Lake Camping in Catheys Valley, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
—
California
—
Catheys Valley

96% (1206 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Catheys Valley

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(4)

Private Lake Event center

1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Auberry, CA

Immerse yourself in a well-maintained forest, featuring a vast meadow and a serene five-acre lake. Shaded tent areas provide comfort, while trails reveal diverse flora and fauna. Bask in the beauty of sunlight filtering through trees, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the tranquility of the reflective lake. Discover nature's harmony in this captivating sanctuary.

The Painted Lake

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Copperopolis, CA

Kayaks, Eggs & firewood provided. Explore BLM and Reclamation land along the shores of New Melones reservoir near Angels Camp. Horses, goats, sheep , and chickens await you on every fence line you come to. Kayak on the waters below us as you camp on our vineyard fenced 20 acre private scenery. Our land is surrounded by 100’s of acres of lake front - public Federal lands surrounded by our private acreage .

96%

(66)

Musick Creek Falls

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Sacramento, CA

Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres that lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 4800ft (1.65 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire of four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, 4×4 roads, hunting, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake, and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including but not limited to; hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, star gazing and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, can be a challenge for vehicles very low to the ground. There is water, and trash and a composting outhouse on site. My husband and I stay here on site as much as the weather permits, to serve out heaping amounts of privacy, or hospitality. It's up to you. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all 3 waterfalls, and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here. It's undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweat shirt is perfect most nights and not too hot in the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option, whereas campgrounds and cabins in the area are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents and camping gear, blankets etc. if you forget something. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the Golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be advised Winter months December through April there will be no host on site and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, https://musickcreekfalls.com.

95%

(301)

BaseCampByBo!

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Groveland, CA

If you are looking for man made and leveled campsites, then this is not your basecamp. This land is a gorgeous 20 acres that means a lot to us. It's space to find your peace of mind and pitch a tent or hammock, as you would when hiking the backcountry. Aside from complimentary ice water, potty, shower, soaps, sanitizer, sunscreen, first aid, communal fire pit, wood stove and dishwashing area) this is not "glamping". If you are a person who appreciates nature and making due with what the land has provided, then we are a great fit. Guests have 20 acres to find a secluded, or socially distanced spot to pitch camp. This is for people that know how to camp in the backcountry - Without a trash can, who don’t leave cigarette butts, respect the land and would rather not be sectioned off. Flat areas are all over if you explore, and use your feet to brush aside rocks and twigs, to lay down a tent base, as we do every time we camp in the backcountry. The geography of these mountains is just that, hills and mountains. The vista at the top of the property is gorgeous and easily camps 5 tents spaced out. The property does offer many other great camping areas, and I’m more than happy to point them out. Yosemite is 30 minutes away, Don Pedro lake is 30 minutes, Cherry Lake is 30 minutes, Preston falls and Carlon falls are both 30 min away. Downtown Groveland Is 7 minutes away, and other historic towns are not too far. Close to many swimming holes. Rainbow pools is 15 minutes away. 10 min from the local grocery store and other local shops. Base Camp is just off of highway 120. Sonora has a great farmers market on Sunday and is a beautiful 40 min drive away. Thank you for taking time to read this, we look forward to hosting you! -Best Jarrett & Bo

10 top lakeside campgrounds near Catheys Valley

100%

(11)

The Painted Lake

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Copperopolis, CA

Kayaks, Eggs & firewood provided. Explore BLM and Reclamation land along the shores of New Melones reservoir near Angels Camp. Horses, goats, sheep , and chickens await you on every fence line you come to. Kayak on the waters below us as you camp on our vineyard fenced 20 acre private scenery. Our land is surrounded by 100’s of acres of lake front - public Federal lands surrounded by our private acreage .

94%

(1141)

Southgate Summit-closed for winter

8 sites · Tents20 acres · Oakhurst, CA

Hey Campers! We are temporarily closed for the winter.... but back open April 1st! See you then! This area was once inhabited by local native American Tribes. In the 1840's prospectors arrived in search of gold but none was found in the immediate area. Old Yosemite Base camp was along the route into Yosemite National Park prior to the construction of Highway 41. Horse and Carriage traveled along Old Yosemite Road from Mariposa and the entire golden state. Visitors from the world now pass through Oakhurst to Yosemite National Park along this route. Don't for to check out Bass Lake and its full service amenities. ALL CAMP SITES REQUIRE 4 WHEEL DRIVE or All-Wheel drive- NO Exceptions. Hipcampers, come pitch your tent at one of five Old Yosemite Base Camp drive in and walk in sites. OYBC offers over six acres of pine, oak, and bay trees, sprinkled around large granite features that remind you that Half Dome is not far away! Each unique site is equipped with a stone fire ring with cook top and a picnic table accommodating four person dining. Old Yosemite Base Camp is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and stargaze next to a campfire after an adventurous day in the southern Yosemite region. Yosemite tent camping without all the crowds and tour buses is what you can expect. Backing up to the Sierra National Forest OYBC is conveniently located near HWY 41 just 14 miles from Yosemite’s south gate entrance. The region also offers a large amount of hiking trails where you can find swim holes, waterfalls giant sequoias, lakes, and rivers. Take 15-minute drive to Bass Lake and enjoy water sports and lake view dining. OYBC offers five camp sites and all wheel drive is required to get to the top of camp. OYBC sites 1, 2, 3, are drive up sites and 4 & 5 are walk in sites that have a separate parking area. All wheel drive is still needed to get to this lot. Have a large group? Old Yosemite Base Camp offers discounts for larger parties of up to 25 campers. Message OYBC to reserve the whole mountainside to yourselves!

97%

(530)

Wondernut Farm

4 sites · Lodging37 acres · Big Oak Flat, CA

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.

BaseCampByBo!

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Groveland, CA

If you are looking for man made and leveled campsites, then this is not your basecamp. This land is a gorgeous 20 acres that means a lot to us. It's space to find your peace of mind and pitch a tent or hammock, as you would when hiking the backcountry. Aside from complimentary ice water, potty, shower, soaps, sanitizer, sunscreen, first aid, communal fire pit, wood stove and dishwashing area) this is not "glamping". If you are a person who appreciates nature and making due with what the land has provided, then we are a great fit. Guests have 20 acres to find a secluded, or socially distanced spot to pitch camp. This is for people that know how to camp in the backcountry - Without a trash can, who don’t leave cigarette butts, respect the land and would rather not be sectioned off. Flat areas are all over if you explore, and use your feet to brush aside rocks and twigs, to lay down a tent base, as we do every time we camp in the backcountry. The geography of these mountains is just that, hills and mountains. The vista at the top of the property is gorgeous and easily camps 5 tents spaced out. The property does offer many other great camping areas, and I’m more than happy to point them out. Yosemite is 30 minutes away, Don Pedro lake is 30 minutes, Cherry Lake is 30 minutes, Preston falls and Carlon falls are both 30 min away. Downtown Groveland Is 7 minutes away, and other historic towns are not too far. Close to many swimming holes. Rainbow pools is 15 minutes away. 10 min from the local grocery store and other local shops. Base Camp is just off of highway 120. Sonora has a great farmers market on Sunday and is a beautiful 40 min drive away. Thank you for taking time to read this, we look forward to hosting you! -Best Jarrett & Bo

Musick Creek Falls

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Sacramento, CA

Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres that lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 4800ft (1.65 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire of four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, 4×4 roads, hunting, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake, and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including but not limited to; hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, star gazing and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, can be a challenge for vehicles very low to the ground. There is water, and trash and a composting outhouse on site. My husband and I stay here on site as much as the weather permits, to serve out heaping amounts of privacy, or hospitality. It's up to you. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all 3 waterfalls, and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here. It's undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweat shirt is perfect most nights and not too hot in the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option, whereas campgrounds and cabins in the area are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents and camping gear, blankets etc. if you forget something. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the Golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be advised Winter months December through April there will be no host on site and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, https://musickcreekfalls.com.

Mommapeggs Getaway in the seirra

16 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Jamestown, CA

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

Starry Views on Anahata Lake

2 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Vallecito, CA

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

Saved 1 time

Twain Harte Glamping

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Twain Harte, CA

This Glamping experience features a large outdoor tent and a hot tub that is steps away from the tent. The back yard to our cabin is a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors, lounge by the fire table, outdoor grill and the having the luxury of a cabin with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Kitchen, Dining Room and Living Room. There are multiple lakes nearby and plenty of hiking. We are also 1.5 hours away from Yosemite.

Private Lake Event center

1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Auberry, CA

Immerse yourself in a well-maintained forest, featuring a vast meadow and a serene five-acre lake. Shaded tent areas provide comfort, while trails reveal diverse flora and fauna. Bask in the beauty of sunlight filtering through trees, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the tranquility of the reflective lake. Discover nature's harmony in this captivating sanctuary.

Alpaca Your Bags Tent Camp

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Bonadelle Ranchos Madera Ranchos, CA

Camp in the county with beautiful sunsets, sunrises, and night sky. A & M Ranch (40 acres) is located 10 min north of Fresno and near Hwy 41 which leads to the mountains. Many travelers stop here on their way to the national parks (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia). We are also close to hiking trails, lakes, Sierra mountains, wineries, farmers' markets, and casinos. When you arrive, you will see our four alpacas in their pen. We have designated spots for Tent camping, although if you'd like another spot for tent camping let us know. Each site is listed separately. We are listed on other platforms, so there may be other guests here. Marta also has she shop if you are interested in refurbished items or alpaca products. We are not a day camp, so if you stay a few nights, we expect you will be out most of the day. You may hear coyotes at night, see lots of squirrels and wild bunnies. Be careful of squirrel holes. We are generally only open Fri. Sat, however, we do make exceptions. Please read the rules and safety. *** If we do not respond right away and give approval it is because sometimes our schedule changes. We usually respond WITHIN the week of your stay.

Available this weekend

94%

(1141)

Southgate Summit-closed for winter

8 sites · Tents20 acres · Oakhurst, CA

Hey Campers! We are temporarily closed for the winter.... but back open April 1st! See you then! This area was once inhabited by local native American Tribes. In the 1840's prospectors arrived in search of gold but none was found in the immediate area. Old Yosemite Base camp was along the route into Yosemite National Park prior to the construction of Highway 41. Horse and Carriage traveled along Old Yosemite Road from Mariposa and the entire golden state. Visitors from the world now pass through Oakhurst to Yosemite National Park along this route. Don't for to check out Bass Lake and its full service amenities. ALL CAMP SITES REQUIRE 4 WHEEL DRIVE or All-Wheel drive- NO Exceptions. Hipcampers, come pitch your tent at one of five Old Yosemite Base Camp drive in and walk in sites. OYBC offers over six acres of pine, oak, and bay trees, sprinkled around large granite features that remind you that Half Dome is not far away! Each unique site is equipped with a stone fire ring with cook top and a picnic table accommodating four person dining. Old Yosemite Base Camp is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and stargaze next to a campfire after an adventurous day in the southern Yosemite region. Yosemite tent camping without all the crowds and tour buses is what you can expect. Backing up to the Sierra National Forest OYBC is conveniently located near HWY 41 just 14 miles from Yosemite’s south gate entrance. The region also offers a large amount of hiking trails where you can find swim holes, waterfalls giant sequoias, lakes, and rivers. Take 15-minute drive to Bass Lake and enjoy water sports and lake view dining. OYBC offers five camp sites and all wheel drive is required to get to the top of camp. OYBC sites 1, 2, 3, are drive up sites and 4 & 5 are walk in sites that have a separate parking area. All wheel drive is still needed to get to this lot. Have a large group? Old Yosemite Base Camp offers discounts for larger parties of up to 25 campers. Message OYBC to reserve the whole mountainside to yourselves!

Musick Creek Falls

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Sacramento, CA

Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres that lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 4800ft (1.65 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire of four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, 4×4 roads, hunting, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake, and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including but not limited to; hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, star gazing and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, can be a challenge for vehicles very low to the ground. There is water, and trash and a composting outhouse on site. My husband and I stay here on site as much as the weather permits, to serve out heaping amounts of privacy, or hospitality. It's up to you. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all 3 waterfalls, and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here. It's undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweat shirt is perfect most nights and not too hot in the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option, whereas campgrounds and cabins in the area are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents and camping gear, blankets etc. if you forget something. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the Golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be advised Winter months December through April there will be no host on site and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, https://musickcreekfalls.com.

BaseCampByBo!

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Groveland, CA

If you are looking for man made and leveled campsites, then this is not your basecamp. This land is a gorgeous 20 acres that means a lot to us. It's space to find your peace of mind and pitch a tent or hammock, as you would when hiking the backcountry. Aside from complimentary ice water, potty, shower, soaps, sanitizer, sunscreen, first aid, communal fire pit, wood stove and dishwashing area) this is not "glamping". If you are a person who appreciates nature and making due with what the land has provided, then we are a great fit. Guests have 20 acres to find a secluded, or socially distanced spot to pitch camp. This is for people that know how to camp in the backcountry - Without a trash can, who don’t leave cigarette butts, respect the land and would rather not be sectioned off. Flat areas are all over if you explore, and use your feet to brush aside rocks and twigs, to lay down a tent base, as we do every time we camp in the backcountry. The geography of these mountains is just that, hills and mountains. The vista at the top of the property is gorgeous and easily camps 5 tents spaced out. The property does offer many other great camping areas, and I’m more than happy to point them out. Yosemite is 30 minutes away, Don Pedro lake is 30 minutes, Cherry Lake is 30 minutes, Preston falls and Carlon falls are both 30 min away. Downtown Groveland Is 7 minutes away, and other historic towns are not too far. Close to many swimming holes. Rainbow pools is 15 minutes away. 10 min from the local grocery store and other local shops. Base Camp is just off of highway 120. Sonora has a great farmers market on Sunday and is a beautiful 40 min drive away. Thank you for taking time to read this, we look forward to hosting you! -Best Jarrett & Bo

The Painted Lake

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Copperopolis, CA

Kayaks, Eggs & firewood provided. Explore BLM and Reclamation land along the shores of New Melones reservoir near Angels Camp. Horses, goats, sheep , and chickens await you on every fence line you come to. Kayak on the waters below us as you camp on our vineyard fenced 20 acre private scenery. Our land is surrounded by 100’s of acres of lake front - public Federal lands surrounded by our private acreage .

Wondernut Farm

4 sites · Lodging37 acres · Big Oak Flat, CA

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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Glacier point, definitely recommended! Get here EARLY in the morning for a damn good sunrise, and before the tour busses show up (or snag a wilderness permit and stay overnight!)

97%

(1537)

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley, California

92%

(171)

Sierra National Forest

Big Creek, California

93%

(165)

Stanislaus National Forest

Strawberry, California

100%

(2)

Eastman Lake

Yosemite Lakes, California

100%

(2)

Hensley Lake

Yosemite Lakes, California

83%

(7)

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area

Hickman, California

80%

(9)

Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

Friant, California

Lakeside camping near Catheys Valley guide

Overview

Looking to embark on a camping adventure near Catheys Valley, California? Look no further than Hipcamp, the go-to website for finding the perfect camping spot. With over 1670 options in the area, you're sure to find the ideal accommodation for your outdoor getaway. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in a cozy cabin, Hipcamp has got you covered. Need some inspiration? Check out the top-rated campsites like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews), and The Meadows at Isleton (514 reviews). Get ready to enjoy popular activities like snow sports, fishing, and wildlife watching, all while taking advantage of popular amenities such as campfires, potable water, and toilets. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!