Tent camping near Valley Springs, California centers around the Mokelumne River and foothill terrain at elevations between 500-1,000 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making spring and fall preferred camping seasons. Waterfront sites offer relief from heat, though sites located farther from lakes require tree coverage for adequate shade during peak temperatures from June through September.
What to do
Water recreation at Lake Camanche: Lake Camanche offers numerous water activities with boat rentals available. "The water isn't freezing, it's usually pretty warm. The lake isn't huge, but makes for great boating," notes a camper who visits annually at Lake Camanche.
Hiking trails at Calaveras Big Trees: The park features multiple trails through giant sequoias. "There's lots of trails to hike here, an extensive ranger station with a Visitor Center, snack bar, and organized talks and activities," reports a recent visitor to North Grove Campground.
Canoe and kayak at Rancho Seco: The lake offers calm waters ideal for paddling. One visitor shares, "It has free showers there and the campground are awesome and you can camp right on the water. They have boat rentals and a fishing derby every year too."
What campers like
Quiet off-season camping: Late fall and winter months offer a more secluded experience. A School for Youth member explains their experience at Lake Camanche: "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... it was full of bird songs and a gorgeous sunset."
Shoreline camping opportunities: Sites near water offer both scenic views and recreational access. "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place," reports a camper at Rancho Seco Recreation Area.
Outdoor kitchen amenities: Cole Ranch offers communal cooking facilities. A reviewer notes, "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."
What you should know
High heat conditions: Summer temperatures can make camping challenging without proper preparation. "Wicked August heat, BUT there's the lake!" states a Lake Camanche visitor, highlighting the importance of water access.
Limited cell service: Connection varies greatly by location and carrier. One camper at Jenkinson Campground mentions, "Just a short drive from Sacramento up the hill. The front half of the lake is sometimes quite close quarters full of large RVs and campers."
Wildlife encounters: Bears and other wildlife are present in the area. "Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off," reports a camper, underscoring the importance of using provided bear storage.
Fire restrictions: Rules vary seasonally and by location. At Top of Arnold, a camper advises, "Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water access: Some sites offer kid-friendly water areas. A Nicole S. at Lake Camanche shares: "Cool for a weekend stay. We don't have boat and did not rent one, but the kids had a great time with just the floaties."
Group camping options: Larger sites accommodate family gatherings. "We've been camping here for 10 years now. Always 4+ campsites for 4-5 days around July 4th weekend (reserve at least 6months out) to start our year off," advises a regular camper.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs provide learning experiences. At Camp Nauvoo, "The owners of this campground have made it there mission that you have a wonderful experience if you are a newbie or seasoned camper. Great sites for families and romantic sites for couples."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. One RVer mentions, "Site: Monument, Condition: Clean, fairly spacious RV sites, Internet: Poor" at Lake Camanche.
Seasonal crowds: Weekends see significantly higher occupancy. "We camped twice at this campground on the South Shore. The lake has a North Shore Campground as well. We were the only ones camping on Christmas Weekend and we had a few neighbors when we went again in mid January," notes a winter camper at Top of Arnold.
Hookup availability: Water and electric options vary by campground. "Nice, peaceful well maintained campground that is within 30 minutes of our home for our first outing with our new travel trailer," says a camper about Rancho Seco Recreation Area.
