The best camping near Empire Mine State Historic Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Empire Mine State Historic Park adventure.

Explore one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest, and richest gold mines in California.

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Community favorites near Empire Mine State Historic Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Empire Mine State Historic Park

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Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA

*BOOK EARLY* **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.

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Windsong Ridge Village

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · North San Juan, CA

Welcome to Windsong Ridge, an evolving homestead on 25 acres of oak, pine, and manzanita woodland about 30 minutes outside of the historic gold rush towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City in Nevada County, CA. The property overlooks the iconic South Yuba River canyon and is 100% solar-powered and off grid with excellent cell coverage (Verizon and T-Mobile). Come be serenaded by the wind chimes throughout the property. Enjoy sitting by a fire and you may hear the coyotes in the distance after a day of swimming, hiking, paddling, site-seeing or attending one of the many festivals held throughout the year in town. We are at 1800 feet, therefore the summers are hot (sometimes in the triple digits), and winters are mild (snow is a surprising event at this elevation). We have developed an RV/tent site called Manzanita Rock Meadow (includes a wood-burning chiminea, composting toilet, trash, grill, and tables), with a pad for a van, RV and/or tent and plenty of room to spread out and set up camp. Hike the adjacent trails on public lands or enjoy hiking trails in the state park along the Yuba River. Bring your kayak or paddle board to Englebright Lake at any time of year. In less than two hours, you can visit Truckee, Lake Tahoe, or the Sierra Buttes/Lakes Basin areas and much more. In town you will find a variety excellent restaurants, farmers markets, live entertainment and wildly popular events throughout the year. We’ll be happy to help you plan your visit! (Start by checking out https://www.nevadacountygold.com/) We keep bags of instant light charcoal available for sale if you need it for $5. A bundle of firewood is available for $5 as well.

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Golden Briar Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Grass Valley, CA

Golden Briar hosts 4 camping sites; Orchard, Horseshoe, and Creek are well suited for tents and Orchard and Horseshoe can accommodate an RV. Additionally, we offer 2 bounded sites which are large enclosed gated campsites ideal for exploring children or off leash pets. Beautiful 10 acre wooded property with trails, bass pond, and a year-round creek. Access to flush toilet and hot shower. Picnic tables and benches throughout. ALL sites have fresh potable water, electricity and propane fir pits. Hot Tub and shaded relaxation deck are available 24hr. Comfortably close between Grass Valley and Auburn California. Naggiar Winery 1mi away with wine tasting and weekend live music.

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(43)

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.

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Russtic Roadside Retreat (R3)

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Nevada City, CA

Learn more about this land: R3 is a rustic studio/cabin located in a private corner of our half acre property, walking distance to historic Nevada City, CA. From its humble beginnings as a simple camping platform, R3 is now fully enclosed with a stunning glass front wall which preserves the great view from the site. A small kitchen area and bathroom with flush toilet and shower complete a private and cozy space. There is much local history and many cultural activities to enjoy in Nevada County. Outdoor pursuits include hiking, road and mountain biking, river and lake access, skiing, and many more, all nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills. Nevada City, and it's sister town, Grass Valley, are Gold Rush Victorian gems, boasting a variety of shopping venues, many fine eateries, and eclectic "watering holes" featuring craft brews, local wines and tasty cocktails. Live music in many locations adds an upbeat and lively ambiance. Unwind with a day at the river or lake, take a road or mountain bike ride, or a hike on one of the many local trails.

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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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In Town Camping

1 site · RV2 acres · Grass Valley, CA

Enjoy a nice nature spot close to town. The property is minutes away from Downtown Grass Valley. It’s a great spot to spent the night after a show in town, or to explore the area for a few days. If you need water and electric hookups it’s best to park near or on the cement pad. Otherwise feel free to park anywhere in the back yard. There is a small creek which is an NID ditch and chairs set up there for relaxing. For being close to town the spot has a lot of beautiful nature! It's an easy 15 minute drive to multiple lakes and river spots of Nevada County. Enjoy the beautiful nature of this area while being close to town!

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Camp Watanda at Lake Vera

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Nevada City, CA

Camp Watanda is a retired resident camp that we have converted to a vacation rental. We have 10 acres of wooded property, with the 4 camping kiosks close to the waterfront and 1 RV site on the waterfront. The camping kiosk all have 8-10 mattresses, grilling table, picnic table, cooler, smoke alarms, rake, broom and fire extinguishers. Tents can be pitched on the elevated decks. Our waterfront has a large fire ring, 2-covered pergolas, canoes, kayaks, life jackets and charcoal grill. Lots of fish in the lake, since this is a private lake, no license is required. There is also a bathhouse (very primitive and in serious need of remodel) close by with 3 showers, 3 toilets and 3 sinks. Up by the lodge is a cell phone charging station and Wi-Fi, while we do have Wi-Fi, is not guaranteed, we are in the mountains with inconsistent connection. Lodge is not available to campers as this is rented separately. NOTE: Lake levels begin to drop in August and can be quite low in drought years. RV CAMPING: Because of the steep driveway and blind curve, we limit the vehicle length to 25 overall length. Our driveway is more suitable for RV's and Camper Vans and not Travel Trailers being towed. If you rent a kiosk, all campers must be on the same kiosk unless you rent a second kiosk. If you have a camping van and plan on using the van and the kiosk, then that is a second site. You cannot tailgate on a reservation just because the party only has 2 people on the kiosk, and you have 2 in the Van to make 4 people. These are tents sites on a Kiosk, there is parking for cars or trucks at the kiosk, not suitable for RV or Travel Trailers. Those vehicles will have to park at the waterfront parking lot. There are no refunds for cancellations within 72 hours of arrival. Camp Watanda is private property, campers assume all liability for being on site. There is no lifeguard present. This is a natural habitat for woodland animals, there is an associated risk for camping in their home. Slips, trips and falls can occur on trails, camping structures and waterfront.

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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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Oracle Oak Grove

5 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Nevada City, CA

Welcome to Oracle Oak Grove Oracle Oak is located in the Oak Savannas, in Nisenan territory, in Nevada City California. Home of the Nisenan Rancheria Natives as well as Maidu', located at the heart of the Deer Creek Watershed. Currently stewarding these lands are some very hand crafty & gardening witches. We are stewards of this land, graciously grateful to grow food such as corn, broomcorn, pumpkins, flowers, and watermelons under the sun. This land is located less than 20 mins to multiple different Yuba River access points. We are also located in the Armpit of Nevada county with 3 access ways 15 mins each way to Grass Valley, Nevada City or Penn Valley. The neighborhood of this area is also one of the more safer bike friendlier places, you can ride into town along the NID trails, or set up camp and head up the 20HWY less than 20 mins to enjoy Epic Mountain Biking Trails. Not only are we crafty, but also nature enthusiasts to feel free to reach out and ask about fun things to do here, if you are looking to stay busy exploring the nature. We also have a beautiful sunset hike that overlooks some beautiful views. Oracle Oak Grove has a wide variety of camping options. We have a camp grounds on the lower end of the property that currently hosts 4 different camp sites. the 3 May Pole zone, and 1 Faerie fields. There is one shared Bonfire zone that can be used for friends camping together during the spring and late fall months when we are not in fire season. We love hosting groups and birthday parties. Also individual campers as well. We have two yurts available if you are more into the Glamping experience or especially if camping in the winter. The Witches Hut and The Hobbit Hut! The Witches Hut which is larger and can fit a family of 3 or 4. This hut includes a patio, grill, and Private entrance. The Hobbit Hut is smaller and more suitable for a couple or a single person wanting some solo retreat time. This one does not have cooking amenities accessible to it, but does have a water kettle so you can make tea or coffee. This one also gets better access to the Starlink available on the property. Both yurts have the ability to park fairly close to them and both are fully furnished. The Yurts are available for a higher expense than the camping of course. We are sorry to say that Hot tub season is now closed. We do have a wood-fired Cedar Hot tub, she is our Cauldron she is only available during winter and very early spring visits. I am sorry, but due to fire season and her being wood-fired she is not available outside hot tub season. If you are interested in the experience it requires advanced noticed as well as an extra charge for wood, cleaning, and tending. She is a labor of love, and such a unique experience. Enjoy the smell of cedar, chlorine free waters under the stars. Enjoy and hopefully you come and experience the Magic we have made Stewarding these acres. PLEASE come check in before DARK. We are in a very Rural Area and it can be difficult to see a night where to park and camp. We have pathways and lights to guide, but there is a DESIGNATED parking zone and a cart available to carry your stuff to your CAMPSITE. This is not a CAR Camping spot there is ONE car camping site and the rest you is a very short walk to your site. Thank you.

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Avian Acres

6 sites · Lodging, Tents8 acres · Grass Valley, CA

Avian Acres has been our home for the past 11 years. We have given birth to our children here and are extremely lucky to call this land home. Our land is 8 acres with a significant buffer wild forest buffer on all sides giving it sense of privacy and wildness, yet just 10 minutes from town. We have a year round spring-fed creek running through the property, an abundance of flora and fauna, along with our own significant organic veggie garden and greenhouse. Historically this property was situated along the Narrow Gauge railroad track that ran from Nevada City to Colfax and there is still evidence of the raised berm that the track was on which is located at the bottom border of our property. Our property is located just 10 minutes to Bear River, 15 minutes to Rollins Lake, 10 minutes to Historic Downtown Grass Valley, 12 minutes to Historic Downtown Nevada City, and 25 minutes to the incredibly majestic Yuba River. We are also just 15 minutes off Hwy 80 from Colfax, enroute to Truckee and lake Tahoe. Learn more about this land: Our 16' diameter round level raised tent platform is just a few feet away from a burbling brook. Next to the tent platform is a shaded lounge area for relaxing to the sound of the water and numerous birds who call this spot home. The campsite is totally private, both visibly and audibly removed from our home and from neighboring properties. Our Organic garden, seasonally stocked full of ripe veggies, is located just 60' feet away down a path through the forest where you are welcome to graze and munch upon checking in with us first to see what is available and ripe for the picking. Next to the garden is a large propane barbque, sink (cold water), and table available for prepping meals. The parking for this site is just 50' from the campsite, and we are happy to help get you settled in if you need assistance carrying your things. Our property is located just 10 minutes to Bear River, 15 minutes to Rollins Lake, 10 minutes to Historic Downtown Grass Valley, 12 minutes to Historic Downtown Nevada City, and 25 minutes to the incredibly majestic Yuba River. We are also just 15 minutes off Hwy 80 from Colfax, enroute to Truckee and lake Tahoe.

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Mosaic Farm

1 site · RV, Tent120 acres · Nevada City, CA

Mosaic is a former horse ranch turned art and science community. We are on a mountain ridge in the middle of Tahoe National Forest, and have gorgeous views. We have a sauna, heated private outdoor showers, sinks, and bougie composting toilets. Also an inside flush toilet if you're into that kind of thing. The campground has a shared kitchen area with BBQ's, refrigerators, sinks, etc...

The best camping near Empire Mine State Historic Park guide

Overview

About

From 1850 to 1956, the Empire Mine produced 5.8 million ounces of gold, worth more than $8 billion dollars by today’s standards. Now, this park spans 856 acres and includes forested backcountry in addition to the centerpiece complex of mine buildings, the owner’s mansion and gardens, and the entrance to 367 miles of underground mine shafts. The park also offers 14 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Camping is not permitted inside the park, but options can be found at Malakoff Diggins State Park and at private campgrounds near area lakes.

When to go

The park can be visited year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Spring and fall will be the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Spring is a good time to see wildflowers around the Union Hill trails and to see the garden in bloom. When available, guided tours of the owner estate are offered between May and September.

Know before you go

Not all buildings may be open to visitors. Check ahead to avoid disappointment.
Due to historically narrow doorway widths and steep stair wells, not all attractions are accessible. Wide-tire wheelchairs can be borrowed and alternative entries and lifts are available in limited areas.
Some trails are rocky and steep, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Also watch out for poison oak, ticks, and rattlesnakes while on trails.
Dogs are permitted in the park but not inside historic buildings or in mine shafts.