Sacramento, California, is known for its beautiful gold rush era architecture and history. While the city has a lot to offer, there are also many great campgrounds and parks nearby that provide plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and swimming. So, if you’re looking for a break from the city, or just looking for a great place to camp, there are plenty of places. In this post, I will highlight the 12 Top-Rated Campgrounds near Sacramento you may want to check out.
Best Campgrounds Near Sacramento, CA
1. American River Resort
If you’re looking for a more luxurious camping experience, American River Resort may be a good option for you. The resort is located on the banks of the American River and offers a wide variety of camping options, including tent camping, RV camping, cabin camping, and group camping. The resort also has yurts for those who don’t want to camp in a tent.
There are also a number of activities available on-site, including fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. In addition, the resort offers a number of organized activities, including nature walks, guided fishing trips, and family campfires. It also offers a variety of other activities, including gold-panning, mini-golf, and a playground for the kids. The resort also has a small store, providing basic camping supplies and snacks.
American River Resort is located about a 30-minute drive from Sacramento and is open year-round. Reservations are required.
During my stay, I was very impressed with this campsite because its facilities are top-notch, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. The resort offers a wide variety of activities, making it a great option for all types of campers. This is, without doubt, one of the best campgrounds near Sacramento for a luxurious camping experience.
2. Beals Point Campground
Beals Point Campground is a favorite spot for Sacramento-area campers and visitors alike. This campground offers stunning views of the American River and Folsom Lake, as well as easy access to a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
The campground offers 49 family campsites, including 20 RV sites with full hookups. The campsites include a picnic table and a fire ring, and many offer views of the river or the lake. Vault toilets, coin-operated showers, and potable water are available on-site, and a dump station is located nearby.
Beals Point Campground is open year-round, though it does fill up quickly on warm weekends. Reservations are available online or over the phone. In addition, Folsom Lake is known for its excellent fishing, and anglers can find trout, salmon, catfish, and bass in the lake. Boating and swimming are also popular activities here.
In general, this campground offers something for everyone. The views are beautiful, the access to recreational opportunities is great, and the proximity to Sacramento makes it a convenient spot to camp. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great camping experience near Sacramento.
3. Mineral Bar Campground
Another one of the best campgrounds near Sacramento is Mineral Bar Campground, located on the banks of the North and Middle Fork of the American River. The campground is about an hour’s drive from Sacramento and is situated in a beautiful, pastoral setting.
It features 18 campsites, all of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no potable water available, so you must bring your own. There is a vault toilet on site, but no showers. The site does have a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite.
In addition, Auburn State Recreation Area features two other campgrounds. The first one is only accessible by boat on Lake Clementine and is for those who are looking for a more secluded camping experience. The second one is Ruck-a-Chucky Campground, which features five campgrounds available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Overall, Mineral Bar Campground is an excellent spot for those looking for a quiet and remote camping experience. The campground is often full on busy weekends, so be sure to arrive early if you are looking to stay here.
4. Rancho Seco Recreation Area
Rancho Seco Recreation Area is a great option if you’re looking for the top campgrounds near Sacramento that offer a little bit of everything. The recreation area is located about an hour southeast of Sacramento and features a large lake for fishing and boating, a campground, several picnic areas, and a playground.
The park has 32 tent campsites and 18 RV campsites, all of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All of the campsites include a picnic table and fire ring, and the RV sites include electrical hookups. The park has a variety of amenities, including restrooms (with showers), a dump station, a playground, and a small store.
Note that it can get busy on weekends, so be prepared to arrive early if you want a better chance at securing a campsite. I have camped here several times and always enjoyed it. The campground is large and well-maintained, and there is a lot to do in the area. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly camping experience near Sacramento.
5. Coloma Resort
About an hour’s drive from Sacramento, Coloma Resort is a great option for campers looking for a more luxurious camping experience. The resort features full hookups for RVs and trailers, as well as cabins and yurts for those not wanting to camp. There are also a variety of on-site amenities, including a pool, restaurant, general store, and laundry facilities.
The resort is situated adjacent to the south fork of the American River and is a great base for exploring the area. Hiking, biking, and fishing are all popular in the area. The resort is just a few minutes’ walk from the historic town of Coloma, which is home to several gold-mining museums. There is a shuttle service to several local attractions, including the historic town of Coloma.
I have not personally visited Coloma Resort, but it has been recommended to me by several friends. It sounds like a great option for anyone looking for a more comfortable camping experience close to Sacramento. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a comfortable camping experience near Sacramento.
6. Sly Park Recreation Area
If you’re looking for the best campgrounds near Sacramento with plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy, Sly Park Recreation Area is a great option. The campground is located at the edge of Eldorado National Forest and is centered on the shores of Jenkinson Lake.
It features over 190 campsites, including 110 that are reservable online. The campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length, and there are a limited number of hookups available. The campground also has showers and restrooms available. Pets are allowed in the campground, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
In addition to ample camping opportunities, the Sly Park Recreation Area also offers a variety of water activities. Jenkinson Lake is well-known for its trout fishing, and the park offers both boat and fishing dock rentals. Swimming, kayaking, and canoeing are also popular on the lake. There are also several playgrounds and a large recreation area for kids. The park is open year-round, and reservations are strongly recommended during the summer months.
I visited this campground on a July weekend and had a great time. The campground is huge, and there is something for everyone. The kids loved the playgrounds and the swimming area, and I enjoyed fishing in the creek. I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a fun family camping experience near Sacramento.
7. Ice House Campground
Located in the Eldorado National Forest northeast of Sacramento, Ice House Campground is a great option for campers seeking a more secluded camping experience. The campground is about a 1.5-hour drive from the city and is adjacent to Ice House Reservoir.
It features 80 campsites, all of which are first-come, first-served. It can also accommodate trailers and RVs, but there are no hookups available. Pit toilets and potable water are all available in the campground, but no electrical hookup or dump station is available. Cell service is spotty in the area, so be sure to come prepared with a plan for emergencies.
Campers can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, and boating on the reservoir. Hiking and mountain biking are also popular in the area, and several trails can be accessed from the campground. In addition, this is a popular starting point for backpacking trips into the surrounding mountains.
The campground is open from May through October, and reservations are not accepted. Be prepared for cold weather, as the campground is often snow-covered into late spring.
In October, I visited Ice House Campground and was treated to some amazing fall colors. The campground is beautiful and secluded, and the fishing was great. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a peaceful camping experience in the Eldorado National Forest.
8. Peninsula Campground
This is one of the best campgrounds in Sacramento, perfect for campers looking to enjoy some water-based activities on the shore of Folsom Lake. The campground is located about an hour’s drive from downtown Sacramento and is open year-round. It features 100 family-friendly campsites which can either be reserved in advance or occupied on a first-come, first-served basis.
It can also accommodate RVs and trailers, though no electrical hookups are available. There are also several group campsites available. Restrooms and potable water are available on-site, and a dump station is located nearby. Campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on Folsom Lake, as well as hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding area.
My experience at this campground was wonderful. The campground is tucked away in the hills and feels very remote. The sites are large, the views are stunning, and there is a lot to do in the area. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for beautiful and remote campgrounds near Sacramento.
9. Scotts Flat Lake Campground
Scotts Flat Lake Campground is a beautiful, well-maintained campground located on the shores of Scotts Flat Lake. The campground is about a two-hour drive from Sacramento, and it offers a wide variety of activities for campers to enjoy.
The campground is divided into two areas: Gate 1 and Gate 2. Gate 1 features 96 campsites, while Gate 2 features 75 campsites. Most campsites can accommodate trailers and RVs, and each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The campground does offer potable water, flush toilets, and showers. In addition, playgrounds and picnic areas are available throughout the campground.
The campground offers a variety of activities for campers to enjoy, including fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also several playgrounds located throughout the campground. In addition, a large day-use area is available for campers who want to enjoy the lake without having to set up camp.
The campground is located in a beautiful setting and is perfect for spending time on the lake. The only downside is that it can get quite busy on the weekends. I would recommend this campground for anyone looking for a beautiful place to camp near Sacramento.
10. Ponderosa RV Campground
Ponderosa RV Campground is a great option if you’re looking for RV-friendly campgrounds near Sacramento. Located at the foothill of the Sierras, the campground offers stunning views of the valley and mountains. It’s just a short drive from Sacramento, making it a convenient option for city-dwellers.
The campground features full hookups, including 30 and 50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer. It can accommodate all sizes of RVs, and there is also a dump station on site. It can accommodate any size RV and has a variety of site options, including pull-through and back-in sites. In addition, this campground is suitable for tent camping, and you can also rent cabin-style accommodations.
Popular activities here include fishing, hiking, and kayaking. But if you’re a thrill-seeker, you can try white water rafting on the nearby American River. The campground is open year-round, and reservations are accepted. It’s a popular spot, so be sure to make your reservation in advance.
I stayed at Ponderosa RV Campground with a friend for a week last summer and had a great time. The campground is well-maintained and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The views are beautiful, and there is plenty to do in the area.
11. Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina
Just south of Tahoe City on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina is a great option for campers looking for a more luxurious camping experience. The resort offers both RV and cabin camping, as well as a variety of lodging options for those not interested in camping. It also has a full-service marina, complete with boat rentals and charters. In addition, the campground features showers, tables, fire pits, tap water, and a general store.
The resort is a short drive from both the North and south shores of Lake Tahoe, making it a great home base for exploring the entire lake. It’s also close to the casinos in Stateline, Nevada, and the ski resorts in South Lake Tahoe. The camp also offers plenty of activities for campers and non-campers alike, such as drinks on the water, watersports, live music, and the finest sunset views on Lake Tahoe. You can also enjoy hiking and biking trails that start right at the resort.
The resort is open year-round, and reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer. I stayed at Camp Richardson Resort for a weekend in the summer and had a great time. The campsites are large and well-maintained, and the resort features all of the amenities you could want. It is definitely one of the best campgrounds near Sacramento for anyone looking for a luxurious camping experience near Tahoe City.
12. Pleasure Cove Resort & Marina Campgrounds
Lake Berryessa is the largest lake in Napa County that offers excellent camping opportunities. Several campgrounds are located around the shores of the lake, but the most popular is the Pleasure Cove Resort & Marina Campgrounds.
The campground features 90 campsites, all of which are first-come, first-served. The campground can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 40 feet in length, and there are a limited number of full hookups available. Restrooms and showers are available in the campground, as well as a dump station. Potable water is also available.
Campers at this campground can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, and kayaking. The campground is also close to several wineries, so wine lovers can easily enjoy a day trip to the area.
Other campsites located along the shore of Lake Berryessa include Steele Canyon Campground and Putah Canyon Campground. The first is located on the west side of the lake and features 80 campsites, while the latter is located on the north side and features 100 campsites. These campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and offer a variety of camping experiences.
In summary
Sacramento is a great city to live in, and it’s also a great place to camp. These are just a few of the best campgrounds near Sacramento, but there are plenty more to choose from. So, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly camping experience or a more secluded wilderness camping experience, Sacramento has something to offer everyone. Be sure to check out the campgrounds listed here and do some research on your own to find the perfect campground for your next camping trip.
