Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Trash

Cooking equipment

Yosemite Westlake Camp

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.    

Typical RV staying at Yosemite Westlake Campground

Diamond Gulch

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.

Tent is set up on a deck with 2 rocking chairs and a table. Also had a little bbq on the side (just need propane). 

View from the top of the property. Half dome in the far distance

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.

River Ranch Campgrounds

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.

Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

This land was home to the Miwok, then European and Chinese miners, then a cattle rancher. It was also home to a former nun who quit the dominican order to purchase this land for inner city kids to have a chance to ride, swim, hike and fish. We moved here in 2017 and purchased this land with the main goal to raise our large family here, but we have found that good things must be shared!  There is NOTHING like being in the wilderness of this area for a good re-centering of the soul! We have found it to be a true blessing for our family, and we hope you can experience this blessing as we share this space with you. 

We feel certain you will not be disappointed with this beautiful river canyon. Our property is situated right on the middle fork cosumnes river. We have  2 sleeping cabins and several tent sites  (can be rented separately). The cabins offer a rustic/minimalist type vibe - bring your own bedding/pillows to sleep on the comfy futon. A table and chairs are provided for the cabins. Tent sites have a wood table (bring your camp chairs) and a fire pit when the season is open for burning. The swimming is awesome and the stars at night will put you into a state of awe!  Many family owned wineries in the area, most of them offering free tasting. It’s a short drive to Tahoe and the Marshall gold discovery site as well as the historic hangtown Placerville. The recent Caldor Fire was VERY close to our property and a back burn was initiated nearby the cabins. It is still as beautiful as ever but please know there are lots of slash piles. Falling trees and burned up stump holes are also a risk and it is presumed campers will be cautious and use at their own risk. Please don't hesitate to shoot us a message if you have any questions!

Cosumnes River Ranch

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.

Site 5. Grass site or beach site for tent.

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. 

Harris Family Farm and Forest

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our cherished historic family farm, spanning 160 years and 7 generations. Nestled in the serene surroundings of an Apple Hill™ Grower farm, our property offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Choose to camp amidst the lush woods or in our enchanting apple orchard.
Spend your days engaging in farm activities, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply unwinding in this idyllic setting. During the harvest season, delight in the experience of hand-picking a variety of fruits and vegetables at their peak of ripeness. Participate in our popular jam making classes held in August, and September for $55 per person, or indulge in a delightful High Tea in the Orchard, hosted on Mother’s Day weekend and June spring afternoons for $45 per person. Be sure to secure your spot early for these sought-after activities, as they tend to fill up rapidly.
Our farm is conveniently located near picturesque mountain lakes and charming historic towns, offering ample opportunities for further exploration and discovery. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our farm, where you can enjoy invigorating woodland hikes, lend a hand with farm chores, and partake in our weekend bonfire gatherings featuring s'mores and delectable treats from our pie shop. Don't miss the chance to harvest blackberries, apples, and pumpkins during their respective seasons, adding a touch of seasonal magic to your visit.


Red Dragonfly Ranch

At Red Dragonfly Ranch our goal is to make a HipCamp that our campers can fully enjoy and have  the property be the destination of  choice when visiting Yosemite or the gold country of the Sierra’s. Red Dragonfly Ranch is conveniently located. We are only 29 miles from  Yosemite Big Oak Flat entrance and only minutes away from the beautiful town of Groveland " The Gateway to Yosemite" and all the hidden gems in between.

There are chickens  and we are working on maintaining the many raised beds, our goal is being able to have our campers feel free to pick fresh herbs, fruits and veggies for their pleasure. There is a seasonal  spring fed creek to cool off in and shade is plentiful.

Rv's are welcome , but we are boondocking only.

Follow us on instagram @red_dragonfly_ranch

Please shoot us a message if you have any questions.

 Yosemite National Park Reservation Information :

A reservation is required to drive through Yosemite National Park for those driving into the park between 5 am and 4 pm as follows:

April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays ( May 27 and June 19) . 

July 1 through August 16 : A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm every day

August 17 through October 27: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays ( September 2 and October 14 ).

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!)

Lazy G Ranch

Swing set 4 swing seats and a five foot long 

Red Tail Ranch at Yosemite

Concerned about getting into Yosemite with the new summer reservation requirements? We know all the details, including how to navigate and get through or around the system. Stay with us and we will show you how to access the park with or without reservations. 

Welcome to Red Tail Ranch, a stunning 90 acre property in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just 25 minutes from the Yosemite entrance gate. Among the oak woodlands, meadows and coniferous forest, there are numerous trails to explore the property and direct riding access to a developed mountain biking area nearby. Great birding, botanizing and wildlife watching opportunities abound. Use Red Tail Ranch as an ideal launching off point for Yosemite or stay on the property and enjoy all that it has to offer.

We have RV sites with hookups, a four site drive-in campground and two walk-in campsites- all with clean, flush toilet bathrooms, hot outdoor showers, indoor camp kitchen and gathering space. Whether your pitching a tent, parking a campervan or rv, there are opportunities for everyone.

We are 10 minutes from the small town of Groveland with a market and restaurants and just down the road from the put in for rafting on the Tuolumne river.

Our pricing is a little higher than other places nearby and this is due to the property's great locations, incredible beauty, and all of the amenities added for a great experience.

Headwaters Headquarters- communal inside space for inclement weather or food prep/clean up, sink inside. Info with maps and local wildlife.

Arnold

Stanislaus National Forest

Looks like coming from The Walking Dead, isn't it?

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Eldorado National Forest

Grover Hot Springs State Park

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

Stanislaus River Parks

New Hogan Lake

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>.

Find & reserve the best campsites near Arnold, California with wildlife watching. Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves.

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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

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

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

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.

Camping near Arnold with wildlife watching

Camping near Arnold with wildlife watching guide

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