Beach and dog-friendly camping near Placerville
A historic gold rush town in the Sierra Nevada foothills with access to year-round outdoor adventures.
98% (2316 reviews)
- Placerville
98% (2316 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Placerville
Star Hosts in Placerville
12 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Placerville
95%
(1914)
Finnon Lake Recreation Area
39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA
MOSQUITO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM MAY 28TH TO AUGUST 4TH.
ALL VEHICLES PLEASE USE ROCK CREEK ROAD - DIRECTIONS BELOW.
Use caution - twisty narrow country road. If it's your first time you might want to check out the route ahead of time.
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 right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday- 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 offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.
The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of 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. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents
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. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay.
Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. Sites are from post to post.
Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s.
PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions.
Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions.
Diner: https://www.facebook.com/smokeonthewaterplacervilleca
NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.
Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
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Manzanita Camping & Co
16 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Coloma, CA
Set up camp and relax in one of our private manzanita surrounded tent sites. A short three min walk to our cobble beach along the beautiful South Fork America River will keep you cool during this hot summer. Or use our sites as a base camp for the many hiking and biking trails in the area. Taste some local wines at one of the many wineries or grab a growler at a nearby brewery.
Propane fire pits are provided for your stay at your camp site, with one tank of propane included for your use... Because what is camping without looking at a fire and roasting marshmallows? Our fire pits sure help add to that *camping feel* but COOKING OVER FIRE PITS (OTHER THAN S'MORES) IS NOT PERMITTED, so please plan to bring your own camp stove or preferred camp-cooking appliances and the required fuel. We look forward to your stay with us!
FAQ: What should I bring?
For our standard tent or RV sites, the sites include a picnic table and a propane fire pit with propane for heating/ambiance only. You should plan to pack everything you would usually expect to bring with you to a typical Forest Service or State Park campground... For example: propane camp stove or equivalent with your own propane/fuel for cooking, extra tables for your personal camp set-up needs, shade tents or pop-ups, games or camp activities, camp cots/pads/air mattresses, camping bedding, tents, camp chairs, etc. We are happy to answer any question you may have!
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$80
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99%
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Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden
7 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Murphys, CA
Thank you Hipcamper's for many great years of support. The sculpture garden and campground features, continue to grow.
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.
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$59
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100%
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Strange Ranch - River and Gold
3 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Wilseyville, CA
Secluded and private river camping in a forest and oak woodland on the South Fork Mokelumne River. The site boasts a private, pristine gold-bearing trout stream with mining history and wildlife preserve located in the gold country of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern Calaveras County. This unique property is adjacent to over 900 acres of public land that includes over 2 miles of private stream for exploring. With a total of only 3 campsites, it is a great location for a group to reserve the entire campground. Guests will enjoy the privacy while wildlife viewing, swimming, gold panning, stream exploring, fishing for wild trout, hiking, spelunking, forest immersion, or simply relaxing in a breathtaking environment – come fall in love with this special private ranch. After one stay, you will be a repeat guest.
The owners are professional fish and wildlife biologists and have recently decided to share this special place for others to enjoy. The property and amenities will evolve over time. Day trips are possible to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, public caverns, Calaveras and Amador wine tasting, and local historic gold towns.
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$55
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Private Reservoir
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Valley Springs, CA
***Special pre 4th of July fireworks show this weekend on June 29th viewable from camp site. Open spots book now.
Private property on a private reservoir. Enjoy some quiet time on the water, swimming, fishing, camping or just sitting and enjoying this hidden gem. Conveniently located a couple minutes from town to get some groceries or even fast food and gas. Also minutes from the large lake of New Hogan if your brining a jet ski or boat. Come relax on this 10 acres of private water access.
Fish till your heart is content. Please catch and release. We have a variety of fish: Bass, Blue Gill, Cat fish and even some big Carp. Use our row boat or bring your own kayak, SUP, canoe etc.
Newly added large floating dock, sand beach and large swing set/ hammock polls. Come play and have fun and listen to the sounds of frogs at night and the birds in the morning.
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$60
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Ascension Ranch
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Pilot Hill, CA
Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities. Family owned and operated, we want to be that breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life that everyone needs. With a serene environment, a healthy mix of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, there's a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.
Some of the things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, ranch dogs, chickens, equestrian activities, hiking, biking, camping, archery, lake activities, amazing views, access to endless trails around Folsom Lake, grass-fed meats, fresh produce and of course, good company.
Staying on the ranch can be as social, or as rural as guests choose. Camp alone, or bring others, whether it be your 4-legged companions or friends and family, we welcome all campers who respect and enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.
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$65
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99%
(54)
Rollins Lake Retreats with A/C!!!
3 sites · Lodging31 acres · Colfax, CA
We live lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax.
We live over 30 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.
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 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!
We have 3 accommodations on the property
-A GUEST SUITE (lakeside),
-A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk,
-A GLAMPING DOME with an additional tent site (lakeside)!
We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent.
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$125
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96%
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Folsom Lake
7 sites · Lodging40 acres · Granite Bay, CA
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT CAMPGROUNDS AT 2 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS ON FOLSOM LAKE:
ONE LOCATION IS BEALS POINT CAMPGROUND IN GRANITE BAY. (HAS BOTH BASIC AND LUXURY GLAMPING)
THE 2ND LOCATION IS PENINSULA CAMPGROUND IN PILOT HILL (ONLY HAS BASIC GLAMPING)
Located at the base of the Sierra foothills, the lake and recreation area offers opportunities for hiking, biking, running, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, water-skiing and boating. Fishing offers trout, catfish, big and small mouth bass or perch. Visitors can also see the Folsom Powerhouse (once called "the greatest operative electrical plant on the American continent"), which from 1885 to 1952 produced 11,000 volts of electricity for Sacramento residents.
For cyclists, there is a 32-mile long bicycle path at Beals Point that connects Folsom Lake with many Sacramento County parks before reaching Old Sacramento. The park also includes Lake Natoma, downstream from Folsom Lake, which is popular for crew races, sailing, kayaking and other aquatic sports.
At both locations, you will stay in 16ft deluxe tents. Each tent has 2 full beds in them.
At Beals Point we offer "Luxury" Glamping with real furniture, cozy bedding, and all the amenities you need for a relaxing and fun filled stay for up to 8 people (AT BEALS POINT ONLY!).
At both Beals Point and Peninsula, we also offer "Basic" Glamping, where we bring the tent and mattresses, and you bring the rest. This means that you need to bring your own sheets, pillows, sleeping bags, blankets and other camping essentials. Close by the sites are public restrooms with running water, drinking water, and showers. Hiking trails are found all around at both locations. At Beals Point you can rent kayaks, visit the snack bar, or take a dip in the lake- whatever suits your needs can be found close by!
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$99
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Lake Lane Waterfront Camping
8 sites · RVs1 acre · Nevada City, CA
Our lake property is situated directly adjacent to Scott's Flat Reservoir without any other properties between you and the lake! Enjoy the surrounding fir, cedar, and madrone trees as you watch the sunset over the water! Our property consists of 2 separate lots. The upper lot includes water, power, sewer hookups, WiFi and off street parking. The lower lot (closest to the water) does not have any hookups but has plenty of room for tent campsites.
PREMIUM RV: "Lakeview Terrace": This RV Site is the larger of the 2 RV Sites. It offers a lot more open space for camp set up (table, chairs, cooking, etc.) This is the property where we keep our family's 5th wheel year round (as seen in some pictures, although we make it policy NOT to visit when RV Site #2 is booked in order to protect your privacy).
STANDARD RV: "Starling's Nest": This is the smaller of the 2 RV Sites. The entire space is approximately 60'x15'. Depending on the size of your RV/Camper there is room enough to accommodate additional campsite set up. Full hookups (city water, electrical outlet (110), and sewer connection) are available beside the gravel parking pad and WiFi is provided. The lake view is filtered because of the many trees but there is easy access to the water via trails from the property or along Lake Lane. NOTE: Per Hipcamp restrictions this site is only available as an "add on" to the Premium RV: "Lakeview Terrace" to accommodate multi-family camping.
LAKESIDE TENT CAMPSITES: "Halcyon Cove" consists of 3 separate tent campsites and guests are able to set up camp wherever they like on a first come basis. There is over 1/2 acre of land adjacent to the lakeshore. City water is provided but no power or sewer hookups at this time. NOTE: Per Hipcamp restrictions these sites are only available as an "add on" to the Premium RV: "Lakeview Terrace" to accommodate multi-family camping.
Come see one of the most beautiful waterfront lake spots in the Sierras.
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$145
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The El Dorado Farm
3 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · El Dorado, CA
Listen to the river - enjoy this quietness of Gold Country; hear the gentle flow of the river and seasonal creek behind the unit cascading down to the river. 1 hour from Tahoe; 30 minutes to Apple Hill. Highly acclaimed fine wineries are a short drive away. Explore the adventure among the El Dorado Trails. within the farm, see deer grazing, geese flying, and roosters crowing. Connecting with nature is just 1 doorstep away. After roaming in the wilderness, rest in our box with modern amenities.
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$90
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Yuba River Retreat
4 sites · Lodging1500 acres · Nevada City, CA
This special land is part of a multi-parcel wildlife corridor, helping to provide valuable habitat between the state parks, along the creek and river. Out your doorstep, you'll find more than 15-miles of private, groomed, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails and have an opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Our solar-powered farmhouse overlooks the mountains and an organic orchard and garden, with two queen bedrooms lined with hand-milled sugar pine from the land, strong wifi/tv, waterfalls, and private network of trails to hike or bike. Walk to refreshing creek swimming hole or private Yuba river swimming access available at certain times. Included in your stay is seasonal organic produce to gather out your doorstep in our family's organic garden and hammocks to relax in under the fruit treas and at the creek.
The two bedrooms downstairs have queen beds
handcrafted of sugar pine milled from downed trees from the land and are fitted with organic sheets. Downstairs has a bathroom with tub and shower, living room with mid-century furniture, views of the orchard and a tv for cozy movie nights. Upstairs is a fully-stocked kitchen with gas stove, oven, and all chef's amenities, foldout queen sleeper, bathroom with shower and outdoor table for a sunset dinner. Cool mountain air refreshes your nights or feel the luxury of air conditioning on a hot summer afternoon. After a relaxing day in the mountains, perhaps star gaze from the patio or orchard.
To get to the sandy beach and creek spot, called Barkhouse Beach, take an easy stroll through the forest. The nearby Barkhouse, close to the creek, is a reconstruction of a typical Maidu Indian dwelling. Walk inside to experience the traditional history of this land.
Or cool off in the Yuba River at the South Yuba River State Park, just a 5-minute drive from the farmhouse. Ask about accommodating additional guests.
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$325
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Peace and Love Camp
1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Nevada City, CA
Located 5 minute drive from downtown Nevada city on Old downieville highway which is connected to downtown and in walking and bike ride distance. Very popular tourist location! Ten minute drive to the Yuba 49 bridge crossing for swimming and hiking!Learn more about this land:Campsite 1 :Pitch a tent and access to remodeled studio.Campsite 2 :park an RVClose to the Yuba river. Very private and quiet. Here to accommodate! We welcome you ,your family and friends <3
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$80
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Beach and dog-friendly camping near Placerville guide
Overview
Between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe in California, and at the junction of highways 49 and 50, Placerville offers plenty of reasons for visitors to linger. With the South Fork of the American River, the Eldorado National Forest, and numerous lakes, reservoirs, and trails nearby, the historic mining town is well placed for outdoor adventures, particularly on the water and in the forest. Plenty of riverside, lakeside, and forest service campsites let you stay close to the water and woods for both tent camping and RV camping.
Where to go
Placerville and El Dorado National Forest
Placerville camping options include RV parks near town, plus more than 50 campsites in the Eldorado National Forest. For river rafting and camping, head to the American River and Coloma, where gold was first discovered in California, or try the Sly Park Recreation Area, a hub for family fishing and water recreation thanks to group campsites. Other lakeside and riverside options include Valley Reservoir, Ice House Reservoir, Bear River Reservoir, Loon Lake, Cosumnes River, and the Rubicon River. Or head into the Desolation Wilderness for solitude, adventure, and backcountry camping.
Lake Tahoe and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Just over an hour northeast of Placerville, several scenic campgrounds can be found around South Lake Tahoe, at Emerald Bay State Park, D.L. Bliss State Park, and Fallen Leaf Lake. Head to the north and western lakeshores to camp in the Tahoe State Recreation Area, William Kent Campground, Kaspian Campground, and Lake Forest Campground. South of Lake Tahoe, several scenic campgrounds sit near Hope Valley and around the Kirkwood area.
Sacramento and Jackson Region
Near Sacramento, campers can stay by the water at Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma, or further south near the Sacramento River at Sandy Beach Regional Park and Brannan Island State Recreation Area. Near Jackson, Lake Amador and Pardee Recreation Area offer camping and fishing, while Camanche Lake and New Hogan Lake are known for camping and watersports. Several RV parks can be found nearby, while the Auburn State Recreation Area is a good spot for primitive camping.
When to go
Summer is the most popular time for outdoor adventures and camping around Placerville, especially at the many area rivers and lakes. The fishing season runs from April to November, with trout fishing best in spring, and bass in summer. Look for spring wildflowers, or visit Placerville and nearby Apple Hill in fall for leaf peeping and apple picking. Winter snow and weather can affect access and availability of activities.
Popular Placerville trips
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