The best star host campgrounds near Sonora, California

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.

99% (6.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds 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.

99% (6.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Sonora

1. Unplug for nature, dogs, and kids

98%

(27)

23mi from Sonora · 3 sites · Lodging

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: Inside there is one comfy queen bed, a full kitchen, wrap wrap-around table, bench seat, TV cabinet and wood burning stove. There is also a blowup mattress for small kids, or one adult inside. Others can tent camp outside. Maximum of 6 people per booking per insurance requirements. 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). The property has multiple sitting areas to just hang out and listen to nature. There is a treehouse platform to sit and hang out or pitch a tent on. There is also an 80 ft zip line and multiple hammocks depending on the season to enjoy. 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. Add-on options: $15 per night: extra supplies chair, tent and air mattress $25 per night Summer Only Creekside tent with full-size air mattress and single-person cot, with bedding. $48 per night for Van sleeping quarters, queen-size bed, large deck with sitting area. Needs advance notice for setup Bring your own firewood or gather up fallen sticks.

2. Camp Joy Don Pedro

97%

(18)

18mi from Sonora · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Escape to the peaceful countryside 100% off grid goat farm and experience the great outdoors at our private campsite rental located just 1 mile from the stunning Lake Don Pedro. Nestled in the heart of nature, our campsite offers the perfect getaway for families, friends, and couples seeking a relaxing and secluded vacation. Our campsite is situated on an off grid goat farm, in order to keep the goats out of the deck area there is a fence around it now. Our farm allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Surrounded by oak trees and amazing views, you can truly unwind and recharge in this tranquil setting. The campsite is equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, including, a picnic table for al fresco dining, and a designated area for setting up tents on a flat wooden fenced in deck area. During the day, take a short drive to Lake Don Pedro and indulge in a variety of water activities such as swimming, boating, or fishing. Or, if you prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore and admire the picturesque scenery. The peaceful ambiance and clear night sky make for the perfect setting for stargazing and reconnecting with nature. Our campsite rental offers a unique and unforgettable camping experience on private property, just a stone's throw away from the beautiful Lake Don Pedro. Book now and get ready for an incredible outdoor adventure.

3. Strange Ranch - River and Gold

100%

(112)

27mi from Sonora · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Secluded private river camping in a forest and oak woodland on the South Fork Mokelumne River. The site boasts incredible views with a pristine private gold-bearing trout stream with mining history and wildlife preserve located in the gold country of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern Calaveras County. This unique property is adjacent to over 900 acres of public land and 2 miles of private stream for exploring. With a total of only 4 campsites, it is a great location for a group to reserve the entire campground. All campsites have potable well water spigots and access to a cool water shower. Guests will enjoy the privacy while swimming, stream exploring, hiking, spelunking, forest immersion, fishing for wild trout, gold panning, or simply relaxing in a breathtaking environment – come fall in love with this special private ranch. After one stay, you will be a repeat guest. PLEASE NOTE: An All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive vehicle is MANDATORY to access campsites 1 through 3 due to the road incline and rock and gravel road surface. PLEASE PREPARE ACCORDINGLY! Campsite 4 is accessible with a 2-wd vehicle, and has potable well water and 20 amps of power. All sites have beautiful open views of the property and river canyon with natural shade in the morning and late afternoon. Sounds of the river will lull you to sleep. Although partially shaded, please plan to provide your own portable shade structure(s) during late morning and afternoon as the direct sun can be an inconvenience. The Stranges are professional fish and wildlife biologists and have decided to share this special place for others to enjoy. The property hosts a diversity of plant and wildlife species that might be observed during your stay. Prehistoric and historic resources can be observed along the river corridor. Please be aware that some wildlife species including rattlesnakes, bears, and mountain lions have been observed on the 117-acre property and could potentially be observed near the campsites. The Ranch's northern portion of the property supports a leased farming operation. Farming operations should not interfere with camping activities. Day trips are possible to Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, local caverns and wine tasting, and historic gold towns.

4. Gold Wall Ranch & Vineyard

98%

(86)

5.6mi from Sonora · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging

Our property is located above the famous 'Gold Wall' rock climbing area, overlooking Lake Melones. Enjoy the great 360* views of the Sierras and foothills from this 120 acre ranch property. We own a small wine vineyard that offers glamping at its finest. The perfect place to spend one or two nights before your big trip to Yosemite National Park. Our property is NOT recommended for children under 12 yrs old, as we have dangerous cliffs that are straight drop offs. Choose to stay in 1 of our 4 cabins or just pitch a tent and camp under the stars {2 sites available}. The ranch offers fresh Mountain drinking water, with nice shady lawns and Oak trees for shade during the warm Summer weather. Dogs are allowed (2 max) at campsites but NO DOGS in the cabins. We are NOT RESPONSABLE for your animals...they must be on a leash at ALL Times. We have community outdoor areas to enjoy, including picnic tables, a fire pit and a communinal cooking gazebo area equip with BBQ and water. The "Gold Wall" is known for mountain climbing so enjoy the view from above, we offer easy hiking trails, horse shoes, and even mini golf on the "Dragon's Teeth" 6-hole . Looking to relax and rejuvinate your Spirit, book a massage with Michele, a licensed massage therapist, or hang out at the Hawks Lair wine bar on the cliffs edge, overlooking the Gold Wall and Lake Melones. Enjoy the sunset and take in the beauty of the night sky.

5. Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

96%

(96)

27mi from Sonora · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Reserve your tent site on 15 exclusive, wooded-acres only 10 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Once you've set up camp, you can explore the walking trails on the property and if you make it to the top, why not enjoy a lovely picnic with beautiful mountain views? Conveniently located across the highway from a gas station and a general store, you never have to worry about running out of ice or forgetting to bring the bug spray. If our base package isn't enough, as an "extra" we can have a tent set up and ready for you when you arrive. Whatever you're looking for, Yosemite's Doorstep is ready to provide the ideal camping experience to suit your needs.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Joan

3 weeks ago

With pets

2 nights at Unplug for nature, dogs, and kids

My two dogs and I had a very nice stay at this Hipcamp location. The hosts were responsive and helpful. The cabin is cozy, with a fully stocked kitchen, board games, DVDs, and a very useful binder with local information and things to do. The property is wooded and hilly, with paths cut through it, multiple seating and eating areas, and plenty of outdoor activities/games.. Nights were quiet (I did hear shooting practice down the road for a couple of hours one day). Overall, a relaxing and exceptionally well-set-up place to stay, particularly for a group..

H

Heather

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Gold Wall Ranch & Vineyard

Such a beautiful spot right above Gold Wall. Arrived just on time to catch the incredible sunset! Michele was extremely responsive. Really looking forward to returning and spending more time.

Cabins on the property offer a spacious one bedroom accomidation

B

Bharath Raj

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Gold Wall Ranch & Vineyard

“We had a great time at this place. The views were beautiful in the morning and even more stunning at sunset. The bathroom was clean, and the overall space was very nice. Highly recommend!”

C

Cherrie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Gold Wall Ranch & Vineyard

I really enjoyed tent camping at Michele and Patrick’s vast property. Very accommodating and amazing sights as well as a wonderful train track that looks over the cliff. I would definitely recommend campers to visit their land and enjoy the stars. There is running water, a fully stocked bathroom, and it’s dog friendly! My puppy loved it.

M

Magdalena

October 2025

25 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Strange Ranch - River and Gold

We had such an amazing time! The campsite and surrounding area were spotless, and the river and landscape were absolutely beautiful. Terry was a fantastic host—friendly, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable about the local area and ecology. We’re definitely making this trip a yearly tradition!

Y

Yui

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Gold Wall Ranch & Vineyard

My friends and I absolutely loved staying at Michele’s property! The views were amazing and the hosts are super accommodating. I also loved how private and quiet it was. We’ll definitely come back again!

Henry

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Strange Ranch - River and Gold

Beautiful camp, river is lovely and Terry, the host, is ultra accommodating. Can’t wait to come back when it’s a little warmer next year.

Betsy

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Strange Ranch - River and Gold

A wonderful location and an even more wonderful host, Terry! He’s so welcoming and made sure we were well taken care of. The shared shower, porta potty and sink are all clean and well maintained. We had campsite #2 which was perfect for our part of two with plenty of space. During the day, we explored trails along the creek and enjoyed the beautiful nature around us. The creek water is clear and had fish too! While we did share the swimming hole and “beach side” area and chairs with others, it was still very enjoyable. One thing to that would help is better signage to exit the property. Other than that, it’s a big thumbs up for us!

Hannah

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Strange Ranch - River and Gold

Beautiful spot, super clear instructions, communicative and friendly host, very clean facilities. River is special and serene, and was a great spot for the kids to explore. LOVED the campfire setup on the beach, it was perfect for us to safely roast some hot dogs and smores later in the season. Stairs down were very sturdy and while we had to keep an eye on the kids, the 3/4 year olds were able to safely navigate themselves up and down. Mentioning this because I found this helpful in other previous reviews :)

l

lovenlaughKaren

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

It was a very secluded area. I loved the fact that I was the only person there and there was no other camper it was nice. It wasn't very far from Yosemite. And you had everything there you needed a shower, A toilet. Gallon of water. Fire pit.

j

jan

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

The host had the camp ground equipped with a picnic table under a tent canopy, which was greatly enjoyed for food prep. He had a nice screened fire pit and comfy chairs to chilax in. Camp site #1 had nice big shade trees and was the best choice of the 2 that we saw. The best surprise was the cool red wood shower that had on demand hot water for great showers, a surprise luxury. Take water, as hosts warned, there is no water, thus no real toilets either, but a very clean and well stocked port-a-pot! This camp site is surprisingly close to Yosemite west entrance on 120! I will stay there again on our next visit. Oh yeah, and at night... those stars! Wow!

n

nathan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

It's a very nice site if you don't mind being 100ft from the highway. Traffic dies at night but picks up pretty early. The amenities were exactly as listed and having the gas station across the street was great. If you have a large group get both the sites because they're very close. I would stay again. The shower, portopotty and table were perfect.

I

Ian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

Jim’s spot was perfect. Super close to Yosemite and the amenities were great!

C

Careena

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Strange Ranch - River and Gold

Amazing location and Terry was an awesome host. River was beautiful and so clear!

M

Moises

September 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Strange Ranch - River and Gold

It is a good place to relax and unwind. :)

b

brianna

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

Site #1 was put together very well and was spacious, shower and restroom were clean and had no issues while there. Site also comes with its own canopy which is super helpful. Before your stay you do get a message which Jim does go very into detail in regards to the site and how to work specific items there. Site is also only 7-10 minutes away from Yosemite, does not feel like a long ride, definitely enjoy the view while you are there it is all beautiful. Definitely recommend trying this camp site out!

K

Kelsy

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Unplug for nature, dogs, and kids

Had a wonderful time at this site! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by how open and spacious the property is. There’s so much room to spread out, relax, and really take in the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re coming with family, a group of friends, or bringing your dogs along, this place has the perfect setup to make everyone feel at home and comfortable. The cabin was clean, cozy, and incredibly well-stocked with everything we needed — you can really tell a lot of thought and care has gone into making it feel welcoming. The site also offers a great selection of games and activities, which kept both the kids and adults happily entertained for hours. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Steven and Michelle were so kind and super responsive to any questions or needs we had. Looking forward to booking again in the future !

K

Karrilee

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

Jim, wow what an amazing spot! Love the care you put into this camp with the hot water shower, hammock, chairs and canopy. We enjoyed it so much! We did get a bear coming around to see if we left anything out for him. Thankful for the bear box! We will definitely be back.

Paige

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Strange Ranch - River and Gold

Beautiful property!! Amazing place to spend the summer days down at the creek for swimming and fishing Hosts were so friendly and welcoming!

A

Alex

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Strange Ranch - River and Gold

Loved this place! Really beautiful and really peaceful. They are totally right about AWD or 4x4 access unless your idea of a fun time is getting stuck in dirt on an incline. Will definitely be back!