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The best camping near Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Calaveras Big Trees adventure.

The best camping near Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Calaveras Big Trees adventure.

Camping near Calaveras Big Trees State Park

99% (41 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Calaveras Big Trees adventure.

Get ready to be amazed, because "Big Trees" is an understatement.  

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Community favorites near Calaveras Big Trees State Park

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 Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Calaveras Big Trees State Park

89%
(243)

Yosemite Westlake Camp

33 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Coulterville, CA
Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.
from 
$48
 / night
97%
(495)

Diamond Gulch

23 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres ¡ Groveland, CA
CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(2)

The Painted Lake

6 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs20 acres ¡ Copperopolis, CA
Explore BLM and Reclamation land along the shores of New Melones reservoir near Angels Camp. Horses, goats, sheep , and chickens await you on every fence line you come to. Kayak on the waters below us as you camp on our vineyard fenced 20 acre private scenery. Our land is surrounded by 100’s of acres of lake front - public Federal lands surrounded by our private acreage .
from 
$100
 / night
100%
(42)

River Ranch Campgrounds

27 sites ¡ RVs, Tents50 acres ¡ Twain Harte, CA
At River Ranch Campgrounds, Tuolumne, CA we offer a wide range of activities to make your stay enjoyable. Take a hike on one of the many trails winding through the Stanislaus National Forest at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, or cast a line in the North Fork of the Tuolumne River or Basin Creek for some great native fishing. After a long day of exploration, come back to the campgrounds and relax by the firepit or enjoy a picnic in one of our many picnic areas. Activities in the campground include horseshoes and volleyball. We pride ourselves on blending nature and family camping in a safe, serene environment. We offer water hookups and centrally located restrooms with heated showers to make your stay comfortable and convenient.
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(36)

Rocksteady Adventures

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents70 acres ¡ Copperopolis, CA
Off-grid campground adjacent to 1000 acre private reservoir perfect for fishing, kayaking & paddle boarding. 70 acres in Sierra Nevada Foothills with Valley Oaks, Gray Pines & Manzanita. Best birding in Calaveras County with over 188 species including Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Osprey & waterfowl.
from 
$30
 / night
98%
(660)

Yosemite's Colfax Spring

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents15 acres ¡ Groveland, CA
Welcome to Yosemite's Colfax Spring! Home to a basecamp for river rafting trips during the summertime, we are located 15 minutes driving distance to the entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you are staying with us between May - September and want to come rafting, ask us about our river trips! Our camp sits on a ridge with views down into the Tuolumne River Canyon. The Tuolumne River begins at 13,000 feet of elevation in the High Country of Tuolumne Meadows and provides drinking water for over 2.7 million people in San Francisco. With cedar and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the Sierras' flora and fauna. Our family has been operating our river rafting company for over 50 years, the last 11 of those years being here at Colfax Spring. Conveniently located off Highway 120, we are in close proximity to swimming holes, hikes, and more. Enjoy the privacy of our campsite and getting world-class views to yourself, with all of the amenities (flushing toilets, wi-fi, showers.) Make sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for information about reservations to visit the park!
from 
$90
 / night
95%
(41)

Sonora Foothills Getaway

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Sonora, CA
We are located in the charming town of Sonora, CA! 🌲🏞️ Our property is the perfect place to camp, or park your RV or van for overnight stays. We have one RV site with full hookups (supports 50 amp & 30 amp), as well 1 campsite available. There is plenty of room for parking your camper van as well if you don't need any hook ups! Our price includes access to several shared amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient, including potable water, electricity, toilet, and wifi. Also included is a firepit, plenty of outdoor seating, an outdoor play structure for kids (under the age of 7), ladder ball, horseshoe pits, bocci ball, and corn hole. A large gazebo provides plenty of shade on hot days, and has power and a mounted bluetooth speaker. ***For an additional fee, you can upgrade your experience with access to our outdoor grilling area, indoor shower (w/private entrance), and laundry amenities. Pricing and details for each of these are found under "extras" and MUST be added during booking process*** Our property is surrounded by nature, and is close to Yosemite, Columbia State Park, Old Town Sonora, Melones Lake, Pinecrest Lake, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, and many other beautiful places to explore! Our property is not polluted by a bunch of light, giving you the chance to experience tranquil evenings under the stars. Sonora is a beautiful town that is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby. It's also an ideal location for those looking to explore the historic Columbia Gold Rush Town. A lot of family friendly activities within a short drive! We take pride in providing a clean, safe, and welcoming space for travellers. We are on site and available for anything you may need, even if it's last minute. Book your stay with us today and experience the best that Sonora has to offer!
from 
$40
 / night

Little Bear Cabin

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Camp Connell, CA
Welcome to Little Bear Cabin! Unwind and rejuvenate in this beautifully serene mountain cabin, which is as refreshing as it is charming. It is conveniently situated within walking distance of The Camp Connell General Store and Beer Garden. The surrounding area offers numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, swimming in nearby lakes, Bear Valley Ski Resort, and Big Trees State Park. The upstairs area boasts a projector and screen, providing the perfect setting to stream your favorite shows and movies. Take a break and enjoy the inviting atmosphere of our wonderful space!
from 
$135
 / night

Plumstead Hill

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Mountain Ranch, CA
Plumstead Hill is a private property, situated on a mountain-top, located in the gentle, rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With 360 degree views of the surrounding counties, in complete seclusion, you will think you've stepped into another world, yet you'll only be 6 miles outside of San Andreas, CA, and only 10 minutes from Highway 49. Let our mountain-top become your favorite place. 7 - Private Camp Spots 1 - Camper Rental with Electricity Outdoor Shower Rustic Toilets RV Power Hookups
from 
$25
 / night
95%
(40)

Mighty Farm & Camp

8 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents155 acres ¡ Forest Meadows, CA
We have 155 acres of the beautiful Sierra foothills ready to be explored! We are ~12 minutes from downtown Murphys. This is a working farm where we grow produce for our business, Blooms and Shrooms. The cut flowers during the growing season are a fan favorite. When available we offer bouquets as an add-on, or you can always cut your own! There are a few different listings, so make sure to read the details on your specific listing.. There’s the Soup Kitchen which has 3 sites. The End of The Driveway is one site for buses/RVs/big vans. 1 Pine and 2 Pine are up a separate driveway on the ridge. Then there’s the bus! The 1st area to park/camp is the “Soup Kitchen” near the flower garden where you can enjoy an outdoor shower, kitchen space and established fire pit (see pics of the Soup Kitchen). This area is down the driveway a couple hundred yards from where we usually are so you’ll more or less be on your own, depending on if we have work to do down there or if there are other campers. We are happy to chat or leave you be, just let us know what your needs are. If you’re looking for a more isolated spot, see the listings for 1 Pine or 2 Pine. The 2nd area is “1 Pine” accessed by our second driveway that is 100 yards down the road from the farm. The driveway is kind of rough but definitely manageable with a truck, SUV or sedan if you’re willing to go for it. The drive goes up a couple hundred yards to the hilltop where there is a clearing and, you guessed it, 1 pine tree. From the back of the clearing there is a trail that leads you to 2 Pine, which is a walk that takes just a few minutes. 2 Pine is walk-in only but has great views of the sunset and is totally secluded and private and would be a good spot to either bring some friends for a little sunset party or for someone who wants to seriously unplug. There are plenty of flat spots to pitch a tent. **if you are a teacher or Pacific Crest Trail hiker let us know! We are happy to offer a discount :)
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(80)

Squirrel Rock RV Campground

2 sites ¡ RVs8 acres ¡ Columbia, CA
Private RV campground in the Gold Country. Located in the historic townsite of Columbia known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines". There is 1 site so you'll have the campground to yourselves. There are 2 electrical panels so you can bring your family or friends if you like. If there are 2 RV's you can reserve the campground as a double site. We only accept fully self contained RV's & trailers. Campsite has 2 electric pedestals 50/30/110. Water hookups. No sewer. NO RESTROOMS AVAILABLE. Includes picnic table, camp fire ring, Weber BBQ, doggie station, horseshoe pit, corn hole, walking trails, and garbage/recycle bins. Winter camping dates subject to weather conditions. Located 0.6 mile to Columbia State Historic Park, parking and entrance is free and open year around. It is about a 15 minute walk. Close to Murphys, New Melones lake and Tuttletown recreation area, Moaning Caverns, Downtown Sonora, Mother Lode Escape Rooms, Columbia Airport, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Black Oak Casino, Chicken Ranch Casino, Indigeny Reserve, Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp with other wineries and breweries nearby. About a 50 minute drive to Big Trees State Park and Pinecrest Lake. Yosemite National Park is about 1-1/2 hour drive to the Yosemite valley floor. Check for YARTS for transportation from downtown Sonora to Yosemite valley. There are several rafting outfitters in the area. Restaurants in the immediate vicinity include Mandy's Breakfast-Lunch, Columbia Frosty, El Jardin, St. Charles Saloon Pizza. Gas, diesel mini mart, market store nearby.
from 
$60
 / 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.
from 
$85
 / night

The best camping near Calaveras Big Trees State Park guide

Overview

About

Walking among giants—in Calaveras, it's more than just an expression. Some of the sequoias here are over 2,000 years old. Sites such as the "Big Stump" make jaws drop.

The park sits just past Angels Camp in the heart of gold country. Spanning 6,400 acres in the High Sierra, this spot wows visitors with its two groves of giant sequoias. Casual hikers will have plenty to love here. More than ten miles of trails wind through the mixed conifer forests.

The park has 129 sites between its two campgrounds, plus a few walk-in rustic sites. The main campground is located at the North Grove, just past the park entrance. The less crowded Oak Hollow campground is tucked further in, closer to the secluded South Grove.

Both campgrounds are closed in winter, though the trails do stay open year round. For overnight trips, March to November are your go-to months.

Insider tip: Embark on a spring trip to beat the crowds and see the dogwood blossoms in full bloom.

Notable campgrounds

  • Environmental Campsites: Immerse yourself in nature at these minimal-impact sites, designed for those seeking a rustic experience.
  • Family Campsites: Enjoy the park's beauty with your loved ones at these comfortable and spacious sites, perfect for creating lasting memories.
  • Group Campsites: Ideal for larger gatherings, these sites offer ample space for friends and family to connect and explore together.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early: Reservations can be made six months in advance, so plan ahead to secure your ideal spot.
  • Be flexible: Consider midweek stays or off-peak seasons for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Check for cancellations: Keep an eye on the reservation system for last-minute openings due to cancellations.
  • Explore nearby camping options: If the park is full, look for other local campsites that can serve as a base for your park adventures.

When to go

The best time to visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park is from March through November when the park is fully accessible and the weather is favorable. Winter brings closures due to snow, limiting access to some areas, but offers a serene, snowy landscape for those prepared for the cold.

Know before you go

  • Check road conditions: Seasonal closures affect access, so verify the status of Walter W. Smith Parkway and other routes before your trip.
  • Respect park rules: Dogs are welcome in campgrounds and on fire roads, but ensure they are leashed and under control.
  • Stay safe: Familiarize yourself with safety tips provided by the park, especially if you plan to hike or engage in water activities.
  • Accessibility: The park offers accessible features for all visitors, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural splendor.
  • Amenities: Restrooms, showers, and drinking water are available, but always come prepared with your own supplies.

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