Forest camping near Grass Valley
Explore mining history and the outdoors near this Northern California Gold Country town.
96% (6542 reviews)
- Grass Valley
96% (6542 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Grass Valley
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top forest campgrounds near Grass Valley
98%
(151)
200-acre developing eco-preserv
37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Nevada City, CA
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.
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from
$80
/ night
100%
(51)
Starry Hot Tub/Cold Plunge Glamping
3 sites · Lodging7 acres · Nevada City, CA
Soak in a cedar hot tub and Renu cold plunge nestled in an oak grove, then sleep in one of our two luxurious yurt-like tents. Venture into the clearing with open skies for truly amazing starry views at night.
It's the dream forest getaway, yet is still less than 15 minutes from the historic Gold Mining towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
A composting toilet is housed in a beautiful, well maintained outhouse and a heated outdoor shower is located next to the hot tub and cold plunge. These as well as the hot tub/cold plunge area are shared between our two sites.
Distance to local attractions:
Nevada City (10 minutes)
Grass Valley (14 minutes)
Yuba River (25 minutes)
Scott’s Flat Lake (10 minutes)
Cascade Canal Hiking (3 minutes)
Hoot’s Trail epic mountain biking (17 minutes)
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from
$85
/ night
95%
(1765)
Finnon Lake Recreation Area
39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA
*BOOK EARLY* **NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED***** DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH***
**TRAILERS AND RVs
MUST USE ROCK CREEK ROAD**
From Sacramento on Hwy 50:
At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile.
Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road.
Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED.
Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe:
make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions.
Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area!
Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.
The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky.
This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents
The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website.
Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay.
Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit.
Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s.
PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions.
Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions.
NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.
Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
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$30
/ night
95%
(74)
Sacred Hidden Treasure with Creek
7 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Nevada City, CA
Learn more about this land:
The 20 acre property with a creek is close to town yet feels far from civilization. Nestled among the trees and open to the sky. Hear wolves howling in the near distance and the frogs croaking. A quiet, secluded place to get back to nature, have fun, relax or meditate.
A great place for families, spiritual seekers, individuals, adventurers, couples, groups and mountain bike enthusiasts.
After driving less than one and a third mile down a gravel road, a sense of awe arises at the openness and offerings of this space.
Activities: include Mini Golf, Double Horseshoe Pit, Disc Golf, half Basketball Court, Volleyball/Badminton Court, a Sacred Circle, private trail, creek, and miles of mountain biking trails from property,
The creek on the property is a 10 minute walk on an enchanting intermediate trail through the forest. The pristine waters offer several 3 feet deep dipping holes.
The property is also used to support people in healing. Guided spiritual journeys and on-site life and business coaching are available by prearrangement.
Privacy and what to expect: The property is secluded and typically very quiet. Other guests may be staying here. There are three drive-in (parking next to) tent sites nestled in the trees and three walk in sites. The neighbors appreciate their privacy and on occasion they may have music at night.
The road: Trailers not recommended but perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure and enjoy driving back roads. Smaller trailers welcome but be advised of possible pot holes, semi-steep grades, one-way traffic, and limited road signs. Please make sure that all drivers read driving directions.
Tent Spaces - 6 tent spaces with 4 person capacity. Parking next to sites 1-3 available for small vehicles. Tent sites 4 -6 are walk in sites. Parking for these sites is approximately a 3-5 minute walk. Prearranged small tent set up is available for all sites.
Spaces 1-3 combined work well for a group. Please include all individuals in your booking headcount including all children over the age of 1 year old.
Dogs are welcome. Please remember to pay $5 per dog/ per night in the extras. Dog sitting available for 1 - 2 dogs at a time. Must meet dog first.
Be sure to bring flashlights and lanterns, it does get dark at night!
Bring mosquito repellent.
We are at 4000-foot elevation so it can be cooler here than in lower areas.
Fire ban is in affect and therefore No fires are allowed in camp sites.
Feel free to bring your own camp stove and food to cook.
So many wondrous nearby attractions. Just a few miles away: Scott’s Flat Lake, Pioneer Trail (mountain biking), the historic Little Town of Washington next to the Yuba River, Historic Nevada City and Grass Valley, and the Yuba River. The Harmony Ridge Market is just a 10 minute drive.
In about an hour’s drive you can be at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, Donner Lake, Tahoe National Forest, the majestic Sierra Buttes, Lakes Basin, Sacramento and Reno.
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$48
/ night
100%
(16)
The House of 13 Rainbows
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Nevada City, CA
Four acres nestled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. We are located at 4200 Ft Elevation, just 3.5 miles from the top of the mountain with 360 degree lookouts. You're about 35 minutes from Historic downtown Nevada City, only 15 minutes from many Yuba River swimming holes, and about 6 miles to the Malakoff Diggins State Park. This property is fully off-grid, run on solar and back up generator. We are technically above snow line! So if you are trying to beat the heat it is about 5-10 degrees cooler at our location! This is a peaceful oasis for you to stay why explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We are creating a collective community vibe for nature lovers and explorers to have a safe and beautiful place to rest and share.
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$40
/ night
83%
(29)
Madrone Village
5 sites · Lodging44 acres · Nevada City, CA
Enjoy the serenity of nature within the foothills at Madrone Village. Our glamping accommodations are nestled amongst one of the largest madrone groves in California, here you find yourself immersed in the essence of nature.
Just a short hike up the road, you'll find trails to Scott's Flat Lake (20 min total), a serene place perfect for enjoying the sun. Whether you love paddleboarding, kayaking or just love a great spot for a picnic!
Beautiful gardens. Outdoor picnic area. This is your place to relax. Enjoy the beauty this area has to offer at Madrone.
Bell tents lifted onto solid wood platforms each outfitted with comfortable bedding and chairs for relaxing. Tents are shaded and just a short walk from parking! Outdoor showers and portapotty (compost toilets coming soon) on site. Please note the tents do not have their own power yet.
And don't miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful historical town of Nevada City, with its preserved Victorian architecture, charming streets, and delightful shops and eateries.
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$90
/ night
99%
(281)
TerraSol
2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Nevada City, CA
I’ve had the pleasure to be the “caretaker” of this special land once inhabited by the Maidu Indians for the past 43 years. This is SPECIAL ground here and I’m sure you will feel the MAGIC!!!
This 40 acres sits on the Yuba River Ridgetop. At the "Platform of Pleasure" you will enjoy 100,000+ acre views of protected land looking North to the High Sierra, minutes away from downtown Nevada City and 8-10 miles from Yuba River Trailheads.
Firewood bundles are $15 per bundle (2+ hours of campfire when campfires 🔥 are allowed).
There is a $10.00 dog fee per dog/per stay.
On our property like anywhere in the woods
there are mosquitos, so you should bring bug spray.
We offer a tent platform, as well as a canvas tent listing.
Guests love staying here: "From the moment we arrived Chris was nothing but amazing. He helped us get settled in and even recommended some beautiful spots to hike/sight see. They are both so generous! The campsite beautiful and they did a very nice job supplying us with any materials we may need. Definitely coming back during the summer!"
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$80
/ night
95%
(21)
All Corners Off Grid Homestead
1 site · RV, Tent17 acres · Nevada City, CA
A hot spot in the Gold Rush, our property once was a 1850 homestead, a 1970 back to the land artist's dream. A stone mason built the main cabin, renovated by my stair builder/musician father and artist/chef mother and I built the straw bale cabin. It's an wildlife highway with coyotes, foxes, red tailed hawks, bears, mountain lion, deer, jackrabbits, and lots of birds. Learn more about this land:Nestle into our woods next to water tanks, with easy access flat camping spots. All Corners property is unusual in that it has meadows, grey pine ecosystems as well as mixed conifer fir/pine/madrone forests. Walk to Ring of Bone Zendo, Mini local neighborhood playground and trails on BLM property. 3 miles from North Columbia Schoolhouse, 4 miles from Ananda Village, close to Malakoff Diggins State Park. A very quiet place to stage your Yuba Watershed adventure. Mountain biking and hiking on dirt roads, lots of wildlife. You'll start your slowed-down adventure as soon as you drive 3 miles down Jackass Flats road, through historic mining areas and into a literary 'hood that has homed Gary Snyder, Allen Ginsberg and Governor Moonbeam.
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$33
/ night
94%
(24)
Avian Acres
6 sites · Lodging, Tents8 acres · Grass Valley, CA
Avian Acres has been our home for the past 11 years. We have given birth to our children here and are extremely lucky to call this land home.
Our land is 8 acres with a significant buffer wild forest buffer on all sides giving it sense of privacy and wildness, yet just 10 minutes from town. We have a year round spring-fed creek running through the property, an abundance of flora and fauna, along with our own significant organic veggie garden and greenhouse.
Historically this property was situated along the Narrow Gauge railroad track that ran from Nevada City to Colfax and there is still evidence of the raised berm that the track was on which is located at the bottom border of our property.
Our property is located just 10 minutes to Bear River, 15 minutes to Rollins Lake, 10 minutes to Historic Downtown Grass Valley, 12 minutes to Historic Downtown Nevada City, and 25 minutes to the incredibly majestic Yuba River. We are also just 15 minutes off Hwy 80 from Colfax, enroute to Truckee and lake Tahoe.
Learn more about this land:
Our 16' diameter round level raised tent platform is just a few feet away from a burbling brook. Next to the tent platform is a shaded lounge area for relaxing to the sound of the water and numerous birds who call this spot home. The campsite is totally private, both visibly and audibly removed from our home and from neighboring properties. Our Organic garden, seasonally stocked full of ripe veggies, is located just 60' feet away down a path through the forest where you are welcome to graze and munch upon checking in with us first to see what is available and ripe for the picking. Next to the garden is a large propane barbque, sink (cold water), and table available for prepping meals. The parking for this site is just 50' from the campsite, and we are happy to help get you settled in if you need assistance carrying your things. Our property is located just 10 minutes to Bear River, 15 minutes to Rollins Lake, 10 minutes to Historic Downtown Grass Valley, 12 minutes to Historic Downtown Nevada City, and 25 minutes to the incredibly majestic Yuba River. We are also just 15 minutes off Hwy 80 from Colfax, enroute to Truckee and lake Tahoe.
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$55
/ night
100%
(53)
Windsong Ridge Village
5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · North San Juan, CA
Welcome to Windsong Ridge, an evolving homestead on 25 acres of oak, pine, and manzanita woodland about 30 minutes outside of the historic gold rush towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City in Nevada County, CA. The property overlooks the iconic South Yuba River canyon and is 100% solar-powered and off grid with excellent cell coverage (Verizon and T-Mobile). Come be serenaded by the wind chimes throughout the property. Enjoy sitting by a fire and you may hear the coyotes in the distance after a day of swimming, hiking, paddling, site-seeing or attending one of the many festivals held throughout the year in town.
We are at 1800 feet, therefore the summers are hot (sometimes in the triple digits), and winters are mild (snow is a surprising event at this elevation).
We have developed an RV/tent site called Manzanita Rock Meadow (includes a wood-burning chiminea, composting toilet, trash, grill, and tables), with a pad for a van, RV and/or tent and plenty of room to spread out and set up camp.
Hike the adjacent trails on public lands or enjoy hiking trails in the state park along the Yuba River.
Bring your kayak or paddle board to Englebright Lake at any time of year.
In less than two hours, you can visit Truckee, Lake Tahoe, or the Sierra Buttes/Lakes Basin areas and much more.
In town you will find a variety excellent restaurants, farmers markets, live entertainment and wildly popular events throughout the year.
We’ll be happy to help you plan your visit! (Start by checking out https://www.nevadacountygold.com/ and https://gonevadacounty.com/)
We keep bags of instant light charcoal available for sale if you need it for $5. A bundle of firewood is available for $5 as well.
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$55
/ night
100%
(12)
In Town Camping
1 site · RV2 acres · Grass Valley, CA
Enjoy a nice nature spot close to town. The property is minutes away from Downtown Grass Valley. It’s a great spot to spent the night after a show in town, or to explore the area for a few days.
If you need water and electric hookups it’s best to park near or on the cement pad. Otherwise feel free to park anywhere in the back yard.
There is a small creek which is an NID ditch and chairs set up there for relaxing. For being close to town the spot has a lot of beautiful nature!
It's an easy 15 minute drive to multiple lakes and river spots of Nevada County. Enjoy the beautiful nature of this area while being close to town!
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$45
/ night
90%
(36)
Lake Lane Waterfront Camping
8 sites · RVs1 acre · Nevada City, CA
Our lake property is situated directly adjacent to Scott's Flat Reservoir without any other properties between you and the lake! Enjoy the surrounding fir, cedar, and madrone trees as you watch the sunset over the water! Our property consists of 2 separate lots. The upper lot includes water, power, sewer hookups, WiFi and off street parking. The lower lot (closest to the water) does not have any hookups but has plenty of room for tent campsites.
PREMIUM RV: "Lakeview Terrace": This RV Site is the larger of the 2 RV Sites. It offers a lot more open space for camp set up (table, chairs, cooking, etc.) This is the property where we keep our family's 5th wheel year round (as seen in some pictures, although we make it policy NOT to visit when RV Site #2 is booked in order to protect your privacy).
STANDARD RV: "Starling's Nest": This is the smaller of the 2 RV Sites. The entire space is approximately 60'x15'. Depending on the size of your RV/Camper there is room enough to accommodate additional campsite set up. Full hookups (city water, electrical outlet (110), and sewer connection) are available beside the gravel parking pad and WiFi is provided. The lake view is filtered because of the many trees but there is easy access to the water via trails from the property or along Lake Lane. NOTE: Per Hipcamp restrictions this site is only available as an "add on" to the Premium RV: "Lakeview Terrace" to accommodate multi-family camping.
LAKESIDE TENT CAMPSITES: "Halcyon Cove" consists of 3 separate tent campsites and guests are able to set up camp wherever they like on a first come basis. There is over 1/2 acre of land adjacent to the lakeshore. City water is provided but no power or sewer hookups at this time. NOTE: Per Hipcamp restrictions these sites are only available as an "add on" to the Premium RV: "Lakeview Terrace" to accommodate multi-family camping.
Come see one of the most beautiful waterfront lake spots in the Sierras.
Pets
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from
$135
/ night
Star Hosts in Grass Valley
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Forest camping near Grass Valley guide
Overview
Looking for a camping adventure in a forested wonderland near Grass Valley, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1700 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're pitching a tent, parking your RV, or looking for a cozy cabin, there's something for everyone. Check out top-rated campsites like Finnon Lake Recreation Area (780 reviews), Mill Creek Resort (638 reviews), or Camp Nauvoo (546 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like showers, potable water, and pet-friendly sites. And if you're up for some adventure, you can go whitewater paddling, biking, or even surfing nearby. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!
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