Top Tent Camping near Sonora, CA

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Sonora, look no further. Finding a place to camp in California with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Sonora, CA (55)

    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    1.

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    20 Reviews
    94 Photos
    53 Saves
    Camp Connell, California

    North Grove (sites 27-59)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table

    $25 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    2.

    Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    38 Reviews
    108 Photos
    240 Saves
    Yosemite Valley, California

    Overview

    Camp 4 has returned to reservations for the 2024 season. Camp 4 is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known.__

    Recreation

    Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14 to 16 mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.

    Facilities

    Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14 to 16 mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.

    Natural Features

    Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and white-leaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.

    Lottery Information

    The Camp 4 lottery has ended for the 2022 season. Sites at Camp 4 will be available for per-person reservation beginning Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific time.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance of arrival date will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours of arrival date will also lose the first night's camping fee. Change Policy: Only two changes may be made to each reservation.__ No Show Policy: Reservation holders have until 8:30 a.m. the day following their arrival date to check-in or their camping reservation will become void. Campers should call (209) 372-8502 if they know they will be late. The maximum fee for no shows is $20 and loss of the first night___s camping fee.__

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $10 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche

    3.

    Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    53 Photos
    198 Saves
    Wallace, California

    Lake Camanche Resort features 550+ tent camping sites spread out over hundreds of acres which are available year-round at both North and South Shores.

    Many sites offer immediate lake access while others are just a short walk away. Campsite amenities include bbqs, tables, water, hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. Primitive sites are just a short drive away to restrooms & showers. Ask you reservation agent for which sites provide shade.

    All of our sites feature some of California’s best natural and native species of trees, plants and flowers. Looking for alcohol-free camping? Both shores also feature alcohol-free campgrounds, perfect for those in search of a more family-friendly camping experience.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    5.

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    144 Saves
    Arnold, California

    Dispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.

    Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:

    The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
  1. 6.

    Eagle Point

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    27 Saves
    Groveland, California

    Army veteran and outdoor enthusiast that loves to share my passion for the wilderness!

    One hour from Yosemite's West Gate, we have plenty of room, extra camping gear and amenities, and lots of peace and quiet! ATVs and guided tours are also possible upon request. Four-wheel drive is required for RVs and campers, and we can assist with your arrival. Please call or email ahead.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $50 - $150 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    8.

    Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    127 Saves
    Herald, California

    Get back to nature at Rancho Seco Recreational Area. A short 25-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, you’ll find the 400-acre park that makes up the Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Take a short vacation and enjoy bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and even a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals and wildlife. Camp in comfort with recreation and concession buildings, shade structures, laundry facility, boathouse, and newly renovated restrooms and showers. This Rancho Seco camping destination offers RV sites, tent camping sites, and group sites, some with gorgeous lake views.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Railroad Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Railroad Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Railroad Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Railroad Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Railroad Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Railroad Flat Campground

    10.

    Railroad Flat Campground

    3 Reviews
    27 Photos
    140 Saves
    Midpines, California

    Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview At the end of Briceburg River Road and 4.5 miles from the suspension bridge within the BLM, Merced River Recreation Area is the Railroad Flat Campground. Popular with gold prospectors and hikers alike, there is always interesting campfire talk in this campground. It also serves as the trailhead for the BLM, Merced River Trail. The Merced River Trail is a spectacular wildflower walk in spring, has great scenery, fine fishing, and amazing swimming during other times of the year. Know Before You Go Camping Camping is first come, first served. No reservations available. There are 9 campsites available. Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site. Quiet Hours: After 10 PM (No loud music, generators, etc.) There is a self-pay system available to pay for sites. A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up). All sites have a picnic table, grill, and food storage lockers. No potable water available at the campsites. There is potable water available__by the information kiosk, across the Briceburg Bridge. Facilities Parking Area Restrooms Dumpsters Recycling Cans Campfires Seasonal fire restrictions apply. Fires must be in a metal fire ring. No fires on the beach! Warnings There are no lifeguards on duty at the Merced River! Please wear a life jacket. The Merced River is undammed, and the flow changes dramatically. SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. Trailers/RV's over 18 feet are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. Dogs must be on a leash. No discharging of fireworks or firearms. Helpful Links: River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area Visit: Mother Lode Field Office Recreation Passes: America the Beautiful ___ National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ADA Access: At least 90% of all campsites are ADA accessible

    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 55 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Sonora

871 Reviews of 55 Sonora Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Campground
    August 27, 2024

    Acorn Campground

    Extended stays

    A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night. They do accept golden age passes which reduces your nightly expense to $10 per night maximum 15 days for the month. Geared mostly for small trailers and tents, however, they do have some sites for larger RVs drive-through 40 foot max and roadside, slide outs might cause a problem. Park managers are very professional, courteous and pleasant. Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness dump station is available for RVs. If you have a portable black tank, it would work out better for you on extended stays when dumping your black tank. If you are self-contained, you won’t have any difficulties at all.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crane Flat Campground
    August 27, 2024

    Crane Flat Campground

    Night under the stars

    Got one of the furthest sites tent camping. Could see all the stars. They also provide bear boxes for each site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
    August 15, 2024

    Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina

    Great time in this campground!

    We spent one night right in front of the water, amazing view for the sunset. It’s true that bathroom / toilets / showers aren’t clean, they are quite old.

    But we didn’t care, the view worth it. We went swimming in the lake : what a pleasure. We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn’t bothered us.

    It was super calm. The crew was nice with us and let us spend only one night here for 50$ (the minimum should be 2 nights)

    I recommend this place!

    (Also, it’s right halfway between Yosemite and San Francisco: which was perfect for us)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    August 11, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Pine and Cedar forest

    All wheel drive, okay. Large grounds, many motorbike and trails, permit required (bikes). Camped upper level. Please pack in, pack out, don't make others clean up after you.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Camanche
    August 8, 2024

    Lake Camanche

    Fun Spot low cell service

    We have been going to camanche Lake for years . Low cell service but very nice place to tent camp. Last year, they gave us our spot we set up, then was told they made a mistake and made us move spots, but the new spot was closer to the water and that made the kids happy. Kinda a hassle, but it worked out. We love it at this lake.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Eureka Valley Campground
    August 7, 2024

    Eureka Valley Campground

    Great location for fishing

    Six of us went and got 2 campsites, 27 & 28. Very roomy and lots of shade. Other sites have varying degrees of shade from good to none. Fishing was fantastic with both flies and lures. Bathrooms nearest camp host are much nicer than the others. Hosts were extremely nice. Price was just $12/night with national parks pass. Tons of free firewood from downed trees in area

  • Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Campground
    July 26, 2024

    Acorn Campground

    Decent but concretized camping area

    Not expensive and has bathrooms, garbage, fire pits and picnic tables but no privacy and unfriendly camping ground covered with gravel and few level places to comfortably pitch a tent. Many families here but some partiers till midnight and an idiot who ran his generator all night during quiet hours

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    July 18, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Really Nice Stay close to Yosemite

    This was a really nice stay close to Yosemite with really spread out spots. Couldn’t even see your neighbor and the vicinity to the park made it perfect. It’s 4 stars because you could hear the traffic from the main road from my spot

  • Camper-submitted photo from Highland Lakes Campground
    July 17, 2024

    Highland Lakes Campground

    Heat Wave Escape

    This area is beautiful.  At almost 9000 feet elevation, it is a great place to escape a heat wave on either side of the Sierra.  Reno was having 104 degree highs, so we were looking for elevation that was not too far away.  20 degrees cooler here.  Highway 4 over Ebbetts Pass is an interesting drive.  About 1-1/2 lanes wide, winding, no guard rails.  The 7 mile dirt road from Highway 4 to Highland Lakes takes awhile.  We go slow.  We put our van with a great unobstructed view over the lake out the slider and from under our awning looking towards Hiram Peak.  The hiking in the area was spectacular.  Lots of trails, snow fields, wild flowers, and wonderful views.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    July 16, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Great spot

    Awesome spot close to Yosemite, road isn’t too bad and it’s absolutely beautiful. I wasn’t bothered . I recommend arriving a little early, we didn’t have a little trouble finding the right road.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mariposa Fairgrounds
    June 20, 2024

    Mariposa Fairgrounds

    Cool spot - 1 Hour From Yosemite

    Underrated for sure - we stayed 2 nights while exploring Yosemite because we could not find a campground closer with spots. Big grassy area close to Mineral Museum, water and electric hookups. We basically had the fairgrounds to ourselves. They have additional spots in more of a parking lot setting, well marked.

    $55 per night Wifi worked great

  • Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
    June 19, 2024

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    Way to expensive for what you get

    This place itself is just one star worth. But the near proximity to Yosemite is good. Sites are cramped, toilets and showers were unhygienic. Was the most expensive camping we had with the worst service and accommodation.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Barrett Cove Recreation Area
    June 17, 2024

    Barrett Cove Recreation Area

    Back for more

    This time I brought a friend who hadn't been here before. 

    As usual, the staff was great! Very friendly at our arrival and in the evening while performing their drive-by checks. 

    This time I actually tried the showers and I was not disappointed. Great water pressure, plenty warm and cleaner than you might expect. Sure, there are some bugs that get in, but it was way nicer than showering in my van. 

    The bathrooms are well maintained and stocked with paper towels and tp. They really do a nice job here.

    The riding was great. We were in awe of how empty it was. Father's Day weekend and we never came across anyone else on the trails. 

    We did have to relocate. My buddy couldn't get his RV into the hillside spot we'd reserved - M49 I think it was.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Amador Resort
    June 11, 2024

    Lake Amador Resort

    Great camping for families!!

    Amador is a laid back camping spot that never disappoints. Great for families. Not a party destination but you can still have a great time! They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole. There is also a old school playground for the kids. The staff is super friendly and always there to help. I take my kids at least 3-4 times a year and enjoy any of the seasons. There is Frisbee golf as well.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bear River Lake Resort
    June 10, 2024

    Bear River Lake Resort

    One of the worst RV resorts we've ever visited.

    What a shame.   This place has so much potential to be a nice place, but lacks investment and passion of the owner to make it so.    My bet is that it was recently sold to new owners and they're way over their heads.   

    Pros:   

    -Some of the employees are friendly and helpful

    -The location is pretty, and the creek side spots are nice.

    Cons:  

    -The female owner or manager is not helpful and is generally flippant and rude.  

    -As noted above, getting in/out of spots is difficult and if you don't have high clearance on RV and tow vehicle, you will hit rocks and ruts and may break something.  We got lucky and didn't break our sewer plumbing.

    - Most spots aren't close to level, make sure to bring more leveling blocks than you're used to.

    - Power and water on wrong side of RV in many spots.   Make sure to bring extension power and hose.  Power is only 15 amp so make sure to bring adapter.

    - Resort caters to powersports, so be prepared for constant side-by-sides and quads going around the camp making noise and stirring up dust.  If that's your thing, you're in luck.  

    - The dock is a piece of garbage and a hazard to walk on

    - The wifi is spotty at best

    - The "store" only has dry goods and not much of it.  There is nothing refrigerated and no beer.   If you need anything, the closest store is over 20 minutes away on winding roads, so bring everything you need or you'll be wanting.

    - Trash receptacles were completely overflowing

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina
    June 2, 2024

    Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina

    ick

    Wow, let's say we had a nightmare ishhorrible experience. We rented a tent camp site for 2 nights. We were given an RV Slab camping site. It had the tiniest barbecue grill available. The water that was coming out of all the faucets,  was red and brown. People weren't allowed to shower that night. Once night fall came, the camp's site was infested with roaches Everywhere, they went in all our grocery bags and under them. Went into and under all our boxes that we had. The roaches hid under our tents also. There also seemed to be a termite infestation. We had to cut our camping trip short after spending over a thousand dollars on supplies, food, the Camping site and parking fees The workers that drove by, especially Travis, were nice and Welcoming. Dogs have to be on a leash at all times. 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. Had to fumigate my vehicle when I got home with all my stuff in it. I pray none of the bugs will be in my stuff at home. I heard many other guests screeching and shouting, omg theres cockroaches every where. Good to know, we weren't the only ones disappointed. The owner Jake refused to refund me, or my two guests that wasted their 50 dollars in parking fees, although the trip was cut short due to the conditions. Jake offered for us to stay another night. Will never be back. Beware.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    May 29, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Unlabeled road and awesome

    Kind of hard to find the road i just had to guess based on the pin point but i guessed right and immediately saw spots. i turned left and there were a few spots didn't explore to the right.

    So beautiful great place to stop in order to get into the park early if you don't have a reservation

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Flat Road
    May 29, 2024

    Hardin Flat Road

    Beautiful & Convenient BUT

    May 28, 2024

    Convenient to park entrance & beautiful landscape BUT finding a spot late at night was very difficult.

    However, I noticed that the temperature over night here was about 10 degrees warmer that other areas nearby (we were at about 51 degrees at night but areas closer to Rush Creek Lodge and on Evergreen Road were in the 40’s.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dimond O Campground
    May 28, 2024

    Dimond O Campground

    Great camping for Yosemite

    Great campsite close enough to Yosemite. Bathrooms are always clean and in great condition, friendly host and peaceful place.



Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sonora, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sonora, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sonora, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 55 tent camping locations near Sonora, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.