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  4. Columbia

LDMA Italian Bar

Hosted by Emily · Columbia, California
18 sites · RV, Tent · 160 acres
92%
·
19 reviews
Avatar
The Lost Dutchman Italian Bar Camp is a 160 acres of Priviately Owned Patented Mining land and our priviate campground located in the Stanislaus National Forest and on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River, which runs through the camp. Camping is available on both side of the river making the Italian Bar camp a destination for campers since we rebuilt the camp from the ground up in the late 1970’s. Whether you want to relax in your campsite listening to the river, dip your toes in the cool waters or try your hand at panning for gold, I-Bar offers all of this and more. There are miles of hiking opportunities around the camp as well, from short river hikes to Trailblazing like the Miners of old. We are betting that you can find the types of hiking you are looking for. You camping includes access to the Bathhouse with commodes and showers. And yes there is even hot water. Little History: The property was discovered and first settled around 1849 as a gold rush mining camp. At one time over 3,000 people lived here and mined for gold. When the gold rush came to an end so did Italian Bar. Until over a hundred years later, In 1976 when our founder fell in love with this remote property and purchased the land and we began rebuilding the I-Bar camp from the ground up and opened it to our members. It didn't hurt that somewhere close by Our founder found a 800oz pocket of gold. Even today, Prospecting for gold is encouraged! If you want to try your hand at “Gettin on some of the shiny” let the Caretakers know! We have a few gold pans we loan out that are just waiting for some color to make you smile. Of course we have pans for sale. If you’re an avid outdoors person, carrying a gold pan with you just makes sense. Big Trees State Park: 1 1/2 hour drive Yosemite National Park: 2 hour drive *We are located approximately 7.5 miles from Columbia State Historic Park. Italian Bar road turns into gravel 5 miles from the park. The camp is 3.5 miles from the start of the gravel.* Please call (209) 213-1485 for any questions

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RV/tent sites (dispersed)

16 sites
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North River - Dry sites

94%
(9)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 25 ft
North River Camp is away from everything. If you are looking for solitude, NRC is the spot. Located across the bridge from the main camp, clubhouse, office and bathhouse NRC has been a favorite of out guest for decades. The lower section of this camp if justr a few feet of the river. There is limited access to the river in the NRC itself but ther hidden trails that, if you find them you can follow them to a couple of great swimming holes.
No campfires
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
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Instant book

Hillside 1 Water Site

100%
(4)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 23 ft
Hillside Camp is exactly as its name implies. All campsites are on a tree-covered hill overlooking the main camp, with some sites having a magnificent view of the river below. Each site can accommodate trailers and coaches up to 23'. Of course, the sites are big enough to pitch a Bell Tent easily up to 16 ft in diameter. All sites on Hillside are within walking distance of the Bathhouse, yet each site offers seclusion from the rest of the world.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
Instant book

Main Camp 1 - Water Site

83%
(3)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Main Camp has the easiest accessible sites. The area is behind the clubhouse, close to the bathhouse, and less than 400 feet from the river. With 9 sites, 5 with water, and 4 dry sites. Main Camp is our most popular offering for campers wanting to be close to everything.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
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Instant book

Hillside 2 Water Site

100%
(2)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 23 ft
Hillside Camp is exactly as its name implies. All campsites are on a tree-covered hill overlooking the main camp, with some sites having a magnificent view of the river below. Each site can accommodate trailers and coaches up to 23'. Of course, the sites are big enough to pitch a Bell Tent easily up to 16 ft in diameter. All sites on Hillside are within walking distance of the Bathhouse, yet each site offers seclusion from the rest of the world.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

Skeeter Flats Group Site

100%
(2)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 20 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Pitch your tent or pull your rig into this site right next to the river. Listen to the river as you sit around the picnic table or around the fire pit. Skeeter Flats site that can accommodate 20 people. Perfect for group camping! Enjoy full access to the horseshoe pit, showers, bathroom, dump station, hiking trail and more. Prospect for gold on a property that saw 10 million dollars worth of gold found in the 1850's. Come stay with us, you might have even have a chance to scream " Eureka! I found it!" We are 6.5 miles away from Columbia State Park where there are restaurants, saloons and shops.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

Hillside 3 - Water Site

100%
(1)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 23 ft
Hillside Camp is exactly as its name implies. All campsites are on a tree-covered hill overlooking the main camp, with some sites having a magnificent view of the river below. Each site can accommodate trailers and coaches up to 23'. Of course, the sites are big enough to pitch a Bell Tent easily up to 16 ft in diameter. All sites on Hillside are within walking distance of the Bathhouse, yet each site offers seclusion from the rest of the world.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
Instant book

Main Camp 2 - Watersite

Booked 3 times
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Main Camp has the easiest accessible sites. The area is behind the clubhouse, close to the bathhouse, and less than 400 feet from the river. With 9 sites, 5 with water, and 4 dry sites. Main Camp is our most popular offering for campers wanting to be close to everything.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
Instant book

Main Camp 5 - Water Site

Booked 2 times
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Main Camp has the easiest accessible sites. The area is behind the clubhouse, close to the bathhouse, and less than 400 feet from the river. With 9 sites, 5 with water, and 4 dry sites. Main Camp is our most popular offering for campers wanting to be close to everything.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
Instant book

North River Camp - Water Site

100%
(1)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
North River Camp is away from everything. If you are looking for solitude, NRC is the spot.
No campfires
No toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

Buzzards Roost Group Site

Booked 2 times
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Group Site that accommodates up to 8 people. The Roost has direct access to the River and, in low water times, a nice but small beach under the trees. Perfect for sitting with your toes in the water/
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
Instant book

Main Camp 1 - DRY

Booked 1 time
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Main Camp has the easiest accessible sites. The area is behind the clubhouse, close to the bathhouse, and less than 400 feet from the river. With 9 sites, 5 with water, and 4 dry sites. Main Camp is our most popular offering for campers wanting to be close to everything.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
Instant book

Main Camp 2 - DRY

Booked 1 time
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Main Camp has the easiest accessible sites. The area is behind the clubhouse, close to the bathhouse, and less than 400 feet from the river. With 9 sites, 5 with water, and 4 dry sites. Main Camp is our most popular offering for campers wanting to be close to everything.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
Instant book

Main Camp 3 - DRY

Booked 1 time
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Main Camp has the easiest accessible sites. The area is behind the clubhouse, close to the bathhouse, and less than 400 feet from the river. With 9 sites, 5 with water, and 4 dry sites. Main Camp is our most popular offering for campers wanting to be close to everything.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
Instant book

Main Camp 3 - Water Site

Booked 1 time
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Main Camp has the easiest accessible sites. The area is behind the clubhouse, close to the bathhouse, and less than 400 feet from the river. With 9 sites, 5 with water, and 4 dry sites. Main Camp is our most popular offering for campers wanting to be close to everything.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
Instant book

Main Camp 4 - DRY

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Main Camp has the easiest accessible sites. The area is behind the clubhouse, close to the bathhouse, and less than 400 feet from the river. With 9 sites, 5 with water, and 4 dry sites. Main Camp is our most popular offering for campers wanting to be close to everything.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
Instant book

Main Camp 4 Water Site

Booked 1 time
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Main Camp has the easiest accessible sites. The area is behind the clubhouse, close to the bathhouse, and less than 400 feet from the river. With 9 sites, 5 with water, and 4 dry sites. Main Camp is our most popular offering for campers wanting to be close to everything.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup

Reviews

92% Recommend25 ratings · 19 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
20 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Hillside 2 Water Site
This was a lovely, calm camping experience. Emily is a welcoming host. It's a perfect place if you just want to sit and read, paint or meditate alongside a beautiful stream. Note that the last four miles to the site are on a rugged gravel road. But worth the drive!
B
Britte L.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
North River - Dry sites
I’m so glad I found Italian Bar! This was my 2nd time here AND there will be more! Emily is a great lady, checking up on me and letting her dog play with mine! I was the lone camper this trip so I appreciated her stopping by. I was amazed at her knowledge and history of the area. The river was flowing hard so, Emily showed me a couple of spots down river that were calmer and where I could do a little panning! Italian Bar is a special place and You can bet I’ll be going back!!!
K
Kevin T.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· May 2026
Secluded adventure
Tent · With pets ·
Main Camp 1 - Water Site
This is a great spot if you're trying to get away from city life, despite it being not that far from town. The water site is the way to go. It's so nice to be next to the water. Nice soothing sounds. It's not swimmable but you can still pull up some camp chairs in the water and soak your feet. This site is not bad if you don't mind being next to the road, but not many cars passing through. The other sites have a bit more privacy, and is on the other side of the river. It's large and has plenty of space. The drive may seem daunting if you're not used to driving on some dirt roads. Go slow, enjoy the drive because the views are gorgeous. The ride back into town is faster, easier, and just as gorgeous. This may be one of my favorite parts. Made it here in an EV. Cons: Mosquitoes are here, but no surprise since it's next to water. Bring bring bring your bug spray. Pros: There's a camp table, fire pit, and a water spigot at the site. The bathroom is not far a far walk, nor is the communal area. P.S. Friendly dogs on the property.
Avatar
Vicki T.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Camping on the river
Tent ·
Hillside 1 Water Site
What an awesome place to camp the land is beautiful and the area is very historic. Great place to spend the weekend having fun.. the spot we got next to the river was epic. Thank you, Emily. The host is super welcoming and makes you feel right at home.
J
James O.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Our favorite spot!
16 ft car ·
North River - Dry sites
This was our third time here and we loved every second of it! As usual, Emily went above and beyond to make us have the best stay possible! We even got there late to check in and she helped us get settled in the dark. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a getaway by the river. Thank you so much Emily, as always! We will be back soon 😊
Avatar
Elizabeth R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Love the Italian Bar!
15 ft pop-up camper ·
North River - Dry sites
We love this place! Emily is super accommodating. This was our second visit and our site was perfect. Secluded and quiet. Right on the river with easy access to swimming holes. Fishing, relaxing, fun for everyone here. Would recommend to anyone. We’ll be back again!
Avatar
Hudson F.
6 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
North River - Dry sites
Really cool spot by the river! Definitely a trek to get there, road is rough but a jeep or truck is ideal.
J
Jason R.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With kids ·
North River - Dry sites
The kids had a great time playing in the river and picking berries!
R
Ryan D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Hillside 3 - Water Site
You've gotta dig & scrape to find gold in California but not when it comes to camping at the Italian Bar campground - you just gotta drive down a bumpy road. What a beautiful spot. Really enjoyed our time there and looking forward to the next visit.
W
William H.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
22 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
North River Camp - Water Site
We had such a great time camping here over the Fourth of July weekend! The views were absolutely beautiful—peaceful, scenic, and the perfect place to unwind. One of the best parts was that it wasn’t overcrowded, which made the whole experience feel more relaxing and enjoyable. What really made our stay stand out was the amazing camp host. Emily was incredibly friendly and welcoming, helping us get settled in right away. We had a couple of minor setbacks (as you sometimes do when camping), and she went above and beyond to help us out. You could really tell she cared about making sure everyone had a good experience. Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a better weekend. We’ll definitely be coming back!
R
Ricardo G.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Hillside 2 Water Site
We booked a last minute campsite at Italian Bar and were very pleased! Clean bathrooms and amazingly beautiful site, Emily was so nice! Getting there was easy though I echo what other reviews say with the last 3-4 miles being rocky/bumpy but we were able to get through just fine with my 2WD HRV.
C
Cate A.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Nice hidden camping
30 ft Class B ·
Main Camp 1 - Water Site
It is a quiet and wonderful campsite, activities include swimming, biking and mining. It has clean toilet and shower. The host Emily is super helpful.
P
Pavan U.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· June 2025
Needs road work
Tent ·
Main Camp 5 - Water Site
Roadway it's stressful driving on one lane dirty road down hill for 3.0 miles
J
Jason M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Nice Owner and Great Spot
Tent ·
Main Camp 1 - Water Site
I booked this my son and his friend as a one night stay coming back from Yosemite. He said it was great! Camped right next to the river which was awesome and relaxing. He mentioned that Emily was super nice and very helpful. He wanted to explore the property more but had to head home. He said that he would definitely recommend LDMA Italian Bar Camp. Thanks Emily!
D
Donna L.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Amazing hosts and a piece of histor
Tent · With pets ·
Hillside 1 Water Site
Feeling off seclusion and history but with camp support and such friendly and hospitable hosts, Emily and Blaine. Falling asleep with the roar of the river was magical. Easy fire roads to walk, especially with dog. And some mining trails along river. Great spot for kids to run around and bike. 3.5 miles of gravel road so awd recommended and add 15 mins to whatever the navigation tells you. And you probably don’t want to do the drive more than once a day, so plan ahead. I can’t wait to go back. Dog friendly too
J
John N.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· May 2025
Adventure time
Tent · With pets ·
North River - Dry sites
Great place once you get there. It's literally a hidden gem that used to be members only. The sites are spacious and beautifully kept. All amenities are maintained by onsite staff. Hot water showers and flushing toilets in the middle of an off the grid destination is a plus. Awesome for families as well. A butterfly haven and overall historical treasure hunt where you learn about what the gold rush might have been like. Columbia is the last town you drive through before heading up the mountain and deep into the canyon to arrive at the camp. In order to get away, you'll have to be willing to make the trek via a long and windy dirt road. Be prepared for a slow and bumpy ride. Rest assured once you make it there it will be a relaxing and serene setting under the stars. The property runs alongside the river with many of the camp sites only steps away from the river. Hearing the river flowing all night was calming. Come knowing being in the forest has it's pros and cons. Slather on insect repellent. The mosquitos are relentless, aside from other insects that you'll be interacting with while breaking into their atmosphere. The grandkids loved almost everything about it and requested we come back again soon. I am grateful for Emily and Blaine's hospitality as well. Very helpful and gracious hosts.
Avatar
Cindy F.
3 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
19 ft campervan · With pets ·
North River - Dry sites
Great spot and very nice hosts, nice to hear the sound of the river all night long
J
John E.
5 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Prospector Crossing-On the River
We had a great time camping at the I-bar! Our hosts were friendly and accommodating. The road down the ravine to the river is a bit of an adventure, but keep going… it’s worth it!
G
Gabriel T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
Camping on the River!
18 ft Class C · With pets ·
Skeeter Flats Group Site
We thoroughly enjoyed spending our weekend on Emily's land. The site was secluded and had a lot of space to relax. The land itself is beautiful, full of life, and the river next to our site provided a quiet, peaceful experience. The fishing was good as well! There is so much cool history to learn about the area too, I highly recommend this site for your next weekend getaway!
Avatar
Hudson F.
6 reviews

Location

Columbia, Tuolumne, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Emily S.

Joined in January 2025

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