Best Campgrounds near Twain Harte, CA

Camping options in the Twain Harte area encompass a diverse range of facilities throughout the Stanislaus National Forest region. Established campgrounds like River Ranch Campground offer tent and RV sites with amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and showers. Three Links Camp provides cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping, while more rustic options can be found at Sand Bar Flat Campground. Several properties feature mixed-use camping areas that accommodate various camping styles from basic tent sites to full RV hookups, with some locations offering glamping options including yurts.

The camping season in this Sierra Nevada foothill region typically runs from spring through fall, with most campgrounds operating between April and October. Road conditions vary significantly, particularly for remote sites like Sand Bar Flat, where visitors navigate approximately 14 miles of dirt roads with tight turns. Higher elevation campgrounds like Pinecrest experience cooler temperatures even in summer months, while lower elevation sites can become quite hot during peak season. Campground amenities range from primitive vault toilets to developed facilities with hot showers, drinking water, and electrical hookups. A visitor observed that "the drive starting off 108 is bad and then gets horrendous. I got car sick for the first time because of the drive."

Campers consistently mention the peaceful setting and natural beauty of sites in the region. River Ranch Campground receives particular praise for its creek-side camping spots, with one review noting, "We were backed up to the river and slept with our van back door open. The sound of the creek was awesome, made falling asleep so easy." Several campgrounds provide access to local recreation opportunities including fishing in the Stanislaus River, hiking trails, and proximity to attractions like Cherry Lake and Rainbow Pools. The level of privacy between campsites varies considerably across facilities, with some offering secluded spots while others feature more communal layouts. Cell service is limited in many areas, though some campgrounds like Three Links Camp provide WiFi for those who don't want to disconnect completely.

Best Camping Sites Near Twain Harte, California (258)

    1. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

    23 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 962-7690

    "If you plan to go into Yosemite NP, it's a long drive so plan accordingly. Our family really enjoys Rainbow Pools and Yosemite Pine's proximity to Rainbow Pools is part of why we stay here."

    "Not located in the Yosemite Park (we made that mistake). 20-30min drive to Yosemite Park.

    Very cute and quiet spot.

    Trails around camp grounds, petting zoo for kids."

    2. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

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

    $25 - $70 / night

    "I think this is my favorite California State Park. It is situated in the Calaveras Big Trees Giant Sequoia Grove."

    "Pros - you are in the middle of the Sequoias, near hiking, kayaking, etc. Beautiful river nearby; pretty easy in and out for small-ish RVs. Hard to beat the location."

    3. Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    41 Reviews
    Eastman Lake, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Whip out your wallet and empty on it on the check-in desk of this thousand trails (or whatever) park."

    "Our tent site was #311 and it was perfectly tucked in the trees with a stream alongside."

    4. River Ranch Campground

    5 Reviews
    Twain Harte, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 586-3234

    "Watering holes on campgrounds and around the area like Cherry Lake, Rainbow Pools and Gods Bath! California is full of beautiful wonders and this little gem in Stanislaus Forest is one of them!"

    "The site has several trails and is secluded in a great little canyon."

    5. Pinecrest Campground

    18 Reviews
    Long Barn, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 965-3116

    $40 / night

    "The campsites are a very short walk from the lake. the sites are spacious, well spaced and shady. Amenities are quite good with flush toilets, showers, a general store and more."

    "This is a nice campground on Pinecrest Lake near Sonora Pass in Stanislaus National Forest."

    6. Diamond Gulch

    10 Reviews
    Groveland, CA
    12 miles
    +1 (209) 484-3137

    $30 - $89 / night

    "You feel like you're in the middle of nowhere but you're so close to things. Directions are easy to follow, leveling is required but there were pretty good lots."

    "It was a bit hard to find in the dark, but the camping area is fenced in under an oak grove so eventually we found the stump with our name on it next to the tent."

    7. Tuttletown Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Jamestown, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 536-9094

    $150 / night

    "Cute small campsites, kind of close to your neighbor. Not a lot of bugs which is always a plus when your near water, we went mid October and the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold."

    "New Melones was not a top destination but it was close to a very special place for us, Natural Bridges."

    8. Fraser Flat Campground

    6 Reviews
    Long Barn, CA
    13 miles
    Website

    "Surrounded by trees, typical pretty campsite. Campgrounds is next to the water for close fishing. Less than 10 minutes to Pinecrest Lake. First come First serve. Dog friendly."

    "Very nice , loved camping right next to the river. Bathrooms were very clean."

    9. Three Links Camp

    2 Reviews
    Mi-Wuk Village, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 591-0195

    "The campground was beautiful and my kids had a blast walking around all the buildings (hall, chapel, cabins/dorms) and on baseball field, disc golf course, and basketball court!"

    10. Sand Bar Flat Campground

    5 Reviews
    Long Barn, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "I made the drive in a 2wd cargo van and I saw an 80s Ford Mustang down there at the same time but i don't think I'd recommend doing that. A basic truck or SUV would have an easy time driving down."

    "I loved it super secluded way off the beaten path. Great camp host and the fishing was incredible"

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Recent Reviews near Twain Harte, CA

1071 Reviews of 258 Twain Harte Campgrounds


  • D
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Mariposa Fairgrounds

    Huge campground on the way to Yosemite

    Nice big campground on our way to Yosemite. Its a self check-in, first come first serve campground. However, we have been welcomed by the very nice and friendly host, who told us everything we needed to know. Restrooms and shower are quiet clean and the Wifi is extremely good.

  • Jolean D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stanislaus National Forest Pine Marten Campground

    Close to the lake but not huge spots

    The location is beautiful. Smaller Alpine lake with spot for tents, and smaller RVs. Good space for outdoor setup and clean bathrooms. If you are looking for boondocking Sierra Nevada mts with a few comforts. This is great.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    Nice spot

    We ended up on the “outside” of the spots in the trees. But, we did not have anyone in either side of us. Huge spot. It’s pretty here. No nearby grocery so have what you need. The Yosemite village store has quite a selection but it is an hour away. Easy access to the park. No cell service. Have to drive about 4 miles to west to get signal. Sporadic signal in the park. WiFi is subscription at sites. It was $14.95 fir a weak. Very intermittent.

  • Bob N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Crane Flat Campground

    Yosemite

    Nice campsite, nowhere near level. Open sky, big trees, close to your neighbors, but quiet.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lower Blue Lake Campground

    Beautiful location!

    My cousins and I stayed in sites one through three. They are extremely close to the lake, near the dam. We were able to leave our chairs and kayaks down by the water, and felt totally secure. we were able to kayak down to the other end of the lake, where there is a small waterfall. our sites had to be reserved, but there are some FCFS sites as well. Pit bathrooms are OK. The portable water spigot was broken, so we had to get some water from Middle blue lake Campground, about a mile away. The water issues is the only reason I am taking a star off, this place is beautiful, and we are definitely coming back. A couple of the sites will accommodate, decent sized rigs.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Good spot for a night or two but nothing here

    Easy to get to and easy to park at although not a great spot for tents. Unfortunately there was a massive fire here and there is nothing to look at but burned out trees.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    A good campground for full hook

    The bathrooms and showers are clean. The sites are a little tight. My Wi-Fi was Starlink so I don’t know how the camp Wi-Fi was.

  • Jacqueline G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Dispersed USFS

    Worth the climbs to get here!!

    This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.


Guide to Twain Harte

Camping options near Twain Harte range from established campgrounds at 5,000 feet elevation to riverside sites in lower canyon areas. The Stanislaus National Forest campgrounds vary significantly in temperature based on elevation, with higher sites like Pinecrest experiencing cooler weather even during peak summer months. Camping season typically spans April through October, though some sites remain open year-round with reduced services.

What to do

Fishing access: River Ranch Campground offers creek-side sites with trout fishing opportunities. One camper shared, "We were backed up to the river and slept with our van back door open. The sound of the creek was awesome, made falling asleep so easy."

Swimming in natural pools: Rainbow Pools is accessible from Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, which serves as a strategic base for water activities. A reviewer noted, "Plus a short drive to Rainbow Pools and Cherry Lake if you want to avoid park crowds."

Giant sequoia viewing: North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers trails through massive sequoias. A visitor explained, "The experience of seeing the redwoods will live in my heart forever. I drove across the country to see them, & I'd do it again in a second."

Outdoor sports: Several campgrounds feature recreational facilities beyond hiking. Three Links Camp includes "ball fields, disc golf" according to a camper review, making it suitable for active families looking for structured recreation options.

What campers like

Privacy levels: Campsite spacing varies significantly across the best places to camp near Twain Harte, California. At Fraser Flat Campground, "The camp site's all clean, well maintained and clean rest room's" while offering sites that aren't too crowded.

Night sky viewing: The region's limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. At Diamond Gulch, a camper reported, "The stars were so so beautiful, you can see the milky-way and in the morning you're greeted by cows outside the fence!"

Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings. At North Grove Campground, a camper recalled, "Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off." Most encounters are harmless observations when proper food storage protocols are followed.

Water features: Riverside camping ranks among the most sought-after experiences. A Fraser Flat visitor appreciated "camping right next to the river. Bathrooms were very clean," highlighting the combination of natural settings with adequate facilities.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to remote sites can be challenging. For Sand Bar Flat Campground, a reviewer warned, "The drive starting off 108 is bad and then gets horrendous. I got car sick for the first time because of the drive."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, "There is no cell service and the 'pay WIFI' did not work for us...but there is complimentary WiFi at the laundry to check in on things that works just fine."

Reservation systems: Some campgrounds operate on first-come systems despite taking reservations. A Diamond Gulch camper noted, "It's a little misleading as you think you are booking a specific site, when in actuality all sites are first come first serve."

Temperature variations: Elevation significantly affects comfort levels. Lower-elevation sites like Sand Bar Flat get extremely hot in summer, with a camper reporting, "We didn't realize how low in elevation this campground is and man was it HOT."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging caters specifically to families. A visitor commented, "With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids."

Educational programs: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led activities. At North Grove Campground, visitors appreciate the "great visitor center and junior ranger program, and swimming in the Stanislaus river (cold but refreshing!!)"

Accessibility options: Limited mobility access varies by site. Fraser Flat offers "Easy wheelchair access... the trail around the camp ground is excellent if un even isn't for you. The trail it winds up at an improved fishing deck, wheelchair accessible."

Outdoor entertainment: Pinecrest Campground features evening programming. A visitor mentioned, "The kids really love the Amphitheatre where they play pretty good family friendly movies."

Tips from RVers

Hookup limitations: Water and electrical connections vary widely. At Three Links Camp, expect "Full hook ups in summer. Closed in winter. Tall pines block satellite feeds. Spotty Cell service."

Space constraints: Site dimensions can be challenging at some locations. At Tuttletown Recreation Area, "Sites are packed in tight. 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."

Leveling requirements: Terrain can present setup challenges. A Diamond Gulch visitor noted, "Spots are unlevel, but not horribly."

Dump station availability: Waste disposal options vary by campground. Pinecrest Campground visitor noted that they "rented a boat for half the price as the early bird special and caught a bunch of trout" but found that despite website information, "there was not" water hookups available at their site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots near Twain Harte, CA?

The Twain Harte area offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Clark Fork Campground is a spacious campground with 88 well-spaced sites, making it ideal for families and groups with its adjacent 'double sites.' For RV campers, 49er RV Ranch provides well-maintained sites with full hookups including sewer, cable, water and 30/50A electrical service. Other notable options include River Ranch Campground and Fraser Flat Campground, both offering drive-in access with water and toilet facilities. For those willing to travel a bit further, Pinecrest Campground provides additional amenities in a beautiful forest setting. Most campgrounds in the area are open seasonally from late spring through early fall, with reservations highly recommended during peak summer months.

What fishing opportunities are available in Twain Harte?

Twain Harte and its surrounding areas offer diverse fishing opportunities for anglers. Lake Camanche provides excellent fishing access with well-maintained facilities and easy lake entry points. The South Shore area is particularly family-friendly and relaxing for fishing expeditions. Another notable option is the Merced River near Upper Pines Campground, which offers refreshing spots to fish after hiking. Local streams and rivers in the Stanislaus National Forest are stocked with rainbow, brook, and brown trout. The fishing season typically runs from late April through November, with special regulations applying to different waterways. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older and can be purchased online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or at local sporting goods stores.

What types of lodging options are available in Twain Harte besides camping?

Twain Harte offers diverse lodging beyond traditional camping. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging provides cabin accommodations and yurts for those wanting camping convenience with more amenities. Acorn Campground offers reasonably priced sites at $20 per night (with Golden Age passes reducing costs to $10), suitable for those with small trailers looking for an economical option. Throughout Twain Harte, visitors can find vacation rentals ranging from cozy cabins to luxury homes, many featuring mountain views and forest settings. The area also has several bed and breakfasts offering personalized service and local insights. For those seeking full amenities, Twain Harte has lodges and inns with swimming pools, dining facilities, and proximity to golf courses, making it a versatile destination for various accommodation preferences.