Beach Camping Near Bear Valley, California, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2025

In Bear Valley, camping along the beach means sunrise over the water and sand between your toes by breakfast. With over 4,000 options tailored to beach lovers, you’ll find campsites where the waves are close enough to lull you to sleep. Prices start at $27 a night, with the average hovering around $40. Top picks like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (1,225 reviews), Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (566 reviews), and Bridgeport Reservoir Campground (545 reviews) get high marks for their easy beach access and active scene. Expect sites that welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer toilets—essentials for comfort and convenience. Spend your days swimming, hiking the nearby trails, or spotting wildlife—Bear Valley serves it all up, just steps from your tent.

98% (2.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Bear Valley, camping along the beach means sunrise over the water and sand between your toes by breakfast. With over 4,000 options tailored to beach lovers, you’ll find campsites where the waves are close enough to lull you to sleep. Prices start at $27 a night, with the average hovering around $40. Top picks like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (1,225 reviews), Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (566 reviews), and Bridgeport Reservoir Campground (545 reviews) get high marks for their easy beach access and active scene. Expect sites that welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer toilets—essentials for comfort and convenience. Spend your days swimming, hiking the nearby trails, or spotting wildlife—Bear Valley serves it all up, just steps from your tent.

98% (2.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Finnon Lake Recreation Area

95%

(2328)

44mi from Bear Valley · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · Placerville, CA

ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). These vehicles will not fit and cannot cross the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. Smoke on the Water diner is open weekends, 530-622-1060. Hours are limited. Use caution - twisty, narrow country road If it's your first time, you might want to check out the route beforehand. 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 onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday and Sunday. 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 to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in 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. Community volunteers manage the lake for the residents and the Fire Station. 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, Smoke on the Water Diner, which is open on weekends only 530-622-1060. During your stay, you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking. Sites are from post to post. Our property is located in Placerville, California.

2. Water front on Topaz Lake

95%

(88)

31mi from Bear Valley · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Topaz, CA

Learn more about this land:Beautiful lake front property on Topaz Lake , we have 6 rv sites to choose from on 4 acres .First come first serve . Bring your Rv or pitch a tent . Bring your whole family. We have kayaks and paddle boards . Fishing boat available to rent . Life jackets available and a peddle boat too ! Lots of float toys !!

3. Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

99%

(1249)

29mi from Bear Valley · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Murphys, CA

Thank you Hipcamper's for many great years of support. Historic Brice Station 100 acres, was a horse stop on the Ebbetts Pass stage line. Horses were fed, watered and swapped here, over 100 years ago. Today, Brice station hosts a ceramics gallery and school, vineyard and tasting room, Blacksmith school, Concert series, Shakespeare performances and Master artist, Michel Olson's, Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden and campground. Born in Berlin, Germany, he has spent much of his life performing, guiding, studying, while 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. Installation include, 100 ft sacred circle, yin/yang, sun dial and calendar. Quadruple Branch Arch. Avenue of art. Glass and Brass over Grass. Stone stage with two bell racks. Wheels of time. Florence the Freightliner. Glass henge. Chain henge. Family altar. Double sand box. Stone spiral Each, of the 6 campsites, have art installations as well. Site 1 is spacious with multiple tent sites, art Steel TeePee, and nice shade oak. Picnic table and some chairs. Parking for 4 cars. Sites 1 and 6 together, with kitchen area, makes a great group site. Site 2, is our largest single site. Multiple tent sites. 2 tables. Branch arch way. Parking for 6 cars. Hammock friendly trees. Site 3, is our cozy site. Multiple tent sites. Wood wizard and frog carving. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars Site 4, has our second metal TeePee, with melted bottle suncatchers. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars Site 5, has Wood Henge, made from one enormous tree. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars. Site 6, has a burningman bicycle fence, and ski lift chair swing. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars. Brice Station Winery, tasting room. Open Fri. - Sun. 12 to 6pm .Quyle Kilns Pottery Gallery, School and ceramic art studio Wed thru Sunday 10am to 6pm Paul Quyle Blacksmith school. C.B.A. member. First and third Sat 9am. Brice Station Vineyard, tasting room and concerts bricestation.com Simply put, art, nature camping, with a hint of history, 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. Propane fire rings and counter top stoves allowed in campsite. Leashed dogs welcome, please pick up after. Please no extra loud music or voices.

4. Luxury By The Lake, Groveland CA

44mi from Bear Valley · 1 site · Lodging · Groveland, CA

Experience Groveland's premier luxury Lake House at the Pine Mountain Lake gated community. The Peninsula Lake House was professionally designed and furnished by a prominent Bay Area developer. The wide frontage to the main lake offers panoramic views and easy water access with a private dock. Included are 2 canoes and 2 SUPs with life jackets. A large game room with a pool table, arcade-grade air hockey table, Sonos sound system, and a vintage upright piano provides indoor entertainment. The space The Peninsula Lake House was professionally designed and furnished by a prominent Bay Area developer. Guest access smart lock access by code ***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests. Other things to note Located at the quiet end of the Lake away from the Marina, the property features: - Private dock access into Pine Mountain Lake - Canoes (x2), Standup Paddle boards (x2), and life jackets (all sizes) - Ping Pong - Pool Table - Air hockey - BBQ grill/Griddle - piano - Sonos sound system The wide frontage to the main lake offers panoramic views and easy water access with a private dock. The two large wraparound redwood decks offer prime views of the lake, outdoor dining and BBQ areas, and Adirondack lounge chairs to relax in and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

5. Private Reservoir

96%

(47)

45mi from Bear Valley · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Valley Springs, CA

Private property on a private reservoir. 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 canoe or paddle boat or bring your own kayak, SUP, canoe etc. Newly added large floating dock, sand beach and large swing set/ hammock polls. Come play and have fun and listen to the sounds of frogs at night and the birds in the morning.

6. Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

90%

(1209)

47mi from Bear Valley · 36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · CA

Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.

7. Guesthouse or Glamping Gold Country

100%

(9)

40mi from Bear Valley · 2 sites · Lodging · River Pines, CA

We have owned our 20 acre ranch for 12 years. We enjoy the peace and quiet and beautiful views surrounded by oak trees. We love hiking down to the river. Very private; seldom do you come across other people. Amador brewing, Solid Ground brewing and the world famous Poor Reds are about 30 minutes away. Learn more about this land: Renovated guesthouse on 20 acres in the gold country. 1900 feet elevation. 30 minute hike to the Consumnes River, with beaches and swimming. Great sunrises, sunsets and stars. Mountain biking available. Rock outcroppings for climbers. About a 30 minute drive to numerous wineries and the foothill towns of Plymouth and Placerville. The kitchen has a vintage stove with four burners and two ovens, microwave, toaster oven, and sink. You will also have access to a full size refrigerator. Outside is a propane bbq with two side burners for your use. There is one bedroom with a full bed and in the living room is a trundle bed that converts to two twins. We have installed hardwood laminate flooring throughout guesthouse; some of the pictures show the prior cement floor. There is wifi, Verizon and At&t get good reception. We use our phones for internet and streaming. There is a 50 inch TV and dvd player. Bring your own hardware/cords if you want to stream from your phone. We have goats if you would like to feed or with. My wife and I live on the property in a house about 200 feet away. You will have as much privacy/interaction as you desire. Our garage is attached to the guesthouse, so I may need to access it occasionally during your stay. We also travel so you may have the property to yourself. We do have two dogs on the property. The Australian healeris very friendly. The Anatolian shepherd is a watch dog so he will bark at you upon arrival and then settle down and leave you alone. You may hear him barking at night at any moving wildlife (deer, turkey, etc.). The last 4.5 miles of the drive to the property is on a winding road. Please drive carefully.

8. Strange Ranch - River and Gold

100%

(112)

26mi from Bear Valley · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Wilseyville, CA

Secluded private river camping in a forest and oak woodland on the South Fork Mokelumne River. The site boasts incredible views with a pristine private gold-bearing trout stream with mining history and wildlife preserve located in the gold country of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern Calaveras County. This unique property is adjacent to over 900 acres of public land and 2 miles of private stream for exploring. With a total of only 4 campsites, it is a great location for a group to reserve the entire campground. All campsites have potable well water spigots and access to a cool water shower. Guests will enjoy the privacy while swimming, stream exploring, hiking, spelunking, forest immersion, fishing for wild trout, gold panning, or simply relaxing in a breathtaking environment – come fall in love with this special private ranch. After one stay, you will be a repeat guest. PLEASE NOTE: An All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive vehicle is MANDATORY to access campsites 1 through 3 due to the road incline and rock and gravel road surface. PLEASE PREPARE ACCORDINGLY! Campsite 4 is accessible with a 2-wd vehicle, and has potable well water and 20 amps of power. All sites have beautiful open views of the property and river canyon with natural shade in the morning and late afternoon. Sounds of the river will lull you to sleep. Although partially shaded, please plan to provide your own portable shade structure(s) during late morning and afternoon as the direct sun can be an inconvenience. The Stranges are professional fish and wildlife biologists and have decided to share this special place for others to enjoy. The property hosts a diversity of plant and wildlife species that might be observed during your stay. Prehistoric and historic resources can be observed along the river corridor. Please be aware that some wildlife species including rattlesnakes, bears, and mountain lions have been observed on the 117-acre property and could potentially be observed near the campsites. The Ranch's northern portion of the property supports a leased farming operation. Farming operations should not interfere with camping activities. Day trips are possible to Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, local caverns and wine tasting, and historic gold towns.

9. Creekside Camping on Love Creek

98%

(26)

24mi from Bear Valley · 5 sites · Lodging · Avery, CA

We are excited to welcome you to our unique 2.5-acre forest retreat, Creekside Camping at Love Creek. This campsite is adults-only, designed to provide a quiet and tranquil environment for you to relax and enjoy nature. Our spacious 6'x8' stand-up tents are designed for your comfort, each equipped with a comfortable bed. All you need to bring “bedding and your towel”. *** If you prefer to travel light, we offer a "full-service" option that includes bedding and towels for a one-time fee. Please let us know if you're interested, and we can provide you with more details. For your convenience, our full bathroom facility, complete with hot water for the shower and sink, flushing toilet. You'll find many peaceful spots around the property to unwind and reconnect with nature. We've also provided a few extra amenities for your comfort, including pillows and blankets you can use outside while stargazing. A year-round, spring-fed creek meanders through the property, creating a truly serene and cooling atmosphere. Our campsites offer well-maintained pads with lovely views overlooking Love Creek and the lush canyon, all accompanied by the soothing sounds of the creek. As evening falls, our thoughtfully placed lighting creates a magical ambiance throughout the surroundings. While we offer a unique off-grid experience, we're conveniently located just a 5-minute drive down a paved road to HWY-4 and a coffee shop at the corner for your morning brew. The fantastic Red Apple bakery, known for its delicious fresh-baked goods, is also just down the road. For groceries, Big Trees supermarket in Arnold is a quick 8-minute drive. The charming town of Murphys also called the ‘Queen of the Sierra’ is only a 13-minute drive from our property. Nature lovers will be delighted to know that Big Trees State Park, home to magnificent Sequoia groves, is just a 10-minute drive away. If you're interested in swimming, several beautiful mountain lakes, including Utica Reservoir, Lake Alpine, and White Pines Lake (only 5 miles away), offer wonderful opportunities. For those seeking adventure, we are located just 1 mile from an extensive network of gravel roads, ideal for activities such as mountain biking. We very much look forward to welcoming you to our unique retreat!

10. Little Arnold A-Frame

99%

(64)

23mi from Bear Valley · 1 site · Lodging · Arnold, CA

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.

11. BRIOCABIN

100%

(8)

22mi from Bear Valley · 1 site · Lodging · Arnold, CA

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

12. Private lakeside resort, Groveland

44mi from Bear Valley · 1 site · Lodging · Groveland, CA

Lakeside + Amenities + Sleeps 12 = WIN for an unforgettable family getaway! PRIVATE, lakeside recreation area with beach entry, kayaks, SUPs, ping pong, bocce ball, tree swing, hammock, corn hole, and BBQ ALL ON SITE! Ideal for 2-3 families or 1 larger family traveling together! Within a 5-minute drive are the Pine Mountain Lake amenities available to all of our renters: swimming pool, beaches, pickle ball, golf, tennis, children's playground, hiking, horseback riding, archery... The space a King-sized bed in the Master bedroom with an ensuite bath, Queen-sized beds in the other bedrooms with an adjacent bath, and a bunk room with an adjacent bath. A total of 3 bedrooms, 1 bunk room, and 3 full baths to accommodate groups as large as 12 persons. Guest access Self-check-in is available with door access granted by entry code via a Schlage smart lock. ***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests. Other things to note Memory foam mattresses, 100% down pillows and comforters, and 100% cotton sheets.

Camper favorites near Bear Valley

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Guesthouse or Glamping Gold Country

100%

(9)

40mi from Bear Valley · 2 sites · Lodging · River Pines, CA

We have owned our 20 acre ranch for 12 years. We enjoy the peace and quiet and beautiful views surrounded by oak trees. We love hiking down to the river. Very private; seldom do you come across other people. Amador brewing, Solid Ground brewing and the world famous Poor Reds are about 30 minutes away. Learn more about this land: Renovated guesthouse on 20 acres in the gold country. 1900 feet elevation. 30 minute hike to the Consumnes River, with beaches and swimming. Great sunrises, sunsets and stars. Mountain biking available. Rock outcroppings for climbers. About a 30 minute drive to numerous wineries and the foothill towns of Plymouth and Placerville. The kitchen has a vintage stove with four burners and two ovens, microwave, toaster oven, and sink. You will also have access to a full size refrigerator. Outside is a propane bbq with two side burners for your use. There is one bedroom with a full bed and in the living room is a trundle bed that converts to two twins. We have installed hardwood laminate flooring throughout guesthouse; some of the pictures show the prior cement floor. There is wifi, Verizon and At&t get good reception. We use our phones for internet and streaming. There is a 50 inch TV and dvd player. Bring your own hardware/cords if you want to stream from your phone. We have goats if you would like to feed or with. My wife and I live on the property in a house about 200 feet away. You will have as much privacy/interaction as you desire. Our garage is attached to the guesthouse, so I may need to access it occasionally during your stay. We also travel so you may have the property to yourself. We do have two dogs on the property. The Australian healeris very friendly. The Anatolian shepherd is a watch dog so he will bark at you upon arrival and then settle down and leave you alone. You may hear him barking at night at any moving wildlife (deer, turkey, etc.). The last 4.5 miles of the drive to the property is on a winding road. Please drive carefully.

Strange Ranch - River and Gold

100%

(112)

26mi from Bear Valley · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Wilseyville, CA

Secluded private river camping in a forest and oak woodland on the South Fork Mokelumne River. The site boasts incredible views with a pristine private gold-bearing trout stream with mining history and wildlife preserve located in the gold country of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern Calaveras County. This unique property is adjacent to over 900 acres of public land and 2 miles of private stream for exploring. With a total of only 4 campsites, it is a great location for a group to reserve the entire campground. All campsites have potable well water spigots and access to a cool water shower. Guests will enjoy the privacy while swimming, stream exploring, hiking, spelunking, forest immersion, fishing for wild trout, gold panning, or simply relaxing in a breathtaking environment – come fall in love with this special private ranch. After one stay, you will be a repeat guest. PLEASE NOTE: An All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive vehicle is MANDATORY to access campsites 1 through 3 due to the road incline and rock and gravel road surface. PLEASE PREPARE ACCORDINGLY! Campsite 4 is accessible with a 2-wd vehicle, and has potable well water and 20 amps of power. All sites have beautiful open views of the property and river canyon with natural shade in the morning and late afternoon. Sounds of the river will lull you to sleep. Although partially shaded, please plan to provide your own portable shade structure(s) during late morning and afternoon as the direct sun can be an inconvenience. The Stranges are professional fish and wildlife biologists and have decided to share this special place for others to enjoy. The property hosts a diversity of plant and wildlife species that might be observed during your stay. Prehistoric and historic resources can be observed along the river corridor. Please be aware that some wildlife species including rattlesnakes, bears, and mountain lions have been observed on the 117-acre property and could potentially be observed near the campsites. The Ranch's northern portion of the property supports a leased farming operation. Farming operations should not interfere with camping activities. Day trips are possible to Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, local caverns and wine tasting, and historic gold towns.

Creekside Camping on Love Creek

98%

(26)

24mi from Bear Valley · 5 sites · Lodging · Avery, CA

We are excited to welcome you to our unique 2.5-acre forest retreat, Creekside Camping at Love Creek. This campsite is adults-only, designed to provide a quiet and tranquil environment for you to relax and enjoy nature. Our spacious 6'x8' stand-up tents are designed for your comfort, each equipped with a comfortable bed. All you need to bring “bedding and your towel”. *** If you prefer to travel light, we offer a "full-service" option that includes bedding and towels for a one-time fee. Please let us know if you're interested, and we can provide you with more details. For your convenience, our full bathroom facility, complete with hot water for the shower and sink, flushing toilet. You'll find many peaceful spots around the property to unwind and reconnect with nature. We've also provided a few extra amenities for your comfort, including pillows and blankets you can use outside while stargazing. A year-round, spring-fed creek meanders through the property, creating a truly serene and cooling atmosphere. Our campsites offer well-maintained pads with lovely views overlooking Love Creek and the lush canyon, all accompanied by the soothing sounds of the creek. As evening falls, our thoughtfully placed lighting creates a magical ambiance throughout the surroundings. While we offer a unique off-grid experience, we're conveniently located just a 5-minute drive down a paved road to HWY-4 and a coffee shop at the corner for your morning brew. The fantastic Red Apple bakery, known for its delicious fresh-baked goods, is also just down the road. For groceries, Big Trees supermarket in Arnold is a quick 8-minute drive. The charming town of Murphys also called the ‘Queen of the Sierra’ is only a 13-minute drive from our property. Nature lovers will be delighted to know that Big Trees State Park, home to magnificent Sequoia groves, is just a 10-minute drive away. If you're interested in swimming, several beautiful mountain lakes, including Utica Reservoir, Lake Alpine, and White Pines Lake (only 5 miles away), offer wonderful opportunities. For those seeking adventure, we are located just 1 mile from an extensive network of gravel roads, ideal for activities such as mountain biking. We very much look forward to welcoming you to our unique retreat!

Little Arnold A-Frame

99%

(64)

23mi from Bear Valley · 1 site · Lodging · Arnold, CA

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.

BRIOCABIN

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22mi from Bear Valley · 1 site · Lodging · Arnold, CA

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

Private lakeside resort, Groveland

44mi from Bear Valley · 1 site · Lodging · Groveland, CA

Lakeside + Amenities + Sleeps 12 = WIN for an unforgettable family getaway! PRIVATE, lakeside recreation area with beach entry, kayaks, SUPs, ping pong, bocce ball, tree swing, hammock, corn hole, and BBQ ALL ON SITE! Ideal for 2-3 families or 1 larger family traveling together! Within a 5-minute drive are the Pine Mountain Lake amenities available to all of our renters: swimming pool, beaches, pickle ball, golf, tennis, children's playground, hiking, horseback riding, archery... The space a King-sized bed in the Master bedroom with an ensuite bath, Queen-sized beds in the other bedrooms with an adjacent bath, and a bunk room with an adjacent bath. A total of 3 bedrooms, 1 bunk room, and 3 full baths to accommodate groups as large as 12 persons. Guest access Self-check-in is available with door access granted by entry code via a Schlage smart lock. ***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests. Other things to note Memory foam mattresses, 100% down pillows and comforters, and 100% cotton sheets.

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Lodgepole Overflow

1.5mi from Bear Valley · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

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Silvertip Campground

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Lake Alpine Campground

2.5mi from Bear Valley · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

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Backpacker's Campground

3.3mi from Bear Valley · 8 sites · in Stanislaus National Forest

Pine Marten Campground

3.4mi from Bear Valley · 32 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

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Stanislaus River Campground

3.5mi from Bear Valley · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

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Utica/Union Reservoirs Campground

3.5mi from Bear Valley · 52 sites · in Stanislaus National Forest

Silver Valley Campground

3.6mi from Bear Valley · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

Stellar hiking through this amazing forest!

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Big Meadow Campground

4.8mi from Bear Valley · 69 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

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Spicer Reservoir Campground

5.4mi from Bear Valley · 43 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

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Mosquito Lakes Campground

8mi from Bear Valley · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stanislaus National Forest

Stories from the community

M

Michael

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Beautiful. Clean restrooms. Perfect for families. Perfect size grounds. Easy bookings. Can even have a hammock.

R

Ricky

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

When my group went, it was empty so it was pretty quiet. I think it’s a good area to camp and fish. Everything was clean and the view was beautiful. Slight hiccups with checking in but other than that it was a great first time camping spot for me. The hot springs was a nice touch only being 6 mins away. I’d go again when I learn to fish for trout.

D

Dillon

3 weeks ago

6 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Fantastic camp site! The host was super friendly and helpful, recommended beautiful places to visit. The site is super clean!

A

Andy

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Sierra Circles was wonderful! I had the camping area to myself due to the time of year and it was the perfect blend of a quiet experience in the woods that I was looking for and close enough to Murphy's to be able to pick up a few supplies. Check in was super easy and the hosts were very friendly and accommodating. I would definitely stay here again.

C

Christopher

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Loved my solo camp experience here. Amazing views. I definitely would recommend this campground.

J

Jorge

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Great layout, clean and well run. One of the best hidden gems in California.

The van is facing out. The tent is set up on the flat spot.

H

Hebe

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Finnon Lake Recreation Area

The lake front campsites are simply beautiful. We have a Ford transit van and also a sedan. A huge tent and we still have a lot of space on the site. The campsite has a downward slope just like described but we found a flat spot for our tent. The lake is beautiful for boating and fishing. How peaceful the campground is solely depending on how other campers are especially your neighbors, because the campsites are very close to each other. We didn't have a great night the first night because our neighbors arrived at 2 am and were setting things up and talking, laughing pretty loudly. So we essentially did not sleep at all that night. While the quite time is listed on the rules but seems like it is not enforced at all. So while I love this campground, I highly recommend going during the weekdays. The bathroom is a very nice addition. Again, it's clean majority of the time but it depends on how the campers take care of it. They are dogs friendly. They need to be on leash. We got a tie down which works amazing. There's also a lot of wildlife. I didn't hear frogs but a lot of birds. We saw eagles and their nest which is so beautiful. There is a restaurant called Smoke on the water. The food is AWESOME. They also have firewood for sale. Just need to double check their business hours. The drive up there was good. Remember to pay attention the detours. The last 15 minutes was really twisty. We will be back for sure!

Ricardo

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Clean ammenities, great location, nice hosts! Would stay again!

B

Berlynn

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Nice and maintained spot to camp at. I love the views from my tent and the bathroom is very clean. It was super easy to access

S

Shannon

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Site 16 had a great view of the reservoir. It was clean, well maintained & spacious. Bathrooms were close to campsites. The bathrooms were clean & well maintained. The checked in prior to our travel day & at our request left the firewood we ordered at the site. We plan to go back during warmer months. Thank you Chase & team.

K

Kyle

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

This campsite is absolutely beautiful ! The lake and mountains are insanely breathtaking and the individual sites are well appointed with little walkways down to the pebble beach. We saw little bunnies, mice, and ducks. The bathrooms closest to us were out of order but the other one wasnt too far of a walk. The campground was a little busy so if you are looking for more privacy it might not be the best choice but it wasnt too crowded either.

D

Dan

October 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We had a great time. Very private and quiet camping spot and we got a tour of the pottery buliding. Very interesting

j

jeff

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Private Reservoir

We had a great time. They had nice chairs perfect for relaxing on the dock. Lots of wildlife to enjoy the sounds of nature. 10/10 recommend.

T

Tetiana

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Finnon Lake Recreation Area

This is our second time at this camp. This time, the weather was a bit disappointing. But overall, everything was wonderful. Hospitable hosts, safe stay, clean grounds and bathrooms.

D

Danielle

October 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Host was friendly and helpful. Bathroom was clean and warm. Would recommend!

S

Simone

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

This was a great place to sleep for the night. Beautiful sunset and sunrise, clean property, and I felt safe. A really nice touch was the heater in the bathroom :)

M

Magdalena

October 2025

25 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Strange Ranch - River and Gold

We had such an amazing time! The campsite and surrounding area were spotless, and the river and landscape were absolutely beautiful. Terry was a fantastic host—friendly, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable about the local area and ecology. We’re definitely making this trip a yearly tradition!

John

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Michel was hospitable as usual, and we enjoyed our second trip to the property. Everything was clean and well maintained, just as it was in 2020. I hope we get to stay there again.

S

Sabrina

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We had a nice stay at Sierra Circles camping site, Iron Teepee. We went wine tasting ant Brice Station and really enjoyed both the wine and the friendly host. The campsite was well maintained. We appreciated that Michel, our host, took the time to chop extra wood for us- it was a nice touch.