- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near Mokelumne Hill
97% (9.8K) • 2,231 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Mokelumne Hill
Little Arnold A-Frame
1. Little Arnold A-Frame
99%
(64)
19mi from Mokelumne Hill · 1 site
Arnold is well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a convenient base for your adventures in the Sierras. If you haven't been to Arnold and Gold Country, there is so much to explore!
The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're just a 5-minute walk to the Arnold Rim Trail (with 30+ miles of hiking), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re 2 hours from Yosemite, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. Or you can can always just relax with a view in the cabin.
Learn more about this land:
Our classic 1970s A-frame cabin offers a simple space of retreat with lovely light, view of the trees and uncluttered decor. Great for couples and also solo travelers! Please note there is a 2 night minimum on weekends (if overlaps with a Fri or Sat) and a 3 night minimum for holiday weekends.
We're well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a base for your adventures in the Sierras. There's lots to explore nearby with Big Trees State Park and Stanislaus National Forest within minutes, lakes, skiing, mountain towns and wine-tasting, or just relax at the cabin and take in the view.
The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're a 5-minute walk to the Stanislaus National Forest/Arnold Rim Trail (we provide a custom map for nearby hikes), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine and Utica and Union lakes. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re ~2 hours from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months.
We do our best here to strike a balance between simple amenities and comfort. A reminder that we are in the country, so the cabin is best suited to those who like a more rustic getaway.
There is no AC, television, or microwave. We've gone without a TV and landline, but WiFi means you can stream to your own devices and make WiFi calls on your cell. We have loads of board games and puzzles.
The kitchen has pots/pans/kettle, toaster, mini waffle iron, Brita pitcher, and rice cooker. For coffee drinkers, we have a coffee grinder, french press and pour over dripper. Help yourself to organic coffee and tea!
The cabin is mainly heated by a gas fireplace (looks like a wood stove, but does not need wood). We recommend bringing layers and slippers in the winter while the cabin warms up. Like most cabins in the area, there is no AC, but we provide room fans. Cell reception is unreliable throughout the Sierras except for Verizon, however at the cabin, WiFi calls are available through all carriers --to make calls, enable the setting on your cell phone.
The cabin comfortably fits 4 people, with 1 bedroom, a sleeping loft (no door) and 1.5 bathrooms. The downstairs bedroom has a queen bed, and the loft has a full-size mattress and its own half bathroom.
We have a flat parking pad instead of a driveway, which makes things easier in the winter months.
The rental rate covers a professional cleaning fee and linens and towels! Guests will need to take their garbage and recycling with them to the local refuse center which is on the way out.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$185
/ night
Finnon Lake Recreation Area
2. Finnon Lake Recreation Area
95%
(2340)
34mi from Mokelumne Hill · 18 sites · Tents, RVs
Season Opens on Easter Sunday - 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 on 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
Private lakeside resort, Groveland
3. Private lakeside resort, Groveland
42mi from Mokelumne Hill · 1 site
Lakeside + Amenities + Sleeps 12 = WIN for an unforgettable family getaway! PRIVATE, lakeside recreation area with beach entry, kayaks, SUPs, ping pong, bocce ball, tree swing, hammock, corn hole, and BBQ ALL ON SITE! Ideal for 2-3 families or 1 larger family traveling together!
Within a 5-minute drive are the Pine Mountain Lake amenities available to all of our renters: swimming pool, beaches, pickle ball, golf, tennis, children's playground, hiking, horseback riding, archery...
The space
a King-sized bed in the Master bedroom with an ensuite bath, Queen-sized beds in the other bedrooms with an adjacent bath, and a bunk room with an adjacent bath. A total of 3 bedrooms, 1 bunk room, and 3 full baths to accommodate groups as large as 12 persons.
Guest access
Self-check-in is available with door access granted by entry code via a Schlage smart lock.
***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests.
Other things to note
Memory foam mattresses, 100% down pillows and comforters, and 100% cotton sheets.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$644
/ night
Eldorado National Forest
4. Eldorado National Forest
93%
(136)
National forest 42mi from Mokelumne Hill · 980 sites
Sierra Nevada gem offers lush forests, lakes, rivers, and peaks for year-round outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stanislaus National Forest
5. Stanislaus National Forest
93%
(173)
National forest 35mi from Mokelumne Hill · 1529 sites
An extensive network of lakes, rivers, streams, and trails delight at this Yosemite neighbor.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Luxury By The Lake, Groveland CA
6. Luxury By The Lake, Groveland CA
42mi from Mokelumne Hill · 1 site
Experience Groveland's premier luxury Lake House at the Pine Mountain Lake gated community.
The Peninsula Lake House was professionally designed and furnished by a prominent Bay Area developer. The wide frontage to the main lake offers panoramic views and easy water access with a private dock. Included are 2 canoes and 2 SUPs with life jackets. A large game room with a pool table, arcade-grade air hockey table, Sonos sound system, and a vintage upright piano provides indoor entertainment.
The space
The Peninsula Lake House was professionally designed and furnished by a prominent Bay Area developer.
Guest access
smart lock access by code
***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests.
Other things to note
Located at the quiet end of the Lake away from the Marina, the property features:
- Private dock access into Pine Mountain Lake
- Canoes (x2), Standup Paddle boards (x2), and life jackets (all sizes)
- Ping Pong
- Pool Table
- Air hockey
- BBQ grill/Griddle
- piano
- Sonos sound system
The wide frontage to the main lake offers panoramic views and easy water access with a private dock.
The two large wraparound redwood decks offer prime views of the lake, outdoor dining and BBQ areas, and Adirondack lounge chairs to relax in and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$713
/ night
Auburn State Recreation Area
7. Auburn State Recreation Area
92%
(12)
State park 49mi from Mokelumne Hill · 61 sites
Gold panning, whitewater rafting, and dirt-bike riding are just a few of the unique activities here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
8. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
83%
(7)
State park 48mi from Mokelumne Hill · 111 sites
Park with both lake and river offers camping and water recreation in the San Joaquin Valley.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
9. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
94%
(123)
National forest 58mi from Mokelumne Hill · 933 sites
Beautiful lakeside views and endless exploration on the Nevada/California border.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
97% (9.8K) • 2,231 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Mokelumne Hill
Little Arnold A-Frame
1. Little Arnold A-Frame
99%
(64)
19mi from Mokelumne Hill · 1 site
Arnold is well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a convenient base for your adventures in the Sierras. If you haven't been to Arnold and Gold Country, there is so much to explore!
The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're just a 5-minute walk to the Arnold Rim Trail (with 30+ miles of hiking), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re 2 hours from Yosemite, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. Or you can can always just relax with a view in the cabin.
Learn more about this land:
Our classic 1970s A-frame cabin offers a simple space of retreat with lovely light, view of the trees and uncluttered decor. Great for couples and also solo travelers! Please note there is a 2 night minimum on weekends (if overlaps with a Fri or Sat) and a 3 night minimum for holiday weekends.
We're well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a base for your adventures in the Sierras. There's lots to explore nearby with Big Trees State Park and Stanislaus National Forest within minutes, lakes, skiing, mountain towns and wine-tasting, or just relax at the cabin and take in the view.
The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're a 5-minute walk to the Stanislaus National Forest/Arnold Rim Trail (we provide a custom map for nearby hikes), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine and Utica and Union lakes. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re ~2 hours from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months.
We do our best here to strike a balance between simple amenities and comfort. A reminder that we are in the country, so the cabin is best suited to those who like a more rustic getaway.
There is no AC, television, or microwave. We've gone without a TV and landline, but WiFi means you can stream to your own devices and make WiFi calls on your cell. We have loads of board games and puzzles.
The kitchen has pots/pans/kettle, toaster, mini waffle iron, Brita pitcher, and rice cooker. For coffee drinkers, we have a coffee grinder, french press and pour over dripper. Help yourself to organic coffee and tea!
The cabin is mainly heated by a gas fireplace (looks like a wood stove, but does not need wood). We recommend bringing layers and slippers in the winter while the cabin warms up. Like most cabins in the area, there is no AC, but we provide room fans. Cell reception is unreliable throughout the Sierras except for Verizon, however at the cabin, WiFi calls are available through all carriers --to make calls, enable the setting on your cell phone.
The cabin comfortably fits 4 people, with 1 bedroom, a sleeping loft (no door) and 1.5 bathrooms. The downstairs bedroom has a queen bed, and the loft has a full-size mattress and its own half bathroom.
We have a flat parking pad instead of a driveway, which makes things easier in the winter months.
The rental rate covers a professional cleaning fee and linens and towels! Guests will need to take their garbage and recycling with them to the local refuse center which is on the way out.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$185
/ night
Finnon Lake Recreation Area
2. Finnon Lake Recreation Area
95%
(2340)
34mi from Mokelumne Hill · 18 sites · Tents, RVs
Season Opens on Easter Sunday - 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 on 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
Private lakeside resort, Groveland
3. Private lakeside resort, Groveland
42mi from Mokelumne Hill · 1 site
Lakeside + Amenities + Sleeps 12 = WIN for an unforgettable family getaway! PRIVATE, lakeside recreation area with beach entry, kayaks, SUPs, ping pong, bocce ball, tree swing, hammock, corn hole, and BBQ ALL ON SITE! Ideal for 2-3 families or 1 larger family traveling together!
Within a 5-minute drive are the Pine Mountain Lake amenities available to all of our renters: swimming pool, beaches, pickle ball, golf, tennis, children's playground, hiking, horseback riding, archery...
The space
a King-sized bed in the Master bedroom with an ensuite bath, Queen-sized beds in the other bedrooms with an adjacent bath, and a bunk room with an adjacent bath. A total of 3 bedrooms, 1 bunk room, and 3 full baths to accommodate groups as large as 12 persons.
Guest access
Self-check-in is available with door access granted by entry code via a Schlage smart lock.
***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests.
Other things to note
Memory foam mattresses, 100% down pillows and comforters, and 100% cotton sheets.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$644
/ night
Eldorado National Forest
4. Eldorado National Forest
93%
(136)
National forest 42mi from Mokelumne Hill · 980 sites
Sierra Nevada gem offers lush forests, lakes, rivers, and peaks for year-round outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stanislaus National Forest
5. Stanislaus National Forest
93%
(173)
National forest 35mi from Mokelumne Hill · 1529 sites
An extensive network of lakes, rivers, streams, and trails delight at this Yosemite neighbor.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Luxury By The Lake, Groveland CA
6. Luxury By The Lake, Groveland CA
42mi from Mokelumne Hill · 1 site
Experience Groveland's premier luxury Lake House at the Pine Mountain Lake gated community.
The Peninsula Lake House was professionally designed and furnished by a prominent Bay Area developer. The wide frontage to the main lake offers panoramic views and easy water access with a private dock. Included are 2 canoes and 2 SUPs with life jackets. A large game room with a pool table, arcade-grade air hockey table, Sonos sound system, and a vintage upright piano provides indoor entertainment.
The space
The Peninsula Lake House was professionally designed and furnished by a prominent Bay Area developer.
Guest access
smart lock access by code
***Please note that a $50 per car entry fee is not included in the listing fees and must be paid at your initial entry into the Pine Mountain Lake community. You will receive a Guest Pass to hang on your car for the duration of your stay. Proceeds of this fee are used to maintain facilities and operations of the PML community amenities shared with our guests.
Other things to note
Located at the quiet end of the Lake away from the Marina, the property features:
- Private dock access into Pine Mountain Lake
- Canoes (x2), Standup Paddle boards (x2), and life jackets (all sizes)
- Ping Pong
- Pool Table
- Air hockey
- BBQ grill/Griddle
- piano
- Sonos sound system
The wide frontage to the main lake offers panoramic views and easy water access with a private dock.
The two large wraparound redwood decks offer prime views of the lake, outdoor dining and BBQ areas, and Adirondack lounge chairs to relax in and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$713
/ night
Auburn State Recreation Area
7. Auburn State Recreation Area
92%
(12)
State park 49mi from Mokelumne Hill · 61 sites
Gold panning, whitewater rafting, and dirt-bike riding are just a few of the unique activities here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
8. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
83%
(7)
State park 48mi from Mokelumne Hill · 111 sites
Park with both lake and river offers camping and water recreation in the San Joaquin Valley.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
9. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
94%
(123)
National forest 58mi from Mokelumne Hill · 933 sites
Beautiful lakeside views and endless exploration on the Nevada/California border.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
H
Hebe
November 2025
Tent
With pets
The lake front campsites are simply beautiful. We have a Ford transit van and also a sedan. A huge tent and we still have a lot of space on the site. The campsite has a downward slope just like described but we found a flat spot for our tent. The lake is beautiful for boating and fishing. How peaceful the campground is solely depending on how other campers are especially your neighbors, because the campsites are very close to each other. We didn't have a great night the first night because our neighbors arrived at 2 am and were setting things up and talking, laughing pretty loudly. So we essentially did not sleep at all that night. While the quite time is listed on the rules but seems like it is not enforced at all. So while I love this campground, I highly recommend going during the weekdays.
The bathroom is a very nice addition. Again, it's clean majority of the time but it depends on how the campers take care of it.
They are dogs friendly. They need to be on leash. We got a tie down which works amazing.
There's also a lot of wildlife. I didn't hear frogs but a lot of birds. We saw eagles and their nest which is so beautiful.
There is a restaurant called Smoke on the water. The food is AWESOME. They also have firewood for sale. Just need to double check their business hours.
The drive up there was good. Remember to pay attention the detours. The last 15 minutes was really twisty. We will be back for sure!
See more
Kelli
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
The camp ground and lake were beautiful. The bathroom were clean. Toilet paper, paper towels and soap to wash your hands. Also lights in the bathroom. No shower which was very hard to do. But we all enjoy the time spent at Finnon lake. We will be coming back next year.
See moreM
MyDung
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
Finnon Campsite offers a peaceful atmosphere, safety, and cleanliness.
See more
A
Alex
June 2025
Tent
Lake Finnon is such a pretty lake, perfect for taking out a floaty tube and laying back and taking in the sunshine. The water was warm! Look out for a bald eagle nest. The sounds of the local birds are lovely. The stars at night are surreal.
Nicely kept bathrooms with flushing toilets.
Only things to be prepared for is the incline of the site, so prep your tent for that downward grade. Also, there isn't much seclusion from neighbors, but everyone we met there were super friendly.
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Sherri
June 2025
Tent
Loved the wild life! Saw a deer, turtle, frogs, lots of different birds and I bald eagle. Placerville is beautiful
See more
S
Sarah
June 2025
19 ft campervan
Love Finnon !!
Little Smokey this stay . I might recommend limiting campfires as there’s not a lot of airflow near the lake.
See more
D
Debora
June 2025
Tent
Stunning. Serene. Peaceful. Quiet. Lovely
I would go often if I lived closer
See moreB
Brandon
June 2025
Tent
With kids
This place is always amazing. Definitely will be back
See more
A
Alan
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Little Arnold A-Frame
We had a lovely weekend stay here. Location is great for local hikes as well as visiting the nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The A-Frame has all the essential comforts one would need.
See moreC
Cindee
May 2025
21 ft campervan
With pets
Beautiful, peaceful setting. Well-maintained campsites. Clean restrooms. Loved hiking around the lake and watching the eagles nest across the lake from the campsites.
See moreC
Cindee
April 2025
21 ft campervan
With pets
Beautiful setting overlooking the water. Lots of bird watching, including an eagle nest across the lake.
See moreC
Cody
April 2025
Tent
2nd time there, great quiet spot with flushing toilets and a small lake for kayaking, fishing, and paddle boarding. We’ll be back.
See moreE
Eric
April 2025
18 ft campervan
The site was clean and the views were perfect. Loved watching the bald eagles hunt and fish on the lake as they tended to the their babies. The recent work done to the restrooms was amazing.
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D
Dan
November 2024
Tent
This is my second time at Finnon Lake. This is truly a hidden gem, not easy to get to but worth the trip. The camp grounds are surrounded by a beautiful clear calm lake. The clean restrooms are a welcome benefit. Folks smiled and waved at each other. I’d recommend this camp site anytime.
See more
