Valley Springs camping options range from lakeside sites with water recreation to foothill locations offering shade and wildlife viewing opportunities. The area sits at approximately 600-1,200 feet elevation with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Winter brings mild days in the 50s-60s with occasional frost and rain, creating ideal conditions for year-round yurt camping and glamping experiences in the foothills.
What to do
Fishing at dawn or dusk: At New Hogan Lake, many campers report successful catches during early morning or evening hours. "The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish. Tackle Box Cafe is really good, weekends only, and the staff is kind and helpful," notes a visitor to Lake Amador Resort.
Paddling coves and inlets: Explore the numerous coves by kayak or canoe for a different perspective on the landscape. "We got in our kayaks for an awesome day paddle around the many coves of this reservoir. Since the lake level fluctuates there aren't many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch," shared a camper at Acorn Campground.
Disc golf courses: Lake Amador offers multiple disc golf courses for players of all 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," reports an enthusiastic visitor.
Wildlife observation: Early morning and evening hours provide prime opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Deer are fearless & majestic, several 'packs' walked through our campsite all throughout Sunday night when everyone else was gone. They walked up to us to smell our campfire & our food," describes a camper at Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina.
What campers like
Lakeside yurt accommodations: Glamping options around Valley Springs include yurts with lake views. "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," explains a camper at Lake Amador Resort.
Off-season tranquility: Many campgrounds remain open year-round with significantly fewer visitors in cooler months. "We stayed at the lake for one night, mid-week, off season. We were only one of a few handful of RVs in the RV section of the campground. I could imagine it being a loud party-scene in the summer. But in the early spring, it was full of bird songs and a gorgeous sunset," shares a visitor at Lake Camanche.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities make extended stays more comfortable. "The main bathroom building had clean flush toilets and showers, but there were a few extra vault toilets scattered around. Fresh water taps and recycling/trash bins were plentiful," notes an Acorn Campground visitor.
Family-friendly amenities: Playground equipment and swimming areas cater to families with children. "We visited a couple times and have enjoyed it. Staff is friendly and helpful. The kids had fun playing at the playground, jet skiing, and making sand castles at the beach," reports a Lake Tulloch visitor.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels vary significantly throughout the season, affecting campsite proximity to water. "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," advises a camper at Acorn Campground.
Limited shade at some sites: Many lakeside sites lack significant tree cover. "No shade but clean bathrooms. There was a family 'camping' with a generator and flat screen TV watching a boxing match," warns a visitor about certain areas at Lake Camanche.
Weekend crowds vs. weekday quiet: Campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends but remain relatively empty mid-week. "Weekends are filled up and busy, but during the week days it's nice and quiet," notes a camper at Camanche Lake Blue Oaks Campground North Shore.
Reservation timing: Popular weekends require planning months in advance. "We've been camping here for 10 years now. Always 4+ campsites for 4-5 days around July 4th weekend (reserve at least 6 months out) to start our year off," recommends a Lake Camanche regular.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with amenities for children. "They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole. There is also an old school playground for the kids," suggests a Lake Amador visitor.
Cabin alternatives to yurts: Beyond yurt camping, Valley Springs offers cabin options for families seeking more structure. "We stayed in the cabin that sleeps 6. Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink. Small hiking trail that had some horse nearby that came and said hi to us," reports a visitor at Angels Camp Campground and RV.
Wildlife education opportunities: Turn wildlife sightings into learning experiences. "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," shares a Lake Amador camper.
Local ice cream stops: When temperatures rise, nearby towns offer cooling treats. "It did get really hot, so my fiancé and I went to the local ice cream parlor. It was about 5-7 minutes away from the site. It's a cute little mom and pop ice cream shop and the customer service was amazing," recommends a camper at New Hogan Lake.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Many sites have unique hookup arrangements requiring special equipment. "The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose," advises a visitor at Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche.
Site selection for larger rigs: RV campers should research specific sites that accommodate their vehicle size. "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," notes an Acorn Campground visitor.
Solar considerations: Tree cover varies significantly between sites, affecting solar panel efficiency. "While there were many trees around for shade, we still had enough open sky for good solar gain and Starlink," explains an Acorn Campground RVer.
Winter camping opportunities: The mild foothill climate makes Valley Springs suitable for year-round yurt and RV camping. "Nice campground on the lake. We stayed in the dry camping area which was right on the lake. The showers worked well and didn't require coins, and there was a dump station up front by the fish cleaning station," reports a Lake Amador visitor.
