The best family-friendly glamping near Sonora

·

Tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Sonora is an outdoor wonderland. This is California’s Gold Country, and it’s rich in history and natural beauty. In one day, you can hike forest trails, ride a historic steam engine, and paddle high-elevation lakes. Come any time—the mild Winters and hot summers allow year-round camping.

Pitch your tent on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada in the Stanislaus National Forest. At Pinecrest Campground, 200 sites sit within steps of a beach and marina. Fish for rainbow trout in Pinecrest Lake, or hike the kid-friendly lakeside trail. If you’re in the mood for a drive, head toward Sonora Pass for spectacular views.

In the summer, cool off with a swim or boating trip to New Melones Lake. Camp year-round at Tuttletown and Glory Hole recreation areas; both offer RV camping and tent camping. If you prefer to stay dry, try rock climbing or hiking in the hills around the lake. Toward Angels Camp, you can also find RV parks and cabins with creature comforts like Wi-Fi and laundry.

Some of California’s most breathtaking scenery sits within 60 miles of Sonora. At Yosemite National Park, 13 campgrounds sit near waterfalls and granite peaks. To the north, sleep under the giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Be sure to make reservations in advance, especially during the summer.

96% (3.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Diamond Gulch

1. Diamond Gulch

96%
(1156)
11mi from Sonora · 41 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Groveland, CA
Groups of 15 or more use this code for 15% off your stay! ADMXESCZ Check out this sweet YouTube video of the property! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEvKF5nqcUM Early and late check-out available on tent/rv sites, free of charge. Just message me if you need an earlier check in! Free firewood! We are 30 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. Be near the park, but feel that complete privacy. These sites are very spaced out from each other and are large. No need to cram together! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night
The vineyard looks out at a beautiful valley, perfect for sunset viewings!

3. Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

97%
(355)
45mi from Sonora · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. We have running water on the side of the winery building. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Wondernut Farm

4. Wondernut Farm

97%
(608)
15mi from Sonora · 4 sites · Lodging · Big Oak Flat, CA
Wondernut Farm is an upstart, entirely off grid, working farm-stead being built from the ground up. We breed milking goats and sheep, heritage pigs, and are in the process of converting to a grade A dairy and creamery! We use organic practices, management intensive rotational grazing, and dryland pasture management. We sell our animals locally so that others can have their own milking and meat animals. Our 110 year old hay barn and the roof of the former lumber mill were all we had to work with in getting off the ground. Being first and foremost a functional farm, we can't help but offer a somewhat warts-and-all look into everything it takes to be working to our goals. Our hearts are, and always will be, educational and local community focused, and we work closely with farmers and friends alike in better understanding our innovative animal husbandry, power, pasture and water systems. Whenever we have time, we'll afford the same time and opportunities to interested hip-campers. Our location is stunning and historic, and the beauty of the wild, natural landscape is powerful, yet offers easy access to both Yosemite Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. The area features excellent road and mountain biking in the immediate vicinity, vast access to hiking and backpacking trails, a huge variety of rock climbing in the area, the best whitewater rafting in California on the Tuolumne River, with some tasty places to eat or drink coffee in the nearby town of Groveland, just 10 minutes away. Accommodations at the farm are certainly rustic, and private but not secluded, with occasionally heavily project-exploded shared kitchen and living space, showers, and airy flush toilets. Do be advised that animals are pooping, hammers are hammering, sometimes we need to look into a health or animal injury related issue. Sometimes there is blood in an animal birth or slaughter, and our working guardian dogs have been known to be noisy some nights. Water and electricity are both very limited (though we reuse all our water), waste must be carefully sorted into a number of different categories, and there is always evidence of ump-teen projects unfolding at once. The most difficult condition during much of the summer are nuisance flies, which are always gone at night. We have almost no mosquitoes or ticks. Depending on the exact situation and time of year, guests may have the opportunities to snuggle with baby animals and run our herd to or from pasture, and maybe even get their hands dirty picking veggies in the garden.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$77
 / night
Unplug for nature, dogs, and kids

6. Unplug for nature, dogs, and kids

98%
(26)
23mi from Sonora · 3 sites · Lodging · Mokelumne Hill, CA
Do you love nature and need a peaceful getaway? Love hanging out with family and friends, watching the kids run around and being free? Or how about letting your fur babies sniff their hearts out in a private but still close-to-everything setting? Group camping or Solo glamping Retreat property … Located in Calaveras County, just outside Mokelumne Hill and Mountain Ranch, gold country, our Cozy Cabin offers 5.5 acres of outdoor escape. Enjoy your drink of choice next to a warm campfire or inside next to the wood-burning stove. Private cabin with one comfy queen bed, a blowup mattress for small kids, or one adult inside, and others can tent camp outside. Maximum of 6 people per booking, with an additional $25 per night for those exceeding the first 6 guests (Hipcamp insurance requires this). Property is monitored by security camera. Unplug from the screen and enjoy family time over a board game or a hand in cards. Cell towers provide internet access, but there is No WIFI (on purpose). Close by River Day use at Vox Beach on Electra Rd. or in Clements on N Mcintire Rd. Both provide bathrooms, parking, picnic options, and access to the Mokelumne River for lounging, kayaking, rafting, and water play. GoCalaveras . com will give you more info on local events, hiking trails, outdoor recreation, wineries, shopping, festivals, events, and attractions to do while visiting. Close-by lakes for fishing, swimming, picnics, etc. include Camanche, New Hogan, Emery Reservoir, and New Melones. We are on the backside of Murphys, Arnold, and Angels Camp to explore wine tasting and stroll around. It's about a 30-minute drive on back roads, but you pop up in the heart of Murphy's near parking behind Main Street. Nearby towns offer afternoon craft fairs, car shows, farmers market, etc. Small historic sites are nearby in Cave City, Mokelumne Museum, and old town San Andres with a Saloon and a performing arts theater. In the evenings, gather around the fire pit and bring out the movie projector and grill on either the propane or Weber. Our add on options: $8 per bundle of firewood $15 for extra supplies of tent and air mattress $25 per night tent use $48 per night for Van sleeping quarters, needs advance notice for set up
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$84
 / night
Cosumnes River Ranch

7. Cosumnes River Ranch

99%
(1896)
45mi from Sonora · 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)*
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night
Heart valley ranch

8. Heart valley ranch

91%
(47)
15mi from Sonora · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Groveland, CA
To make sure our place is the perfect fit for you, please take a moment to read both the general property description and the specific listing of the campsite or accommodation you’re booking. We want you to have a great stay and avoid any surprises! Heart Valley ranch hosts 300+ acres of rolling pasture nestled along the beautiful Jackass Creek. Access to Yosemite via 120 takes 1 hour , Groveland 10 minutes, and Coulterville 5 minutes. You’ll find cows, goats, chickens, llamas and our two beloved livestock dogs on the property. Many pools to cool off in and sweeping sunset views from the highest point on the property. There is lots of nature to enjoy including bird watching, seasonal wildflowers, and other wild animals. We welcome all ❤️🌈 We highly recommend not bringing any animals, including service animals. We have two livestock guardian dogs that free roam the property and they are not friendly with other animals. IMPORTANT!!! Update jun19th: This year, water levels are lower than usual due to limited rainfall. As a result, swimming at the swimming hole will be closed starting in early July. We recommend planning accordingly and checking back here for updates as the season progresses. Thank you for your understanding!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

Tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Sonora is an outdoor wonderland. This is California’s Gold Country, and it’s rich in history and natural beauty. In one day, you can hike forest trails, ride a historic steam engine, and paddle high-elevation lakes. Come any time—the mild Winters and hot summers allow year-round camping.

Pitch your tent on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada in the Stanislaus National Forest. At Pinecrest Campground, 200 sites sit within steps of a beach and marina. Fish for rainbow trout in Pinecrest Lake, or hike the kid-friendly lakeside trail. If you’re in the mood for a drive, head toward Sonora Pass for spectacular views.

In the summer, cool off with a swim or boating trip to New Melones Lake. Camp year-round at Tuttletown and Glory Hole recreation areas; both offer RV camping and tent camping. If you prefer to stay dry, try rock climbing or hiking in the hills around the lake. Toward Angels Camp, you can also find RV parks and cabins with creature comforts like Wi-Fi and laundry.

Some of California’s most breathtaking scenery sits within 60 miles of Sonora. At Yosemite National Park, 13 campgrounds sit near waterfalls and granite peaks. To the north, sleep under the giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Be sure to make reservations in advance, especially during the summer.

96% (3.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Diamond Gulch

1. Diamond Gulch

96%
(1156)
11mi from Sonora · 41 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Groveland, CA
Groups of 15 or more use this code for 15% off your stay! ADMXESCZ Check out this sweet YouTube video of the property! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEvKF5nqcUM Early and late check-out available on tent/rv sites, free of charge. Just message me if you need an earlier check in! Free firewood! We are 30 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. Be near the park, but feel that complete privacy. These sites are very spaced out from each other and are large. No need to cram together! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night
The vineyard looks out at a beautiful valley, perfect for sunset viewings!

3. Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

97%
(355)
45mi from Sonora · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. We have running water on the side of the winery building. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Wondernut Farm

4. Wondernut Farm

97%
(608)
15mi from Sonora · 4 sites · Lodging · Big Oak Flat, CA
Wondernut Farm is an upstart, entirely off grid, working farm-stead being built from the ground up. We breed milking goats and sheep, heritage pigs, and are in the process of converting to a grade A dairy and creamery! We use organic practices, management intensive rotational grazing, and dryland pasture management. We sell our animals locally so that others can have their own milking and meat animals. Our 110 year old hay barn and the roof of the former lumber mill were all we had to work with in getting off the ground. Being first and foremost a functional farm, we can't help but offer a somewhat warts-and-all look into everything it takes to be working to our goals. Our hearts are, and always will be, educational and local community focused, and we work closely with farmers and friends alike in better understanding our innovative animal husbandry, power, pasture and water systems. Whenever we have time, we'll afford the same time and opportunities to interested hip-campers. Our location is stunning and historic, and the beauty of the wild, natural landscape is powerful, yet offers easy access to both Yosemite Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. The area features excellent road and mountain biking in the immediate vicinity, vast access to hiking and backpacking trails, a huge variety of rock climbing in the area, the best whitewater rafting in California on the Tuolumne River, with some tasty places to eat or drink coffee in the nearby town of Groveland, just 10 minutes away. Accommodations at the farm are certainly rustic, and private but not secluded, with occasionally heavily project-exploded shared kitchen and living space, showers, and airy flush toilets. Do be advised that animals are pooping, hammers are hammering, sometimes we need to look into a health or animal injury related issue. Sometimes there is blood in an animal birth or slaughter, and our working guardian dogs have been known to be noisy some nights. Water and electricity are both very limited (though we reuse all our water), waste must be carefully sorted into a number of different categories, and there is always evidence of ump-teen projects unfolding at once. The most difficult condition during much of the summer are nuisance flies, which are always gone at night. We have almost no mosquitoes or ticks. Depending on the exact situation and time of year, guests may have the opportunities to snuggle with baby animals and run our herd to or from pasture, and maybe even get their hands dirty picking veggies in the garden.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$77
 / night
Unplug for nature, dogs, and kids

6. Unplug for nature, dogs, and kids

98%
(26)
23mi from Sonora · 3 sites · Lodging · Mokelumne Hill, CA
Do you love nature and need a peaceful getaway? Love hanging out with family and friends, watching the kids run around and being free? Or how about letting your fur babies sniff their hearts out in a private but still close-to-everything setting? Group camping or Solo glamping Retreat property … Located in Calaveras County, just outside Mokelumne Hill and Mountain Ranch, gold country, our Cozy Cabin offers 5.5 acres of outdoor escape. Enjoy your drink of choice next to a warm campfire or inside next to the wood-burning stove. Private cabin with one comfy queen bed, a blowup mattress for small kids, or one adult inside, and others can tent camp outside. Maximum of 6 people per booking, with an additional $25 per night for those exceeding the first 6 guests (Hipcamp insurance requires this). Property is monitored by security camera. Unplug from the screen and enjoy family time over a board game or a hand in cards. Cell towers provide internet access, but there is No WIFI (on purpose). Close by River Day use at Vox Beach on Electra Rd. or in Clements on N Mcintire Rd. Both provide bathrooms, parking, picnic options, and access to the Mokelumne River for lounging, kayaking, rafting, and water play. GoCalaveras . com will give you more info on local events, hiking trails, outdoor recreation, wineries, shopping, festivals, events, and attractions to do while visiting. Close-by lakes for fishing, swimming, picnics, etc. include Camanche, New Hogan, Emery Reservoir, and New Melones. We are on the backside of Murphys, Arnold, and Angels Camp to explore wine tasting and stroll around. It's about a 30-minute drive on back roads, but you pop up in the heart of Murphy's near parking behind Main Street. Nearby towns offer afternoon craft fairs, car shows, farmers market, etc. Small historic sites are nearby in Cave City, Mokelumne Museum, and old town San Andres with a Saloon and a performing arts theater. In the evenings, gather around the fire pit and bring out the movie projector and grill on either the propane or Weber. Our add on options: $8 per bundle of firewood $15 for extra supplies of tent and air mattress $25 per night tent use $48 per night for Van sleeping quarters, needs advance notice for set up
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$84
 / night
Cosumnes River Ranch

7. Cosumnes River Ranch

99%
(1896)
45mi from Sonora · 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)*
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night
Heart valley ranch

8. Heart valley ranch

91%
(47)
15mi from Sonora · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Groveland, CA
To make sure our place is the perfect fit for you, please take a moment to read both the general property description and the specific listing of the campsite or accommodation you’re booking. We want you to have a great stay and avoid any surprises! Heart Valley ranch hosts 300+ acres of rolling pasture nestled along the beautiful Jackass Creek. Access to Yosemite via 120 takes 1 hour , Groveland 10 minutes, and Coulterville 5 minutes. You’ll find cows, goats, chickens, llamas and our two beloved livestock dogs on the property. Many pools to cool off in and sweeping sunset views from the highest point on the property. There is lots of nature to enjoy including bird watching, seasonal wildflowers, and other wild animals. We welcome all ❤️🌈 We highly recommend not bringing any animals, including service animals. We have two livestock guardian dogs that free roam the property and they are not friendly with other animals. IMPORTANT!!! Update jun19th: This year, water levels are lower than usual due to limited rainfall. As a result, swimming at the swimming hole will be closed starting in early July. We recommend planning accordingly and checking back here for updates as the season progresses. Thank you for your understanding!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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