269 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Sutter Creek in California's Gold Country range from full-service RV resorts to primitive tent sites. The area features several developed campgrounds including Gold Country Campground Resort in Pine Grove and Lake Amador Resort in Ione, both offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park provides a smaller, more intimate camping experience with 23 sites nestled among oak trees, while Jackson Rancheria RV Park caters primarily to RV travelers with full hookups and resort-style amenities. Several campgrounds in the region provide access to lakes and reservoirs including Lake Camanche, Pardee Reservoir, and New Hogan Lake, making Sutter Creek an ideal destination for waterfront camping and outdoor recreation.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the area, with summer bringing higher temperatures and crowded waterfront sites. "The lake level varies wildly throughout the year, sites that are right on the lake can end up being hundreds of feet from the lake if the water level is low. Early summer is the best time to go for high lake levels," noted one camper about Acorn Campground at New Hogan Reservoir. Most developed campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though water levels at reservoirs can drop significantly during California's dry seasons. Cell phone coverage varies considerably between campgrounds, with some locations offering reliable service while others have limited or no connectivity. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with Lake Amador and Lake Camanche offering popular boat-in and shoreline camping options. Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, particularly at Acorn Campground where deer are commonly spotted. The proximity to Gold Rush-era towns provides opportunities for day trips and historical exploration. One visitor to Gold Country Campground Resort shared, "We used the spot to not be in the snow but make the trip up to Iron Mountain Sno-Park. The next day it was rainy so we drove an hour to Sacramento to visit the zoo and old town." Campgrounds closer to Highway 49 provide convenient access to historic mining towns like Sutter Creek, Jackson, and Plymouth, while those in more remote locations offer greater solitude but fewer amenities.
"A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night."
"The lake has receded quite a but that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now (California drought). The campsite was well maintained."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Fabulous lakeside camping.... We’ve been in March, May, July and September..... July, just too hot but we love being able to just get up and fish... The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish."
"We had a couple of trees behind us to filter some of the sunlight. It was hot but cooled down nicely during the evening. We had some debris from previous campers but the campsite was pretty clean."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to the lake. Campground is well maintained. Bathrooms are always clean and with hot water. No shower at this site. But there’s one close by at the Riverview, walking distance."
"I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that.
The water level really varies on the year."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Next to a beautiful state operated historical park with lots of open space, tall ancient oak trees and two easy trails. Open space great for games, frisbee, soccer, or setup a volleyball net."
"So glad we did as it is tucked away on the grounds of an amazing state park! Most of the sites are small with a lot of tree coverage. It was quiet, quaint, and clean. "
from $30 / night
Check Availability"We wanted a close to home location with all the hookups to make sure we knew how to use everything. We were shocked at how clean and beautiful this park was!"
"Spacious , clean, very friendly staff, beautiful walking trail around the park. The views are so beautiful we will definitely come back!"
from $50 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We used the spot to not be in the snow but make the trip up to Iron Mountain Sno-Park...a 45 minute drive. The snow looked great for skiing but not so much for snowmen or sledding."
"Staff a very friendly and our site was just a walking distance to the bathrooms."
"The campsites are spacious and you don't feel over crowded if there is a family next to you. It's pet friendly."
"I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."
"There are trees throughout the park and although it is located right on the road, only the sites that back up to the road hear road noise. There is a small pond in the center and we saw some ducks."
"We enjoyed walking around with our pets and getting ice cream. The only annoyance was loud music past curfew, but it was only on the weekend."
"This campground is located in Lake Pardee. Some sites have a beautiful view of the lake. Lake View also has several RV sites but reservations go quickly. The lake is for fishing and boating only."
"No camping here but it is next to Henry Cowell SP. Tight turns, I would not recommend for RV’ers."
"We found a huge group site out here for our Burns Canyon trail run. I’m not sure if it was this exact location but it’s hard to miss! We’re planning another trip back already!"
GuideLook up this site’s history, it’s quite fascinating.
While there’s a no trespassing sign, this is indeed a Forest Service-managed site and confirmed as a dispersed location.
I pulled in just as this older gentleman was walking the area, and he started telling me all about the owner back in the 60s-70s (“a mean guy”) and what a cool ski resort it once was.
GuideVery warm weekend (as to be expected in July) bathrooms and showers were satisfactory. It’s a public campsite with lots of families and most are there for the lake. Sites were large enough but No hookups for RV. We just stayed at night and spent the days with family in the area. Met our needs.
TravelerA few cons about this spot. There is NO drinking water. There are spigots but they all say non-potable. Most of the toilets were locked and the open ones were disgusting. There is no natural water to cool off in. The map looks like there is but there was none. There are so many mosquitoes that you have to hide in the tent during sunrise and sunset. Also, it’s right on the highway and the cars are loud! Finally, the road from Carson City going up Ebbets pass is a corkscrew of the death defying nail biting vomit inducing variety. With all of that in mind, it is the most beautiful spot I have ever visited.
ScoutI have stayed at Bear River Group Campground twice and plann to make it an annual trip. It is near a reservoir, but necessary to drive to get to the water. There is no road noise at all. It is fairly remote and very well set up for groups. Highly recommend it.
LegendGeneral: Beals Point is one of two locations on Folsom Lake for camping. Large campground with a mix of electric and non-electric campsites plus some group sites.
Site Quality: Drives are paved and mostly level. We camped in a little “cul-de-sac” with just four sites. While these sites back up to the American River Bike Trail (aka Jedediah Smith Recreation Trail), it was overgrown, and I did not see direct access to the trail as we did the last time we were here.
Bath/Shower: Typical CA state park layout– all-gender units with toilet and sink (but no soap, towels, or dryers) and showers. Unlike other CA state parks, these take quarters instead of tokens. The units could use a little TLC, but what was most disheartening was how other campers had trashed them– toilet paper (and worse) scattered all over the insides. Obviously not the fault of the campground.
Activities/Amenities: Folsom Lake is the draw, and people were fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The 32-mile paved multi-use American River Bike Trail is easily accessible. There is a snack bar/concession stand for beach rentals, but it was not open when we were there.
Our stay here this time was over a weekend; it was completely full, and it reminded us once again that we prefer to camp during the week and shoulder seasons when campgrounds are less crowded!
TravelerYou don’t exactly need to go all the way to the pinpoint, I pulled off to the side about a mile before pinpoint. Amazing spot, several areas to pick from, safe and quiet with amazing views. Few other people but that also made me feel safe. I would definitely come back.
LegendI invite you to take a look at the pictures. This is a simple gravel parking lot with hookups. There's nothing special about this location.
GuideThere’s only a couple of spots to pull off the road, the boat ramp clearly states no camping. I found a spot but every few hours all night long a truck with flashing lights on the roof drove by. Kinda weird
ScoutWe had been looking forward to this camping trip, but unfortunately our experience at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Lodi was very disappointing. Before our trip, I paid the Lock Fee($40) specifically to guarantee the campsite we had selected. However, when we arrived, we were assigned to a completely different site. After setting up our trailer, we went back to the office to ask about it. Instead of correcting the mistake, another employee told us that we didn’t even have a reservation and that we needed to leave the campground. We had to search through our emails, show our reservation confirmation, and even provide proof of payment from our bank before they finally found our reservation. Only then were we moved to the campsite we had originally reserved and paid extra to secure. Unfortunately, the worst part happened on our last night. We were camping with friends, and between us we had two electric bikes—one worth nearly$5,000 and another worth over$1,000. We went to bed around 2:30 a.m., and everything was still there. When we came out of our trailers around 8:30 a.m., both bikes had been stolen. We immediately called the police. The responding officer told us that just two weeks earlier, another camper had all of the sound equipment stolen from their vehicle at the same campground. What disappointed us most is that the campground doesn’t appear to have adequate security measures, such as surveillance cameras, and there was no warning at check-in that thefts had recently occurred. Had we known there was an increased risk, we would have taken additional precautions with our valuables. When families choose a campground like this, they expect a safe, relaxing environment where they can enjoy nature without worrying that expensive belongings will disappear overnight. The campground has great amenities and is a fun place for families, but our experience with the reservation issues and the lack of security left us extremely disappointed. I hope management takes these concerns seriously, improves security, and is more transparent with guests so other families don’t have the same experience we did.
Camping opportunities near Sutter Creek offer sites ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet elevation throughout the western Sierra foothills. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winter months bring cooler conditions with occasional rain and rare snowfall at higher elevations. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round with spring and fall providing the most moderate temperatures for outdoor activities.
Fishing access: Lake Amador Resort provides excellent fishing opportunities with stocked trout, bass, and catfish. "The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish. Tackle Box Cafe is really good, weekends only, and the staff is kind and helpful," reports one camper who's visited in multiple seasons.
Disc golf courses: Lake Amador offers multiple disc golf courses suitable for various skill levels. "As disc golfers, of course we love camping here, having 3 courses to choose from. But there is something for everyone in the family here, there is amazing fishing, boating and swimming."
Cavern tours: Black Chasm Cavern is located just 5 minutes from Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground and offers guided underground tours. "Rangers were very helpful and suggested The Black Chasm. Black Chasm is a small, but unique cavern about 5 minutes drive from campground and well worth the visit."
Wildlife viewing: Acorn Campground presents opportunities for wildlife observation during early morning hours. "The wildlife is RIGHT THERE! We saw a tarantula near the tee box on 2. I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend."
Educational opportunities: Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground offers immersive cultural experiences. "This little park tucked into the Western Sierras will blow your mind. It is a significant Miwok Native American historical site, with home sites, ancient Oak trees, and literally thousands of grain, and acorn grinding stones located in the central part of the park."
Off-season tranquility: Rancho Seco Recreation Area provides a peaceful camping experience outside summer months. "This is a wonderful spot to stay for a few days in the off season. We stayed in February. Summers would be very hot and I imagine the area would be packed with day use folks."
Family water play: Gold Country Campground Resort features water recreation facilities for children. "My family loved this campsite, we enjoyed the swimming pool, splash area, and the mini golf. The sites are a little tight but manageable. We will be coming back!"
Spacious lakeside sites: Acorn Campground offers well-spaced sites with good water access. "This is a large campground with sites generally well spaced apart, you don't feel right on top of your neighbors. Lots of site variation, so do your homework or be flexible, you might get an amazing lake side spot with a view."
Water level fluctuations: Acorn Campground experiences significant reservoir level changes throughout the year. "The lake level fluctuates there aren't many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch."
Campground noise levels: Jackson Rancheria RV Park maintains quiet camping conditions through security patrols. "They have security patrol day and night. The pool and spa are under renovation but should open soon."
Seasonal insect concerns: Gold Country Campground Resort may have bee problems in summer months. "The only and biggest downfall was the meat bees. Absolutely ruined the trip. We had a group of 9 families so we couldn't eat together cuz we all had to escape to our sites and quickly eat. Recommend bringing nets and tents to eat under."
Campfire restrictions: Some best places to camp near Sutter Creek have varying fire policies. Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area allows fires in designated rings while Jackson Rancheria prohibits open flames. Check current restrictions before arrival as they may change with seasonal fire danger levels.
Kid-friendly water features: Lake Amador offers dedicated swimming areas for children. "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."
Playground facilities: Rancho Seco Recreation Area provides additional recreational options beyond water activities. "There's a dog park for the dogs to roam free off the leash, which also has access to water/beach area for the dogs only."
Evening entertainment: Plan indoor activities for nighttime at Gold Country Campground Resort during insect-heavy periods. One camper advised: "The biggest downfall was the meat bees. Absolutely ruined the trip. We couldn't stay up past sunset to enjoy the fire and s'mores."
Off-season day trips: 49er Village RV Resort serves as a convenient base for regional exploration. "We stayed here for a little over 2 months while waiting for our home to be built. It felt like we were on vacation every night. Pool is open in the winter with heating and a tent over top. Kids loved the arcade games."
RV hookup availability: Among top camping spots near Sutter Creek, California, Jackson Rancheria RV Park offers premium full-hookup sites. "Very well maintained. The grounds are clean, nice level concrete spaces with lots of grass around them. Easy to social distance."
Site size considerations: Lake Camanche requires careful site selection for larger rigs. "Site: Monument. Condition: Clean, fairly spacious RV sites. Internet: Poor."
Late arrival planning: Some campgrounds have restricted entry times. One camper at Lake Amador noted: "There's a gate that closes so that you can't enter - we just barely made it by the 9pm Friday closing time (I think this time varies by day of the week)."
Winter camping options: If camping near Sutter Creek during colder months, Gold Country Campground Resort remains open year-round. "We used the spot to not be in the snow but make the trip up to Iron Mountain Sno-Park...a 45 minute drive."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Sutter Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sutter Creek, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 269 campgrounds and RV parks near Sutter Creek, CA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Sutter Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sutter Creek, CA is Acorn Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sutter Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Sutter Creek, CA.
What parks are near Sutter Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Sutter Creek, CA that allow camping, notably New Hogan Lake and New Melones Lake.
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