With 48 sites along the Cosumnes River, Pipi Campground requires advance reservations and charges $36-$108 per night through the US Forest Service. The access road presents challenges, as Krystle L. notes campers should "be prepared and have printed directions/map" since cell reception disappears well before arrival. Paper plate markers help guide visitors along the final stretch of Omo Ranch Road.
Sites vary dramatically in size, with some accommodating RVs up to 35 feet while others barely fit a single tent. The campground features vault toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables, plus wooden fishing platforms extending over the river for wheelchair access. Several campsites sit close enough to the water that the sound of flowing water carries through the night. A cement walking trail and boardwalk follow the river through the campground.
Summer brings challenges beyond the rough road access. Multiple reviewers report aggressive yellow jacket swarms near cooking areas, with some hives located in tree stumps within campsites. The shallow river areas provide safe swimming spots with life jackets, though the water stays cold year-round. Small trout populate the river pools, visible from the fishing decks.
For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore places to camp around Grizzly Flats. Spring and fall visits avoid both the summer crowds and the seasonal yellow jacket activity.
Description
Overview
Pipi Campground (pronounced "pie pie") offers RV and tent camping along the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River, offering great fishing and swimming opportunities. The Cosumnes River flows from the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and runs for about 52 miles through California's Central Valley and into the Mokelumne River. Historically, the native Miwok people of northern California used to camp in this region in summertime.
Recreation
Rainbow trout are regularly stocked in the river and wheelchair accessible fishing is provided from the paved river walkway. The walkway meanders along the river for just under a mile.
Facilities
A spacious picnic area is located along the river. The campground provides drinking water and vault toilets. Most parking aprons are paved, but some are gravel. Single sites fit a maximum of two vehicle and six people. Interpretive programs take place in peak season.
Natural Features
At an elevation of 4,100 feet, PiPi boasts three camp loops with a dense mixture of conifers like cedar and fir. The area is part of the Eldorado National Forest located in the central Sierra Nevada. A Mediterranean climate extends over most of the forest with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Charges & Cancellations
Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity. Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person. Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPipi Campground is located in California
Directions
From Jackson, California, head east on Highway 88 for 26 miles to Omo Ranch Road. Turn north (left) on Omo Ranch Rd. and follow for 1 mile to North South Road. Turn right on North South Road and continue for about 6 miles into the campground.
Address
ELDORADO
CA
Coordinates
38.5736111 N
120.4375 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr 51 min from Stockton, CA
- 1 hr 54 min from Carson City, NV
- 2 hrs 12 min from Modesto, CA
