Best Campgrounds near Wallace, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Wallace, California (196)

    1. Acorn Campground

    28 Reviews
    Valley Springs, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 772-1343

    $20 / night

    "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."

    2. Lake Camanche

    18 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 763-5121

    $50 / night

    "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."

    3. Lake Amador Resort

    12 Reviews
    Ione, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 274-4739

    $25 - $45 / night

    "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."

    4. Rancho Seco Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Herald, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 748-2318

    "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."

    5. Miner's Camp RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 763-5121

    "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"

    6. Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche

    2 Reviews
    Wallace, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 763-5121

    "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!"

    7. Pardee Reservoir Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Ione, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 702-1420

    "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."

    8. Camanche Lake Blue Oaks Campground North Shore

    1 Review
    Wallace, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 763-5121

    $25 - $66 / night

    "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!!"

    9. Lake Camanche North Shore

    1 Review
    Wallace, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 763-5166

    "Nice place lil shade open and close to water"

    10. COE New Hogan Lake Coyote Point Campground

    2 Reviews
    Valley Springs, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 772-1343

    "We did a lot of kayak fishing and relaxing by the lake. We were able to walk the kayaks down with no problem."

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Recent Reviews near Wallace, CA

645 Reviews of 196 Wallace Campgrounds


  • Raymond M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    This place is real camping

    This campground was the best campground that I’ve been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man not recommended for women in small kids, but absolutely amazing and beautiful place. 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 again this place was amazing

  • Laura The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Glory Hole Recreation Area

    Pretty and quiet

    Easy to find, there was no one but my spot was labelled with the tags. Facilities are clean but the shower was cold, at best lukewarm. The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad

  • Shir S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    El Dorado

    Great place before lake tahoe

    We drove from redwood to Lake Tahoe and wanted a place to stay since it got late Good place Online booking and entrance if after hours and affordable price opposed to other sites in the area

  • J
    Sep. 17, 2025

    American River Resort

    Perfect match

    During our stay (mid of September) the place was empty and we had the most relaxed time we could have. RV site close to the river and some deers also crossing our ways on the campground

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

    Good spot for a night or two but nothing here

    Easy to get to and easy to park at although not a great spot for tents. Unfortunately there was a massive fire here and there is nothing to look at but burned out trees.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    Nice for an established campground

    I prefer dispersed camping for the quiet and solitude but we met friends here who picked the campground. That said, this is a nice established cg. Not a lot of privacy (wide open so you can see everyone around you) but individual sites have room between them. Campers when we were there were fairly quiet but even quiet sounds travel, especially at night. Smoke from all the campfires is not great for people with asthma. Bathrooms are very nice: clean, flush toilets, and sinks with cold water taps. Bear boxes provided. There’s lots of trails to hike here, an an extensive ranger station with a Visitor Center, snack bar, and organized talks and activities. The big trees are exactly as advertised: incredibly big and awe-inspiring. Just wish state parks would let you take your leashed dogs on the trails. Otherwise, a very nice public campground if that’s your thing.

  • James C.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Thousand Trails Turtle Beach

    Still a 4-star park worth the trip

    This may not be the park it once was, but it's still far better than most in the area. Showers and clubhouse activities are still limited, but the nearby delta offers its own attraction. Day use, tents, and every class of RV are easily accommodated. No shopping or supplies nearby, but anything you may want or need is within 5 miles. It is very relaxing and one of the first sites I try to book if I'm in the area. Hands down better than the county parks.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Diamond Gulch

    Great campground

    Great campground accessible for most campers but large RVs might struggle. Has water, portable toilets and heated showers. Campsite has Some shade from the sun. Also has a couple glamping tents aswell.

  • leann B.
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Mighty Farms

    Unexpected

    The owners here are wonderful and the sites are great unfortunately I didn’t get too to stay due to an issue I had with my truck I highly recommend this little piece of heaven


Guide to Wallace

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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 196 campgrounds and RV parks near Wallace, CA and 3 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 3 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.