The best private sites RV campgrounds near Jackson, California

Burrowed in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Jackson, California is a hidden gem that captivates campers. Campers can set up in town at a campsite with full hookups and wifi. Then, take a 2-hour drive to stunning Yosemite National Park, renowned for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and rock formations. Move on to discover the wonders of Eldorado National Forest, where shimmering alpine lakes, majestic forests, and picturesque meadows invite adventure seekers. For more remote beauty, venture to Lake Tahoe, home to an extensive network of hiking and biking trails and skiing opportunities. On-site campgrounds also make it easy to spend the night at nearby natural attractions.

99% (302)

Top-rated campgrounds

Burrowed in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Jackson, California is a hidden gem that captivates campers. Campers can set up in town at a campsite with full hookups and wifi. Then, take a 2-hour drive to stunning Yosemite National Park, renowned for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and rock formations. Move on to discover the wonders of Eldorado National Forest, where shimmering alpine lakes, majestic forests, and picturesque meadows invite adventure seekers. For more remote beauty, venture to Lake Tahoe, home to an extensive network of hiking and biking trails and skiing opportunities. On-site campgrounds also make it easy to spend the night at nearby natural attractions.

99% (302)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Historical Columbia Campground

97%

(18)

29mi from Jackson · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Columbia, CA

Tucked-Away Camping Retreat Near Historic Columbia Escape to this peaceful, tucked-away slice of land just minutes from the heart of Columbia. Nestled just outside town, the land offers wide, flat space ideal for tent camping or RV parking (no hookups, just how the wild likes it). Enjoy the simplicity of the outdoors with picnic tables, a convenient wash station, and a classic outhouse as your restroom option — true rustic camping charm. Wander along the on-site ¼-mile nature trail or sit back and listen to the sounds of bluejays, woodpeckers, and doves. If you're lucky, you might catch sight of a wild turkey or a deer passing through. Spring and summer evenings bring stunning sunsets you won’t want to miss. Nearby Attractions: Just a 15–20 minute walk (or under a mile drive) to Historic Downtown Columbia 6 miles to the scenic Natural Bridges 6 miles to downtown Sonora — great for shopping, dining, and local brews 13 miles to Murphys, home to charming shops and renowned local wineries 15 miles to Ironstone Vineyard 10miles to the awe-inspiring Moaning Caverns Within 30 miles: five beautiful lakes — New Melones, Don Pedro, Lake Tulloch, Lake Hogan, and Wood Lakes - Perfect for Fishing & Kayaking Independently owned and operated, no other affiliations.

2. The Painted Lake

97%

(130)

27mi from Jackson · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Angels Camp, CA

3. Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

99%

(1249)

23mi from Jackson · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Murphys, CA

Thank you Hipcamper's for many great years of support. Historic Brice Station 100 acres, was a horse stop on the Ebbetts Pass stage line. Horses were fed, watered and swapped here, over 100 years ago. Today, Brice station hosts a ceramics gallery and school, vineyard and tasting room, Blacksmith school, Concert series, Shakespeare performances and Master artist, Michel Olson's, Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden and campground. Born in Berlin, Germany, he has spent much of his life performing, guiding, studying, while travelling and becoming an accomplished artist in wood, stone and iron. Two of his gypsy rigs and several large art installations, are in the meadow next to the forested 6 site campground. Installation include, 100 ft sacred circle, yin/yang, sun dial and calendar. Quadruple Branch Arch. Avenue of art. Glass and Brass over Grass. Stone stage with two bell racks. Wheels of time. Florence the Freightliner. Glass henge. Chain henge. Family altar. Double sand box. Stone spiral Each, of the 6 campsites, have art installations as well. Site 1 is spacious with multiple tent sites, art Steel TeePee, and nice shade oak. Picnic table and some chairs. Parking for 4 cars. Sites 1 and 6 together, with kitchen area, makes a great group site. Site 2, is our largest single site. Multiple tent sites. 2 tables. Branch arch way. Parking for 6 cars. Hammock friendly trees. Site 3, is our cozy site. Multiple tent sites. Wood wizard and frog carving. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars Site 4, has our second metal TeePee, with melted bottle suncatchers. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars Site 5, has Wood Henge, made from one enormous tree. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars. Site 6, has a burningman bicycle fence, and ski lift chair swing. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars. Brice Station Winery, tasting room. Open Fri. - Sun. 12 to 6pm .Quyle Kilns Pottery Gallery, School and ceramic art studio Wed thru Sunday 10am to 6pm Paul Quyle Blacksmith school. C.B.A. member. First and third Sat 9am. Brice Station Vineyard, tasting room and concerts bricestation.com Simply put, art, nature camping, with a hint of history, at its best. Children are full price and must be attended to. No trailers over 14 ft. No campsite open fires June thru Oct. Communal kitchen/crafts area with large tables, BBQ and cook top available. Propane fire rings and counter top stoves allowed in campsite. Leashed dogs welcome, please pick up after. Please no extra loud music or voices.

4. Squirrel Rock RV Campground

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(169)

30mi from Jackson · 2 sites · RVs · Columbia, CA

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.

5. Murray Creek Homestead

100%

(30)

14mi from Jackson · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · San Andreas, CA

Learn more about this land Very remote off grid barn with an outhouse, vegetable garden, fruit trees, and small vineyard that I make wine from. There's a creek that runs through the property with Indian grinding holes. We also have volleyball, horseshoes, hiking trails, and much more! You will be in gold country where you can still find gold in the creek to this day! If you're lucky, you might find a nugget, but there's mostly pickers and fines. The nights are absolutely stunning for viewing the stars with no light pollution. You will have almost complete privacy, with the exception of an occasional over head aircraft. I have only one group at a time.

6. Cosumnes River Ranch

99%

(1896)

12mi from Jackson · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Plymouth, CA

We are a family owned/operated ranch, located along the Cosumnes River, one of the last un-dammed rivers in California. As one of the last rivers flowing from the west slope of the Sierra without a major dam, the Cosumnes is a vital example of a healthy watershed. Our goal is to offer a unique outdoor experience for anyone looking for a place to spend time in the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a single campsite, or a place for a larger gathering, we're excited to have you visit! Take your pick of activities available on site: swimming , gold panning, fishing, camp fires, wildlife watching, floating, hiking, and mountain biking to name a few. There are 3 miles of river to explore. *Please note: We don't allow wood campfires during the summer months (generally the last week of May through September)*

7. Kirkwood Base Camp

100%

(5)

17mi from Jackson · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Pioneer, CA

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this property offers a sense of seclusion and a short drive to Kirkwood Ski Resort and convenient to other area amenities including access to world class hiking, fishing, kayaking and other outdoor summer and winter activities in Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe area. This property is perfect for small families and ski parties looking for comfort and adventure. Located near the incredibly scenic Route 88 in historic gold country you can also visit museums, historic sites and even try your hand at panning for gold.

Camper favorites near Jackson

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Squirrel Rock RV Campground

100%

(169)

30mi from Jackson · 2 sites · RVs · Columbia, CA

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.

Murray Creek Homestead

100%

(30)

14mi from Jackson · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · San Andreas, CA

Learn more about this land Very remote off grid barn with an outhouse, vegetable garden, fruit trees, and small vineyard that I make wine from. There's a creek that runs through the property with Indian grinding holes. We also have volleyball, horseshoes, hiking trails, and much more! You will be in gold country where you can still find gold in the creek to this day! If you're lucky, you might find a nugget, but there's mostly pickers and fines. The nights are absolutely stunning for viewing the stars with no light pollution. You will have almost complete privacy, with the exception of an occasional over head aircraft. I have only one group at a time.

Cosumnes River Ranch

99%

(1896)

12mi from Jackson · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Plymouth, CA

We are a family owned/operated ranch, located along the Cosumnes River, one of the last un-dammed rivers in California. As one of the last rivers flowing from the west slope of the Sierra without a major dam, the Cosumnes is a vital example of a healthy watershed. Our goal is to offer a unique outdoor experience for anyone looking for a place to spend time in the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a single campsite, or a place for a larger gathering, we're excited to have you visit! Take your pick of activities available on site: swimming , gold panning, fishing, camp fires, wildlife watching, floating, hiking, and mountain biking to name a few. There are 3 miles of river to explore. *Please note: We don't allow wood campfires during the summer months (generally the last week of May through September)*

Kirkwood Base Camp

100%

(5)

17mi from Jackson · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Pioneer, CA

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this property offers a sense of seclusion and a short drive to Kirkwood Ski Resort and convenient to other area amenities including access to world class hiking, fishing, kayaking and other outdoor summer and winter activities in Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe area. This property is perfect for small families and ski parties looking for comfort and adventure. Located near the incredibly scenic Route 88 in historic gold country you can also visit museums, historic sites and even try your hand at panning for gold.

Stories from the community

M

Mia

1 week ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Painted Lake

Amazing and attentive hosts, Jeremy is awesome! Super friendly animals on the property and great views of the lake. Highly recommend, hosted our large group with ease. Will be returning!!

G

Garrett

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Historical Columbia Campground

Very peaceful and close to everything there is to do, if you want to go for a hike natural bridges is 15 minutes away

A

Andy

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

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

D

Dennis

3 weeks ago

25 ft travel trailer

1 night at Squirrel Rock RV Campground

Everything was awesome, only I forgot my water hose and Julie called and let me know. I picked it up the next time I was in the area.

S

Samuel

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Murray Creek Homestead

Absolutely amazing place to stay. Scott was very nice and accommodating pack light because almost everything you need is there already. My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful stay there away from everybody and everything. It truly is a hidden gem!

D

Dan

October 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

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

B

Brian

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Squirrel Rock RV Campground

This spot is an absolute gem! It’s so nicely appointed and private. Perfect spot as a home base to explore gold country! We will absolutely be back!

A

Anne

October 2025

22 ft travel trailer

Group trip

1 night at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Pam, Dolores, Michel and crew make the stay at Sierra Circles/ Brice Station/ Quyle Pottery a multi-dimensional experience! Upon arrival, you immediately feel the love of 3 generations of folks who have worked on this land. Michel's incredible sculpture garden is on a beautiful knoll with great views of the area. The campsites are perfect for adventurous campers...RVs shouldn't expect hook-ups and level parking areas, but the artwork, dark skies and prolific bird life are worth it. Michel's sculptures change throughout the day as the sun migrates across the sky. A short walk down the hill takes you to the winery/tasting room, engulfed with Dolores's horticultural magic. Pam's pottery tour takes you back to another time. The music venue is sublime....we will definitely make another trip to see a show! Thank you so much for your warmth and gracious hosting! So many things to do nearby...visiting Big Trees, historic Murphy's and Columbia, wine tasting, etc. Plan to stay for at least 2 nights!

L

Lita

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Murray Creek Homestead

Such a cool and fun place! Scott was an amazing host, from the first interaction, he was kind and respectful and explained everything to everyone. We really enjoyed the property and will definitely be back in the future.

J

Jean

October 2025

30 ft Class C

3 nights at Squirrel Rock RV Campground

This is by far the best place we have stayed on hipcamp. Beautiful, peaceful, private and easy to get to. We had a wonderful time with our dogs and will definitely be back!

John

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

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

R

Roger

October 2025

31 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at Squirrel Rock RV Campground

This was our second stay at Squirrel Rock and we love it. Quiet, clean, easily accessible and very well appointed. Easy walking distance to town is also great for us because once we set up the RV that’s where it stays till we leave. We look forward to coming back soon!

K

Karina

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We love how spacious and safe this campsite feels! Michel is always so welcoming and helpful. We always enjoy our time here!

S

Sabrina

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

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

Garrett

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

This was our second time staying here, and it just keeps getting better! The host is incredibly friendly. We love having the winery right on site; it’s such a beautiful spot to relax with a glass of wine after exploring. The art throughout the camp is amazing — there’s so much creativity everywhere you look. It’s become a tradition for us now, and we can’t wait to come back again!

M

Matt

October 2025

14 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Excellent location. Fun decor, clean, and it's great to be in walking distance of the winery

M

Matt

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Excellent place to camp. Michel is a wonderful host, the grounds are gorgeous, and the winery is fun.

K

Kristal

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Cosumnes River Ranch

Right by the river with plenty of room. Beautiful property!

T

Timothy

September 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Squirrel Rock RV Campground

We recently did a trip to some Calaveras County attractions and found Squirrel Rock for our stay with our 25' trailer. The owners did a great job setting up the site for visitors. Parking and hooking up was very easy. The site had a bunch of cool things to do while hanging out (introduced my kids to horseshoes and they loved the games bin). They gave us some recommendations for nearby food (which were awesome!). We would definitely stay here again and recommend it for others too!!

S

Seth

September 2025

24 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Cosumnes River Ranch

We camped at site #4, a shady site on a small rise at Sawyers Bar. It’s a little above the Cosumnes River, but a short walk from a common area swimming hole with small beach. The swimming hole is delightful in mid-September.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best private sites RV camping near Jackson guide

Where to go

Eldorado National Forest

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Eldorado National Forest is a favored stop for anglers. Its pristine lakes and rivers teem with trout, bass, and catfish. Campers can also boat, kayak, or canoe to enjoy the serene waters of Union Valley Reservoir or Jenkinson Lake. Or take an off-road adventure through the forest's extensive network of trails, including the challenging terrain of Rubicon Trail. Campgrounds such as Stumpy Meadows, Ice House, and the waterfront Loon Lake site offer a range of amenities for tent and RV campers including picnic tables and firepits.

Yosemite National Park

Two hours from Jackson is Yosemite National Park—full of rich landscapes and abundant outdoor activities. Marvel at the iconic granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, hike along Mist Trail and Yosemite Falls, or embark on scenic drives to Glacier Point and Tioga Road. After a day exploring, set up at one of the on-site campgrounds that provide tent and RV options, picnic areas, and amenities such as restrooms and water. For a more secluded experience, consider pitching a tent around a campfire at Bridalveil Creek or parking the RV at Hodgdon Meadow.

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Encompassing the stunning Lake Tahoe region, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit surrounds the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Known for cold-water swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer and snowboarding and skiing in the winter, campers can visit year-round for outdoor California fun. Explore the extensive network of hiking and biking trails, such as the famous Tahoe Rim Trail. RVers can set up at campgrounds like Camp Richardson and Nevada Beach Campground. For a winter chalet, try Fallen Leaf Campground to secure a cabin rental.

When to go

Spring and fall in Jackson showcase vibrant foliage among mild temperatures, which is great for long hikes in nearby parks. Summers are warm and dry with average temperatures in the high 80s to mid 90s, perfect for swimming and boating. Winter brings cooler temperatures averaging 45°F, providing opportunities for snow sports in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains as well as around Lake Tahoe.