Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Very Secluded and Quiet
Only one designated site from what I saw, but more cars could fit! A rocky and bumpy drive up, but my 2WD rav-4 did just fine. Did see some bears on the way! Had two bars with t-mobile
266 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Valley Springs, California serves as a gateway to numerous reservoir-based camping opportunities in California's Gold Country. Acorn Campground on New Hogan Reservoir and COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground provide lakeside camping with varying amenities. Within a 30-minute drive, Lake Camanche and Lake Amador Resort offer additional water-based recreation with more extensive facilities. The region supports diverse camping styles from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV parks, glamping options, and cabin rentals. Jackson Rancheria RV Park, about 20 miles northeast, provides a highly-rated experience with modern amenities and canyon views.
Water levels at area reservoirs fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting shoreline access and campsite proximity to water. According to camper Darin D., "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." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winters remain mild but can bring occasional rain. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months and holidays. Cell service varies considerably between locations, with some areas like Lake Camanche's South Shore having limited connectivity. The town of Valley Springs provides convenient access to supplies, approximately 5 minutes from New Hogan Lake campgrounds.
Wildlife encounters feature prominently in visitor experiences, with deer frequently observed near campsites. Lloyd G. noted at Acorn Campground: "The wildlife was people-friendly to say the least. I had a family of deer pretty much monitoring my whole trip." Water recreation dominates activities, with fishing, boating, swimming, and kayaking available at most locations. Site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds and specific sites. Campers frequently mention the well-maintained facilities at Lake Camanche, where Donnalyn C. reported: "Bathrooms are always clean and with hot water." Proximity to historic Gold Country towns provides additional exploration opportunities. Most campgrounds offer standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms, though hookup availability differs significantly between locations.
"Lots of site variation, so do your homework or be flexible, you might get an amazing lake side spot with a view, but not enough room for a tent."
"A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night."
from $20 / 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"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"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"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."
"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."
"We did a lot of kayak fishing and relaxing by the lake. We were able to walk the kayaks down with no problem."
"There is a fishing pond directly next to the campground and access to the lake just a few minutes away."
"Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!"
from $25 - $45 / 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











Only one designated site from what I saw, but more cars could fit! A rocky and bumpy drive up, but my 2WD rav-4 did just fine. Did see some bears on the way! Had two bars with t-mobile
Four nights, warm days and cool nights. Rustic and plenty to see and do.
This is a cute and quiet park. They help you park because it's small park with tight roads but the spaces are big enough. They have propane, a small shop, and clean laundry. Its a beautiful environment with lots of birds and wildlife, and big trees for shade. Pads are dirt and gravel. They charge a reasonable rate for monthly stays and have mail service available.
The campsites are so big and it's right on the river. The bathrooms are clean, hiking is forever and it's 8 miles up from the highway so most people don't know about it. It's quiet and there is a big sandy beach.
I had a great time! I definately went on an off time as I think there were only a few other people at the campground. Some sites would be really close together if it was full.
It was a great retreat out in nature! Many bathrooms and they were all clean. No cell service however a five minute drive down the hill can have you at full bars if needed. There was lots of shade as every campsite was absolutely surrounded by trees.
Easy to find campsite, we arrived after hours on a Monday so drove around to find a spot and then paid using the collection box and envelopes, we couldn't get the QR code to work. Phone reception here is good. There is a constant hum of traffic but it is not loud and it is quiet around camp. Toilets and showers are clean and well stocked with toilet paper. We didn't stay long but saw some wildlife, coyote and squirrels mostly. A little bit of rubbish around from campers but overall very tidy. The sites are flat pull-in or reverse-in style, there are also some campsites marked with wheel chair access.
This place is awesome. Super clean, spaces are big and neighbors are not too close. The facilities are super clean and modern. We enjoyed the pool, spa and shower facilities. There’s a shuttle that shows up about every 40 minutes to the casino. The office staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different spaces and location of the afternoon sun.
We timed our visit in the middle of the week after school had started so we were alone which made this an incredible spot. Great spot if you have a big group. We only we to the large open spot at the top with what looks like two actual sites. It’s right in the OHV area so we could see how it could get really busy and noisy.
This park is completely understaffed, and the staff they do have are short and rude when talked to. Leaches in the water, goose poop all on beach area along with trash and dirty diapers. Management is never to be seen and the store they have is never open. Restrooms had poop on walls, birds in the bathroom, toilet paper everywhere. They constantly have water problems. They have an abundance of wasps also.
Valley Springs, California provides access to multiple established campgrounds along New Hogan Lake and surrounding reservoirs. Acorn Campground, located at New Hogan Lake, features sites for tents and RVs with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and flush toilets. Lake Camanche, Lake Amador Resort, and Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area offer more developed options with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some properties like Lake Amador Resort also offering cabin rentals and glamping opportunities.
The camping season generally runs year-round, though summer brings intense heat with limited shade at some locations. Several campgrounds require reservations through Recreation.gov, particularly during peak periods from late spring through early fall when water activities are most popular. Bathroom and shower facilities vary considerably between locations, with some campers reporting maintenance issues. "The campground offers a range of pull-through and back-in campsites along the slopes of the rolling hills, but most of the individual sites were flat and could accommodate a wide variety of rig sizes," noted one visitor to Acorn Campground.
Many camping areas provide direct lake access, making them popular for fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming activities. Lake levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting shoreline access and boat launch usability. According to visitor reports, sites near the water tend to fill quickly, especially on weekends. Campers mention that early summer typically offers the highest water levels for recreation. Facilities at most campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water, though hookup availability varies between locations. Several visitors highlighted the spacious nature of many campsites, particularly at Acorn Campground, where sites are well-spaced and some offer lake views. Noise levels can increase on weekends when boating activity is heaviest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Valley Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Valley Springs, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 266 campgrounds and RV parks near Valley Springs, CA and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Valley Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Valley Springs, CA is Acorn Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Valley Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Valley Springs, CA.
What parks are near Valley Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Valley Springs, CA that allow camping, notably New Hogan Lake and New Melones Lake.
Keep Exploring