12 Best Private Campsites Near Carnelian Bay, CA, US 2026

If you're looking to experience the great outdoors near Carnelian Bay, California, Hipcamp has over 200 private campsites available. With options as low as $15 per night and an average price of $80 per night, you can find the perfect spot that fits your budget. Some of the top campsites in the area include Cosumnes River Ranch (382 reviews), Maple Creek Ranch (307 reviews), and Yosemite Garden Camp (194 reviews). These sites offer popular amenities such as pets allowed, potable water, and cooking equipment. And if you're into horseback riding, wildlife watching, or paddling, you'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy these activities during your camping trip. So why wait? Start planning your outdoor adventure today!

98% (409)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking to experience the great outdoors near Carnelian Bay, California, Hipcamp has over 200 private campsites available. With options as low as $15 per night and an average price of $80 per night, you can find the perfect spot that fits your budget. Some of the top campsites in the area include Cosumnes River Ranch (382 reviews), Maple Creek Ranch (307 reviews), and Yosemite Garden Camp (194 reviews). These sites offer popular amenities such as pets allowed, potable water, and cooking equipment. And if you're into horseback riding, wildlife watching, or paddling, you'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy these activities during your camping trip. So why wait? Start planning your outdoor adventure today!

98% (409)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

96%

(111)

47mi from Carnelian Bay · 3 sites · Lodging · Colfax, CA

Our property is lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live on over 30 private, beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house, and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. Please note the Cabin is set on a seasonal CANNABIS garden. All three sites are vacation spots with AC and WIFI, not just simple accommodations, but experiences. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or drive 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! In summer there is a 3-night minimum for the cabin and dome. Occasionally a two day midweek will pop up on the schedule last minute. To see correct pricing, enter your dates as they can fluctuate with holidays, weekends. Prices are decreased midweek. We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), up to 5 people. -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, up to 4 people. -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional teepee tent site (lakeside)! Up to 6 people. We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent. If you want an epic stay in the forest, private and away from others, this is your place. Also close to Grass Valley (15min), Nevada City (20 min), Colfax (less than 10).

2. Wisdom eco-preserv

97%

(265)

46mi from Carnelian Bay · 39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Nevada City, CA

This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.

3. Private Yurts - Nevada City

98%

(97)

49mi from Carnelian Bay · 2 sites · Lodging · Nevada City, CA

This magical and private Yurt in the woods are just 2 miles from Nevada City Come experience the Beauty of the Sierra Foothills and the Yuba River in our Yurts tucked into the forest just 2 miles from downtown Nevada City. With a natural creek right outside your door and hiking trails right off the deck, this serene and beautiful yurt retreat awaits you. Nevada City is renowned for its excellent food, shopping, nightlife and farmer’s market. A leisurely walk into town takes 45 mins, bike in 15 or drive in 5. Grass Valley is 10 minutes away as well and has more food, shopping, and entertainment for you. Access to the Yuba River is as close as 20 mins to Edwards Crossing and 20 mins to Hoyts Crossing on Highway 49. We absolutely recommend trying to stay for two or more nights so that you can get accustomed to the space, learn the property, settle in, and relax. Each yurt has a wood-fired stove inside with plenty of wood stacked to keep you warm. Each yurt has a kitchen that is fully equipped with a hot plate, toaster oven, microwave, refrigerator, cutlery, pots and pans, grill, etc. Each yurt has a Queen bed with a heating blanket to help keep you cozy throughout the night. Each yurt has its own dedicated wood-fired hot tub. It requires a fire to be lit and maintained to keep it hot.  Things you might like to bring: headlamps,  robe,  flip flops, slippers, hiking shoes. Water: we are on a well and provide fresh drinking water in a container for you. It’s fine to drink, cook, and bathe with the water from the tap but it can have a minerally quality to it. We test the well annually. We provide filtered water but if it runs out, the water out of the tap is safe and delicious. The hot tub: it’s wood fired. This means you have to heat it with a fire to get it hot. This can take many hours to get to the right temperature. It’s a good idea to start a fire right when you get there! This tub may have leaves in it (they fall from above) and cloudy water. The water should NOT smell, the cloudiness is a part of the cedar tubs charm- ash from the fire and particulate from the cedar mix together. We treat it between guests with natural products that maintain the wood (you can’t use chlorine in these tubs). We clean it regularly. Shower before using it to wash off any oils please! The outdoor shower is lovely :) Fireplace: We will leave you a bundle of wood that comes with the rental. If you need more wood you can purchase it from us or from the grocery store. We have lots of wood at the yurt and we ask you to pay $10 per bundle if you use more then we leave you inside. This is on the honor system- It takes a lot of time and resources to keep wood stocked for the property. If you don’t know how to start a fire you may want to bring an instant log with you. Please leave the lighter behind for the next guest. Sleep: we have a heating blanket for cold nights, It’s about 10 degrees cooler on our land than in town. This is a real treat during our hot summers. There will be a fan for you as well during the warm season. We live in the woods, there are bugs and wild animals on/or near the property. This is part of the country charm and should be expected. Please don't leave food outside.  Land acknowledgment: We acknowledge that our property is located on unceeded land. It is the traditional homeland of the Nisenan tribe. The Nisenan tribe is alive and active and continues to fight for federal recognition and compensation for land loss. We donate 10% of AIRBB proceeds between CHIRP which promotes the history and culture of the Nisenan tribe. https://chirpca .org/ And the Bear Yuba Land Trust which helps protect the fragile Yuba watershed. https:// www.bylt .org/is Thank you

4. Om Sweet Om Farm

100%

(6)

45mi from Carnelian Bay · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Grass Valley, CA

Welcome to Om Sweet Om Farms. We are a local couple who have moved away from Los Angeles and come to the country to start our homestead. We offer a forest escape and farm experience with goats, chickens, ducks and more. If you don't have room to bring food, no problem, you can add on Plant Based Ayurvedic catering during your stay. whether you are looking to stay a week in our premium glamping tent and experience Rollins lake and the Yuba River, or stoping through and need a camping spot for the night; we offer a clean, private and spiritual space to restore your senses. Lastly stop by the ceremony space and meditate among the pines and oaks or take a dip in the cold plunge while overlooking the scenic ridge lines over Rollings Lake.

5. Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

94%

(45)

20mi from Carnelian Bay · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Norden, CA

300 acres at 6200’ elevation. Located on donner summits west slope. Great views and easy access. The sites are spaced very well from each other to give great privacy. Nestled among large pines and granite boulders. Union Pacific tracks at the southern edge of the property. Developed camp sites with no hookups. 36 holes of Disc golf on property. Seasonal creeks and South Yuba river very close. 20 mins to Kidd lake, cascade lake and donner lake. 5 mins from Donner Summit and miles of hiking. 20 minutes from Truckee. 45 mins from lake Tahoe. Great on site pizzeria. Please no check-ins after 10pm.

6. Welsh Grizzly Camp

100%

(6)

49mi from Carnelian Bay · 3 sites · RVs · Portola, CA

Tucked in the pines, you'll easily find our 4 acre camping paradise. We offer RV parking with power and water hookups and access to an outhouse. Our sites offer plenty of shade in the trees, picnic benches, a swing set, large open graveled space with outdoor furniture to sit and relax in, play cornhole or grill. Located less than a mile from Lake Davis, for swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, etc. General Store close by, with dump station. Several hiking trails nearby. 5 minute drive to Grizzly Golf Course, 10 minute drive to Portola for Mountain Pizza, Frosty, and more, just 20 minutes to Graeeagle Shops, Breweries, Fine Dining, horseback riding and other activities. This is the perfect place to camp with your family and friends!

Stories from the community

B

Benjamin

6 days ago

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

Awesome property. Serene cabin with beautiful wood framing. Host is very hospitable and interesting.

K

Kristi

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

The farmhouse cabin was super cute and comfortable! The property is beautiful and peaceful. It was perfect for our little weekend getaway. Thanks Erin!

B

Brian

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

My stay was amazing and Adam was very kind, would most definitely recommend!

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Georgios

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Om Sweet Om Farm

Loved this spot! Super cozy and private, with cute farm animals around. Hosts were really friendly and made us feel welcome. Perfect little getaway.

A

Ashley

October 2025

2 nights at Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

Fabulous and peaceful stay! We loved the views, decor, and well equipped cabin. Would love to return!

A

Alyssa

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Private Yurts - Nevada City

This place is magical. We loved every aspect of it, including the hiking trails straight from the property. I highly recommend staying here.

K

Kathryn

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

The Dome was amazing , exactly what the pictures look like. The bathroom is so nice and the craftsmanship of the building is wonderful. The lake is just a short walk behind the property and is gorgeous. I would highly recommend this location and I’ll be coming back in summer for some swimming

Jessica

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Om Sweet Om Farm

Dustin and Om's land, farm, Glampgalore retreat was perfect for our 4 month old's first camping experience. The tent was so cozy, thoughtfully decorated and organized with string lights, a comfortable bed, dresser, side table, and cooking wares. Our dogs had a blast walking the beautiful trails all around and we had the best time feeding acorns to the goats and the cutest pigs you will ever meet. Being followed around by a gaggle of chickens, guinea hens, ducks, and one curious turkey made our trip all the more sweet. Dustin and Om are the best hosts we have ever had on Hipcamp and we will definitely be back in the spring!

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nik

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

I loved staying on Adam's land. The property was gorgeous and Adam was attentive to any needs I had.

Walking on the property- lots of big trees!

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Leah

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

We had a great time at the Shamballa cabin over the weekend! It’s a beautiful rustic cabin in the middle of nature. You’ll get the feel of glamping (only wood burning stove for heat, no bathrooms in the cabin or running hot water (but flush toilet and hot water sink and shower in main house)), but you’ll be staying in a beautiful cabin with comfortable beds, a kitchen to prepare meals and a cozy place to relax. We enjoyed exploring the area and hiking the Dragons nest trail (get ready for some exercise as you go up to the top!). There is so much land to see and we only saw a little bit! I imagine it’s beautiful in the Winter months also! Thank you Adam and we hope to visit another time!

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Chris

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

We had a great stay. Erin’s spot was perfect for our little weekend get away.

S

Steve

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Welsh Grizzly Camp

Our second visit was just as great as the first! Jesse and Angela have an outstanding property and are excellent hosts. We highly recommend them!

G

Gaetano

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

Fantastic space and very responsive hosts. Would definitely come back. If you don't have a 4x4 vehicle, there will be a little walk to the cabin.

M

Mark

September 2025

3 nights at Wisdom eco-preserv

Adam has created a magical, sacred and powerful property in the forest. The cabins and structures are gorgeously crafted, and integrated with the forest. Adam was a very gracious, kind and the instructions on how to arrive to the property we very clear.

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Alexandra

September 2025

4 nights at Wisdom eco-preserv

This land is magical. It has the most beautiful trees and spring and variety of landscape to plant your tent. I stayed in a cabin that was huge with two very comfortable bedrooms and beds and a kitchen. It’s an eco lodge so electricity is solar and toilets are compost so be mindful of that but there’s also a guest flush toilet if really needed. So many trails to hike on. A real treat to be staying in Adam’s land.

Joshua

September 2025

4 nights at Wisdom eco-preserv

The Wisdom Center gets my highest recommendation. Beautiful trees, tons of space, great vibes; enough creature comforts to stabilize your process while still being in touch with the land. Trinity Cabin was spacious (I was alone but a second person would have fit fine), homey, and had an above-and-beyond comfortable bed.

S

Spencer

September 2025

3 nights at Wisdom eco-preserv

THIS PLACE IS AWESOME! Beautiful. The nature is so nice. The steward is kind and helpful.

M

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Om Sweet Om Farm

Dustin and Om’s land is so incredibly beautiful and well loved, they were such outstandingly caring hosts, and the attention to detail + comfort made this such a wonderful trip. The camping tent is beautiful, very clean and comfortable and the sweetie guard dog Billy made us feel so safe and welcome especially since we came in late at night. He keeps the bears and mountain lions away and very politely asks for morning pets in return. Dustin and Om communicated quickly and kindly, and really went above and beyond to help me replace my tire when it blew out on the road nearby- even coming out to meet us and sending us to a trusted nearby garage after. Truly dream hosts who helped make a very special trip go smoothly after some big unexpected hiccups. They really thought of everything you could need to stay comfy, the bed was so good for us, and even the hand built compost toilet was so ingenious- well ventilated, comfortable, clean. Light cooking was easy with the provided kitchen utensils and butane stove, and the dining area outside the tent is soooo peaceful. The area with the tent is private amongst some gorgeous trees, with solar lights that made the place feel magical at night. The ceremony tent is also a very beautiful and special place. All the animals are so well cared for and sweet, it’s truly a family full of love and many vibrant personalities. This place is such a peaceful haven in an unpredictable world, and we are so grateful. Will definitely be back!

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Larelle

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wisdom eco-preserv

Had a wonderful time the cabin was great and plenty of privacy. The dogs had a great time exploring.

C

Cassaundra

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Om Sweet Om Farm

We had a great time at Dustin’s, it was the exact glamping experience I was hoping for. Dustin was helpful and friendly, and the animals were a big plus. The view from the plunge area was amazing! We hope to come back.