Camping Near Sacramento
Discover the peaceful rivers and towering pines that make Sacramento camping the perfect escape into nature’s embrace.
Find Available Camping
5 Best Campgrounds Near Sacramento, CA
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Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom, CA
Located just outside Sacramento, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers scenic views of the lake, along with opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. The campground is family-friendly and features modern facilities.
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Lake Natoma
Folsom, CALake Natoma is a serene and peaceful camping spot near Sacramento, offering beautiful lake views and quiet surroundings. The area is great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Rio Vista, CABrannan Island offers camping along the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, with access to waterways perfect for boating and fishing. The park is known for its diverse birdlife and beautiful scenery, making it a peaceful retreat from the city.
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Sly Park Recreation Area
Pollock Pines, CASly Park is a popular destination for campers looking to enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. With a large lake perfect for swimming and fishing, and miles of hiking trails, this campground is perfect for families and adventurers alike.
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Coloma Resort
Coloma, CALocated on the banks of the American River, Coloma Resort offers picturesque camping with access to gold rush history. The campground is perfect for families, with opportunities for whitewater rafting, fishing, and exploring historic landmarks.
5 Hardest-to-Book Campgrounds Near Sacramento, CA
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Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom, CADue to its proximity to Sacramento and the popularity of the lake, Folsom Lake's campsites book up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Its scenic views and recreational opportunities make it a hard-to-book destination.
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Sly Park Recreation Area
Pollock Pines, CASly Park is known for its beautiful surroundings and recreational activities, and it often fills up quickly during the summer. Its lakeside location and access to hiking trails make it a favorite for families and outdoor lovers.
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Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Rio Vista, CABrannan Island’s waterfront location and peaceful setting make it a popular destination for campers. Reservations are often required far in advance, especially during the warmer months when boating and fishing are in high demand.
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Coloma Resort
Coloma, CAWith its location along the American River and its proximity to gold rush landmarks, Coloma Resort is a popular camping spot. Its combination of history and outdoor activities makes it a tough place to secure a spot.
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Auburn State Recreation Area
Auburn, CAAuburn State Recreation Area is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and water sports. Its limited number of campsites and high demand make it difficult to book, especially during the summer months.
5 Best Campgrounds for RV Camping Near Sacramento, CA
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Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom, CAFolsom Lake offers RV camping with beautiful views of the lake and easy access to hiking, boating, and fishing. The campground provides modern amenities and spacious sites for RV campers.
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Sacramento Shade RV Park
West Sacramento, CASacramento Shade RV Park is perfect for those looking to stay close to the city while enjoying the comfort of RV camping. The park offers full hookups, shaded sites, and a quiet atmosphere, ideal for exploring Sacramento.
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Sly Park Recreation Area
Pollock Pines, CASly Park offers RV campers large, well-maintained sites with access to the lake and hiking trails. The campground is a great choice for families looking to enjoy outdoor activities in a beautiful setting.
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Lake Natoma
Folsom, CALake Natoma is a peaceful spot for RV camping with access to water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. The campground offers spacious sites with easy access to trails and picnic areas.
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Coloma Resort
Coloma, CAColoma Resort offers RV sites along the American River, providing a scenic and relaxing environment for campers. With access to rafting, fishing, and historic sites, it’s a great spot for RV travelers looking for adventure.
5 Best Campgrounds for Tent Camping Near Sacramento, CA
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Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Rio Vista, CABrannan Island is a fantastic spot for tent campers looking to enjoy the beauty of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The campground is quiet and offers access to boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
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Sly Park Recreation Area
Pollock Pines, CASly Park is a favorite for tent campers who love lakeside camping and hiking. The campground is surrounded by forest and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and exploring nature.
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Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom, CAFolsom Lake offers tent campers scenic views of the lake and access to hiking trails. The campground is well-maintained and provides a peaceful atmosphere for those looking to escape the city and enjoy nature.
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Coloma Resort
Coloma, CATent camping at Coloma Resort offers the perfect mix of history and outdoor adventure. The campground is located near gold rush landmarks and offers easy access to the American River for rafting and fishing.
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Auburn State Recreation Area
Auburn, CAAuburn State Recreation Area is a great spot for tent campers who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and water sports. The campground is located along the river, providing a peaceful setting for campers looking to explore the outdoors.
Camping near Sacramento guide
Overview
Adventurers, get ready to explore the natural wonders surrounding Sacramento, California's capital city. Once known for the gold rush, Sacramento now offers a perfect blend of urban landscapes, natural retreats and some of the best camping in California. Ideally situated with San Francisco to the southwest and Sierra Nevada to the east, the city serves as a hub for day trips and weekend camping excursions to lush environments like Eldorado National Forest. Venture eastward to the stunning Lake Tahoe area for pristine waters and mountain vistas. Then, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of Tahoe National Forest, where trails wind through ancient groves and alpine meadows. From lakeside campsites to forested retreats, the camping opportunities near Sacramento are truly boundless.
Where to go
Eldorado National Forest
Venture into Eldorado National Forest, a paradise of lakes, canyons, mountains, and diverse forests. Located approximately 60 miles east of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada range, this expansive wilderness boasts over 50 well-developed campgrounds scattered throughout its varied landscapes. Enjoy activities like biking, boating, or rock climbing along the pristine shores of Lake Tahoe. Eldorado offers a wide range of accommodation options, from traditional campsites and glamping spots to cozy cabins. With forty campgrounds to choose from, visitors can find sites offering lakeside camping with convenient boat launches, full hookups for RV camping, fire pits, picnic tables, and potable water.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Discover the beauty of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, a mere 25 miles from Sacramento. This expansive park offers 19,500 acres of diverse landscapes surrounding the picturesque Folsom Lake. Campers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports. The park features multiple campgrounds with options for both tent and RV camping. Beals Point Campground provides 69 family campsites with amenities such as hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. For a more secluded experience, Peninsula Campground offers 104 sites nestled in oak woodlands, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. With its proximity to Sacramento and abundance of recreational opportunities, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is an ideal destination for weekend getaways or extended camping trips.
Auburn State Recreation Area
Explore the rugged beauty of Auburn State Recreation Area, located just 30 miles northeast of Sacramento. This 30,000-acre park straddles 40 miles of the North and Middle Forks of the American River, offering a diverse array of outdoor experiences. The area is renowned for its challenging hiking trails, world-class whitewater rafting, and gold panning opportunities. Camping enthusiasts can choose from several campgrounds within the park, each offering a unique experience. Mineral Bar Campground, situated along the North Fork of the American River, provides 16 sites perfect for tent camping and small RVs. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Ruck-a-Chucky campground offers 5 walk-in sites with stunning river views. The park also features opportunities for beach camping along the river, allowing campers to fall asleep to the soothing sounds of flowing water.
When to go
Sacramento's Mediterranean climate creates ideal camping conditions throughout the year. The coastal influence brings warm summers and mild winters, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer months see average highs exceeding 90°F, so don't forget your sunscreen and stay hydrated. From November to March, temperatures cool down, ranging from mid-50s to low 60s during the day and dropping to around 40°F at night. For those seeking a quieter camping experience, consider visiting during the transitional seasons. Spring offers beautiful blooms, while fall treats campers to stunning foliage, both providing unique and memorable camping experiences in the Northern California region.