The best camping near Bear Valley with wildlife watching

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Looking to go camping near Bear Valley, California? Hipcamp has over 1,700 options for you to choose from! Whether you're into historic sites, climbing, or boating, there's a campsite for you. Check out some of our top-rated options like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews). With prices as low as $20 per night and an average price of $70 per night, you can enjoy your favorite activities and amenities like pets, trash, and campfires. Happy camping!

95% (8.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bear Valley

1. Finnon Lake Recreation Area

95%
(2337)
44mi from Bear Valley · 39 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

2. Diamond Gulch

96%
(1160)
44mi from Bear Valley · 41 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Groups of 15 or more use this code for 15% off your stay! ADMXESCZ Check out this sweet YouTube video of the property! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEvKF5nqcUM Early and late check-out available on tent/rv sites, free of charge. Just message me if you need an earlier check in! Free firewood! We are 30 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. Be near the park, but feel that complete privacy. These sites are very spaced out from each other and are large. No need to cram together! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$38
 / night

3. Wondernut Farm

97%
(612)
48mi from Bear Valley · 4 sites · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$77
 / night

6. Sweet Water Ranch

35mi from Bear Valley · 2 sites · Tents
🐖 Sweet Water Ranch – Columbia, California Welcome to Sweet Water Ranch, a working regenerative ranch nestled in the scenic Sierra foothills of Columbia, California. As you arrive, you’ll drive through the heart of our pasture-raised pork operation, catching glimpses of our heritage Berkshire hogs and the rhythm of daily ranch life. From there, you’ll continue to your private campsite, tucked away on the back side of the property. Our campsites sit on a level pad surrounded by open sky and natural beauty—ideal for stargazing, quiet reflection, or simply enjoying a peaceful night’s rest under the stars. While you’ll have plenty of privacy, your journey through the ranch offers an authentic glimpse into real ranch living. You’ll pass by our animals and the day-to-day workings of a family-run farm, creating a unique and memorable camping experience. 🍯 Local Products Available During your stay, you’re welcome to purchase some of the incredible food produced right here on the ranch. We offer our pasture-raised California Berkshire pork and raw, local honey, giving you a chance to taste the quality and care that goes into everything we raise and produce. Sweet Water Ranch offers a quiet, genuine escape where you can unplug and connect with the land—all while being just a short drive from Columbia’s historic downtown and the majestic wilderness of the Yosemite Region.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$30
 / night

7. Squirrel Rock RV Campground

100%
(172)
36mi from Bear Valley · 2 sites · RVs
Private gated RV campground in the Gold Country. Located in the historic townsite of Columbia known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines". There is 1 site so you'll have the campground to yourselves. There are 2 electrical panels so you can bring your family or friends if you like. If there are 2 RV's you can reserve the campground as a double site. WE ONLY ACCEPT FULLY SELF CONTAINED RV'S ONLY. NO TENTS NO LONG TERM STAYS. Campsite has 2 electric pedestals 50/30/110. Water hookups at each site. NO SEWER. NO DUMP NO RESTROOMS AVAILABLE. Includes picnic table, camp fire ring, Weber BBQ, doggie station, horseshoe pit, corn hole, walking trails, and garbage/recycle bins. Winter camping dates subject to weather conditions. Located 0.6 mile to Columbia State Historic Park, parking and entrance is free and open year around. It is about a 15 minute walk. Close to Murphys, New Melones lake and Tuttletown recreation area, Moaning Caverns, Downtown Sonora, Mother Lode Escape Rooms, Columbia Airport, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Black Oak Casino, Chicken Ranch Casino, Indigeny Reserve, Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp with other wineries and breweries nearby. About a 50 minute drive to Big Trees State Park and Pinecrest Lake. Yosemite National Park is about 1-1/2 hour drive to the Yosemite valley floor. Check for YARTS for transportation from downtown Sonora to Yosemite valley. There are several rafting outfitters in the area. Restaurants in the immediate vicinity include Mandy's Breakfast-Lunch, Columbia Frosty, El Jardin, St. Charles Saloon Pizza. Gas, diesel mini mart, market store nearby.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$65
 / night

8. Unplug for nature, dogs, and kids

98%
(26)
30mi from Bear Valley · 3 sites · Lodging
Do you love nature and need a peaceful getaway? Love hanging out with family and friends, watching the kids run around and being free? Or how about letting your fur babies sniff their hearts out in a private but still close-to-everything setting? Group camping or Solo glamping Retreat property … Located in Calaveras County, just outside Mokelumne Hill and Mountain Ranch, gold country, our Cozy Cabin offers 5.5 acres of outdoor escape. Enjoy your drink of choice next to a warm campfire or inside next to the wood-burning stove. Private cabin: Inside there is one comfy queen bed, a full kitchen, wrap wrap-around table, bench seat, TV cabinet and wood burning stove. There is also a blowup mattress for small kids, or one adult inside. Others can tent camp outside. Maximum of 6 people per booking per insurance requirements. Unplug from the screen and enjoy family time over a board game or a hand in cards. Cell towers provide internet access, but there is No WIFI (on purpose). The property has multiple sitting areas to just hang out and listen to nature. There is a treehouse platform to sit and hang out or pitch a tent on. There is also an 80 ft zip line and multiple hammocks depending on the season to enjoy. Close by River Day use at Vox Beach on Electra Rd. or in Clements on N Mcintire Rd. Both provide bathrooms, parking, picnic options, and access to the Mokelumne River for lounging, kayaking, rafting, and water play. GoCalaveras . com will give you more info on local events, hiking trails, outdoor recreation, wineries, shopping, festivals, events, and attractions to do while visiting. Add-on options: $15 per night: extra supplies chair, tent and air mattress $25 per night Summer Only Creekside tent with full-size air mattress and single-person cot, with bedding. $48 per night for Van sleeping quarters, queen-size bed, large deck with sitting area. Needs advance notice for setup Bring your own firewood or gather up fallen sticks.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$84
 / night

9. Red Dragonfly Ranch

98%
(208)
48mi from Bear Valley · 20 sites · Tents
Red Dragonfly Ranch – Your Yosemite Basecamp in Groveland, CA Discover Red Dragonfly Ranch, a tranquil camping retreat nestled in a beautiful valley along the seasonal Cobb Creek—just 10 minutes from historic downtown Groveland and only 29 miles from Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance. Set in the heart of California’s Gold Country, our ranch offers the perfect balance of quiet seclusion and easy access to adventure. Spend your days hiking Yosemite’s breathtaking trails, exploring Groveland’s charming shops and saloons, or uncovering the rich history of the Sierra Nevada. After a day of exploration, unwind at your private campsite, relax by the fire, and gaze at a brilliant canopy of stars. Ideal for tent campers, vanlifers, and outdoor enthusiasts, Red Dragonfly Ranch provides a peaceful escape surrounded by nature while keeping you close to Yosemite’s wonders. 📍 Location Highlights: • 10 minutes to Groveland’s Main Street dining, drinks & live music • 29 miles to Yosemite National Park (Big Oak Flat entrance) • Convenient to hiking trails, scenic drives & Sierra Nevada adventures Follow us on Instagram @red_dragonfly_ranch for updates and Sierra sunset views! Come for the adventure, stay for the stars—Red Dragonfly Ranch is your perfect gateway to Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

14. Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

97%
(358)
33mi from Bear Valley · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. We have running water on the side of the winery building. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$32
 / night

15. Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

99%
(1249)
29mi from Bear Valley · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$59
 / night

16. Gold Wall Ranch & Vineyard

98%
(86)
43mi from Bear Valley · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
Our property is located above the famous 'Gold Wall' rock climbing area, overlooking Lake Melones. Enjoy the great 360* views of the Sierras and foothills from this 120 acre ranch property. We own a small wine vineyard that offers glamping at its finest. The perfect place to spend one or two nights before your big trip to Yosemite National Park. Our property is NOT recommended for children under 12 yrs old, as we have dangerous cliffs that are straight drop offs. Choose to stay in 1 of our 4 cabins or just pitch a tent and camp under the stars {2 sites available}. The ranch offers fresh Mountain drinking water, with nice shady lawns and Oak trees for shade during the warm Summer weather. Dogs are allowed (2 max) at campsites but NO DOGS in the cabins. We are NOT RESPONSABLE for your animals...they must be on a leash at ALL Times. We have community outdoor areas to enjoy, including picnic tables, a fire pit and a communinal cooking gazebo area equip with BBQ and water. The "Gold Wall" is known for mountain climbing so enjoy the view from above, we offer easy hiking trails, horse shoes, and even mini golf on the "Dragon's Teeth" 6-hole . Looking to relax and rejuvinate your Spirit, book a massage with Michele, a licensed massage therapist, or hang out at the Hawks Lair wine bar on the cliffs edge, overlooking the Gold Wall and Lake Melones. Enjoy the sunset and take in the beauty of the night sky.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night

17. King Madrone

96%
(28)
43mi from Bear Valley · 4 sites · Tents
Learn more about this land: Tent sites are next to the pear orchard. Choose any site. There is no need to meet with the host when you arrive. Follow the red arrows. Do not proceed the home located at 1071 Fruitridge. Look for the Hipcamp sign and red arrow markers and turn left into the orchard lane. Location: Use google maps and locate 1071 Fruitridge Rd in Placerville, CA. When you get to 1071, which is a house on the right side of the paved driveway, look for our Hipcamp sign in red, turn hard right into the orchard and follow the red arrows past a wood barn, and up to a small red shed. At this point you may camp in the meadow next to the shed or you may proceed to the next meadow over to the left (follow red arrows and look for umbrellas). We normally only have one site occupied per evening. Ocaisonally two sites will be occupied. The sites are very private and quiet as this is a large, private ranch. You can park close to your tent site. 2WD / 4WD access weather permitting. We offer 3 sites in a large meadow area. Max of 4 persons per site. RV's welcome but we do not have hookups. RV's will be parked next to our barns surrounded by pear orchards. Fresh drinking water is available in the tent meadow area. Hot showers are now available at $10 extra per nite per site. A gas BBQ is now available at a common area. Please don't move the BBQ. Deer, wild turkeys, geese aplenty. Ample walking opportunities on our ranch and wild forestlands and amazing granite rock outcrops. Visit the South Fork of the American River (you can raft in summer!) Hunt for old gold mines on our place and, maybe, find some new ones! Go wine tasting very close by (Lava Cap, Madrone, Boeger) and visit Sutter's Mill in Coloma, where gold was discovered back in 1848.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$40
 / night

19. Paradise Shores Camp

98%
(938)
47mi from Bear Valley · 46 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. Together with our crew, we're excited to welcome you into our newly adopted home. We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe. So turn off your phone and turn on your senses. It’s important to us that our guests don’t feel they are renting a tent/RV site or a camper as much as they’re immersing themselves into the outdoor experience. You may just want to sit outside and read for days, enjoy campfires and eat s'mores. For more adventurous, there's a full slate of self-guided recreational activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, ATVing, rock climbing, biking, natural water slides, stand up paddle boards, bird watching, available in the area. We do have modern conveniences such as wifi internet; however, we encourage our guests to “unplug” and immerse in the slow paced life instead. At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. We prefer to use products that are produced in a sustainable way and avoid those that aren't. We are continuously reducing the amount of waste we generate and actively promote recycling of aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard. We pack our own recycling and haul it to the nearest recycling facility which is an hour away. We co-opt the drive with other activities to reduce waste. We don’t use individually packaged toiletries or one-use products. We use plant and planet friendly detergent. We're based in a desert. We share our precious water with the entire planet. With only 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth, the decreasing amounts of access to quality fresh water is alarming to us. We monitor how we use water in our day-to-day activities and are constantly working on ways to reduce our consumption of fresh-water resources. We hope you can help us maintain this greener camping! We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world. We’re surrounded on three sides by the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, and Twin Lakes, as well as the historic gold-mining town of Bodie, CA are all within a short drive from our place. We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings. Pet Policy All our RV & Tent sites are pet friendly and we allow up to two dogs per reservation for a small fee. We can also accommodate up to two four-legged campers in our pet-friendly Baja or Tatra trailers for a small fee, we ask that they stay off the furniture (beds, sofas etc.) and are not left in the rental unattended. We love dogs, but sadly won’t be able to accommodate heavily shedding pets that aren’t house trained. Additionally, our insurance will not allow "aggressive breeds" that include any mix of: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, German Sheppard. Please pick up after your pup and use a leash when at the camp. Thank you in advance for your consideration and help in keeping our camp a mellow and enjoyable place for everyone.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$34
 / night

20. Foothill Ridge

95%
(163)
31mi from Bear Valley · 1 site · Tent, RV
Home of Mama Earth Farm, this 20 acre foothill property offers a rural but accessible location to connect with nature. Enjoy a simple place to call home after exploring the many nearby activities such as swimming in the local rivers, rock climbing, bike riding, hiking and wine tasting. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent under the shade of an old oak tree. Clean, level, soft tent spaces are maintained and the meadow grasses are trimmed. Enjoy easy access from the road and the serenity of the night in the foothills. No lights, just a dark sky of stars. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset from this spot with a huge canyon overlook a couple hundred feet away from your tent. The Caldor fire burned several acres of this property in 2021 which makes the landscape pretty interesting, especially from the elevated sky deck platform that looks over the cany Organic produce is available from the farm (like you can walk out and pick something yummy in your bare feet) Visually private, pretty quite, and simply beautiful.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Looking to go camping near Bear Valley, California? Hipcamp has over 1,700 options for you to choose from! Whether you're into historic sites, climbing, or boating, there's a campsite for you. Check out some of our top-rated options like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews). With prices as low as $20 per night and an average price of $70 per night, you can enjoy your favorite activities and amenities like pets, trash, and campfires. Happy camping!

95% (8.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bear Valley

1. Finnon Lake Recreation Area

95%
(2337)
44mi from Bear Valley · 39 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

2. Diamond Gulch

96%
(1160)
44mi from Bear Valley · 41 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Groups of 15 or more use this code for 15% off your stay! ADMXESCZ Check out this sweet YouTube video of the property! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEvKF5nqcUM Early and late check-out available on tent/rv sites, free of charge. Just message me if you need an earlier check in! Free firewood! We are 30 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. Be near the park, but feel that complete privacy. These sites are very spaced out from each other and are large. No need to cram together! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$38
 / night

3. Wondernut Farm

97%
(612)
48mi from Bear Valley · 4 sites · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$77
 / night

6. Sweet Water Ranch

35mi from Bear Valley · 2 sites · Tents
🐖 Sweet Water Ranch – Columbia, California Welcome to Sweet Water Ranch, a working regenerative ranch nestled in the scenic Sierra foothills of Columbia, California. As you arrive, you’ll drive through the heart of our pasture-raised pork operation, catching glimpses of our heritage Berkshire hogs and the rhythm of daily ranch life. From there, you’ll continue to your private campsite, tucked away on the back side of the property. Our campsites sit on a level pad surrounded by open sky and natural beauty—ideal for stargazing, quiet reflection, or simply enjoying a peaceful night’s rest under the stars. While you’ll have plenty of privacy, your journey through the ranch offers an authentic glimpse into real ranch living. You’ll pass by our animals and the day-to-day workings of a family-run farm, creating a unique and memorable camping experience. 🍯 Local Products Available During your stay, you’re welcome to purchase some of the incredible food produced right here on the ranch. We offer our pasture-raised California Berkshire pork and raw, local honey, giving you a chance to taste the quality and care that goes into everything we raise and produce. Sweet Water Ranch offers a quiet, genuine escape where you can unplug and connect with the land—all while being just a short drive from Columbia’s historic downtown and the majestic wilderness of the Yosemite Region.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$30
 / night

7. Squirrel Rock RV Campground

100%
(172)
36mi from Bear Valley · 2 sites · RVs
Private gated RV campground in the Gold Country. Located in the historic townsite of Columbia known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines". There is 1 site so you'll have the campground to yourselves. There are 2 electrical panels so you can bring your family or friends if you like. If there are 2 RV's you can reserve the campground as a double site. WE ONLY ACCEPT FULLY SELF CONTAINED RV'S ONLY. NO TENTS NO LONG TERM STAYS. Campsite has 2 electric pedestals 50/30/110. Water hookups at each site. NO SEWER. NO DUMP NO RESTROOMS AVAILABLE. Includes picnic table, camp fire ring, Weber BBQ, doggie station, horseshoe pit, corn hole, walking trails, and garbage/recycle bins. Winter camping dates subject to weather conditions. Located 0.6 mile to Columbia State Historic Park, parking and entrance is free and open year around. It is about a 15 minute walk. Close to Murphys, New Melones lake and Tuttletown recreation area, Moaning Caverns, Downtown Sonora, Mother Lode Escape Rooms, Columbia Airport, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Black Oak Casino, Chicken Ranch Casino, Indigeny Reserve, Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp with other wineries and breweries nearby. About a 50 minute drive to Big Trees State Park and Pinecrest Lake. Yosemite National Park is about 1-1/2 hour drive to the Yosemite valley floor. Check for YARTS for transportation from downtown Sonora to Yosemite valley. There are several rafting outfitters in the area. Restaurants in the immediate vicinity include Mandy's Breakfast-Lunch, Columbia Frosty, El Jardin, St. Charles Saloon Pizza. Gas, diesel mini mart, market store nearby.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$65
 / night

8. Unplug for nature, dogs, and kids

98%
(26)
30mi from Bear Valley · 3 sites · Lodging
Do you love nature and need a peaceful getaway? Love hanging out with family and friends, watching the kids run around and being free? Or how about letting your fur babies sniff their hearts out in a private but still close-to-everything setting? Group camping or Solo glamping Retreat property … Located in Calaveras County, just outside Mokelumne Hill and Mountain Ranch, gold country, our Cozy Cabin offers 5.5 acres of outdoor escape. Enjoy your drink of choice next to a warm campfire or inside next to the wood-burning stove. Private cabin: Inside there is one comfy queen bed, a full kitchen, wrap wrap-around table, bench seat, TV cabinet and wood burning stove. There is also a blowup mattress for small kids, or one adult inside. Others can tent camp outside. Maximum of 6 people per booking per insurance requirements. Unplug from the screen and enjoy family time over a board game or a hand in cards. Cell towers provide internet access, but there is No WIFI (on purpose). The property has multiple sitting areas to just hang out and listen to nature. There is a treehouse platform to sit and hang out or pitch a tent on. There is also an 80 ft zip line and multiple hammocks depending on the season to enjoy. Close by River Day use at Vox Beach on Electra Rd. or in Clements on N Mcintire Rd. Both provide bathrooms, parking, picnic options, and access to the Mokelumne River for lounging, kayaking, rafting, and water play. GoCalaveras . com will give you more info on local events, hiking trails, outdoor recreation, wineries, shopping, festivals, events, and attractions to do while visiting. Add-on options: $15 per night: extra supplies chair, tent and air mattress $25 per night Summer Only Creekside tent with full-size air mattress and single-person cot, with bedding. $48 per night for Van sleeping quarters, queen-size bed, large deck with sitting area. Needs advance notice for setup Bring your own firewood or gather up fallen sticks.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$84
 / night

9. Red Dragonfly Ranch

98%
(208)
48mi from Bear Valley · 20 sites · Tents
Red Dragonfly Ranch – Your Yosemite Basecamp in Groveland, CA Discover Red Dragonfly Ranch, a tranquil camping retreat nestled in a beautiful valley along the seasonal Cobb Creek—just 10 minutes from historic downtown Groveland and only 29 miles from Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance. Set in the heart of California’s Gold Country, our ranch offers the perfect balance of quiet seclusion and easy access to adventure. Spend your days hiking Yosemite’s breathtaking trails, exploring Groveland’s charming shops and saloons, or uncovering the rich history of the Sierra Nevada. After a day of exploration, unwind at your private campsite, relax by the fire, and gaze at a brilliant canopy of stars. Ideal for tent campers, vanlifers, and outdoor enthusiasts, Red Dragonfly Ranch provides a peaceful escape surrounded by nature while keeping you close to Yosemite’s wonders. 📍 Location Highlights: • 10 minutes to Groveland’s Main Street dining, drinks & live music • 29 miles to Yosemite National Park (Big Oak Flat entrance) • Convenient to hiking trails, scenic drives & Sierra Nevada adventures Follow us on Instagram @red_dragonfly_ranch for updates and Sierra sunset views! Come for the adventure, stay for the stars—Red Dragonfly Ranch is your perfect gateway to Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

14. Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

97%
(358)
33mi from Bear Valley · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. We have running water on the side of the winery building. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$32
 / night

15. Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

99%
(1249)
29mi from Bear Valley · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$59
 / night

16. Gold Wall Ranch & Vineyard

98%
(86)
43mi from Bear Valley · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
Our property is located above the famous 'Gold Wall' rock climbing area, overlooking Lake Melones. Enjoy the great 360* views of the Sierras and foothills from this 120 acre ranch property. We own a small wine vineyard that offers glamping at its finest. The perfect place to spend one or two nights before your big trip to Yosemite National Park. Our property is NOT recommended for children under 12 yrs old, as we have dangerous cliffs that are straight drop offs. Choose to stay in 1 of our 4 cabins or just pitch a tent and camp under the stars {2 sites available}. The ranch offers fresh Mountain drinking water, with nice shady lawns and Oak trees for shade during the warm Summer weather. Dogs are allowed (2 max) at campsites but NO DOGS in the cabins. We are NOT RESPONSABLE for your animals...they must be on a leash at ALL Times. We have community outdoor areas to enjoy, including picnic tables, a fire pit and a communinal cooking gazebo area equip with BBQ and water. The "Gold Wall" is known for mountain climbing so enjoy the view from above, we offer easy hiking trails, horse shoes, and even mini golf on the "Dragon's Teeth" 6-hole . Looking to relax and rejuvinate your Spirit, book a massage with Michele, a licensed massage therapist, or hang out at the Hawks Lair wine bar on the cliffs edge, overlooking the Gold Wall and Lake Melones. Enjoy the sunset and take in the beauty of the night sky.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night

17. King Madrone

96%
(28)
43mi from Bear Valley · 4 sites · Tents
Learn more about this land: Tent sites are next to the pear orchard. Choose any site. There is no need to meet with the host when you arrive. Follow the red arrows. Do not proceed the home located at 1071 Fruitridge. Look for the Hipcamp sign and red arrow markers and turn left into the orchard lane. Location: Use google maps and locate 1071 Fruitridge Rd in Placerville, CA. When you get to 1071, which is a house on the right side of the paved driveway, look for our Hipcamp sign in red, turn hard right into the orchard and follow the red arrows past a wood barn, and up to a small red shed. At this point you may camp in the meadow next to the shed or you may proceed to the next meadow over to the left (follow red arrows and look for umbrellas). We normally only have one site occupied per evening. Ocaisonally two sites will be occupied. The sites are very private and quiet as this is a large, private ranch. You can park close to your tent site. 2WD / 4WD access weather permitting. We offer 3 sites in a large meadow area. Max of 4 persons per site. RV's welcome but we do not have hookups. RV's will be parked next to our barns surrounded by pear orchards. Fresh drinking water is available in the tent meadow area. Hot showers are now available at $10 extra per nite per site. A gas BBQ is now available at a common area. Please don't move the BBQ. Deer, wild turkeys, geese aplenty. Ample walking opportunities on our ranch and wild forestlands and amazing granite rock outcrops. Visit the South Fork of the American River (you can raft in summer!) Hunt for old gold mines on our place and, maybe, find some new ones! Go wine tasting very close by (Lava Cap, Madrone, Boeger) and visit Sutter's Mill in Coloma, where gold was discovered back in 1848.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$40
 / night

19. Paradise Shores Camp

98%
(938)
47mi from Bear Valley · 46 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. Together with our crew, we're excited to welcome you into our newly adopted home. We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe. So turn off your phone and turn on your senses. It’s important to us that our guests don’t feel they are renting a tent/RV site or a camper as much as they’re immersing themselves into the outdoor experience. You may just want to sit outside and read for days, enjoy campfires and eat s'mores. For more adventurous, there's a full slate of self-guided recreational activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, ATVing, rock climbing, biking, natural water slides, stand up paddle boards, bird watching, available in the area. We do have modern conveniences such as wifi internet; however, we encourage our guests to “unplug” and immerse in the slow paced life instead. At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. We prefer to use products that are produced in a sustainable way and avoid those that aren't. We are continuously reducing the amount of waste we generate and actively promote recycling of aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard. We pack our own recycling and haul it to the nearest recycling facility which is an hour away. We co-opt the drive with other activities to reduce waste. We don’t use individually packaged toiletries or one-use products. We use plant and planet friendly detergent. We're based in a desert. We share our precious water with the entire planet. With only 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth, the decreasing amounts of access to quality fresh water is alarming to us. We monitor how we use water in our day-to-day activities and are constantly working on ways to reduce our consumption of fresh-water resources. We hope you can help us maintain this greener camping! We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world. We’re surrounded on three sides by the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, and Twin Lakes, as well as the historic gold-mining town of Bodie, CA are all within a short drive from our place. We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings. Pet Policy All our RV & Tent sites are pet friendly and we allow up to two dogs per reservation for a small fee. We can also accommodate up to two four-legged campers in our pet-friendly Baja or Tatra trailers for a small fee, we ask that they stay off the furniture (beds, sofas etc.) and are not left in the rental unattended. We love dogs, but sadly won’t be able to accommodate heavily shedding pets that aren’t house trained. Additionally, our insurance will not allow "aggressive breeds" that include any mix of: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, German Sheppard. Please pick up after your pup and use a leash when at the camp. Thank you in advance for your consideration and help in keeping our camp a mellow and enjoyable place for everyone.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$34
 / night

20. Foothill Ridge

95%
(163)
31mi from Bear Valley · 1 site · Tent, RV
Home of Mama Earth Farm, this 20 acre foothill property offers a rural but accessible location to connect with nature. Enjoy a simple place to call home after exploring the many nearby activities such as swimming in the local rivers, rock climbing, bike riding, hiking and wine tasting. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent under the shade of an old oak tree. Clean, level, soft tent spaces are maintained and the meadow grasses are trimmed. Enjoy easy access from the road and the serenity of the night in the foothills. No lights, just a dark sky of stars. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset from this spot with a huge canyon overlook a couple hundred feet away from your tent. The Caldor fire burned several acres of this property in 2021 which makes the landscape pretty interesting, especially from the elevated sky deck platform that looks over the cany Organic produce is available from the farm (like you can walk out and pick something yummy in your bare feet) Visually private, pretty quite, and simply beautiful.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field