Elk Creek sits in California's northern Sacramento Valley region where temperatures regularly exceed 95°F during summer months. The area has level terrain with access to both Interstate 5 and Highway 162. Multiple campgrounds cluster along major transit corridors, providing convenient overnight stops for travelers heading north or south through the region.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Some RV parks near Elk Creek offer direct access to fishing. The Aurora RV Park & Marina provides free canoes and kayaks for guests to use on Clear Lake. "You can fish right from your camp spot if you get a spot right on the water," notes Tamera J.
Casino entertainment: Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot offers easy access to gaming and dining options. "We all enjoyed a meal at the steak house. After we let mama gamble as my daughter and I enjoyed the arcade, then we switched," shares Jason D.
Local exploring: Visit nearby towns for unique food options. At The Parkway RV Resort & Campground, campers have found local culinary treats. "We also found a local panaderia for breakfast pastries that were delicious. This was exactly what we needed," writes James W.
What campers like
Cooling options: With high summer temperatures, water features are highly valued. "The pool was amazing and the shuttle was great considering the heat," mentions Deborah R. about her stay at Rolling Hills Casino.
Shade and landscaping: Sites with trees provide welcome relief from the sun. Red Bluff RV Park gets positive reviews for its natural setting. "Each space has a nice grassy area and concrete patio. Sites are level. Great showers and laundry. Nice dog play area. Away from highway noise. Lots of shade trees," says Kelly H.
Peace and quiet: Despite proximity to major highways, certain parks maintain a peaceful environment. "Quiet and clean. The owners are fabulous," writes Kim S. about The Parkway RV Resort & Campground.
What you should know
Extended stay options: Many parks accommodate longer-term visitors. "The park is a little hard to find because it is near buildings. It is very quiet can't hear the noise of the freeway at all," notes Scott D. about Heritage RV Park.
Shower costs: Some facilities charge extra for showers despite full hookup prices. At Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort, one reviewer noted: "For $60 a night, I was a little annoyed that the showers were coin-operated."
Dump station availability: Hours for using dump stations can be limited. At Rolling Hills Casino, dump service costs $10 and is only available between 9am and 5pm.
Cell coverage: Mobile service is generally good throughout the region but can vary at campgrounds farther from highways. WiFi availability differs between parks with some offering free access and others charging additional fees.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort provides extensive activities for children. "A paradise for kids... The splash pad was a family favorite. The petting zoo was also super cute and the animals seemed like they were well taken care of. The mini golf course was a blast, as well as the RC track," reports Erika L.
Entertainment options: Some parks host special events for families. At Mendocino, "They had a big screen and showed a film for the kiddos," mentions Donna D.
Temperature considerations: The Sacramento Valley gets extremely hot in summer, making pools essential for family comfort. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening to avoid heat exposure.
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: Many rv campgrounds near Elk Creek, California serve primarily as transit stops. Red Bluff KOA Journey offers easy access to I-5. "We stayed one night on our way up the 5. Nice tent site along the river, not too much interstate noise. Pool was refreshing in 95 degree heat," notes one camper.
Level sites: For big rigs, site levelness matters. "Sites are level 75 ft pull through sites," reports Gary R. about Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot, making it ideal for larger vehicles.
Hookup positioning: Check sewer hookup location before setting up. At The Aurora RV Park & Marina, one reviewer mentioned difficulty with connections: "We found it a little difficult to connect the sewer hose without two hoses."
Walking distances: RV parks in Corning and Orland provide walkable access to nearby services. About Heritage RV Park, one camper shared: "Quiet great people everything near by. Walked to bakery and the Olive Pit store and Restaurant."
