Camping in Nevada City, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
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California
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Nevada City

96% (7136 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Nevada City

Available this weekend

Top camping destinations

Campfire serenade at Jughandle Beach, just a short walk from our campsite

Tahoe National Forest

667 campgrounds

Glacier point, definitely recommended! Get here EARLY in the morning for a damn good sunrise, and before the tour busses show up (or snag a wilderness permit and stay overnight!)

Yosemite National Park

642 campgrounds

Topaz Lake

531 campgrounds

Point Reyes National Seashore

734 campgrounds

Mount Tamalpais State Park

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North Fork of the American River

724 campgrounds

Star Hosts in Nevada City

100%

(12)

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!

99%

(279)

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!"

95%

(1729)

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.

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.

100%

(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.

12 top campgrounds near Nevada City

99%

(279)

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!"

100%

(2)

Rough And Ready Sunset Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Rough And Ready, CA

Welcome to our rustic spot nestled amidst woods, boulders, and a serene creek! Here, you'll share 10 acres with a few fellow campers and be greeted by the company of many deer. With beautiful blue skies above, tranquility and privacy abound as you immerse yourself in the towering oaks, pines, and majestic Manzanitas that surround you. Conveniently located, you're just 10 minutes away from downtown Grass Valley and a mere 15-minute drive to downtown Nevada City. Here, you'll discover exceptional wine, craft beer, and delectable cuisine in both charming old mining towns. Come experience the beauty and charm of our slice of wilderness, while still being close to the delights of these historic communities!

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.

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!

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.

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.

100%

(8)

Inn Town Campground

69 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Nevada City, CA

We are located just minutes from downtown Nevada City, California! Dan and Erin Thiem have brought Nevada City a vibrant camping experience with tents, glamping, and RV sites. The campground is located on a historic 15-acre site, just two miles from downtown Nevada City. A communal building full of comfortable amenities: ◉ Camp store ◉ Beer, Wine, Ice, Ice Cream, S’mores fixings, and more ◉ BBQ area ◉ Communal Kitchen and dining area ◉ Laundry ◉ WiFi ◉ Showers ◉ Swimming pool ◉ Outdoor Dishwashing Stations

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.

Cedar Glen

1 site · Lodging18 acres · Grass Valley, CA

Welcome to your vacation getaway in Gold Country! Situated on 18 acres of park-like, forested land, this site offers a serene retreat with views of Clipper Creek visible from both indoors and the private outdoor dining areas. Downtown Grass Valley's shops and restaurants are just a short 12-minute drive away, while Empire Mines State Historic Park is only 11 minutes from the site. Explore the charming and historic Nevada City, located a mere 15 minutes away. Discover numerous hiking trails in the Nevada County area, as well as crystal-clear swimming holes along the beautiful Yuba River, all within close proximity. Day trips to ski resorts, Lake Tahoe, and the Truckee area are easily navigable. The site features a newly remodeled camper with one bedroom, a bathroom with a shower, a living area, kitchen, and indoor dining areas. Smoking is permitted outside in a comfortable, designated area. Please note that cats and two dogs reside on the property. Rest assured, the owner lives on-site and will respect your space and property throughout your stay.

94%

(24)

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.

100%

(2)

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...

100%

(50)

Starry Hot Tub/Cold Plunge Glamping

3 sites · Lodging7 acres · Nevada City, CA

Soak in a cedar hot tub + cold plunge nestled in an oak grove, then sleep in one of our two luxurious yurt-like tents. Our beautiful, gently sloped 7 acres have epic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains + open skies with truly amazing starry views at night. It's the dream forest getaway, yet is still less than 15 minutes from the historic Gold Mining towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley. Distance to local attractions: Nevada City (10 minutes) Grass Valley (14 minutes) Yuba River (25 minutes) Scott’s Flat Lake (10 minutes) Cascade Canal Hiking (3 minutes) Hoot’s Trail epic mountain biking (17 minutes)

Under $50

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(8)

Inn Town Campground

69 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Nevada City, CA

We are located just minutes from downtown Nevada City, California! Dan and Erin Thiem have brought Nevada City a vibrant camping experience with tents, glamping, and RV sites. The campground is located on a historic 15-acre site, just two miles from downtown Nevada City. A communal building full of comfortable amenities: ◉ Camp store ◉ Beer, Wine, Ice, Ice Cream, S’mores fixings, and more ◉ BBQ area ◉ Communal Kitchen and dining area ◉ Laundry ◉ WiFi ◉ Showers ◉ Swimming pool ◉ Outdoor Dishwashing Stations

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!

Rough And Ready Sunset Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Rough And Ready, CA

Welcome to our rustic spot nestled amidst woods, boulders, and a serene creek! Here, you'll share 10 acres with a few fellow campers and be greeted by the company of many deer. With beautiful blue skies above, tranquility and privacy abound as you immerse yourself in the towering oaks, pines, and majestic Manzanitas that surround you. Conveniently located, you're just 10 minutes away from downtown Grass Valley and a mere 15-minute drive to downtown Nevada City. Here, you'll discover exceptional wine, craft beer, and delectable cuisine in both charming old mining towns. Come experience the beauty and charm of our slice of wilderness, while still being close to the delights of these historic communities!

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.

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.

Dog-friendly getaways

97%

(75)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!"

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

93%

(252)

Tahoe National Forest

Graniteville, California

94%

(58)

Plumas National Forest

Little Grass Valley, California

92%

(12)

Auburn State Recreation Area

North Auburn, California

95%

(11)

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

Kelly Ridge, California

100%

(9)

Plumas Eureka State Park

Johnsville, California

92%

(135)

Eldorado National Forest

Kirkwood, California

97%

(16)

Donner Memorial State Park

Truckee, California

93%

(110)

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

South Lake Tahoe, California

Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park

California

77%

(26)

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Orangevale, California

Camping near Nevada City guide

Overview

Right next door to Tahoe National Forest, Nevada City serves as the perfect base camp. It's tucked on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, placing you in the scenic heart of California Gold Country.

Surrounded by untamed pine woods, Scotts Flat Lake greets you at the entrance of Tahoe Forest. For a weekend of boating, the lakeside campground is your go-to spot—it's fully equipped with a boat launch and tackle shop. Rent a boat here to cruise the lake. When you're not fishing or water skiing, kick back on the sandy beaches.

Once you enter Tahoe National Forest, the true wonder of the High Sierra hits you. Snow-capped peaks and dense forests surround the campgrounds here. Hiking, horseback riding, and wild streams with great fishing are all within reach.

West of Nevada City, you come to South Yuba River State Park. Gold panning, Whitewater rafting, and hiking the South Yuba Trail make this a local favorite.

You have a trove of camping options outside the parks. Have your pick from yurts, cabins, deluxe canvas tents, and tent sites on scenic farms. Many places include Wi-Fi, in case you want to stay connected while exploring the High Sierra. If you don't want to travel far, you can always pitch a tent at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, just past Grass Valley.

At an elevation of 2,500 feet, Nevada City boasts the perfect climate for camping. Cool summers and mild Winters make this a popular California destination in every season.