Lake Camanche South Shore spans across the hills near Wallace, California at an elevation of approximately 200 feet. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winters remain mild with occasional rainfall. The camping options around Wallace range from basic tent sites to luxury accommodations with varying access to lake activities and amenities.
What to do
Water recreation: Paddle sports and fishing at Lake Camanche provide family-friendly activities throughout most of the year. "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... We liked the site because we can launch our kayaks from our campground down to the lake. Fishing is awesome!" according to Ed E.
Wildlife viewing: Observe local fauna around Lake Tulloch RV Campground. Visitors regularly encounter native wildlife throughout the camping areas. One camper noted, "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."
Disc golf: Play multiple courses near glamping sites. Lake Amador Resort provides extensive disc golf facilities for all skill levels. A visitor shared, "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."
What campers like
Varied water features: More than just the lake. Lake Amador Resort offers additional water recreation options beyond the main lake. "The man made pond is nice for the kids. It has a slide they can use," reports Mike L., highlighting alternatives for families with small children seeking controlled swimming environments.
Offseason tranquility: Visit during non-peak times for a quieter experience. Camping outside summer months provides a completely different atmosphere. According to The School for Y., "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."
Spacious sites: Room to spread out at select campgrounds. "Nice spacious spots. No power or water hookups. Water spigots close by. Bathrooms with flush toilets and a single spacious shower," noted Martha H. about Acorn Campground, emphasizing the practical layout that allows for comfortable camping setups.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Lake conditions vary seasonally. The reservoirs around Wallace experience significant water level changes throughout the year. One camper at New Hogan Lake observed, "We did a lot of kayak fishing and relaxing by the lake. We were able to walk the kayaks down with no problem... The lake does have sharp rocks and the local CVS has [water shoes]."
Temperature extremes: Summer heat requires planning. Daytime temperatures frequently reach triple digits during summer months. A visitor at Tuttletown Recreation Area shared, "We camped out for 2 nights in spot 96 in the height of summer and just before all the fires started. It was something like 107 when we were setting up the tent and most of the day time but on the lake itself, the temperature was perfect."
Limited shade: Many sites lack natural coverage. Several campgrounds feature exposed sites with minimal tree cover. "Some sites have plenty of shade, some none, which would be killer in the heat! Great, QUIET time. When the lake is down (like now) it's a bit of a haul to the water — cart/wagon recommended, as well as a shade pop-up AT water's edge," advised Larry W. about his stay at Lake Camanche.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for dedicated play areas when booking glamping close to Wallace, California. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park focuses specifically on family experiences with extensive recreational options. One visitor described, "Great family fun. Lots of greats amenities for families. Lots of people however the park is huge and didn't feel like it was too busy... Very roomy and not as crowded as the sites by the water park area."
Water safety: Bring appropriate gear for lake activities with children. Beaches may have hidden hazards that require protection. A Lake Tulloch camper mentioned, "The lake is gorgeous and at night there were several deer walking thru the site. The bathrooms weren't so awesome but the campground did offer showers by the store and those were very awesome! This is hot weather territory but you can take a quick swim to cool off."
Seasonal programming: Check activity schedules before booking. Many campgrounds offer organized events during specific times. "For October, we did an outdoor movie, magic pumpkins, costume contest, trick or treating, hay ride, and haunted house. My daughter loved everything except the haunted house, which she said was 'too scary!'" shared a visitor about their experience at Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research RV pad conditions before reserving. Monument RV Park provides dedicated RV facilities with varying amenities. "This was our first time here. It was quiet and the sites were clean. There is no shower and only a couple outhouses so it's definitely only if you want to use your camper/rv bathroom. The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose," advised Courtney C.
Utility connections: Check hookup specifications when planning glamping stays near Wallace in RVs. Electrical service varies between campgrounds and sites. A visitor at Lake Tulloch noted, "Clean, fairly spacious RV sites" but warned about "Poor" internet connectivity, an important consideration for those needing to stay connected.
Site spacing: Consider proximity to neighbors when selecting locations. Some RV areas provide more separation than others. "Sites are packed in tight. Def geared for tent camping although I was lucky enough to be here when it was dead empty and picked a good site for my 27' toy hauler. Fire pits and picnic tables at every site," explained Hunter P. about Tuttletown Recreation Area.
