Waterside camping near Rocklin
Cycle, rock climb, and zip line without leaving the Sacramento area.
- Rocklin
Popular camping styles for Rocklin
Public campgrounds near Rocklin
Stories from the community
5 top waterside campgrounds near Rocklin
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterside camping near Rocklin guide
Overview
Part of the greater Sacramento metropolitan area, the city of Rocklin makes a great jumping-off point for visiting nearby Folsom Lake as well as the Tahoe National Forest and the Eldorado National Forest. You might find yourself passing through town if you're driving from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe. Rocklin’s biggest draw is Quarry Park Adventures, an outdoor adventure park featuring activities ranging from zip lining to rock climbing. The city is also home to over three dozen parks and recreation areas, plus an extensive network of cycling and walking trails that weave through town.
Where to go
Folsom Lake Recreation Area
Centering on the lake from which it gets its name, Folsom Lake Recreation Area offers year-round tent and RV camping plus mooring areas where you can camp in your boat. While the lake is the big draw here, particularly in the summer months, the recreation area is an equally fine place for hiking and cycling, with nearly 100 miles of trails.
Auburn State Recreation Area
A short drive from Rocklin, Auburn State Recreation Area is an old favorite among anglers and adventurous campers, with excellent whitewater rafting and three campgrounds to choose from. You can even pan for gold on the banks of the Middle or North Forks of the American River, just as prospectors did back in the Gold Rush days.
The Eldorado National Forest
If you're up for a hiking, fishing, or backpacking adventure, head east to the Eldorado National Forest to take advantage of over 400 miles of trails and a massive network of rivers, streams, and reservoirs. This forest also has dozens of developed campgrounds and backcountry camping areas spread across its nearly 600,000-acre expanse.
When to go
The weather in Rocklin tends to be pleasant throughout much of the year, with mild winters and hot summers. Winters can be chilly and get a bit of rain, but freezing temperatures are rare, while summertime is hot and dry, with highs in the mid-90s. The annual Rocklin Community Festival, which features carnival rides and live music, takes place annually in June, when the weather is usually warm without being overwhelmingly hot.