Tent campsites near Wallace, California are situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall. Fall camping offers more moderate temperatures in the 70s during the day while providing better access to waterways when crowds have diminished.
What to do
Boating and watersports: Lake Camanche permits various watercraft with a designated area for canoes and kayaks at the South Shore. Bring your own craft or consider rentals at the marina. One visitor noted, "The water isn't freezing, it's usually pretty warm. The lake isn't huge, but makes for great boating."
Waterfall hiking: At Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area, a moderate trail leads to a 33-foot waterfall about 40 minutes from Wallace. "The hike to the waterfall is wonderful and depending where you start depends on length. You have to see it though! 33ft and the perfect spot to swim when it warms up," shares a regular visitor.
Riverside paddling: Cole Ranch offers complimentary watercraft for river exploration just south of Wallace. A camper explained, "They allow you to use their Canoe, paddleboard and kayak with signed waiver of course."
What campers like
Lakefront camping: Tent sites at Rancho Seco Recreation Area offer direct lake access with some spots just feet from the water. "I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place," notes a satisfied camper.
Winter solitude: Off-season camping near Wallace provides a drastically different experience with significantly fewer people. One winter visitor to Lake Camanche shared, "We camped twice at this campground on the South Shore. There are several campsites in the South Shore location. We stayed in the Riverview site where there is no alcohol permitted."
Giant sequoias: North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park allows tent campers to sleep among ancient trees. A camper observed, "Many beautiful trails to keep you busy and so much history."
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active throughout tent camping areas near Wallace. A visitor to North Grove Campground reported, "Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off." Smaller wildlife also presents challenges at some sites—"make sure you put your food away at night raccoons will get your food and snacks."
Ground conditions: Tent sites vary significantly in ground quality throughout the region. At Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, a free camping area, the terrain consists primarily of loose soil. One camper mentioned, "Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt. My dogs love it, my bedding doesn't!"
Cell service limitations: Reception varies widely across tent sites near Wallace. Top of Arnold dispersed camping area has "2 bars LTE of Verizon" according to a recent visitor, while most established campgrounds have spotty to no coverage.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities for children: Rancho Seco Recreation Area provides designated swimming areas and beach access suitable for families with young children. "Beautiful lake to canoe/kayak about. Sites along lake are best," notes one family camper.
Mid-week timing: School-year weekdays offer significantly reduced crowds at most tent sites near Wallace. A Lake Camanche visitor observed, "Weekends are filled up and busy, but during the week days it's nice and quiet."
Dog-friendly options: OARS American River Outpost Campground provides specific water access for pets. "There's a dog park for the dogs to roam free off the leash, which also has access to water/beach area for the dogs only," according to one camper with pets.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Many campgrounds near Wallace feature uneven terrain. At Jenkinson Campground, an RVer noted, "The sites were mostly all at a slant so it was a bit uncomfortable in terms of the sleep situation. There may have been some that were on normal level ground but from what we experienced and the ones we mainly saw they were not."
Water level awareness: Lake levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, affecting RV site desirability. An RVer camping at Lake Camanche warned, "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."
Hook-up availability: Electric and water hookups are limited at most tent campsites near Wallace. Cole Ranch offers both amenities with "grassy hook-up RV sites" that were described as "big and welcoming" by a recent visitor.
