33 Best Camping near Sacramento, CA in 2023 [A Local’s Guide]

Are you looking to go camping near Sacramento, CA? Then you’ve come to the right place.

We have stayed at various campgrounds near Sacramento and the surrounding areas, so we can help you find your next camping spot.

You can pack up your gear and grab a campsite on the Pacific coast, or you can find a tranquil spot on a lake in the woods. 

Whether you are trying to beat the Sacramento summer heat or you are in need of a family adventure, this list has the best places to camp near Sacramento that will be perfect for your trip. 

This guide to the best camping within 2 hours of Sacramento includes popular spots that you have to reserve in advance, as well as those with first-come, first-served campsites for those last-minute trips. 

Best Camping near Sacramento, CA

The sites that offer the best camping near Sacramento are usually located in state parks and are often near large bodies of water like lakes, beaches, or rivers. 

Because of this, the campground and its surrounding areas offer a large number of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and biking. 

Some campgrounds are located in the woods and are well-shaded from the heat by the canopy of large trees, while others are more exposed but closer to the water. 

The campgrounds on this list range from 25 to 137 miles from Sacramento and it will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours or so to get there.

33 Best Campgrounds near Sacramento, California

1. Ice House Campground, Pollock Pines

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 78 miles, 1: 30 hours
• Cost: $28 single site, $56 double site
• Features: close to a lake/reservoir
• Amenities: vault toilets, fire ring, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, general store nearby
• Reservations?: Yes, first-come, first served also available
• Reserve Campground

Ice House Campground, located along the northwest shore of the Ice House Reservoir in Eldorado National Forest, is divided into two loops shaded by large conifer trees. 

It has 81 sites that are well-spaced out, providing plenty of privacy. 

Although most sites can accommodate RVs and trailers, there are 13 tent-only sites on the grounds. 

A boat launch is easily accessible for those wanting to enjoy an adventure out on the water. 

If you’re looking for some free camping near Sacramento, you can find lots of areas for dispersed camping here along Ice House road.

If you want to get away from the crowds, you can check out the free first-come, first-served Azalea Campground though it requires a bit of a hike in from the parking area. 

• ✅ PROS: lots of dispersed camping, lake access, lots of swimming holes
• 👎 CONS: rowdy groups at times, active bear country 

2. Sunset-Union Valley Campground (Union Valley Reservoir), Pollock Pines

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 82 miles, 1:45 hours
• Cost: $28 (Standard), $28 (RV), $145 (Group site up to 30)
• Features: close to a lake/reservoir
• Amenities: vault toilets, showers (at Fashoda Campground), fire ring, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, food storage locker
• Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
• Reserve Campground

Sunset Campground is located at Union Valley Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest. 

The campsites are situated amongst the tall cedar and ponderosa pine trees. 

This offers its guests the quintessential lake camping near Sacramento with its lush green forest and picture-perfect sunsets. 

Imagine paddling on its calm waters or just quietly sitting near the shore, beer in hand, as you watch the sun slowly set behind the mountains. 

There’s a total of 121 sites, including 30 tent-only sites that are either fully shaded or partially, as some are situated in a meadow. 

Various water recreational options are available, as well as biking and hiking trails close by.

• ✅ PROS: lakeside camping, close to Bassi Falls, cell service available
• 👎 CONS: lots of RVs at times with loud generators

3. PiPi Campground, Somerset 

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 72 miles, 1:45 hours
• Cost: $28 (single site), $56 (double site), $84 (triple site)
• Features: close to a river
• Amenities: vault toilet, fire ring with grills, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed
• Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
• Reserve Campground | Campground Map

PiPi Campground (pronounced as Pie Pie) is a hidden gem located along the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River. 

This well-shaded 51-site campground includes tent-only sites, double and triple sites for 18, and 41 sites that accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. 

Nestled among a forest of cedars and firs, the campground remains relatively quiet and secluded, so expect to have an unplugged camping experience here, as there is no cell reception. 

Fishing docks are found throughout the campground, where anglers spend hours fishing for rainbow trout. 

Plan your camping vacation well in advance and book a site here during late summer, when river currents have subsided, so that you can enjoy the river’s swimming holes.  

• ✅ PROS: Large campsites, clean & quiet campground, access to swimming holes
• 👎 CONS: No showers, mosquitoes are an issue in the summer

4. North Fork Campground, Emigrant Gap 

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 78 miles, 1:30 hours
• Cost: $24
• Features: close to a river
• Amenities: vault toilets, fire ring, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker
• Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
• Reserve Campground

If you enjoy a bit of hiking with the promise of a cold refreshing dip at the finish, North Fork Campground near Emigrant Gap features a hiking trail that leads to the North Fork Falls and its swimming holes. 

The campground mostly has single-family sites, with a few well-shaded tent options that are next to the river. 

Its forested and remote location and its rugged terrain provide a more ‘off-the-beaten-path escape to its campers. 

The trailhead for the waterfall hiking trail is between campsites 9 and 10, and there’s no obvious sign marking it except for a large fallen tree. 

This campground is a perfect place to relax with the babbling of the water from the river and the rustle of the wind running through the tops of the tall pine trees.

• ✅ PROS: Clean & well-maintained restrooms, campsites close to the river, access to a swimming hole
• 👎 CONS: The road to get there has lots of potholes

5. Loon Lake Campground, Pollock Pines

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 94 miles, 2 hours
• Cost:  $28 (Standard, RV), $56 (Double), $135 (Group up to 35)
• Features: close to a lake
• Amenities: vault toilets, fire ring, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker
• Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
• Reserve Campground

Loon Lake is a popular lake to camp near Sacramento, located in the El Dorado National Forest. 

There are other campgrounds available, but the Loon Lake Campground is the best one to stay in.

This campground may get a little busy and crowded during peak season, but most visitors would still prefer camping here than on the Northshore Campground across the lake, which tends to be a lot noisier. 

The camp has 65 sites, including 9 equestrian sites, 3 group sites, 3 RV sites, and 1 tent-only site. 

A nearby boat launch provides easy access to the lake for anglers and boaters, while the campground’s proximity to the shore attracts visitors wanting to swim in its clear, cool waters. 

This campground is a great jump-off point for backpackers heading into Desolation Wilderness to destinations like Rockbound Lake. 

Local Tip: The road leading up to the campground is very windy, so bring Dramamine if you get car sick.

• ✅ PROS: campsites close to the lake, hiking trails close by, lake is great for swimming
• 👎 CONS: lots of mosquitoes, active bear country, gets chilly at night

6. Mineral Bar Campground, Colfax

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 52 miles, 1 hour
• Cost: $28 per night
• Features: close to a river
• Amenities: vault toilet, fire pit, picnic table, pets allowed, cell reception 
• Reservations?: Yes, First-come, First-served available
• Reserve Campground

If it’s primitive tent camping near Sacramento you’re looking for, Mineral Bar Campground has 15 tent camping sites located in the Auburn Ravine State Recreation Area. 

The sites are spread out in two areas, with some more shaded options closer to the river while others are more exposed and closer to each other. 

This tent-only campground is small, with very basic facilities and no access to running water.

The restrooms are clean and well-maintained even though there are no sinks available.

One of the best things about camping here is the easy access to crystal-clear waters that is very refreshing.

There are also lots of hiking trails around the area, and the river is a great spot for some fishing and kayaking.

There are 15 first-come, first-served tent camping sites available from May 1st to 15th, then it switches to reservations only until September 15th. 

• ✅ PROS: clean restrooms, peaceful and remote area
• 👎 CONS: dry camping (no running water), limited campsites

7. Coloma Resort, Coloma 

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 47 miles, 55 minutes
• Cost: from $67+ (RV and Tent), from $160+ (Cabins), group sites available
• Features: close to a river
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, RV hookups, general store
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

If you want to go camping near Sacramento and have access to full amenities and activities for the whole family, then Coloma Resort is the place to go.

Located on the South Fork of the American River, this family and pet-friendly destination offers an assortment of accommodations, including tent, cabin, and RV sites. 

You won’t have to rough it while camping at this resort with so many amenities, such as WIFI and an on-site farm-to-fork cafe. 

Access to the nearby American River means you can engage in a full day of kayaking, tubing, fishing, and you can even book a whitewater rafting adventure. 

You can also get a little touch of the region’s history by doing some gold panning up the river as it is close to the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

If you’re looking for campgrounds near Sacramento with cabins, this is a good option.

Local Tip: Try to book one of the campsites on the river if you can. Be warned that it gets really hot here in the heart of the summer!

• ✅ PROS: lots of amenities, riverfront campsites
• 👎 CONS: 2-night minimum on weekend stays, gets really hot in the summer

8. Beals Point Campground, Folsom

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 25 miles, 30 minutes
• Cost: $33 (standard), $58 (hook-up)
• Features: close to a lake
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire ring with grill, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, RV hookups, snack bar
• Reservations?: Yes, first-come, first-served sites are also available
• Reserve Campground

If you don’t want to drive too far from home, this is the closest campground to Sacramento on this list.

Beals Point is located in the Folsom Lake State Recreation area along the west shore of Folsom Lake.

There are plenty of great amenities to enjoy and a variety of lake-based activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing. 

Campsites are fairly spaced out with ample shade and enough space to accommodate large RVs/trailers (31 feet maximum). 

There are a total of 69 campsites which include 19 RV sites with full hookups and 19 tent-only sites. 

This campground is a great place for the whole family, with its proximity to the swimming beach, nearby launch ramps, boat rentals, and several hiking trails.

• ✅ PROS: large campsites, clean bathrooms, hot showers
• 👎 CONS: road noise, gets very hot in the summer

9. Sly Park Recreation Area, Pollock Pines (Jenkinson Lake)

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 61 miles, 1 hour
• Cost: $35 (Standard), $50 (Waterview campsites), or $80 (Family sites up to 12 people)
• Features: close to a lake
• Amenities: vault toilet, fire ring, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground | Campground Map

The Sly Park Recreation Area campground is located along the north shore of Jenkinson Lake and is divided into nine separate camping areas with sites spread out along the lake’s shore. 

Over 191 individual sites in the area are relatively well-spaced apart and shaded by the surrounding conifer trees. 

Popular among families, it can get a little busy during the summer weekends as the lake has some great spots for swimming, fishing, and other popular water activities. 

There are also about nine miles of hiking trails and equestrian trails around the lake if you want to go for a hike.

There is even a cool waterfall that you can check out that is fairly easy to get to.

If you’re looking to go camping near Sacramento, where you can go kayaking as well, then this is a good option.

There are no showers available at the campgrounds, so bring a camp shower if you want to freshen up.

Local Tip: Bring some water shoes as the “beaches” have rocky sand. 

• ✅ PROS: Lake access, lots of hiking trails, cool waterfall
• 👎 CONS: No showers, yellowjackets can be an issue

10. Indian Springs Campground, East of Emigrant Gap

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 79 miles, 1:30 hours
• Cost: $24
• Features: close to a swimming hole (South Yuba River)
• Amenities: vault toilets, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception
• Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
• Reserve Campground

This campground has 35 sites (7 are walk-in) that are heavily sheltered by a forest of mature cedars and pine trees. 

The Yuba River and its swimming holes are located right next to the campground, which is very convenient, especially if you want to escape the summer heat.

The downside is that the campground is located less than a mile from I-80. 

The sites are subject to noise from the freeway and the nearby railway, which can be amplified during the night when the whole camp has gone to bed. 

If you require quiet to sleep or you have small kids camping with you, this may not be the ideal place for you. 

However, the beautiful grounds and river access make this a great summertime escape, especially as it sits at 5600 ft of elevation.

Local Tip: The sites in the upper 20s get less traffic noise but it is farther from the river.

• ✅ PROS: plenty of availability, access to a great swimming hole
• 👎 CONS: road noise

11. Wrights Lake Campground, Kyburz

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 90 miles, 2 hours
• Cost: $28 (Standard), $56 (Double sites)
• Features: close to a lake
• Amenities: vault toilets, fire pit, drinking water, pets allowed
• Reservations?: Yes, FCFS also available
• Reserve Campground | Campground Map

The Wrights Lake Campground is located close to the lake shore and is surrounded by pine and fir trees with uninterrupted views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

It also provides easy access to hiking trails leading to the Desolation Wilderness. 

The location is quite remote, and the campground retains a peaceful and quiet atmosphere with the prohibition of motorized vehicles on the lake. 

There are 75 sites which include 19 tent-only camping sites and 9 walk-in sites. Fishing, boating, and swimming are popular activities here. 

However, there are also various trailheads in the area to explore, notably a 3.3-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the Enchanted Pools, a beautiful (but cold) swimming hole nearby.

Local Tip: This campground sits at 7000 ft of elevation so it can get pretty chilly at night so plan accordingly.

• ✅ PROS: Beautiful lake, lots of hiking trails
• 👎 CONS: Mosquitos can be bad at times, have to book months in advance

12. Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Point Reyes

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 96 miles, 1:45 hours
• Cost: $35, $7 (Hike & Bike)
• Features: woods
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, food storage locker
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

The Samuel P. Taylor State Park, also known as Camp Taylor, is located in a dense forest of coastal redwood that provides ample shade and protection from the coastal fog. 

Its 51 family campsites are divided into two loops, Orchard Hill and Creekside, which include 22 tent-only sites. 

The spots may be a bit close to each other, with some only separated by a wooden fence, but the coastal redwoods provide a little privacy. 

This heavily forested campground is gorgeous and an amazing destination that is the perfect jump-off point to destinations throughout the Marin Headlands. 

If you prefer to stay in the park, there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails nearby that are sure to keep you occupied with exploring the beautiful surroundings.

Local Tip: If you’re into surfing, you can take a short drive to the town of Bolinas to catch some waves or visit this secluded black sand beach to enjoy the sun. 

• ✅ PROS: shaded campsites in the redwoods, creekside campsites available
• 👎 CONS: hard to book a spot in the summer, bring your own firewood

13. Olema Campground, Point Reyes 

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 96 miles, 1:50 hours
• Cost: $45 (Tent), $66+ (RV), $71+ (Full Hookup) 
• Features: close to a beach
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire ring, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, RV hookups
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

Olema Campground is a family and dog-friendly destination that lets you experience a few comforts of home while camping outdoors in your RV or tent. 

It has a total of 187 well-equipped campsites made up of 80 RV sites (26 have full hookups) and 107 tent sites. 

The spots are quite close to each other as this is more of an open camp/RV park. 

Some sites have more shade from the surrounding trees, while others are exposed. 

That said, the Point Reyes National Seashore is just next door, so there are plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family.

From hiking the trails on Mount Tamalpais to exploring the nearby sandy beaches, you won’t run out of things to do. 

Keep this on your top list for RV campgrounds near Sacramento. 

• ✅ PROS: easy access to beautiful beaches
• 👎 CONS: campsites are not secluded, can get muddy at times

14. Splitrock Campground (Donner Memorial State Park), Truckee 

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 99 miles, 1:50 hours
• Cost: $35 per night
• Features: close to a lake
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire pit, picnic table, potable water, pet-friendly, food storage locker
• Reservations?: Yes, FCFS only during late in the season when there’s limited camping
• Reserve Campground | Campground Map

Donner Memorial State Park Campground is divided into three loops that are situated on the lake’s eastern side. 

The Splitrock loop happens to be the closest of the three from Donner Lake and its swimming beaches. 

Though its 42 sites are arranged a little close to each other, campers in this area tend to keep the noise down, which keeps the grounds nice and tranquil. 

Swimming, fishing, and hiking are popular in this historic campground.  

However, if you and your family are open to learning more about the area, educational programs for kids and adults are offered, particularly during the summer. 

Also, you can easily get to Lake Tahoe from here, as it is less than a 30-minute drive away. 

• ✅ PROS: lake access, clean restrooms, hot showers
• 👎 CONS: no campfires allowed when fire restrictions are enforced 

15. North Grove Campground, Arnold

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 101 miles, 2 hours
• Cost: $35 plus $8 reservation fee
• Features: woods
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire ring with grills, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, food storage locker, general store
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

North Grove Campground is about a 2-hour drive from Sacramento, located in the Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

The state park is divided into two campgrounds, with the North Grove Campground aptly located near the North Grove of Giant Sequoias. 

Mature conifer trees provide shade throughout the campground, and the Big Tree Creek flows through it. 

The North Grove has 58 campsites, but a third of the sites are tent-only. A few sites are close to a highway, so they get a bit of traffic noise. 

The camp’s main draw is its ancient sequoia trees, hiking trails, and the nearby White Pines Lake, which is less than 15 minutes away. 

If you have kids camping with you, Beaver Creek is a good place to go for a dip.

Local Tip: There is a cool cavern you can check out about a half hour drive from the campground. 

• ✅ PROS: camping in the redwoods, clean bathrooms, hot showers
• 👎 CONS: active bear country, campfire restrictions may be enforced

16. Fallen Leaf Lake Campground, Lake Tahoe 

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 104 miles, 2 hours
• Cost: $38/night, $100/night Yurts
• Features: close to a lake
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers (coin-operated), fire ring, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, food storage locker, general store
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

The Fallen Leaf Campground is a large campground in Tahoe about a 5-minute walk from Fallen Leaf Lake. 

It is surrounded by ancient pines providing ample shade to campers staying in any of its well-spaced 206 sites. 

All of the sites can accommodate RVs, trailers, or tents, and the grounds even have 6 Yurts with electric lights and a heater available for reservations. 

The lake, with its scenic surroundings, is perfect for swimming, fishing, and paddling. 

South Lake Tahoe and its beautiful beaches are also nearby though it tends to be a bit more crowded than Fallen Leaf Lake. 

The campgrounds are frequented by black bears, so keep your food inside of the provided bear lockers.

It’s hard to book a spot here, but if you’re looking for the best camping near Sacramento, then this should be on your bucket list.

• ✅ PROS: gorgeous campground, hiking trails close by, access to waterfalls
• 👎 CONS: active bear country, need to book months in advance

RELATED: Want to camp somewhere unique? Why not pitch a tent at one of these hot springs close to Sacramento for a fun experience?

Beach Camping near Sacramento, CA

17. Doran Campground, Bodega Bay

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 110 miles, 2 hours
• Cost: $37 per night + $9.50 reservation fee
• Features: close to a beach
• Amenities: portable toilets, flush toilets, showers (coin-operated), fire ring, picnic table, potable water, pets allowed
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

Doran Campground is located in the Bay Area across a 2-mile-long sandy beach outside of Bodega Bay. 

The best part about this campground is that most of its campsites have great ocean views. 

Its 128 campsites are divided into five camping areas – Cove, Gull, Shell, Jetty, and Miwok, which has tent-only sites. 

The campground is more of an open park, so it may not be as sheltered as most of the campsites on this list. 

However, campers enjoy the advantage of being near the coastal town of Bodega Bay and its many attractions and activities. 

Many of the beaches in the area are not ideal for swimming, but the south-facing beach at Doran Regional Park, may be protected from huge waves and can be safe under certain conditions.

Local Tip: Best time to camp so it’s less windy is August & September. Also, be on the look out for cancellations to snag your spot.

• ✅ PROS: beach camping, hot showers
• 👎 CONS: some sites can get windy, need to book way in advance

18. Francis Beach Campground, Half Moon Bay

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 115 miles, 2 hours
• Cost: $35 (Standard), $65 (Premium with hook-ups), $7 (Hike & Bike)
• Features: beach camping
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire ring, picnic table, potable water, pets allowed, food storage locker
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

The Francis Beach Campground is the most popular beach among the Half Moon Bay State Beaches and features 52 campsites, including three tent-only sites. 

Most sites sit just a few steps from the shore with sweeping ocean views, making this location ideal for people who love beach camping. 

The grounds also have very well-maintained facilities which offer campers a variety of beach activities such as beachcombing, surfing, and even whale watching. 

This campground is perfect for families with kids looking for a beautiful place to camp or picnic without traveling too far from the city center.

If you’re looking for one of the best beach camping near Sacramento, then this is a great option.

• ✅ PROS: beach camping, clean & spacious campsites
• 👎 CONS: hard to book a spot, can get windy and cold

19. Wright’s Beach Campground, Bodega Bay

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 116 miles, 2 hours
• Cost: $35, $45 (Premium site)
• Features: beach camping
• Amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire ring, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, food storage locker
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

Wright’s Beach Campground is located adjacent to a beautiful sandy beach at the Sonoma Coast State Park. 

Ten of its 27 campsites directly face the ocean, and there is an overflow area where self-contained vehicles can camp overnight. 

Though swimming on the beach is not recommended, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby to explore such as the Kortum Trail.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike along the coast all the way to Goat Rock Beach and maybe see some migrating whales if it’s the right season.

This is a beautiful place to stay along the coast if you can manage to snag a reservation.  

• ✅ PROS: ocean-front campsites, clean restrooms 
• 👎 CONS: need to book a year in advance, it can get windy and chilly

20. Ocean Cove Campground, Jenner

• Distance/Drive Time from Sacramento: 137 miles, 2:45 hours
• Cost: $35 (Standard), $350 (Group Sites)
• Features: beach camping
• Amenities: chemical toilets, showers, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, general store
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

Imagine camping high above a bluff overlooking the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean. 

The Ocean Cove Campground in Jenner is another beautiful campground which is located on the coast. 

This campground is open year-round and will allow you to fully relax while taking in the fresh sea breeze while the crashing ocean waves lull you to sleep at night. 

Over a hundred campsites are spread out on the campgrounds, some close to the ocean while others are sheltered by trees a little bit back from the bluff. 

There are hiking trails that lead to the beach, and when the tides are lower, you will find families with kids checking out the tidepools brimming with sea life found in and near the water. 

This is a popular ocean fishing spot, and they even have a boat ramp.

• ✅ PROS: oceanview campsites, hot showers
• 👎 CONS: it can get windy

Best Campsites near Sacramento, CA

21. Pantoll Campground (Mill Valley)
22. Sky Campground (Point Reyes)
23. Kirby Cove Campground (Sausalito)
24. Portola Redwoods State Park Campground (La Honda)
25. Live Oak Campground (Danville)
26. Juniper Campground (Walnut Creek)
27. Upper Jamison Campground (Plumas Eureka State Park)
28. Red Feather Campground (Oroville)
29. Giant Gap Campground, Sugar Pine Reservoir (Colfax)
30. Gerle Creek Campground (Pollock Pines)
31. South Shore Campground, Bear River Reservoir (Pioneer)
32. Bowman Campground (Nevada City)
33. French Meadows Campground (Foresthill)

Sacramento Camping Sites Map

Practical Tips for Camping near Sacramento

• Book in advance 

Despite the vast numbers of campsites near Sacramento, the popular ones get fully booked before the peak summer season starts. 

It’s best to book the campground you want at least a few months in advance to ensure you snag a spot. 

Some of the best campsites will need to be booked six months out as soon as the reservation window opens.

• Check the lake levels

When you decide to camp near a lake or reservoir, make sure to check the lake levels in advance. 

This is especially important if you are looking forward to boating, fishing, paddling, or swimming. 

You can check recent google reviews, online data, or join camping Facebook groups to get the latest updates so you can make adjust your plans if needed.

• If you can’t find availability, try to snag a last-minute cancellation

Not everyone can plan their camping trip six months in advance. All hope is not lost if you are patient and persistent enough.

State Park campground reservation cancellations usually go on sale every morning at 8 am, so you can try and snag last-minute cancellations. 

However, this only applies to California State Park campgrounds.

• Store your food properly

When spending time outdoors, it only makes sense to consider that wildlife may visit your camp. 

Bears and other animals, such as raccoons and squirrels, may get into your food if it is not stored in secure containers or provided bear lockers. 

Most campgrounds have food storage lockers in their campsites that you should always use. 

This is especially bad for bears as they get used to coming into the campgrounds for food, and they can be put down if they get too aggressive. 

• Be bear aware

Some of the best places to camp near Sacramento are in the bear country, so don’t be surprised if you see a bear roaming through your campsite at night.

There are many black bears in Northern California, and they are attracted to all the trash and food left out by campers.

This careless behavior puts both the bears and campers at risk. 

Placing your food inside the ice chest is not enough, so make sure to store your food and aromatic toiletries in bear lockers and place trash in the dumpster at night.

How to Book Campgrounds near Sacramento

Most campgrounds on this list can be reserved through Recreation.gov, with a couple of privately-owned sites. 

The campgrounds located in the state parks are reserved through Reservecalifornia.com.

Most sites are on a 6-month rolling basis which means that on December 1st, you can reserve for June 1st, on December 2nd, you can reserve for June 2nd, and so on. 

NOTE: When booking through ReserveCalifornia, you have to type in the name of the State Park, not the specific campground. For example, if you want to book a campsite at the Mineral Bar Campground, you will have to search for Auburn State Recreational Area so you can see the campgrounds available in that state park.

• HOW TO BOOK

The first step is to create an account with Recreation.gov ahead of time, which is simple and straightforward.

If you are reserving a popular campsite and need to book six months in advance, make sure to do the following:

1. Have a few campsites pre-selected since sites get booked up very quickly.

2. Be logged in to your computer before 7 AM PST and be ready to book your campsite.

3. Add the campsite to your cart as soon as possible, and you will have about 15 minutes before it’s released.

• WHEN TO BOOK

As mentioned, most campgrounds release their availability six months before. You don’t necessarily have to wait for your entire camping trip’s dates to be released before you book.

For example, if your trip is from June 1st to 5th, you can reserve your campsite as soon as the availability opens up for June 1st, which would be December 1st on a 6-month rolling basis.

Wrap-Up: Best Sacramento Campgrounds

Whether you want a quick getaway or you plan to stay for at least a couple of days, there are plenty of campgrounds that offer camping near Sacramento. 

You can camp by the lake, the river, or the beach, or even hide away in the woods. Use this guide to choose your destination and make your reservation as early as today.