This article about camping near Sacramento is brought to you by Wenzel. Be sure to check out their camp quilts to keep you warm at any of these campgrounds.
By camping near Sacramento, you can find so many exciting adventures virtually at your doorstep. You don’t have to venture far from the urban center before you feel genuinely lost in Nature. These 7 campgrounds represent the astonishing natural beauty of Northern California once you get out of the city.
The Best Camping near Sacramento
1. Rancho Seco Recreational Area
Image from The Dyrt camper George A.
Camp beside the water at Rancho Seco Recreational Area, just a short 25-minute drive from Sacramento. This campground has newly renovated facilities like free showers, boat rentals, and laundry. Hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking are all popular activities. Sites range from group areas to RV sites, but be sure to make a reservation if you have an RV.
“It has free showers there. The campground is awesome, and you can camp right on the water.” – George A.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 38
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Sly Park Recreation Area
Image from The Dyrt camper Monique R.
At 61 miles from Sacramento, Sly River Recreation Area is worth the gas to get there. The large campground has 10 different camping locations with a total of 191 campsites altogether, ranging from RV sites (nothing over 40’ long) to tent sites. The terrain is diverse depending on the campground – some are hillier and more shaded, others are on the water.
Sly River Rec Area is situated on Lake Jenkinson, providing ample fishing, kayaking, or paddle-boating opportunities. Although no dogs or watercraft like SeaDoos are allowed in the lake, there are boat ramps and rentals, and other terrestrial attractions.
“Hilltop sites are better for smaller campers. They are set into the mountains with trees behind you. ” – Bea I.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-75
- Number of sites: 191
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Skyline Wilderness Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Letícia L.
Just over an hour’s drive from Sacramento is this exciting location, Skyline Wilderness Park, nestled in the Napa Valley foothills. This gorgeous campground has RV spots, tent camping, and equestrian lodging. A reservation gets you a site but not a specific location; you have to get there early to get the best ones. Over 25 miles of interactive trails and a native plant garden are just two attractions at this fun locale.
“Once we pulled into our spot, we were awed by the beautiful scenery, the gnarled oak trees, and the serenity.” – Nicole D.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 39
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Image from The Dyrt camper Daren W.
This is a one-of-a-kind campground nestled amidst a maze of creeks and waterways that make up the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Cradled by the Three Mile Slough, Seven Mile Slough, and the Sacramento River, you’re surrounded by water. Tons of spots to choose from; if you’re a tent camper, be sure to bring your stakes as there’s a lot of wind in the open areas to pick up and toss your tent.
“Lots of fishing and boating activities. Campsites are spaced out. Easy access to the water. Family favorite.” – Mike C.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 127
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Lake Camanche
Image from The Dyrt camper Larry W.
This campground on the south shore of Lake Camanche is better described as a resort. It has 760 campsites and over 10 different areas broken into campgrounds like Coyote Flat and Cottonwood Canyon. Whatever level of camping you like – RV, tent, or cabin – there’s an opportunity for it at Lake Camanche, and the kids will love the fishing pond.
“The kids can ride their bikes, play in the park, have a volleyball net, and have had outdoor movies. The lake is great; we have even rented boats and gone out.” – Amanda R.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-100
- Number of sites: 760
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Beals Point Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Syd D.
Only a ½ hour drive from Sacramento in the El Dorado Hills, Beals Point Campground sits on a nub of land jutting out into Lake Folsom. Only this campground and one other allow overnight stays on Lake Folsom.
Beals Point Campground is a medium-sized campground with electric, sewer, and water hook-ups available. In season, there’s also a snack bar, BBQ pits, and flat grassy, shaded areas in season.
“Folsom Lake is a beautiful location, great bike, and hiking trails. Clean and safe area. Great place to bring the family.” – Cassidy Y.
Campground Details:
- Price: $41-70
- Number of sites: 69
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Sac-West RV Park and Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Yvonne T.
Only a few minute’s drive to Old Sacramento is an active, urban campground with tons of features that appeal to every member of your traveling party. From camping to glamping, Sac-West RV Park and Campground have all sorts of scenarios for roughing it. Amenities include a dog park, pool, laundry, game room, and large roomy sites.
“Lots of pull-through spots. Good showers. Loved the pool. Had pizza delivered right to the spot.” – Tanya R.
Campground Details:
- Price: $52-100
- Number of sites: 136
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
When you head out of Sacramento in any direction, you’re met with extraordinary vistas, lakes, rivers, and mountains in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. However, these 7 campgrounds only scrape the surface of all the options available. For more, explore The Dyrt’s complete list of the best camping in California.
This article about camping near Sacramento was brought to you by Wenzel. Their pop-up shelters will provide shade to help keep the California sun at bay.
