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The best camping near Auburn State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Auburn SRA adventure.

92% (12 reviews)
92% (12 reviews)

Gold panning, whitewater rafting, and dirt-bike riding are just a few of the unique activities here.  

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Community favorites near Auburn State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Auburn State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Auburn State Recreation Area

95%
(1686)

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites ¡ RVs, Tents140 acres ¡ Placerville, CA
*BOOK EARLY* The campground is closed until April 1st. **NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED***** DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH*** **TRAILERS AND RVs MUST USE ROCK CREEK ROAD** From Sacramento on Hwy 50: : At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road. Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay. Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVS/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions. Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions. NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
from 
$30
 / night
99%
(1173)

Cosumnes River Ranch

25 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Plymouth, CA
We are a family owned/operated ranch, located along the Cosumnes River, one of the last un-dammed rivers in California. As one of the last rivers flowing from the west slope of the Sierra without a major dam, the Cosumnes is a vital example of a healthy watershed. Our goal is to offer a unique outdoor experience for anyone looking for a place to spend time in the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a single campsite, or a place for a larger gathering, we're excited to have you visit! Take your pick of activities available on site: swimming , gold panning, fishing, camp fires, wildlife watching, floating, hiking, and mountain biking to name a few. There are 3 miles of river to explore. Private and noise free. Porta potties on site.
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$85
 / night
97%
(91)

Sacred Valley Ranch Retreat

3 sites ¡ Lodging150 acres ¡ North Auburn, CA
Learn more about this land: Hiking on the 150 acres is available and we also are situated next to an 1100 acre park. There is a picnic area and a pond for seasonal swimming...    We have boarding area if you are inclined to bring your horse. We have many amenities to help you relax while you adjust to our unique location. Rope chairs, hammocks, sauna, etc.
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$88
 / night
99%
(686)

Love Creek Sanctuary!

6 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres ¡ Grass Valley, CA
Love creek sanctuary was founded in 2016. It all started with Stu the steer and his best friend Petey the goat, from there we have rescued over 90 animals, 45 make their home here at the sanctuary. Our camping areas are fenced from the animals but you are free to explore our 12 acres and interact with the animals during your stay here. We ask that children under 10 stay outside the animal areas and children over 10 are accompanied by a grownup. We have plenty of art and child friendly activities, just ask and we can set you up. We have a no dog policy because the chickens and birds are free ranging, unfortunately we have had several bad experiences with dogs attacking the birds and other animals. If you have a dog that has been around farm animals and is well behaved, let's talk about it. We have 5 dogs so the birds have NO FEAR of them. ---- We are a working farm - PLEASE READ----- There are donkeys, roosters, dogs and peacocks that make noise, sometimes at night and always early in the morning. Please be aware that you may hear the donkeys bray (usually lasts about 30 seconds), roosters crow, guinea fowl chirp. It is startling and will wake you up. We do our best to keep the dogs hushed but we cannot stop the donkeys, roosters and peacocks from doing their thing. If you are a light sleeper, please bring earplugs or select another wonderful Hipcamp in our area, thank you! In addition to the interesting sounds you will hear, you will encounter dirt, poop and spiders. Since we are a working farm, things get dirty. We spray all high traffic surfaces twice a day but things get dirty and when it rains it is muddy. Please plan accordingly. We are centrally located between Grass Valley and Auburn, giving you access to endless recreational activities, wineries, breweries and restaurants. We have 50 or so rescued farm animals, you can interact with our pig Hank, Mojo the goat or Teddy the alpaca. NOTE: Starting Memorial Day each year, we have replaced all of our wood fire pits with gas fire pits. We have increased our prices to help cover the costs of propane. Thank you for choosing us!
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$50
 / night
99%
(277)

TerraSol

2 sites ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Nevada City, CA
I’ve had the pleasure to be the “caretaker” of this special land once inhabited by the Maidu Indians for the past 43 years. This is SPECIAL ground here and I’m sure you will feel the MAGIC!!! This 40 acres sits on the Yuba River Ridgetop. At the "Platform of Pleasure" you will enjoy 100,000+ acre views of protected land looking North to the High Sierra, minutes away from downtown Nevada City and 8-10 miles from Yuba River Trailheads. Firewood bundles are $15 per bundle (2+ hours of campfire when campfires 🔥 are allowed). There is a $10.00 dog fee per dog/per stay. On our property like anywhere in the woods there are mosquitos, so you should bring bug spray. We offer a tent platform, as well as a canvas tent listing. Guests love staying here: "From the moment we arrived Chris was nothing but amazing. He helped us get settled in and even recommended some beautiful spots to hike/sight see. They are both so generous! The campsite beautiful and they did a very nice job supplying us with any materials we may need. Definitely coming back during the summer!"
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$80
 / night
99%
(378)

RockNWater Cove Camping

7 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Lotus, CA
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with a few close friends or your family, this option is for you. Tucked in along the South Fork of the American River, this beautiful campsite features picnic benches, a propane fire pit with propane included (fire pits help prevent wildfires), and a prep table for fixing up those tasty fireside meals. Guests also have access to shared bathroom facilities (and yes, there are showers!), volleyball, ping pong, communal benches, a sink and dishwashing station, and a common swimming area along the river. Most sites are within a very short walking distance to the banks of the South Fork of the American River, this place is ideal for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of the foothills and the rush of the river. We offer both tent and RV sites. Each RV site includes its own picnic table, water and (30Amp) power hookups. Guests will also have access to our volleyball court, ping pong, communal benches, and a common area with a sink and dishwashing station. Additionally, you can access the swim area and go for a dip to cool off on a hot day. If you're looking to steal some time away to reconnect and camp, this is the place for you. People of all ages can camp out, swim, and play. We offer toilets, showers, trash disposal, potable water and more depending on the site you chose. Pets are allowed as well. Enjoy biking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, climbing, swimming, whitewater rafting, and wildlife watching all nearby, or on site.
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$85
 / night
100%
(34)

Your private Yurt in the woods

2 sites ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Nevada City, CA
Your private Yurt in the woods -2 miles to town! Come experience the Beauty of the Sierra foothills and the Yuba river in our Yurt tucked into the forest just 2 miles from downtown Nevada city. With a natural creek right outside your door and hiking trails right off the deck, this serene and beautiful yurt retreat awaits you. Claw foot bath tub, fire pit and large deck to relax on. Wood fired stove inside with plenty of wood stacked to keep you warm. Small functional kitchen with a hot plate, toaster oven, micro sink and fridge. We have a wood fired hot tub on-site. It requires a fire to be lit and maintained to keep it hot. During the winter the yurt is heated with a wood fired stove. It takes a few hours to warm up, and needs to be maintained during your stay to keep the place toasty. There is a lovely wood stove and plenty of firewood for you to use! The Queen bed has a heating blanket to help keep you cozy throughout the night. The hot tub Is wonderful in the winter, it is wood fired and takes several hours to heat as well. Please feel free to check us out at - https://www.tripstodiscover.com/yurt-airbnbs-california/ The yurt was nominated for top yurts in California. We are also featured in Glampaluza as #17 - glampaluza dot com/blog/glamping-in-california We are new to Hip Camp and don’t have many reviews but we have been on Airbnb for almost 2 years. Here is a link to our reviews below and you can see that we have over 100 5-star reviews. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49631283?adults=2&check_in=2023-01-08&check_out=2023-01-10&source_impression_id=p3_1669075701_6AzX5HHXIsHJr7lk
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$130
 / night
98%
(251)

Shared Abundance Organic Farm

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents13 acres ¡ Auburn, CA
I bought the deserted kiwi orchard in 1997, thinking it would be a place of healing. As the days and weeks progressed, I felt that all I wanted to do was to learn what the land had to teach me. So I turned all my attention and intention toward Nature, and began to reclaim the orchard from the blackberry overgrowth. As the years have gone by, I have added many other crops. Now we produce fruits, flowers, herbs, Microgreens & Vegetables... & I am still learning!! We would be happy to create a cleansing refreshment or meal for campers if notified in advance. We are happy to host campers who have a passion for Nature and are interested in sustainable living and seeing the beauty of the Sierra Foothills.
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$55
 / night
98%
(934)

Camp Nauvoo

24 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres ¡ Placerville, CA
Camp Nauvoo was originally bought by the LDS church in the 1960's for a girl's camp. The camp was owned by the Boy Scouts from 2011-2015. The Rose family bought the property in 2016 with the intent to continue the tradition of tent camping as well as creating opportunities for exclusive events i.e., group/family reunions, weddings and corporate events. We are a small privately owned small campground (20 sites only) located on the outskirts of Placerville. The property features 86.5 secluded Tahoe like acres with beautiful year-round Weber Creek. The camp sites are placed along the creek or the bluff overlooking the creek. We have traditional dirt camping, canvas tents on platforms, teepees and glamping tents for those that want the comforts of home. We are tent camping only with only one site that allows a small travel trailer or van. (#14) . We are dog friendly and allow dogs in all but 5 glamping sites. We do enforce camp rules especially our quiet time between 10 PM and 7 AM (please review). We’ve been told that we have a “family camp” vibe. We are a great place for families wanting a safe environment for their kids but also several group sites for those that want to hang out together with multiple families. We are also a great base site for those wilderness enthusiasts with access to all the El Dorado National Forest including Desolation but want a hot shower at the end of the day. We have a lodge that is stocked with games and a ping pong table. The lodge has a microwave, Keurig machine and a hot water kettle for those hot drinks (BYO Cups).We have several tables set up for those that want to eat inside as well as multiple picnic tables along the side of the lodge with overhead protection. We have electricity at the at the lodge for small appliances and charging phones. We have a compressor on site to blow up your air mattresses or float toys. We’ve been told that our bathrooms are the “cleanest” ever and have changing tables and diaper pails. We offer nice flushing toilets and hot showers! We have many extra amenities including a compressor to use for your air mattresses, For outdoor activities we have basketball, volleyball, pickleball and cornhole not to mention the playground with swing sets, seesaw and tractor play. We have hiking trails throughout the property. Our highlight is a camp fire bowl with bench seating with a stage to display camper talent which is perfect for the evening fire and roasting s’mores (bring the fixings). The creek starts out in spring looking like a rushing river featuring many fishing and swimming holes. As the summer progresses the water level falls but is still great for water play and fishing. We have propane BBQs (we provide the propane for BBQs) located throughout the property. We also have a propane grill and charcoal BBQ located in the common area for all to use. There is a dutch oven pit also in the fire bowl area. We do not allow wood fires at the individual sites but each site has a propane firepit for ambiance (not cooking) that requires you to purchase a 20 lb. propane cannister on site (add in extras) or pay cash on site. No internet service. There is limited internet only available for purchases at the setore. We require a 3 night minimum for the major holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. We do not do checkins on Sunday but do allow camping over Sunday night. We do exclusive events so you may need to explore multiple weekends to find the right reservation. We are located in the foothills so we are a short hop to many local attractions that include river rafting, gold mines, wineries and historical towns with great eating establishments. Tahoe is less than an hour away and there a many hiking trails within 20-30 minutes. We have a limited number of items to rent i.e, tents, cots, camp stoves, etc. We rent a battery pack for those that use a cpap. We also have a small store on site for those items you forgot and a good selection of ice cream and ice. We take venmo or cash. CHECKIN IS BETWEEN 4 AND 8. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE BAY ALLOW 4 HOURS - YOU MUST LEAVE BY 3:00 IN ORDER TO ARRIVE DURING CHECKIN. IF YOU GET DELAYED, FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE OTHER CAMPERS YOU MAY CONSIDER WAITING AND ARRIVING THE NEXT MORNING. THERE ARE NO CHECKINS AFTER 9:00.
from 
$85
 / night
99%
(141)

Garden Goddess Farm

7 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents7 acres ¡ Grass Valley, CA
Garden Goddess Farm is located in the Sierra Foothills on 6+ acres of organic edible gardens, manzanita, pines & oaks. The gardens and land help to support guests to unplug from business, bond with nature & learn how to grow their own food! Lots of wild medicinal & culinary herbs to discover. Individuals, Couples & Families love the farm because of the quiet surroundings, great food and opportunity to learn about sustainable living. Farm is conveniently located 20 minutes from Auburn, Nevada City & Grass Valley. 60-90 Minutes from Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Truckee & ski resorts. We have an on-site Personal Chef that is available to create Farm-Fresh Gourmet Meals, Culinary & Homesteading Classes, Private Garden & Foraging Tours. Celebrate a Special Occasion & try one of our Make & Take Classes, Mead Tasting or Romance Packages! Most guests opt in for farm-fresh meal packages, but feel free to bring your own camp stove & food to cook in the bbq area. Privacy & what to expect: Property is usually very quite & overlooks hundreds of acres of forest looking toward the Snow-capped Sierras in the Winter and Spring. We are located in a neighborhood (Alta Sierra- in between Auburn & Grass Valley). We ask that everyone uses soft voices since we are in a canyon and sound travels to a few houses that are our neighbors. There are 3 Hipcamp sites on property, so we could have up to 6 guests in a weekend. The main farmhouse is 4500 square feet and hosts 2-4 Culinary Students or Professionals that may be on site. There is a Culinary Classroom, Upper and Lower Deck & Gardens to enjoy. If you have teenagers, they love it here! 1/2 Basketball court, cooking & foraging classes. This Cozy Love Shack sleeps 2-4 adults/kids. (190 square feet) 1 King Bed with Floor Futon & single bed. It's about 200 feet from main farm house. The unit has basic electricity, a solar light & mini frig. Sun warmed (luke-Warm) camping shower available. Approx 190 square feet. Toilet is a composting bucket with wood chips. The main farmhouse (owner's residence) has a beautiful 75 x 15 foot redwood deck with views of the Sierras & Foothills. Enjoy a Happy Hour, Gourmet Farm-fresh meal, picnic or play a game in the shaded couch area. There are 2 large tables for dining & couches for relaxing. We have organic demonstration gardens & orchard that you can stroll or you can book an educational tour & tasting for a more in depth understanding of the culinary & medicinal plants. Fresh chicken & duck eggs are usually available. Great place for kids & adults to learn about organic gardening & sustainable living. Nearby Attractions to research: Historic Grass Valley, Nevada City and Auburn (Lots of Wine-tasting & Local Wineries). The Beautiful South Yuba River or Bear River is a must-experience (25 min drive), Scott's Flat Lake & Lakes off of Hwy 20 (30-60 minutes), Trails for Mountain Biking & Hiking, Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Donner Lake (1 hour 15 min drive). Empire Mine. Pet Policy: - If you'd like to bring along your pet, we are happy to accommodate. Please add on the "pets" extra when you are completing your booking. This covers our pet cleaning fee. This is a must in order to bring your pet. - Please keep your pet(s) on a leash at all times - we have ducks and chickens and don't want them harmed or bothered. - Please bring your own bedding if you will be bringing pets. Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to your stay!
from 
$69
 / night
94%
(329)

Ascension Ranch

7 sites ¡ RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Pilot Hill, CA
Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities. Family owned and operated, we want to be that breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life that everyone needs. With a serene environment, a healthy mix of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, there's a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. Some of the things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, ranch dogs, chickens, equestrian activities, hiking, biking, camping, archery, lake activities, amazing views, access to endless trails around Folsom Lake, grass-fed meats, fresh produce and of course, good company. Staying on the ranch can be as social, or as rural as guests choose. Camp alone, or bring others, whether it be your 4-legged companions or friends and family, we welcome all campers who respect and enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.
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$55
 / night
98%
(218)

Earth Castle Empower Retreat

6 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs10 acres ¡ Grass Valley, CA
Gorgeous forested ten-acre land with great access to to the Yuba River, American River, hiking, biking, Historical Nevada City, Grass Valley, and more. Our charming and secluded retreat is nestled in the heart of nature, offering the perfect escape if you are seeking tranquility and a connection with the great outdoors. Bask under the breathtaking stars at night and feel the healing effect of nature all around you during your stay. You can visit the historical Empire Mine, The National Hotel, or the Nevada Theater (the first Theater in California). Or just chill up here. It's nice and quiet! Enjoy the simplicity and privacy that a public campground doesn't offer. Earth Castle is also a great place for groups! Plenty of space! We can support pull-through sites for RVs, space for Tents, and room for multiple cars. Your host is passionate about stewarding this beautiful land. She is an author and Evolutionary Astrologer. Interested in having an astrology reading while you are here? Message Anna-Thea and, schedule permitting, she would love to give you a reading!
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$47
 / night

The best camping near Auburn State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Spice up your life with a new adventure at this recreation area. Hit the class II rapids or enjoy your time fishing on the Middle or North Fork of the American River. The Auburn State Recreation Area also allows guests to pan for gold on the riverbanks.

Strap on your comfy shoes for a hike around and through various habitats, including chaparral and foothill woodland. Take pictures of the local wildlife from gray foxes to bobcats. Don't forget to look up. You might catch sight of a bald eagle flying high above looking for its next meal.

Set up your tent at one of the family campsites or hike-in to one of the environmental sites. You can opt to fall asleep on the water with a floating campsite when you bring or rent a boat. There are restrooms and picnic areas but the area lacks showers.

When to go

The best time to visit Auburn State Recreation Area is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings hot temperatures ideal for river activities, while winter can be wet, offering a different kind of serene beauty.

Know before you go

  • Check for any trail or area closures before your visit, especially during stormy seasons.
  • Be prepared for the park's steep terrain and variable climate by dressing in layers.
  • Remember, there is no potable water available in the park, so bring plenty of your own.
  • Stay safe by hiking with a companion and keeping an eye out for wildlife like mountain lions and bears.
  • Keep dogs on a leash no longer than six feet and clean up after them using provided mutt mitts.

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