Best Campgrounds near Camptonville, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Camptonville, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Camptonville campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Camptonville and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Camptonville, California (320)

    1. Collins Lake Recreation Area

    22 Reviews
    Oregon House, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 692-1600

    "This campground is above Marysville California."

    "They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our "front door" from our 27' travel trailer."

    2. Schoolhouse Campground (CA)

    7 Reviews
    North San Juan, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 - $48 / night

    "There are trails for hiking or mountain biking. You are minutes from Bullards Bar which is one of the most beautiful lakes around. I definitely suggest a day trip to the lake."

    "It’s mixed RV and tent with no RV power so the generators are loud and you’ll be surrounded by them."

    3. Inn Town Campground

    12 Reviews
    Nevada City, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-9900

    "Just know that here on The Dyrt, the location on the map for some reason shows it as being many miles away from Kidder Ct: it’s marked as if it is at Higgins Corner, halfway to Auburn?"

    "Super clean and friendly

    Not congested and close to many hiking trails Easy drive and close to Nevada City.

    Especially nice during Christmas Season. Feels like walking back in time."

    4. Manzanita Rock Meadow

    6 Reviews
    North San Juan, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 263-3656

    $40 - $55 / night

    "Situated on 25 acres, this gem is truly the best place to relax and unwind. With beautiful scenery and so many outdoor activities to enjoy, we know you'll be planning your next stay before you leave."

    "I don’t think the bigger rigs would be able to make the turn into the site and the road to the entrance is a bit rough. Don’t miss visiting the covered bridge at South Yuba State Park!"

    5. South Yuba Campground

    4 Reviews
    Nevada City, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 941-3101

    $15 / night

    "This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California. The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers."

    "There's hiking access to the river, and almost never anybody at this campground. It's scenic privacy at it's best. Hike up or downstream for some really great swimming holes."

    6. Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs

    7 Reviews
    Oregon House, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "They said it would be okay as long as I had the gear to sleep outside in a tent as well. The place was quiet and we had no issues."

    "Very nice campground, but cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area."

    7. Laughing Buddha RV/Tent Camp

    4 Reviews
    North San Juan, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 263-3656

    $55 / night

    "It was quiet and private, but close to the hosts so they visited when I had questions about the best spots for swimming and hiking nearby."

    "Had a fire in the fire pit and enjoyed the quiet(except for the coyotes in the distance!). Galen, our host, was always available to answer questions and to bring extra firewood."

    8. Indian Valley

    2 Reviews
    Camptonville, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 - $48 / night

    "We were looking for a spot next to the Yuba River and found this gem. Only 17 campsites so it’s not crowded. It’s also away from any road noise."

    "Easy access to water (creek) and firewood. Definitely a lot of mosquitoes, but once the fire kicks in they scatter. Not much hammocking options. Go with a tent."

    9. Dark Day Campground

    2 Reviews
    Camptonville, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 - $72 / night

    "Dark Day is a drive up camp, but there's boat in camping available at the lake as well."

    "One of our favorite Lakes"

    10. White Cloud

    6 Reviews
    Washington, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 - $48 / night

    "The individual sites are distanced enough so it still feels private, bathrooms and water was available. Hiked the pioneer trail and then went swimming in the lake nearby."

    "It was only a 20-minute drive from home in Nevada City. We enjoyed hanging around the campground, took a cruise over to Rucker Lake for some exploring."

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Recent Reviews near Camptonville, CA

688 Reviews of 320 Camptonville Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Awesome site for SUVs

    Awesome site, stayed in my van on the boat launch. There are tent sites above the boat ramp with bear boxes and fire rings. Left side of tent sites is very loud due to the rushing river. Very secluded from others, only 2 others on the boat ramp in vans. do not attempt to do this in anything smaller than an SUv sedans would definitely not be able to make it to this site. Road has lots of holes and rocks sticking up out the ground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    South Yuba Campground

    nice wooded campground

    No cell signal here - speed test is from starlink. Note google & garmin routing from Nevada City takes a bridge with a 4 Ton weight restriction.

  • M
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

    First time here

    What a great camp site. We used site 31, with a tent. While it was a little rocky the site was great. Located near the restroom but not to close (if you know what I mean). The site is while in five to 15 mins of several lakes and breathtaking water falls. The walking trails being the grounds are easy and shady for those hot summer days.

  • Mar S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park

    Cute but small

    It’s a cute RV park, it’s clean and close to a little town the bad thing is that every space is so close to each other, you have next to you their services and it’s impossible to access your storage without bothering your neighbors.

  • M
    Aug. 28, 2025

    North Fork Campground

    Nice quiet campground and river

    I stopped by here to check out the campground and found it to be very nice quiet and clean. There is a nice river running along the side with a waterfall and a few nice deep swimming holes. I got the only FCFS site and it was nice.

  • jay B.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Great spot to dry camp near Tahoe

    This campground is a hidden gem—just 10 minutes from Truckee and about 20 minutes to Tahoe. We stayed in site #6, which was a first-come, first-served spot. According to the camp host, weekdays are usually easy to snag a site, but you’ll definitely want a reservation if you're planning to stay Friday through Sunday. Most sites offer beautiful views of the lake, and many are on level ground, making setup easy. One tip: avoid site #8 unless you're in a pinch—it’s surrounded by other sites (island spot) and doesn’t offer much privacy, but it would work for a quick overnight stay. The campground feels spacious, peaceful, and scenic. Just keep in mind there are no showers or running water, so come prepared for dry camping. That wasn’t an issue for us since our camper is set up for boondocking. All in all, an awesome spot—we’ll definitely be back!

  • Greg C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Kyburz Flats

    Quiet woods and fields

    Road is rough, especially after first mile to interpretive site. Looks like a few spots there you could camp. The last mile gets rougher. Was fine in my 2wd van but have high clearance and was dry. Might be worse if muddy or low clearance vehicle. Also, coordinates lead to historic sheep camp site. Can probably camp next to it but better spots just beyond though road gets even rougher.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    White Cloud

    Beautiful but LOUD

    Awesome spots to camp, it’s just insanely close to the 20 so you’ll hear non-stop traffic.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Scotts Flat Lake

    Pricey but nice

    Paid $68 for a tent site with no hookups. Showers take quarters too. Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off.


Guide to Camptonville

Camping near Camptonville, California, offers a mix of stunning nature and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, like those around Sardine Lake. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful hiking within minutes of the campground with gorgeous views of the lake and boulders - and even waterfalls!"
  • Fishing: Sardine Lake is great for fishing. A camper shared, "Great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance and lots of other lakes around the area."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming or paddleboarding at East Meadow Campground. One reviewer noted, "Gravelly shore and bottom, excellent paddleboarding & kayaking."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Bidwell Canyon Campground said, "Super clean camp grounds, with an amazing view when near the water."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park said, "Friendly office staff made the check-in process easy and enjoyable."
  • Scenic Views: The beautiful surroundings are a big hit. A camper at Giant Gap remarked, "The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gold Lake 4x4 Campground, don’t have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor warned, "Bring water or filter water from the lake."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper at Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground mentioned, "We were sure to use the bear box properly as a bear had been spotted in the campground that morning!"
  • Crowded in Summer: Some campgrounds can get busy during peak season. A camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area noted, "Anyone that says this place is too crowded with RVs so close to each other has never been to an RV park."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Inn Town Campground enjoyed, "The pool area was really nice. Great location for swimming in the Yuba river!"
  • Bring Snacks: Stock up on snacks for the kids. A camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Ice cream at the store is a must."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be ready for bugs, especially in summer. A visitor at Sardine Lake said, "Gets buggy in the summertime."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at East Meadow Campground noted, "Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time."
  • Arrive Early: Get to the campground early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Gold Lake 4x4 Campground advised, "If you get there on a weekend get there early because sites fill up fast."
  • Be Prepared for Off-Roading: Some campgrounds require off-road vehicles. A camper at Gold Lake 4x4 Campground warned, "Warning - this site requires a high clearance vehicle with good off-road tires."

Camping near Camptonville, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities and attractions can I enjoy while visiting Camptonville, CA?

Camptonville's Sierra foothill location offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The area near Gold Lake 4x4 Campground provides excellent fishing, phenomenal hiking trails with views overlooking the Sierra Buttes, and off-road adventures (high-clearance vehicles required). Yellow Creek Campground offers a less crowded alternative to Lake Almanor with stunning views of Humbug Valley. The Yuba River is perfect for swimming, fishing, and gold panning. Mountain biking enthusiasts can enjoy the famous Downieville downhill trails. The Gold Lake Highway nearby gives access to multiple alpine lakes and hiking opportunities. For those interested in history, the area features numerous Gold Rush-era sites and ghost towns to explore.

Where are the best campgrounds in Camptonville, CA?

Camptonville offers excellent camping options in the Sierra foothills. Tahoe National Forest Wild Plum Campground provides large, private sites nestled in a pine forest along Haypress Creek, close to the Yuba River. It's popular with mountain bikers heading to nearby Downieville. Indian Valley is another great option directly near Camptonville with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Other notable campgrounds in the region include Cal-Ida with its peaceful riverside settings, and Dark Day Campground which offers water and toilets. Most campgrounds in the area are accessible via drive-in and provide basic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables.

What camping is available near Camptonville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Camptonville, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 320 campgrounds and RV parks near Camptonville, CA and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Camptonville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Camptonville, CA is Collins Lake Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Camptonville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Camptonville, CA.