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
208 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake Camanche serves as the primary camping destination near Wallace, California, offering several established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options. The area features both North Shore and South Shore locations, providing camping for tents, RVs, and cabins with varying levels of amenities. Monument RV Park and Miner's Camp RV Park offer full hookups for larger vehicles, while Blue Oaks Campground provides more rustic sites closer to the water. Other notable options include Lake Amador Resort approximately 8 miles north of Wallace and Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area about 7 miles to the northeast, both providing mixed-use campgrounds suitable for various camping styles.
Most developed campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. Access roads are generally paved and well-maintained, making them suitable for most vehicles including larger RVs at designated campgrounds. "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," noted one regular visitor. Weather conditions are typically hot and dry during summer with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Winter camping is available at some locations with reduced crowds. Cell service varies throughout the area, with limited coverage at some campgrounds, particularly those closer to the water.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers at Lake Camanche, with several visitors highlighting proximity to the water as a key feature. Lake levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shore access and boat launching capabilities. A camper observed, "When the lake is down it's a bit of a haul to the water — cart/wagon recommended, as well as a shade pop-up AT water's edge." Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, with shower facilities available at select locations. Weekends tend to be considerably busier than weekdays, with some reviewers noting increased noise levels during peak periods. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common throughout the camping areas. Fishing opportunities abound in the region's lakes and reservoirs, with trout being particularly popular among anglers.
"A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night."
"The lake has receded quite a but that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now (California drought). The campsite was well maintained."
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"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."
"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"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."
"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!"
"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"spots they have spots for family reunions have showers store boat ramp nice place to camp North Shore is not for RVs it's for tent camping the South Shore has hookups 30 50 amp service full hookups all around"
"Lake view. $25 for standard campsite with check out of 2pm and full use of the day area all day after. Not bad for the price!!"
from $25 - $66 / night
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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
This is a fun place for you and the fam either to camp or for the day.
The tide comes in and out here as it’s a low level island and the approach to access sometimes will be under water from the tide. It is just like that, not poorly maintained, just one short section that can get 6inches deep and is not an issue for anybody.
I stayed in a tent camper fold-out. I hugged the hedge next to a teardrop. Everyone was nice and it was a relaxing stay. Can launch boat/kayak or do all the wind surfing type sports they talk about.
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.
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.
The campsite is set along one side of the middle fork of the Cosumnes River and is quite lovely. It is a popular campground on weekends so reservations are recommended. There are outhouses and fresh water available. Cell service is very spotty (we have Verizon) but drive up the road a half mile and you'll get a signal. There are places to fish and swim in the river, with several day use areas in the campground.
We did two nights and left in the morning on the third day. The ranger drove by briefly both days but didn't stop to give us any feedback. We followed the coordinates using GPS out to this site just fine without losing signal. But once there, definitely no cell signal. We didn't see any posts labeled"8N54" or"8N55". We did see posts for Motorized Trailhead 13E33.
Overall this was a good little spot for first time dispersed campers like us. We did some light hiking and there was plenty opportunity for star gazing. Oddly enough there was rave music playing all night into the early morning hours. Unexpected, but distant enough that one of us was able to sleep through it ok, but not the best or most peaceful sleep. We're not really sure if it was coming from a nearby campsite or private property but, oh well. At times throughout the day time the rave music would come on briefly.
Also, this site is really well suited for folks who love dirt motor biking, driving ATVs and that sort of thing. We don't have anything like that but we chose this site because it was easy to get to and not too far from home and civilization. There were several folks riding around both days from about 9 am to 4 pm. We recommend using a copy of the MVUM Map for El Dorado NF Placerville area to see all of the trails and road types. During the peaceful quiet moments, we heard several woodpeckers, crickets, loud deer mooing. And there was even a small heard of cows that came into the campsite a little bit. For about 45 minutes we heard them clinking around with their cowbells on. But it was at night so it was pitch black and the bells were a bit distracting along with the music. One of them even decided to smudge our truck(see photo).
Also, be prepared to shake out your shoes and clothes often as this site featured dirt floor that was particularly dusty. Any time the riders would go by, a big cloud of dust would flow our way. Plenty of tree cover for shade. We didn't use the fire pit because of fire restrictions right now, but we got a fire permit anyway before heading out there. Instead we used a mini stove with butane canister. Definitely plan to pack everything out and clean up your trash. There were a few straggler pieces of debris clearly left behind by less mindful folks, but overall the site was clean in that sense. We were here in late July and it wasn't too hot or cold. We got a mix of warm and cool breezes that were really nice!
Camping near Wallace, California centers around several recreation areas situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills at elevations ranging from 200-500 feet. The region experiences Mediterranean climate patterns with winter temperatures typically between 40-60°F and summer temperatures regularly reaching 95-105°F. Water levels at local reservoirs can fluctuate dramatically between seasons, affecting shoreline access and recreational opportunities.
Kayaking and paddling: Acorn Campground offers access to New Hogan Reservoir with numerous coves for exploration. "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," notes one visitor.
Disc golf: Lake Amador Resort features multiple disc golf courses as a unique recreational option. "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 a regular camper.
Swimming and water activities: The region offers dedicated swimming areas including slides for children. "Amador is a laid back camping spot that never disappoints. Great for families. 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."
Wildlife viewing: Campers report diverse wildlife encounters throughout the region. "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."
Off-season tranquility: Many campers prefer visiting during non-peak times. At Rancho Seco Recreation Area, "This is a wonderful spot to stay for a few days in the off season. We stayed in February. Summers would be very hot and I imagine the area would be packed with day use folks. 12 miles from I-5 out in the country. Very quiet."
Lake views and sunsets: The region's reservoirs provide scenic backdrops. "STUNNING, ever-changing sunsets — pics don't do justice! Large sites, picnic table, and substantial fire ring with primitive grill. Ample water stations, only porta-potties."
Site selection considerations: Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area offers limited premium sites. "Campground has only 10 or 12 hookup sites. Rustic, good size sites. Reservations for those sites are very hard to get. We go for the fishing. We park our boat at the marina for several days."
Shower facilities: Bathroom and shower conditions vary widely between campgrounds. "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."
Campsite spacing: Sites at some campgrounds offer limited privacy. "We noted that the sites were very close together with no privacy, but that was ok since there were few people there. The showers worked well and didn't require coins, and there was a dump station up front by the fish cleaning station."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wallace, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wallace, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 208 campgrounds and RV parks near Wallace, CA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wallace, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wallace, CA is Acorn Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wallace, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Wallace, CA.
What parks are near Wallace, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Wallace, CA that allow camping, notably New Hogan Lake and New Melones Lake.
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