The best vintage trailer rentals 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.

91% (99)

Top-rated campgrounds near Placerville

1. Sacred Valley Ranch Retreat

98%

(117)

27mi from Placerville · 4 sites · Lodging

Learn more about this land: Hiking on the 150 acres is available and we also are situated next to an 1100 acre park. There is a picnic area and a pond for seasonal swimming...    We have boarding area if you are inclined to bring your horse. We have many amenities to help you relax while you adjust to our unique location. Rope chairs, hammocks, etc.

2. The Land Of Make+Believe

88%

(8)

46mi from Placerville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The Land of Make+Believe is a retreat space bringing magical realism to our nonfiction world... Located at the base of the Sierra Foothills in Murphys, California, we are fourteen acres perched on the edge of time. Our landscape straddles geologic formations that span millions of years across the Mesozoic and Paleozoic eras. The marbleized limestone outcropping is a prominent site feature that's culturally, geologically, and historically significant. It was used as a communal grinding rock — Chaw'se — by the Miwok to process acorns into meal for food. This same rock formation was later hydraulically mined for gold in the second half of the 19th century, amidst some of the largest mining operations during the California Gold Rush. Downtown Murphys, our local gold-mining town turned quaint wine country destination, is just 1.5 miles away. Our site manifests as a spiritual epicenter within the larger landscape, a gateway to the Sierras, a space of regeneration. Fourteen acres of pure possibility for gathering, for staying, for inspiration, for joy.

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.

91% (99)

Top-rated campgrounds near Placerville

1. Sacred Valley Ranch Retreat

98%

(117)

27mi from Placerville · 4 sites · Lodging

Learn more about this land: Hiking on the 150 acres is available and we also are situated next to an 1100 acre park. There is a picnic area and a pond for seasonal swimming...    We have boarding area if you are inclined to bring your horse. We have many amenities to help you relax while you adjust to our unique location. Rope chairs, hammocks, etc.

2. The Land Of Make+Believe

88%

(8)

46mi from Placerville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The Land of Make+Believe is a retreat space bringing magical realism to our nonfiction world... Located at the base of the Sierra Foothills in Murphys, California, we are fourteen acres perched on the edge of time. Our landscape straddles geologic formations that span millions of years across the Mesozoic and Paleozoic eras. The marbleized limestone outcropping is a prominent site feature that's culturally, geologically, and historically significant. It was used as a communal grinding rock — Chaw'se — by the Miwok to process acorns into meal for food. This same rock formation was later hydraulically mined for gold in the second half of the 19th century, amidst some of the largest mining operations during the California Gold Rush. Downtown Murphys, our local gold-mining town turned quaint wine country destination, is just 1.5 miles away. Our site manifests as a spiritual epicenter within the larger landscape, a gateway to the Sierras, a space of regeneration. Fourteen acres of pure possibility for gathering, for staying, for inspiration, for joy.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

p

patricia

August 2025

3 nights at Sacred Valley Ranch Retreat

The camp was exactly what I wanted, if I had to change something, it would be bring more snacks. The bathroom is nice and clean and there are some unexpected delights like the massage chairs where you can get a nice rub after a hike. You can expect to see horses, coyotes and hens of course.

C

Calvin

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Sacred Valley Ranch Retreat

My wife and I stayed in the popup camper during Memorial Day weekend. Geoffrey is a very nice and helpful host. He communicated and responded all questions/concerns in a fast manner. The camper itself is a bit small, but very cozy. It has an AC fan that's helpful, but any day above 100 degree, be prepared for other cooling options. It sits nicely in the middle of the ranch and access to bathroom is very close - the bathroom itself is clean, the trash can could be bigger :) . Note that parking is in front of the house and the camper is in the back so there is some walking involved while moving camping gear... As for the camp itself, the place is beautiful and huge for hiking around. There are horses and chickens around that make it feel serene. The Hidden Falls regional park is nearby and its border is about a 15-20 mins walk. However, hiking to the fall will take 3-4 miles (follow the Grey Squirrel path, once you hit the intersection, turn left on North Legacy path). It was a moderate hike and has amazing scenery. Geoffrey showed us the path there and around his property on his offroad vehicle, which was awesome! We had a fun time here and maybe we'll come back when the swimming pond is available to swim =)

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best vintage trailers 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.