Top-rated campgrounds
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
The best airstreams near Plymouth guide
Where to go
Stanislaus National Forest
Named after the river running through it, Stanislaus National Forest has three wilderness areas—Carson-Iceberg, Emigrant, Mokelumne Wilderness Area. Hike, backpack, and fish in the Sierra Nevada mountains and spend the night to enjoy the area for a couple of days. Campers who are staying in the forest will need a free pass from the visitor center. Bring the tent or RV to campsites with full hookups, or grab a backpack and hike in to dispersed camping all around the forest. In winter, rent one of the stocked cabins to serve as a homebase for backcountry skiing. Most wilderness trailheads are inaccessible for hiking during snowier months though.
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
In the Sierra Nevada foothills west of Plymouth is Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park. It’s named for the bedrock mortar holes carved into marbleized limestone used by indigenous peoples to grind acorns from the surrounding oak forest. Campers can reserve traditional bark houses in the park for a primitive camping experience with a historical connection. Indian Grinding Rock also has overnight campsites for tents and RVs with firepits, picnic tables, and token-operated hot showers for a refresh after a day of exploring Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
After gold was discovered by James W. Marshall in 1848, people flocked to the region resulting in the historic Gold Rush. Memorializing the site on Nisenan peoples’ land, campers at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park can pan for American River gold and see important Gold Rush sites on ranger-led Gold Discovery Tours. Hike and picnic on the park grounds while staying at tent or RV campsites with full hookups at privately owned campgrounds nearby. Or check out the area’s cabin and glamping rentals, some fully furnished with queen-sized beds.
When to go
Plymouth’s elevation gives it warm summers and cold winters with rare snowfall. The higher latitudes and cool ocean currents result in a Mediterranean-like climate, with lots of clear, sunny days year-round. Summer highs can exceed 90°F, but most summer days average 72°F at their warmest. Winter temperatures usually range from 32°F to 64°F.