Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

Trash

Cooking equipment

Welcome to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Thank you Hipcamper's for another wonderful season.  We will be closed for winter weather and new art installations till April 15, 2024.   We look forward to hosting you next season.  

Michel and Pamela

Historic Brice Station 100 acres hosts Master artist, Michel Olson's Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden. Born in Berlin, Germany, he has spent his life time travelling and becoming an accomplished artist in wood, stone and iron. Two of his gypsy rigs

and several large art installations, are in the meadow next to the forested 6 site campground.

Newest installation, 100 ft sacred circle, yin/yang, sun dial and calendar.

3 miles of hiking trails, with art, continue to be expanded.

Site 1 is spacious with multiple tent sites, art TeePee, and nice shade oak.Site 2 is largest with multiple levels/tent sites and best sunset views. Site 3 is woodsy and cozy. Site 4 has iron TeePee with chandelier and several shaded tent sites.

Site 5 has small grass meadow and wheel sculpture. Site 6 has burningman bicycle fence and 2 person swing.

All sites have parking, tables, benches, and

trees for shade, hammocks or slack lines. On site activities: 3 walking trail loops, each about 1 mile long

 Sun. morning YOGA 10am.

Brice Station Winery, tasting room. Open Fri. - Sun. 12 to 6pm

.Quyle Kilns

ceramic art studio and classes,Open Wed.- Sun.

10am to 6 pm.

 

Paul Quyle Blacksmith school. First and third Sat 9am. Seasonal concerts and Shakespeare. Equinox and Solstice celebrations.

Simply put, nature/art camping at its best.

Children are full price and must be attended to. No trailers over 14 ft. No campsite open fires June thru Oct.

Communal kitchen/crafts area with large tables, BBQ and cook top available. Kitchen fire ring for summer fires. Counter top stoves allowed in campsite. Leashed dogs welcome, please pick up after.

Please no extra loud music or voices.

Entrance Oak with Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit fence globes.

Chain Henge  50 art chains hung on a 7 sided frame. Chains weigh 50 to 200 lbs each. Visitors are welcome to push their way into the center and enjoy the shadow play and sounds of the chains touching.

Evening concerts within walking distance at Hill Top concerts & Theatre. Check Bricestation.com for details

The elaborate wagon that Michel built and traveled with,..I believe he named her Florence. 

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

*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.

Showers

Rocksteady Adventures

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. 

The Painted Lake

Kayaks, Eggs & firewood provided. 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 .

Plenty of places to camp amongst the Grove 

Walden Ranch

Walden Ranch began with the purchase of a neighboring 20 acres. Couple that with the inspiration of Thoreau's lines and life at the real Walden Pond, the ranch has grown to nearly 300 acres and the small ranch pond has grown to a 5-acre lake with a 3-acre forest and home. Scouts, family and church groups use the site for gatherings. Available are canoes, bonfire, and exploring the ranch's 300-head cattle, llamas, poultry and wildlife. Pitch your tent in a forest setting alongside a lake on a working cattle ranch. Watch wildlife or hike to smaller lakes on the ranch. Other animals include dogs, llamas, geese, chickens, and  horses. The ranch is within a 20 minute drive to either Stockton or Lodi, CA and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and pastures.  Outdoor flush toilets, sink, tables and fire ring available. Forested area is set amidst grazing lands.  This "Walden" even has willow trees slipped from Walden Pond, MA. Owner looks forward to sharing this peaceful, special spot! 

Bonfire area with picnic tables in the background

Little Arnold A-Frame

Arnold is well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a convenient base for your adventures in the Sierras. If you haven't been to Arnold and Gold Country, there is so much to explore! 

The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're just a 5-minute walk to the Arnold Rim Trail (with 30+ miles of hiking), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re 2 hours from Yosemite, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. Or you can can always just relax with a view in the cabin.

Learn more about this land:

Our classic 1970s A-frame cabin offers a simple space of retreat with lovely light, view of the trees and uncluttered decor. Great for couples and also solo travelers! Please note there is a 2 night minimum on weekends (if overlaps with a Fri or Sat) and a 3 night minimum for holiday weekends.

We're well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a base for your adventures in the Sierras. There's lots to explore nearby with Big Trees State Park and Stanislaus National Forest within minutes, lakes, skiing, mountain towns and wine-tasting, or just relax at the cabin and take in the view. 

The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're a 5-minute walk to the Stanislaus National Forest/Arnold Rim Trail (we provide a custom map for nearby hikes), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine and Utica and Union lakes. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re ~2 hours from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. 

We do our best here to strike a balance between simple amenities and comfort. A reminder that we are in the country, so the cabin is best suited to those who like a more rustic getaway.

There is no AC, television, or microwave. We've gone without a TV and landline, but WiFi means you can stream to your own devices and make WiFi calls on your cell. We have loads of board games and puzzles. 

The kitchen has pots/pans/kettle, toaster, mini waffle iron, Brita pitcher, and rice cooker. For coffee drinkers, we have a coffee grinder, french press and pour over dripper.  Help yourself to organic coffee and tea!

The cabin is mainly heated by a gas fireplace (looks like a wood stove, but does not need wood). We recommend bringing layers and slippers in the winter while the cabin warms up. Like most cabins in the area, there is no AC, but we provide room fans. Cell reception is unreliable throughout the Sierras except for Verizon, however at the cabin, WiFi calls are available through all carriers --to make calls, enable the setting on your cell phone.

The cabin comfortably fits 4 people, with 1 bedroom, a sleeping loft (no door) and 1.5 bathrooms. The downstairs bedroom has a queen bed, and the loft has a full-size mattress and its own half bathroom.

We have a flat parking pad instead of a driveway, which makes things easier in the winter months.

The rental rate covers a professional cleaning fee and linens and towels! Guests will need to take their garbage and recycling with them to the local refuse center which is on the way out.

The A-Frame has big windows and wonderful light year round.

the cabin has picture windows and skylights and gas fireplace

Starry Views on Anahata Lake

Anahata Lake has peaceful dark campsites (2 ) with outstanding views of the stars.  A beautiful pond that is swimmable during the early summer season. You are welcome to use the canoe or rowboat to paddle on the pond. Hang out in the shade of the oak trees. Our hill at the back of the property has a hike with a gorgeous view of  the mtns and hills both up the Sierra and down to the central valley. On a clear day one can see some Yosemite mtns. Our garden produces delicious produce which is for sale. Ask us. 

Airial view of the property taken by a visitor's drone

Wondernut Farm

Wondernut Farm is an upstart, entirely off grid, working farm-stead being built from the ground up. We breed milking goats and sheep, heritage pigs, and are in the process of converting to a grade A dairy and creamery! We use organic practices, management intensive rotational grazing, and dryland pasture management. We sell our animals locally so that others can have their own milking and meat animals. Our 110 year old hay barn and the roof of the former lumber mill were all we had to work with in getting off the ground.

Being first and foremost a functional farm, we can't help but offer a somewhat warts-and-all look into everything it takes to be working to our goals. Our hearts are, and always will be, educational and local community focused, and we work closely with farmers and friends alike in better understanding our innovative animal husbandry, power, pasture and water systems. Whenever we have time, we'll afford the same time and opportunities to interested hip-campers.

Our location is stunning and historic, and the beauty of the wild, natural landscape is powerful, yet offers easy access to both Yosemite Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. The area features excellent road and mountain biking in the immediate vicinity, vast access to hiking and backpacking trails, a huge variety of rock climbing in the area, the best whitewater rafting in California on the Tuolumne River, with some tasty places to eat or drink coffee in the nearby town of Groveland, just 10 minutes away.

Accommodations at the farm are certainly rustic, and private but not secluded, with occasionally heavily project-exploded shared kitchen and living space, showers, and airy flush toilets.

Do be advised that animals are pooping, hammers are hammering, sometimes we need to look into a health or animal injury related issue. Sometimes there is blood in an animal birth or slaughter, and our working guardian dogs have been known to be noisy some nights. Water and electricity are both very limited (though we reuse all our water), waste must be carefully sorted into a number of different categories, and there is always evidence of ump-teen projects unfolding at once. The most difficult condition during much of the summer are nuisance flies, which are always gone at night. We have almost no mosquitoes or ticks.

Depending on the exact situation and time of year, guests may have the opportunities to snuggle with baby animals and run our herd to or from pasture, and maybe even get their hands dirty picking veggies in the garden.

Reclaimed materials never looked so good. 

Time to head down to the kitchen for a little coffee.

The vineyard looks out at a beautiful valley, perfect for sunset viewings!

Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

A six acre organic vineyard  & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard.  A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet.  Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider! 

We welcome guests year round!

Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do! 

Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons!  

Come relax☮️

March - May

🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers 

June - September 

🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake

September - December

🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest,  apple picking and alpaca petting

December - March

 ❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe

We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm.  

Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting.  

Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show.  We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours.  We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests.  We do not permit live fires or generators.

Amazing vineyard with a great sunset overlook.

I loved how the safari tent was nestled amongst the trees! The fairy lights provide a dreamy experience! 

They also have a tent site where we set up and enjoyed the view

Overview of the campsite! This consists of a few lounge chairs, fire ring, hammock and the tent close by!

Wine tasting area is clean, spacious, and colorful! It over looks the entire vineyard.

One of the best perks is fresh water and an electrical outlet! (The porta potty is also super clean!)

Dog Woods

Come enjoy the fresh air and quiet at this relaxing and serene 3bd/1.5 bath 1968 groovy A-frame cabin. Great WIFI! Located on 1.5 wooded acres, the backyard is the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The cabin has a huge redwood deck surrounded by blooming Dogwoods during the springtime. Our year-round Moran Creek runs on the edge of the property. All wood inside: tongue-in-groove pine ceilings and walnut paneling, large wood-burning stove which has three flat places to cook. We offer a fully stocked kitchen with vintage pink and white formica counters and breakfast bar which seats four. Dining on resin-topped circular table made by designer of first chair-lift in Squaw Valley. Gigantic redwood wrap-around deck set up with comfy furniture, table and chairs to enjoy the bliss of Big Trees-Calaveras State Park. On the main floor there are two bedrooms: both with queen beds, a full bath with large bathtub/shower; in loft: one queen and one twin, and a 1/2 bath. Extra airbeds are located in the closet. Sofa is down filled. Retro decor with orange glass lamps, kilim rugs and down comforters on all beds. Vintage electric keyboard and full stereo system. Can sleep 7-8.  You can enjoy weekend dinners at Snowflake lodge or make use of the full kitchen or gas barbecue at the cabin. 35" to Bear Valley Ski Area, downhill or cross country, Lake Alpine in Summer. 20" to wine tasting in 1850's historic Murphys. So much to do or not!Overlook Trail is 1/2 mile from the cabin.  Cabin has access to Snowflake Lodge (weekend dinners), Recreation area (swimming, tennis, basketball, ping-pong, beach volleyball) and Fly-In Lake for lake-swimming.

Dog Woods Cabin nestled against Big Trees State Park

upstairs has a queen bed, twin bed, and couch

BRIOCABIN

Blue Lake Springs is a quiet vacation community. It is the perfect place to go to relax and wind down. There aren't a lot of street lights making it a great place to stargaze.  Cabin sits on .42 acres not 1 acre. (Just to clarify)Cabin has access to 2 private lakes. Blocks away. Fly in Acres and Blue Lake Springs. Will need to use the guest pass (fees apply). Cabin is in Blue Lake Springs. Blocks from Sequoia Woods Country Club and nearby golf courses in Murphy’s and Angels Camp. Only 2.5 hours from San Francisco! Escape to my mountain retreat. 25 minutes to Bear Valley. 1 hour plus from Yosemite. Minutes from the Arnold Rim Trail. Brand new kitchen appliances. Minutes from Murphy’s and Angel’s Camp. 40 minutes from Sonora and Black Oaks Casino. Boating. Parking can accommodate a boat and trailer. This home has comfortable sleeping and dining for a party of 6 to 8.Remodeled kitchen. Lots to do in Arnold and surrounding areas whether its Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter. Golfing, wine tasting (Murphy's), fishing, hiking, skiing, canoeing, bicycling, boating, walking and Bbq'ing. Nearby casino in Sonora or gold mining in Columbia and skiing in Bear Valley. Dorrington is 6 minutes away. Plenty of snow and great food. Vacation Rental is in Blue Lake Springs community in Arnold. New paint inside and out. New carpets and flooring. New toilets. New bedding. Clean inside and out. Large wrap around deck. New 5 burner bbq. Parking is on level ground. 3 level Cabin. Wifi great reception! Multiple spots for remote work.3 bedroom. 2 Bath with large bonus room and loft. 1,984 square feet tri-level cabin. Large Master bedroom with queen bed, walk-in closet, 2 person jacuzzi/shower, wood burning stove with blower and vaulted ceilings. Sofa and flat screen tv retreat outside master room. Top floor.Bedroom 2 has a queen bed with large closet. Main floor. Bedroom 3 has full over full bunk bed and twin bunk beds and chest drawer. Large closet. Main floor.Kitchen and Family room on Main floor. Large screen tv with apple tv. 3 person sofa and chaise seating. Large kitchen table seating for 6. Wood burning stove and wall heater on this floor. Bottom floor has bonus room, Tv/dvd player, foosball table and laundry room. New queen blow up mattress and sleeping bag in storage area. Peloton exercise bike too! Deck to outside.Parking for 3-4 vehicles. Large lot. Private

New metal stairs installed June 2022. Connects driveway to lower level deck.  

ELEMENTS LODGE

You get the entire lodge! Whether you have a large family, belong to a social or recreational group, or celebrating a holiday/event, this dorm-style lodge provides the perfect location and amenities. Approximately 5,400 sqft of open living space.

Arnold

Stanislaus National Forest

Eldorado National Forest

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

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Sierra National Forest

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

New Hogan Lake

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

Shop, dine, or sleep in town on the edge of <a href='https://www.hipcamp.com/discover/california/calaveras-big-trees'>Calaveras Big Trees State Park</a>.

Looking for lake camping near Arnold? Discover and book the best lake campsites and campgrounds in state parks and national parks, plus on farms, vineyards, and nature preserves.

Lake Camping in Arnold, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024 | Hipcamp

Best tent camping near me

Hipcamp campgrounds near me

Best RV camping near me

Hipcamps ready for RVs near me

Best glamping near me

Cabins, yurts, treehouses and more

Roseville

Santa Rosa

Redding

Pismo Beach

Point Reyes National Seashore

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Sequoia National Park

Los Padres National Forest

Redwood National Park

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Cabins

Beach cabins

River, stream, or creek rv parks & camping

Rv parks & camping

A-frames with hiking

Forest a-frames

Cave a-frames

California Game Farm

A free range chicken farm surrounded by wooded areas including a small pond.

Learn more about this land:

Pitch a tent or park your vehicle among the peaceful oak trees here on our working game farm nestled in the heart of wine country.

 Minutes outside of historic Fiddletown and only an hour outside of Sacramento, we offer several locations to camp not more than three minutes from the main house for your convenience. 

Our super friendly (and off-leash!) Great Pyrenees dogs can't wait to greet you. Relax on our secluded farm and enjoy nature's best lullaby - the sound of bullfrogs in the evening. Wake up to the original alarm clock - a rooster's crow! 

Petersburg Pond

Private property on a private pond. Enjoy some quiet time on the water, swimming, fishing, camping or just sitting and enjoying this hidden gem. Conveniently located a couple minutes from town to get some groceries or even fast food and gas. Also minutes from the large lake of New Hogan if your brining a jet ski or boat. Come relax on this 10 acres of private water access.

Fish till your heart is content. Please catch and release. We have a variety of fish: Bass, Blue Gill, Cat fish and even some big Carp. Use our row boat or bring your own kayak, SUP, canoe etc. 

Liberty Vines Camp

Want to sleep among the star studded sky’s surrounded by responsibly farmed wine grapes? Wake up with views of open fields, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and enjoy the cool Delta Breeze in the evening. 20 minutes from town, 10 minutes to a large lake with water sports and fishing access, or 2 hours to the Nevada border in Lake Tahoe. Snow Ski in the morning, fish in the afternoon, and star gaze the evening away at Liberty Vines Camp.

Pick your own spot under the eucalyptus trees. 

You can park behind the eucalyptus tree. 

Joyful Heart

When we moved to the Sierra Foothills, we found this cozy, little spot on the property and we set up a campsite for friends and family. 
People loved the space so much that we decided to build this cozy cabin and host other guests as well...

The hot tub can be filled with fresh water and be heated by wood and/or be filled using the on demand hot water heater. 
The private outdoor shower is in a beautiful garden setting.

This is an old photo and it is not how the layout is now.  Had several guests ask me to elevate the bed and remove the big bean bag.  Current pic to follow soon


Mommapeggs Getaway in the seirra

The property is surrounded by many mines that have Claims in place to this day .The peaceful country views are a welcomed treat for most that that are able to visit Tuolumne county.Come by and Sit A BIT here in the Sierra foothills via your way to many adventurous spots here via Yosemite, Redwoods in Arnold, or even a day trip over the passes to Nevada s ghost town Bodie. Visit our local wineries ,and historical parks nearby.Occasionally our Chicken Ranch  Casino is offering DRIVE IN movie nights.Info available upon request, Tuolumne Visitor Bureau member.

Lakeside camping near Arnold

Lakeside camping near Arnold guide

Overview

Popular Arnold trips

Top parks near Arnold

Top cities near Arnold

Best camping near me

Safety at Hipcamp

Safety partners