Best Tent Camping near Valley Springs, CA

Searching for the best camping near Valley Springs, CA? Valley Springs is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Valley Springs, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Tent Sites Near Valley Springs, California (46)

    1. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    7 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
    18 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 - $70 / 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. Deer Flat Boat In Campground

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

    $20 / 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. Camp Nauvoo

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

    $65 - $300 / night

    7. Cole Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Waterford, CA
    38 miles
    +1 (209) 620-6218

    $60 - $90 / night

    "They also change the hand towel in the restrooms daily for everyone to use. The campsite is well taken care of as well as the kitchen which is communal use."

    "The amenities were above and beyond anything we have seen at other locations.  Complimentary watercraft for the river, stocked outdoor kitchen, and hot showers with shampoo/lotion etc. "

    8. Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    40 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."

    10. Boards Crossing

    1 Review
    Camp Connell, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-1381
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Tent Camping Reviews near Valley Springs, CA

709 Reviews of 46 Valley Springs Campgrounds


  • Quinn M.
    Sep. 23, 2019

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    Close to Perfect

    My brother and I hit the north grove campground for the first time this past weekend. My expectations weren’t high but this place was great.

    The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative. The campground map makes it seem like the road was further away from the sites but I woke up a couple of times from road noise.

    Our campsite had a fire ring, bbq, picnic table and bear box and still had a large flat spot for my huge tent as well as parking for my car.

    The weather was great, no bugs to be found and plenty to do. I already want to go back next year but choose a site further from the road.

  • Mark L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Van Haven Dispersed Site Yosemite

    Rugged, Remote, Dusty

    Red Cloud Rd offers few viable camping sites. The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration.

    Leave no trace!

  • Rosina A.
    Jun. 1, 2022

    Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    Folsom Lake Penninsula

    Beautiful sunsets. No showers. Bathrooms are clean. Some sites are rather small and have little flat ground. Pics on website are tough to see when booking. Lake to most sites is a drive, but there are a few campsites on the lake. Many sites are on hill, you walk up the hill or down a hill with stairs. Lake has day use area, but also a dock area for camping folks. Lots of mosquitoes. They have a fire are to cook, no fire ring, have a bear box and picnic table. Some sites have plenty of shade while others are just plain sun so be prepared.

    Water is nice temperature and super clean! Nice to kayak, paddle, boat (they have boat ramps), fish, swim. Beach areas are rocks with weeds, but pretty.

  • Larry W.
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Sugar Barge RV Resort & Marina

    Quiet, NO other tenters!

    We (party of 4) were there primarily because we rented a boat from their Marina. That went well! This is an RV campground & full-complement resort on Bethel Island, San Joaquin River Delta. Many RVers appear to be long-term or full-time residents.

    The tent-area was a clearing, fully backed up to the levee, with some shade and a water spigot. Appears to be only 4 “sites,” which are defined by picnic tables, GENEROUSLY spaced, no fire rings AND the Delta is h.o.t.! It’s also on the far edge of the property, so car traffic was MINIMUM — and NO generators were heard, even though the RV section is huge!!!

    The rest rooms were in the Marina building, a short walk. We would DEFINITELY return for boating and tenting!!!

  • Kate A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Thousand Trails Ponderosa

    Great location, but plan ahead

    This is a well maintained RV and tent camping resort. It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift. The RV and tent sites are in two separate areas, with more updated amenities available for RVs like hot showers. Shared pool site. Lots of great trails to weave through the campground on a mountain bike.

    One downside- it can be hot. Not a lot of tree cover for the RV sites- make sure you bring shade with you. Luckily, there’s a nice cool river to swim in!

    Fires are restricted sometimes in the summer. Some sites require a membership.

    Local grocery and pizza, frozen yogurt available within walking distance.

    Lots of great fishing, floating, and kayak accessibly. Bring tubes and life vests. Poles and bait.

  • Raymond B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    USFS Silver Fork Dispersed

    Overnight stay

    We recently spent a night at this campsite and found it to be perfect for a quick overnight getaway. The area is spacious and conveniently located not too far off the main road, making it easy to access without feeling too isolated.

    There are plenty of sites to choose from, catering to different preferences. However, we recommend taking some time to survey the land before setting up camp, as some spots are slightly sloped.

    A huge plus is the gas station just about 5 minutes down the road. It’s well-stocked with all the convenient store items you might have forgotten at home, making it easy to grab any last-minute necessities.

    Overall, it was a delightful stay. Just remember, always practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in!

  • Scott R.
    Aug. 6, 2020

    Tuttletown Recreation Area

    Beautiful location - needs some help

    The location and weekend was amazing and beautiful. The 105 daytime temps were quelled by dunking ourselves in the lake and taking excursions to some of the other local wonders. We had a great view of the lake and the stars overnight were amazing. It was extremely easy to socially distance from others at all times.

    We spent the weekend camped out here but when we arrived, our location was filled with trash. The previous occupants had left garbage strewn everywhere and a garbage bag that was torn into by the wildlife. We cleaned for about half an hour and filled a large black yard waste bag with garbage before we could start to settle in.

    The other big issue is that the site says “all facilities are open” but in reality all the restrooms are closed and locked with a solution of putting portable toilets in front of the restroom areas. This is in no way better for dealing with bathroom needs.

    Also, the camp host location was marked but no host appeared or was available. The rangers drove by maybe 6 times total.

    Be aware when coming here that many sites do not have shade or places to set up hammocks.

    Don’t let my negative points turn you away, many of these things were going to be situational and we would love to go back (just not in the midst of a heatwave like that).

  • Lily H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2023

    Big Meadow Campground

    Primitive, but Tucked Away

    Very basic campsites with a picnic table, fire ring, bear box, and access to a pit toilet. The setting of the campground is gorgeous with all of the exposed rock and large trees. Campsites can be booked online, and some are available first-come-first-serve as far as I understand. The campsite allows generators which is unfortunate for tent campers seeking quiet. For less noise, book sites near the back of the campground (sites 30 and up). Great mid-distance location for visiting both Sequoia and King's Canyon!

  • Jordie G.
    May. 23, 2023

    Pine Cone - Sly Park Recreation Area

    Excellent campsite, terrible booking website

    Beautiful view of the lake, level plot, toilets, picnic table, potable water, fire ring, grill, recycling stations and large dumpsters. Dog friendly too. This campsite has everything you need to enjoy a nice evening by the lake. However, booking online or by phone is a pain in the ass. If you toussle around with the website, you'll see what I mean. We were also unable to reach anyone by phone.

    They do not do walk-ins for campsites on Fridays or Saturdays. We came on a Sunday and were able to set up camp and leave our stuff to hit the grocery store in Pollock Pines. I think it was $45 for the night but very well worth camping in an established zone for the first time in a week! We drove into our site in a Ford E-350 and next to us was a converted schoolbus. Many SUVs as well. The camp host was on premises as well.

    At the time of this review, the store across the check-in gate, Sly Park Resort, was closed until further notice.


Guide to Valley Springs

Valley Springs, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation in nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent camping activities nearby

Tent campers should check out these features

  • Camp Nauvoo is a hidden gem with kid-friendly facilities and beautiful creekside views, ideal for family camping trips.
  • Experience the tranquility of Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
  • For a unique experience, consider Deer Flat Boat In Campground, accessible by boat, offering a secluded spot for tent camping right by the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Valley Springs, CA?

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

What is the best site to find tent camping near Valley Springs, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 46 tent camping locations near Valley Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.