Camping options near Twain Harte, California range from established campgrounds to luxury glamping experiences at elevations between 3,000 to 5,500 feet. Most camping areas in this region sit among pine and oak forests, with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-90°F during day and dropping to 50-60°F at night. Winter camping remains available at select lower-elevation sites when higher grounds close due to snowfall.
What to do
Hike around Pinecrest Lake: A popular 2-3 hour trail circles the lake with multiple scenic viewpoints. Pinecrest Campground offers easy access to this hike. "The hike around the lake was beautiful too, roughly 2-3 hr hike with some great views. Amazing place to camp," notes one visitor.
Visit Rainbow Pools swimming hole: Located near Highway 120, this natural swimming area features small waterfalls. One camper at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes mentioned, "It's a short drive to Rainbow Pool and Cherry Lake if you want to avoid park crowds."
Stargazing opportunities: The higher elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars were so so beautiful, you can see the milky-way and in the morning you're greeted by cows outside the fence!" reports a visitor at Diamond Gulch.
Fishing for trout: Many lakes and streams in the region support fishing. A camper at Pinecrest shared, "Me and the girlfriend rented a boat for half the price as the early bird special and caught a bunch of trout. We used a size ten Tribble hook with about a foot leader and pinch weights with rainbow powerbait."
What campers like
Natural wildlife sightings: Multiple campgrounds report regular wildlife encounters. At Lake Tulloch RV Campground, one camper noted, "We saw some squirrels and dears, they didn't bothered us. It was super calm."
Outdoor shower facilities: Some glamping close to Twain Harte, California includes premium shower setups. A visitor at Diamond Gulch mentioned, "Excellent showers (especially when you can get them to heat up)" which enhances the rustic camping experience.
Tent sites with views: Several campgrounds offer premium tent locations with scenic vistas. "We were lucky to have a spot at the dead center of the top of the mountain looking out at the lake (site 13) with a big shade tree," shared one Lake Tulloch camper.
Pre-set accommodations: Beyond traditional camping, some locations provide ready-to-use accommodations. A Diamond Gulch visitor appreciated that, "Having the tent already set up was so incredibly helpful as we had to rent a small car and needed to pack lightly."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell coverage. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, a camper reported, "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."
Drive times to Yosemite: Despite proximity to park boundaries, actual drive times can be longer than expected. "It's about 45 minutes to drive to the valley or Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite but the drive is beautiful," notes a Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes visitor.
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring adjustment. A Diamond Gulch camper mentioned, "Spots are unlevel, but not horribly."
Seasonal water levels: Lake levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year. A camper at Tuttletown Recreation Area observed, "Water level in the New Melones Lake was quite low at that time and it is kind of an off-season time to visit this recreation area."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Some sites offer additional family entertainment. At Yosemite Pines RV Resort, a visitor noted, "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."
Consider evening entertainment: Some campgrounds provide structured activities. A Pinecrest visitor shared, "The kids really love the Amphitheatre where they play pretty good family friendly movies."
Book early for summer trips: Family-friendly sites fill quickly during peak season. "Don't let the fact that this campsite has over 300 sites fool you - it books fast!" warns a Pinecrest visitor.
Prepare for temperature changes: Mountain weather can shift dramatically between day and night. Bring layers for children, as temperatures typically drop 30-40 degrees after sunset.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. A visitor at Yosemite Lakes noted, "Typical small sites, narrow roads. But worst of all lousy wireless and no cell service. Saving grace it's in a beautiful area."
Electrical reliability varies: Power hookups can be inconsistent at some sites. A visitor at Yosemite Ridge reported, "Inconsistent electricity" was an issue during their stay.
Limited full hookup options: Some campgrounds have restricted availability of complete services. "There are only a handful of 50amp spots and people move to them quickly after someone leaves, lots of 30amp though so you might want to bring an adapter," advises a Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes visitor.
Look for pull-through availability: Some sites offer easier parking options. According to a visitor at Angels Camp Campground and RV, "Most RV sites have full hookups and are pull throughs," making setup considerably easier.
