Lakeside camping near Placerville with fishing

A historic gold rush town in the Sierra Nevada foothills with access to year-round outdoor adventures.

96% (4392 reviews)
96% (4392 reviews)

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12 top lakeside campgrounds near Placerville with fishing

95%
(1744)

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA
*BOOK EARLY* **NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED***** DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH*** **TRAILERS AND RVs MUST USE ROCK CREEK ROAD** 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/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED. 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, Frank's 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. 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. NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
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$30
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94%
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Ascension Ranch

8 sites · 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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$49
 / night
98%
(184)

Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Somerset, CA
A six acre organic vineyard & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard. A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet. Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider! We welcome guests year round! Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do! Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons! Come relax☮️ March - May 🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers June - September 🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake September - December 🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest, apple picking and alpaca petting December - March ❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm. Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting. Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show. We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours. We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests. We do not permit live fires or generators.
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$35
 / night
98%
(713)

Walden Ranch

2 sites · Tents300 acres · Linden, CA
Walden Ranch began with the purchase of a neighboring 20 acres. Couple that with the inspiration of Thoreau's lines and life at the real Walden Pond, the ranch has grown to nearly 300 acres and the small ranch pond has grown to a 5-acre lake with a 3-acre forest and home. Scouts, family and church groups use the site for gatherings. Available are canoes, bonfire, and exploring the ranch's 300-head cattle, llamas, poultry and wildlife. Pitch your tent in a forest setting alongside a lake on a working cattle ranch. Watch wildlife or hike to smaller lakes on the ranch. Other animals include dogs, llamas, geese, chickens, and  horses. The ranch is within a 20 minute drive to either Stockton or Lodi, CA and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and pastures.  Outdoor flush toilets, sink, tables and fire ring available. Forested area is set amidst grazing lands.  This "Walden" even has willow trees slipped from Walden Pond, MA. Owner looks forward to sharing this peaceful, special spot! 
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$30
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100%
(13)

King Madrone

1 site · Tent280 acres · Placerville, CA
Learn more about this land: Tent site in the orchard with canyon views. Mule deer, wild turkeys, geese aplenty. Ample walking opportunities on our ranch and wild forestlands and amazing granite rock outcrops. Visit the South Fork of the American River (you can raft in summer!) Hunt for old gold mines on our place and, maybe, find some new ones! Go wine tasting very close by (Lava Cap, Madrone, Boeger) and visit Sutter's Mill in Coloma, where gold was discovered back in 1848.
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$35
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93%
(21)

🏕️ Montauk Glamping Tents near Folsom Lake

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents73 acres · Granite Bay, CA
Montauk is Northern California’s newest exclusive upscale camping experience. We are situated in rural Western El Dorado County overlooking Folsom Lake. Montauk is your closest getaway that feels worlds apart from the city. Conveniently, Montauk is located between the Interstates 50 and 80, with close proximity to rafting, wineries, and mountain biking/hiking trails. Although you are not having to put up a tent, you are still camping... please keep that in mind.😉 Prior to booking your stay, please note our campsite is private, remote, and completely off-grid. Therefore, everything runs on battery and propane. Water usage will need to be monitored/limited/reserved because the tents use water holding tanks. Our water is not potable. If you would like us to email you a suggested packing list prior to your stay, to help you make an informed decision to book, please reach out. Let us know what type of accommodation you are interested in, since the packing lists are different for the upscale furnished glamping tents vs. the travel trailers. Otherwise, upon booking, one will be provided for you. Unplug at Montauk, and make us part of your next adventure!
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$249
 / night
99%
(281)

TerraSol

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Nevada City, CA
I’ve had the pleasure to be the “caretaker” of this special land once inhabited by the Maidu Indians for the past 43 years. This is SPECIAL ground here and I’m sure you will feel the MAGIC!!! This 40 acres sits on the Yuba River Ridgetop. At the "Platform of Pleasure" you will enjoy 100,000+ acre views of protected land looking North to the High Sierra, minutes away from downtown Nevada City and 8-10 miles from Yuba River Trailheads. Firewood bundles are $15 per bundle (2+ hours of campfire when campfires 🔥 are allowed). There is a $10.00 dog fee per dog/per stay. On our property like anywhere in the woods there are mosquitos, so you should bring bug spray. We offer a tent platform, as well as a canvas tent listing. Guests love staying here: "From the moment we arrived Chris was nothing but amazing. He helped us get settled in and even recommended some beautiful spots to hike/sight see. They are both so generous! The campsite beautiful and they did a very nice job supplying us with any materials we may need. Definitely coming back during the summer!"
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$80
 / night
98%
(252)

Shared Abundance Organic Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Auburn, CA
I bought the deserted kiwi orchard in 1997, thinking it would be a place of healing. As the days and weeks progressed, I felt that all I wanted to do was to learn what the land had to teach me. So I turned all my attention and intention toward Nature, and began to reclaim the orchard from the blackberry overgrowth. As the years have gone by, I have added many other crops. Now we produce fruits, flowers, herbs, Microgreens & Vegetables... & I am still learning!! We would be happy to create a cleansing refreshment or meal for campers if notified in advance. We are happy to host campers who have a passion for Nature and are interested in sustainable living and seeing the beauty of the Sierra Foothills.
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$55
 / night
99%
(34)

Rollins Lake Retreats with A/C!!!

3 sites · Lodging31 acres · Colfax, CA
We live lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live on a beautiful 30 acres with foot path 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 that has a nice hiking trail along side of it or 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax. We have a nice spot where you do not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360 degree views. It is also very safe! We have 3 accommodations on the property A guest suite, a cabin, and a glamping dome! We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent.
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$145
 / night
93%
(34)

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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$135
 / night
96%
(407)

Sierra Sol Camp

11 sites · Lodging18 acres · Camptonville, CA
Welcome to Sierra Sol Camp! We have 9 different sites available to book as well as the option to book the entire property. Please scroll down to see all of the available options. Here are the sites we offer: -Sierra Sol Diva Den (cabin) -Water Tower (cabin) -Daisy Belle (canvas tent) -Rise and Shine (canvas tent) -Sierra Sol Camp Lotus (cabin) -Sierra Sol Vintage Trailer (onsite trailer) -Sierra Shipping Container Retreat (cabin) -Sierra Sol Main Cabin (cabin) -Sierra Sol Camp Whole Property (all sites) The Sierra Sol Camp project has been hosting community events and friend gathering for years. We take great pride in extending a warm and welcoming space for all our visitors and extending the invitation to campers was a great next step. We have listings ranging from yurts to shipping containers, an old water tower converted to a mini suit to a vintage trailer and canvas tents. The diva den was my old music studio and the main cabin is our family cabin. This is a magical and sacred space filled with a ton of memories please come join our community and nook in the sierras and make some more. We are based in between the middle fork of the Yuba river right where it meets up with Oregon Creek. If you like a long walk it is 2.5 miles down the dirt road to Oregon Creek and the middle fork of the Yuba. Driving takes 5 to 10 mins. The other direction is the largest lake in our county Bullards Bar Reservoir and Emerald Cove Marina. We are 1 mile down Marysville Rd. from a launch called dark day. There is a trailhead at the top of overflow boat parking for a public swimming hole on the lake. On our property, we have a main house with its own private facilities such as a kitchen, shower, and bath. On the land, we have 9 total unique cabin and canvas tent structures converted into boutique-like campsites. We have an epic outdoor entertaining kitchen and patio with an outdoor pizza oven and a little dog rinse behind the outdoor shower. The bathhouse is right across the way and provides a private but shared guest shower house, tub and sink. The sauna and fenced-in dog area are near the shipping container site. The sauna has just been remodelled with a shower and bathtub right outside the sauna house. Like anywhere in the woods there is an hour at sunset when you may have mosquitoes down near the sites in the spring and some of the summers depending on the year. We have a natural spray for that or fans in the kitchen. Off the path, you may find poison oak in the thick of the woods. So please stay on the marked trails.
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$100
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98%
(145)

Garden Goddess Farm

8 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Grass Valley, CA
Garden Goddess Farm is located in the Sierra Foothills on 6+ acres of organic edible gardens, manzanita, pines & oaks. The gardens and land help to support guests to unplug from business, bond with nature & learn how to grow their own food! Lots of wild medicinal & culinary herbs to discover. Individuals, Couples & Families love the farm because of the quiet surroundings, great food and opportunity to learn about sustainable living. Farm is conveniently located 20 minutes from Auburn, Nevada City & Grass Valley. 60-90 Minutes from Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Truckee & ski resorts. We have an on-site Personal Chef that is available to create Farm-Fresh Gourmet Meals, Culinary & Homesteading Classes, Private Garden & Foraging Tours. Celebrate a Special Occasion & try one of our Make & Take Classes, Mead Tasting or Romance Packages! Most guests opt in for farm-fresh meal packages, but feel free to bring your own camp stove & food to cook in the bbq area. Privacy & what to expect: Property is usually very quite & overlooks hundreds of acres of forest looking toward the Snow-capped Sierras in the Winter and Spring. We are located in a neighborhood (Alta Sierra- in between Auburn & Grass Valley). We ask that everyone uses soft voices since we are in a canyon and sound travels to a few houses that are our neighbors. There are 3 Hipcamp sites on property, so we could have up to 6 guests in a weekend. The main farmhouse is 4500 square feet and hosts 2-4 Culinary Students or Professionals that may be on site. There is a Culinary Classroom, Upper and Lower Deck & Gardens to enjoy. If you have teenagers, they love it here! 1/2 Basketball court, cooking & foraging classes. This Cozy Love Shack sleeps 2-4 adults/kids. (190 square feet) 1 King Bed with Floor Futon & single bed. It's about 200 feet from main farm house. The unit has basic electricity, a solar light & mini frig. Sun warmed (luke-Warm) camping shower available. Approx 190 square feet. Toilet is a composting bucket with wood chips. The main farmhouse (owner's residence) has a beautiful 75 x 15 foot redwood deck with views of the Sierras & Foothills. Enjoy a Happy Hour, Gourmet Farm-fresh meal, picnic or play a game in the shaded couch area. There are 2 large tables for dining & couches for relaxing. We have organic demonstration gardens & orchard that you can stroll or you can book an educational tour & tasting for a more in depth understanding of the culinary & medicinal plants. Fresh chicken & duck eggs are usually available. Great place for kids & adults to learn about organic gardening & sustainable living. Nearby Attractions to research: Historic Grass Valley, Nevada City and Auburn (Lots of Wine-tasting & Local Wineries). The Beautiful South Yuba River or Bear River is a must-experience (25 min drive), Scott's Flat Lake & Lakes off of Hwy 20 (30-60 minutes), Trails for Mountain Biking & Hiking, Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Donner Lake (1 hour 15 min drive). Empire Mine. Pet Policy: - If you'd like to bring along your pet, we are happy to accommodate. Please add on the "pets" extra when you are completing your booking. This covers our pet cleaning fee. This is a must in order to bring your pet. - Please keep your pet(s) on a leash at all times - we have ducks and chickens and don't want them harmed or bothered. - Please bring your own bedding if you will be bringing pets. Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to your stay!
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$59
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Star Hosts in Placerville

Available this weekend

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Lakeside camping near Placerville with fishing 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.

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