easy to follow, leveling is required but there were pretty good lots."
"It was a bit hard to find in the dark, but the camping area is fenced in under an oak grove so eventually we found the stump with our name on it next to the tent."
from $30 - $89 / night
Check Availability6. River Ranch Campground
"There is no visual of the river there, but it is a very short walk to get to the picnic area where you have full view."
"Watering holes on campgrounds and around the area like Cherry Lake, Rainbow Pools and Gods Bath! California is full of beautiful wonders and this little gem in Stanislaus Forest is one of them!"
7. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
"I think this is my favorite California State Park. It is situated in the Calaveras Big Trees Giant Sequoia Grove."
"It’s beauty and trees are unmatched anywhere in California. It is perfect for hiking, exploring, and nearby fishing."
from $25 - $70 / night
Check Availability8. Mother Lode Fairgrounds
"Grassy full hook up sites in Sonora Ca. At the junction of Hwy49 the “Chain of Gold” and 108 outside Yosemite National Park. Daily/weekly rates. Short walk to downtown in this 1850’s mining town."
"We would stay here again next time we are in Sonora."
9. Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
"We were lucky to have a spot at the dead center of the top of the mountain looking out at the lake (site 13) with a big shade tree."
"There are sites on the lake with shade provided over the tables. It was mid week and was not crowded at all. The lake is gorgeous and at night there were several deer walking thru the site."
10. Angels Camp Campground and RV
"Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink. Small hiking trail that had some horse nearby that cam and said hi to us. Will definitely be coming back."
"Close to lots of cute towns and wineries."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 3 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 8 min from Stockton, CA
- 1 hr 41 min from Sacramento, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Sonora, CA
401 Photos of 240 Sonora Campgrounds
Jordan L.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
Julie D.
Tuttletown RA - Chamise - BOR
Jim M.
Angels Camp Campground and RV
Lori T.
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Susan Y.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Tammy H.
Moccasin Point Campground
John B.
Diamond Gulch
Katie K.
Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
Ben G.
Mighty Farms
Kara S.
Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
Sage R.
Boneyard Road
Grunt Proof _.
Eagle Point
Recent Reviews near Sonora, CA
1101 Reviews of 240 Sonora Campgrounds
- Z
Zach F.TravelerRailroad Flat Campground
Great Spot!
I was in site 21. It’s a great spot furthest away from other spots but you will have to park at the top of a small hill, old say about 15’ or so high. There are makeshift dirt stairs up the hill. Otherwise there is a small parking lot and a low sloping gravel ramp switchback that is a bit bumpy but a wheelchair could get down it for sure. There are only port-a-johns at this site but honestly the cleanest port-a-john I’ve ever seen and stocked with plenty to toilet paper. The sound of the creek and tiny waterfalls can be heard from the tent and is what I fell asleep to each night! (8/2026)
Anita A.
ScoutHardin flat dispersed
Gorgeous, quiet
Found a beautiful spot down. Hard and flat Road right by a little stream where we could park our 22-ft van with a bike trailer. Our dog could run around free. We enjoyed a quiet evening. Even though it's thickly wooded, we seem to have decent starlink service.
- MMike K.Scout
Jackson Rancheria RV Park
Wonderful Location
This place is awesome. Super clean, spaces are big and neighbors are not too close. The facilities are super clean and modern. We enjoyed the pool, spa and shower facilities. There’s a shuttle that shows up about every 40 minutes to the casino. The office staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different spaces and location of the afternoon sun.
- mmegan L.Traveler
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Open spot in forest with views
We timed our visit in the middle of the week after school had started so we were alone which made this an incredible spot. Great spot if you have a big group. We only we to the large open spot at the top with what looks like two actual sites. It’s right in the OHV area so we could see how it could get really busy and noisy.
Courtney G.
GuideThousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Friendly staff, river access, and full hookups!
Overall VERY happy with this campground and would come back. We are thousand trails members and sometimes it’s not the best spots but the staff were so friendly and helpful and when we were having power issues they were able to move us to a better location (on the river) and have just really been accommodating. It’s essential to be down in the tree area at minimum for August. Under the solar panels is incredibly hot because the heat just traps underneath. The grounds of the campground do have a significant amount of trash…. That’s the only big downside. And that’s on the campers! Pick up your trash people….
Brook L.ScoutRancho Seco Recreation Area
Rancho Stinko
This park is completely understaffed, and the staff they do have are short and rude when talked to. Leaches in the water, goose poop all on beach area along with trash and dirty diapers. Management is never to be seen and the store they have is never open. Restrooms had poop on walls, birds in the bathroom, toilet paper everywhere. They constantly have water problems. They have an abundance of wasps also.
- DDaniel W.Traveler
Iron MT. Dispersed
Incredible Mountain View’s and Sunsets
Only a couple people here dispersed camping on a weekend. Arrived on Friday around 2 PM and the best spot was taken, but there were several others that were very good. It’s an unusual place as it is in abandoned ski resort. Lots of wide open spaces, but to the west there are two spots that are fairly secluded, but still open space and allow for good son for solar and great mountain and Sunset views. Very spotty cell service make sure you bring Starlink. It is a little close to the road so there’s slight road noise and on the weekend you can hear gunfire far away in the distance as people are in the forest taking target practice. No big deal though, very safe place. The sites are about 7500 feet above sea level. So even on the hottest days, it’s relatively cool and very comfortable at night (50s to 60s).
Oscar G.ScoutMeadowview
Terrible
Beware of camp 212 it’s very isolated and out on the edge, we had a bear encounter and there are no bear boxes so it makes it very dangerous, not only that the host that night of 8/1/26 was useless and pretty much an a-hole he did nothing and just yelled at us in the morning that we couldn’t have two cars parked in our reservation when it specifically states that we can. The maintenance is terrible the bathrooms had no functioning lights, would not recommend especially if you have kids
Guide to Sonora
Sonora sits at 1,800 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada foothills, serving as a gateway to the higher mountains while offering milder temperatures than the Central Valley. Camping options range from 1,000 to 4,000 feet in elevation, creating significant temperature variations between sites. During summer months, lower elevation campgrounds can reach 100°F while higher sites remain 15-20 degrees cooler.
What to do
Swimming at New Melones Lake: The lake offers multiple swimming areas with sandy beaches and designated swimming zones. At Glory Hole Recreation Area, you'll find "beautiful spot with gorgeous views and lots of hiking trails to choose from. The view was gorgeous, and there were a lot of hiking trails to choose from."
Wildlife viewing at Tuttletown: Deer and other wildlife are common sightings at Tuttletown Recreation Area. One camper noted, "Lots of deer and raccoons. Gas station with firewood not too far away, and they have diesel. Boat launch and day use area only a short drive away."
Visit the giant sequoias: Take a short 30-minute drive to North Grove Campground in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. "Beautiful State Park, well maintained. The experience of seeing the redwoods will live in my heart forever. I drove across the country to see them, and I'd do it again in a second."
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Dark skies at Diamond Gulch provide exceptional stargazing. "The stars were so so beautiful, you can see the milky-way and in the morning you're greeted by cows outside the fence! We will absolutely stay here again on our next trip to or from Yosemite."
Free hot showers: Unlike many campgrounds in the region that charge for showers, some sites offer them included. "The showers are free and usually clean although on Saturday evening the campground was full and the bathrooms were dirty and out of TP."
Fishing access: Many campgrounds provide direct access to fishing. At Lake Tulloch, sites are often "right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset. We went swimming in the lake: what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn't bothered us."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Toilet facilities range from well-maintained flush toilets to basic porta-potties. At River Ranch Campground, "The bathrooms were clean, showers had nice warm water. We will definitely return. There were quite a few mosquitoes but with all the rain we've had it was to be expected, just bring your bug spray."
Summer heat considerations: Temperatures often exceed 100°F in summer at lower elevations. "We camped out for 2 nights in the height of summer. It was something like 107 when we were setting up the tent and most of the day time but on the lake itself, the temperature was perfect."
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We came on a Friday and the campground was full by 12:30pm. It's a great location for Yosemite, a bit far away, but a good base camp especially when Yosemite is full."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with pools: During hot summer months, pools provide welcome relief. At Angels Camp Campground, "The tent sites have a large covered area for shade and the park has a pool for a refreshing little swim. Lots of activities for kids (pool, horseshoes, playground)."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs. "Beautiful State Park, great walking trails, beautiful trees. Many of the buildings are older, but well kept. Great visitor center and junior ranger program, and swimming in the Stanislaus river."
Consider site location carefully: Not all sites offer equal access to amenities. "If you want to go into the lake with your dog, you have to walk very far away if you didn't rent one of the tent sites at the lake front area."
Tips from RVers
Fairground camping accessibility: The Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora offers convenient RV camping within walking distance to town. "Grassy full hook up sites in Sonora at the junction of Hwy49 the 'Chain of Gold' and 108 outside Yosemite National Park. Short walk to downtown in this 1850's mining town."
Check RV site sizes carefully: Some campgrounds have limitations. "Def geared for tent camping although I was lucky enough to be here when it was dead empty and picked a good site for my 27' toy hauler. Just would not want to be here if it was busy."
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations for a fee. "There is a nice dump station ($8 fee recommended.. pay station is at park entrance). No hookups. No idea where the water is at but didn't really look."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Sonora, CA?
Where are the best campgrounds near Sonora, CA?
Sonora offers excellent camping options throughout the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. Pinecrest Campground is a top choice, situated at 5,000 feet elevation with spacious, shady sites just a short walk from Pinecrest Lake. The campground offers flush toilets, showers, and a general store nearby. Another great option is Clark Fork Campground, which features 88 well-spaced sites with plenty of privacy. Its double sites make it perfect for larger groups of families and friends. Both campgrounds are popular during the summer months, so reservations are recommended. Other notable options include Baker Campground and Deadman Campground along the Sonora Pass corridor, all offering easy access to hiking, fishing, and scenic mountain views.
What RV camping options are available in Sonora, California?
What RV camping options are available in Sonora, California?
Sonora offers several RV-friendly camping options. 49er RV Ranch is a quiet, well-maintained RV park with full hookups including sewer, cable, water, and 30/50A electrical service. Their sites feature gravel pads and the friendly staff assists with parking and setup. For a unique experience, Mother Lode Fairgrounds provides grassy full hookup sites right in Sonora. Located at the junction of Highways 49 and 108, it's a short walk to downtown's 1850's mining town attractions and offers daily/weekly rates. Yosemite Pines RV Resort is another option, offering big-rig-friendly sites with various amenities. Most RV parks in the area provide convenient access to Sonora's historic downtown and serve as excellent base camps for exploring Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada region.
What are some popular outdoor activities near Sonora campgrounds?
What are some popular outdoor activities near Sonora campgrounds?
The Sonora area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. At Stanislaus National Forest Brightman Flat Campground, visitors enjoy easy access to Sonora Pass hiking trails with spectacular mountain views. Fishing is another popular activity, with Baker Campground providing access to prime fishing spots along the Sonora Pass corridor. Pinecrest Lake features a scenic trail that loops around the water, plus swimming areas and a marina for boating and kayaking. Rock climbing opportunities abound in the region, particularly at nearby Table Mountain. In winter, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding just a short drive away. The area also boasts excellent mountain biking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and gold panning in historic mining areas, providing year-round outdoor adventures for campers of all experience levels.
Is Lake Tulloch a good camping destination near Sonora?
Is Lake Tulloch a good camping destination near Sonora?
Lake Tulloch is an excellent camping destination approximately 20 minutes southwest of Sonora. Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina offers a comprehensive camping experience with full RV hookups, boat-in access, and marina facilities. The 1,260-acre reservoir is popular for boating, fishing, and water sports, with bass, trout, and catfish being common catches. The lake maintains good water levels year-round due to being part of the Stanislaus River hydroelectric system. Summer temperatures can reach the 90s, making it perfect for swimming and water recreation. The area provides a warmer, lower-elevation alternative to the mountain campgrounds near Sonora Pass. Weekends can get busy during summer months, so reservations are recommended. Fall and spring offer more peaceful experiences with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
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