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."
Traveler
