Best Tent Camping near Sutter Creek, CA

State parks and national forests surrounding Sutter Creek, California provide diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. North Grove Campground in Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers spacious tent sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes about 30 miles east of Sutter Creek. Lake Camanche, located 15 miles southwest of town, features lakeside tent camping with sites that accommodate various group sizes. For those seeking more seclusion, Top of Arnold dispersed camping area provides free primitive tent-only sites in Stanislaus National Forest, while Bear Valley Dispersed Camping offers walk-in tent sites with basic amenities.

Tent campsites throughout the region vary significantly in terrain and facilities. Most established campgrounds provide flat dirt or gravel pads suitable for tents, while dispersed areas require campers to find level ground among forest duff. Bear activity is common throughout the Sierra foothills, with bear boxes required at most established sites. Campers should bring their own water for primitive tent camping locations, as potable water is limited to developed campgrounds. Seasonal considerations affect accessibility, with higher elevation tent sites often inaccessible until late spring due to snow. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall months, particularly at backcountry tent sites.

In early fall, many tent campgrounds experience reduced crowds and pleasant temperatures. One camper at North Grove noted that sites have "large flat spots for huge tents" while providing good separation between neighboring campsites. At Lake Camanche, visitors report that weekday camping offers significant solitude compared to busy summer weekends. According to reviews, tent campers at Bear Valley appreciate the extensive tree cover that provides ample shade during hot summer days. Walk-in tent sites at decommissioned campgrounds like Boards Crossing offer swimming holes and solitude but require campers to pack in all supplies. Winter tent camping is possible at lower elevations, with Lake Camanche's South Shore providing year-round access for tent campers seeking off-season tranquility.

Best Tent Sites Near Sutter Creek, California (50)

    1. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 763-5121

    $50 / night

    "Wicked August heat, BUT there’s the lake!

    5 Stars — were it not for the SLOBS who preceded us!!"

    "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."

    2. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Herald, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 748-2318

    "About 50 tent only sites, some just feet from the lake. RV sites are farther from the lake on mostly level gravel pads with picnic table, fire rings, and a trash can at each site."

    "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."

    3. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    22 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2334

    $25 - $80 / night

    "The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative."

    "Beautiful site, hiking trails close by, well maintained grounds. Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off. Rangers were friendly and very informative about the area."

    4. Camp Nauvoo

    3 Reviews
    Diamond Springs, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 207-9441

    $65 - $300 / night

    5. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon."

    "There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly, I have a canopy so it helps make it more than fine. Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt."

    6. Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2545

    "The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation."

    "We brought our paddle board and we’re walking distance to the lake front. Lake was quiet, trails well maintained and facilities were cleaned regularly. Will definitely stay here again."

    7. Deer Flat Boat In Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Valley Springs, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 772-1343

    $20 / night

    8. OARS American River Outpost Campground (Rafting Guests Only)

    1 Review
    Coloma, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 626-5600

    $30 - $99 / night

    "If you have some extra time, be sure to check out Marshall Gold Discovery Park, home of Sutter's Mill, and the nearby wine country."

    9. Lake Clementine Boat In — Auburn State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Cool, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-4527

    $38 / night

    "The parking area is at the top of the hill, and you set up your tent below. Most of the sites that have a “driveway” were not level, except for Sites 5 and 6."

    "Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."

    10. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping."

    "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Sutter Creek, CA

731 Reviews of 50 Sutter Creek Campgrounds



Guide to Sutter Creek

Tent camping near Sutter Creek, California, offers a blend of beautiful landscapes and well-equipped sites, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Lake Camanche, you'll find drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable spot for families.
  • Rancho Seco Recreation Area features spacious campsites with firewood available and sanitary dump facilities, ideal for a hassle-free camping experience.
  • Camp Nauvoo offers a clean environment with showers and toilets, ensuring convenience for tent campers.

Tent campers should check out local attractions

Unique features of nearby campgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sutter Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sutter Creek, CA is Lake Camanche with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Sutter Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.