The best private sites RV campgrounds near Placerville, California

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.

99% (165)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

99% (165)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Wisdom eco-preserv

97%

(264)

47mi from Placerville · 39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Nevada City, CA

This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.

2. Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

99%

(1249)

44mi from Placerville · 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.

3. Om Sweet Om Farm

100%

(6)

31mi from Placerville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Grass Valley, CA

Welcome to Om Sweet Om Farms. We are a local couple who have moved away from Los Angeles and come to the country to start our homestead. We offer a forest escape and farm experience with goats, chickens, ducks and more. If you don't have room to bring food, no problem, you can add on Plant Based Ayurvedic catering during your stay. whether you are looking to stay a week in our premium glamping tent and experience Rollins lake and the Yuba River, or stoping through and need a camping spot for the night; we offer a clean, private and spiritual space to restore your senses. Lastly stop by the ceremony space and meditate among the pines and oaks or take a dip in the cold plunge while overlooking the scenic ridge lines over Rollings Lake.

4. Murray Creek Homestead

100%

(30)

38mi from Placerville · 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.

5. Cosumnes River Ranch

99%

(1896)

18mi from Placerville · 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)*

6. YUBA RIVER Group Lodging & Camping

98%

(20)

47mi from Placerville · 71 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · North San Juan, CA

Willow Springs is all about hosting GROUPS, large and small. We cater to family reunions, group gatherings of all kinds, workshops, seminars and church groups. Nestled in the foothills of the Tahoe National Forest, our Retreat Center offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs, from 10 to 60. (SEE BELOW.) We are six minutes to several locations on the Yuba River and twenty minutes to Bullard’s Bar. Located just 15 short miles from the historic communities of Nevada City and Grass Valley, Willow Springs is a place to escape and re-connect with what is important, creating memories. We also incorporate principles of sustainability at Willow Springs, with an on-site educational herb and permaculture garden for which a self-tour is available (free) and a guided tour upon request. Fresh produce possible depending upon season and availability. We operate ala carte with our accommodations so we can customize your experience to meet your needs. You can choose one or more of the following: GROUP CAMPGROUND: This one-acre fenced in area allows for guests (Max 30) to bring their dogs and pitch tents in a protected area with an expansive view. Camp cooking has never been easier, as the community kitchen is well equipped with 2 full-sized refrigerators, gas stove/oven, pots and pans, dishware, silverware, triple sink, and two outdoor barbeques. The cooks will especially appreciate our unique outdoor “dishwashing station” for each individual (even kids!) to efficiently wash their own dishes instead of using throw-away plastic for each meal. Our bathhouse has two private toilets, two private showers with hot water and a double sink. Bring your own towels and toiletries. ADDITIONAL LODGING & AMENTITIES: YURT: A 20’ yurt (sleeps 4) is equipped with a full bed and queen sofa for members of your camping group that would like greater comfort. Limited electricity is available. BUNK HOUSE: This bunk house has 3 twin bunkbeds (sleeps 6) with a 12x14 covered deck. Limited electricity is available. RV SITES: Ranging from no services to full service. More information is available for other AMENITIES, including LODGE, YOGA STUDIO, PAVILION, EVENT TERRACE, MEDIA CENTER, and more, visit www.WillowSpringsLodge.com/blogs.

7. Kirkwood Base Camp

100%

(5)

22mi from Placerville · 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.

8. Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

94%

(45)

44mi from Placerville · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Norden, CA

300 acres at 6200’ elevation. Located on donner summits west slope. Great views and easy access. The sites are spaced very well from each other to give great privacy. Nestled among large pines and granite boulders. Union Pacific tracks at the southern edge of the property. Developed camp sites with no hookups. 36 holes of Disc golf on property. Seasonal creeks and South Yuba river very close. 20 mins to Kidd lake, cascade lake and donner lake. 5 mins from Donner Summit and miles of hiking. 20 minutes from Truckee. 45 mins from lake Tahoe. Great on site pizzeria. Please no check-ins after 10pm.

Camper favorites near Placerville

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Murray Creek Homestead

100%

(30)

38mi from Placerville · 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)

18mi from Placerville · 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)*

YUBA RIVER Group Lodging & Camping

98%

(20)

47mi from Placerville · 71 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · North San Juan, CA

Willow Springs is all about hosting GROUPS, large and small. We cater to family reunions, group gatherings of all kinds, workshops, seminars and church groups. Nestled in the foothills of the Tahoe National Forest, our Retreat Center offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs, from 10 to 60. (SEE BELOW.) We are six minutes to several locations on the Yuba River and twenty minutes to Bullard’s Bar. Located just 15 short miles from the historic communities of Nevada City and Grass Valley, Willow Springs is a place to escape and re-connect with what is important, creating memories. We also incorporate principles of sustainability at Willow Springs, with an on-site educational herb and permaculture garden for which a self-tour is available (free) and a guided tour upon request. Fresh produce possible depending upon season and availability. We operate ala carte with our accommodations so we can customize your experience to meet your needs. You can choose one or more of the following: GROUP CAMPGROUND: This one-acre fenced in area allows for guests (Max 30) to bring their dogs and pitch tents in a protected area with an expansive view. Camp cooking has never been easier, as the community kitchen is well equipped with 2 full-sized refrigerators, gas stove/oven, pots and pans, dishware, silverware, triple sink, and two outdoor barbeques. The cooks will especially appreciate our unique outdoor “dishwashing station” for each individual (even kids!) to efficiently wash their own dishes instead of using throw-away plastic for each meal. Our bathhouse has two private toilets, two private showers with hot water and a double sink. Bring your own towels and toiletries. ADDITIONAL LODGING & AMENTITIES: YURT: A 20’ yurt (sleeps 4) is equipped with a full bed and queen sofa for members of your camping group that would like greater comfort. Limited electricity is available. BUNK HOUSE: This bunk house has 3 twin bunkbeds (sleeps 6) with a 12x14 covered deck. Limited electricity is available. RV SITES: Ranging from no services to full service. More information is available for other AMENITIES, including LODGE, YOGA STUDIO, PAVILION, EVENT TERRACE, MEDIA CENTER, and more, visit www.WillowSpringsLodge.com/blogs.

Kirkwood Base Camp

100%

(5)

22mi from Placerville · 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.

Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

94%

(45)

44mi from Placerville · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Norden, CA

300 acres at 6200’ elevation. Located on donner summits west slope. Great views and easy access. The sites are spaced very well from each other to give great privacy. Nestled among large pines and granite boulders. Union Pacific tracks at the southern edge of the property. Developed camp sites with no hookups. 36 holes of Disc golf on property. Seasonal creeks and South Yuba river very close. 20 mins to Kidd lake, cascade lake and donner lake. 5 mins from Donner Summit and miles of hiking. 20 minutes from Truckee. 45 mins from lake Tahoe. Great on site pizzeria. Please no check-ins after 10pm.

Stories from the community

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

J

Jared

September 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cosumnes River Ranch

Our family had an amazing late summer experience - hiking, swimming and enjoying this beautiful ranch in Amador County along the Consumnes River. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. For swimming, Tom recommended the Swimming Hole at Sawyer’s Bar, which was perfect for our six year old - a nice sandy beach with little to no current in the shallows. The campsite was spacious and clean with lots of shade and plenty of space between other sites, which made the site feel very private. We visited with a travel trailer and thought the dirt road to the campsites was well maintained when we visited. We cannot wait to visit again!

Tent sites are grouped so you can cluster your tents.

J

Jordan

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to YUBA RIVER Group Lodging & Camping

Great facilities - with everything you could need and more. Awesome location and wonderful hosts. Will be coming back again.

Campsite 6. Not super close to the river in June but spacious and short walk to water.

E

Ethan

September 2025

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cosumnes River Ranch

Organized a group of 4 families all with kids under 6 to camp for Labor Day weekend. Everyone had a blast splashing around in the river during the heat of the day. Definitely would consider going back another time!

M

Marc

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

Spectacular stay at Sierra Circles (our 3rd trip). Michael is always super helpful with recommendations of things to see and do locally. The camp situation is spacious, private, and beautiful.

Elizabeth

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We love this place! Full relaxation, wonderful artwork to enjoy, Wine tasting, pottery making and buying - what more can you ask for from a few days in the beautiful Sierras!

M

Marissa

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

We had such an amazing time camping as a group over Labor Day weekend for the second year in a row! The concert series at Brice Station is so fun, the campsite is gorgeous with all the sculptures (we hung twinkle lights in our teepee!), and Michel was such an awesome host. Definitely coming back again next year!

S

Stephanie

September 2025

Tent

4 nights at Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden

This place is a hidden gem. Everyone I’ve talked to that is affiliated with this place seems to have life figured out and interesting stories to sharez

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best private sites RV camping near Placerville guide

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.